Chidinma the mighty woman!!!

Big things come in small packages goes a popular maxim. Chidinma Ekile not only wears this adage like a garb, she also personifies it. In a world dominated by music giants, the diminutive past winner of popular music reality show, MTN Project Fame West Africa (Season III) holds her own.
The first female-champion of the popular music reality show made her debut with the hit single entitled Jankoliko featuring Sound Sultan. With the backing of visually talented producer, Cobhams Asuquo, she also followed it with a new upbeat love song entitled Kedike which is currently rocking the waves.
At age 23, the artiste who is the special focus of a programme on American urban music show, BET  disclosed that the only relationship she is involved with is her music.
“First, I distract myself with my career. Music is one thing I can’t run away from. Music gets to everybody. Music is a universal language. I distract myself with music and I try to immerse myself in my family. I am not really far away from my family. I have a younger brother. We are seven,” she reveals.
Chidinma who is the sixth child among seven talks about several issues including growing up, family, her career and upcoming debut album.

 There is a lot of talk lately about you being signed by Clarence Peters’ Capital Hill Records. How do you relate to that?
I’m just a kind of ‘family’ member to the label. I’m really very close to the crew and I have enjoyed their support. Ill Bliss who happens to be a partner of Clarence has been my manager. I am not coming on board yet, if there is anything surely the press will be the first to know.
 Your second single Kedike is now on the lips of many, what is the concept behind your song?
‘It makes my heart beat, Kedike!’ Most of my songs are conscious and like one of them entitled Run Their Mouths is somehow political. In Kedike, I just wanted to do a love song that maybe I can perform during love season like Valentine’s Day and all that. So it is just a love song that just came because I had to do a love song.

 Where did the word Kedike come from?
Like I said, I wanted to do a love song and I was in the studio and my producer, Cobhams Asuquo said that we needed to do a love song but it didn’t have to be slow. Every love song that you hear ‘I love you and all that’ but he said he wanted something off this. He said he wanted something very catchy. As in, something with a catchy chorus. He gave some kind of tone and asked me to fill it with some words. The music keys were sounding ‘Kedi-ke’. That was how Kedike was born. It is not an Igbo name, it’s just a slang that I came up with just like Jankoliko.

 Tell us about Jankoliko too?
Ok, like Jankoliko is not a love song. It just teaches morals. It’s conscious. There is a song I have in my album, it is entitled Be Myself. I just want to be myself, I don’t have to be like any other person. I have quite a lot of songs that are like that. Apart from Kedike that is a love song, I have one Run Their Mouth, and it’s political. Most of my songs are like that. I don’t dwell only on love songs. But it has to be pop. My kind of music is pop. Whatever I do, whatever I sing, you will definitely know that I am Nigerian.

 You still live in the same house with your folks even after your new found fame and fortune, how do you cope?
My family is my family. We are really very few. I have six siblings. There are seven children. I’m the sixth of them. I’m more like the baby of the house. I am really very attached to my family. I give them all my life. I have never had any cause to leave my family. There is this connection. I think my family is my family. If I have to leave, I will but now I am still with them.

What kind of upbringing did you have?
It was a very strict one. Some people think my father is a wizard. Even during MTN Project Fame, my father didn’t appear in the show until the last day because he felt what he was doing. My father is a very strict man and my mum too. She is not as strict as he is but she is very supportive of daddy’s actions. I didn’t have the time to hang out with friends and all that kind of things. I don’t just have the time to jump around. It’s just home, school and church.

 What kind of disciplinarian was your dad?
I had a very strict routine as a kid and my school is not far from my house. So, I could actually walk. There is no point to board a bus or a bike. I could trek. Whatever happened, they could still find me. My church and school are not far from home. If you don’t come back on time, you are in trouble.

 Can you remember, the most memorable time you got a scolding as a kid?
I remembered one day when I was on the street, one of my teachers was actually passing by, he was talking to me and daddy came back home from work. And when he saw me, he walked past and waited for me till I got home. I wanted to greet my dad and the first thing I heard was, ‘what are you doing with that guy on the street’? And when I was making a point to tell my mum that, it was Mr. So so so, she said, ‘’Oh! It was her teacher!’’ he didn’t even listen. My mum had to take me out of the house for him to calm down. That day, I will never forget.

 You were labelled a ‘Church Girl’ during MTNPF and many expected that you will go into gospel music. What is your take?
It’s not bad. It’s not out of place if I’m labelled a ‘church girl’ because I remembered what actually led to this is that when we finished production, the song I composed during the MTN Project Fame competition was just inspirational. So, a lot of people saw me as a gospel musician. It was highly inspirational because it was about me. And when I finished with the competition, I went back to church. My church is so important to me that I had to do some church stuff. A lot of people said that being in the showbiz world might affect my faith but it doesn’t stop me from being a Christian. I attend Four Square Gospel Church in Ikorodu Lagos. I am still in the church choir. I am still one of the lead vocalists in the choir and I attend rehearsals as often as I can.

 How do you manage to keep your head low?
I think it is God and people that have been praying for me especially my pastor and members of the choir.  Even when I was in the academy, I tried as much as possible not to be carried away with whatever is happening around me. At that time, I was actually the first female to win. I saw it as a privilege or opportunity that is rare and I should not misuse it. And I use it very well. I just took it as a challenge, with the help of God by my side, I can do it. Thank God for that.

Let’s talk about how you handle difficult guys?
I try to define my relationship. I will say, “what do you want?’’ Tell me and if I will be ok or not. If you know you cannot understand then I can’t help you. I just try to define the relationship. We all understand where we are, what we are doing and where we are coming from.

 So, who is your type of man?
He must be an intelligent, God-fearing and understanding man. It takes someone patient to understand someone with this kind of thing I do and will be able to stay with me. So, he has to be understanding, God fearing and highly intelligent.

 So how do you handle your sexual urges or do you have time for men at all?
First, I distract myself with my career. Music is one thing I can’t run away from. Music gets to everybody. Music is a universal language. I distract myself with music and I try to immerse myself in my family. I am not really far away from my family. I have a younger brother. We are seven.

 Two years after winning MTNPF, would you say you have achieved your other dreams and ambitions?
I still stay at home. I stay with my parents by helping them whichever way I can. I try my best to do whatever I want to do. About my academic ambitions, I think I am getting there. Apart from music, Mass Communication particularly Journalism is one thing I am going to explore. God is helping me. I have started something on TV. It’s with MTV Base’s Good Friday Show. I actually host a segment on the Good Friday Show. I think, that is a good start for my broadcasting career.

Looking back did you expect to win project fame?
I can’t really say but I was very hopeful because towards the end of Project Fame, it was just a guy and five girls. You know, I couldn’t be sure if I would emerge the winner of the competition. I just wanted a girl to win. At least I know that it would be a record first time for female to win the competition. Even before I won, people never thought that a female could win. It just makes me feel good.

 When will your album finally be released?
You know this album actually is majorly an MTN project. So whatever I do concerning the album, MTN has a hand in it. I really can’t do anything without letting them know. But very soon, I’ve already started making plans. But right now, we are working towards it. I have enough recorded materials and we are actually looking at something before the end of the year.

 What is your message to the young people out there?
It’s not funny again because HIV/ AIDS is not funny. It’s actually for real. Even the condom they talk about is not 100% save. They are not. Anything can happen. You won’t feel like “do I need to check myself” because you will know that you are not involved in the first place. I think I represent the youth. I am also a youth. Whatever I do I put them into consideration. Even when I am out there, I don’t get carried away.

Monalisa Chinda, Emem Isong Honoured by WOW Divas Int’l

Monalisa Chinda, Emem Isong Honoured by WOW Divas Int’l

Nollywood actress Monalisa Chinda and prominent producer Emem Isong have both been distinguished and specially honoured for their “outstanding contribution to raising awareness, understanding and hope to those affected by autism spectrum disorder and advocating for them.”

The two major Nollywood players, who recently took part in the production of the first film on Autism ever produced in Nigeria, were awarded by WOW Divas, an international network of professional women,
at their second Autism Awareness Conference held on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Four Point by Sheraton in Lekki Lagos. 

 

 

  

Court stops Federal government from renaming UNILAG

Justice Stephen Adah of the federal high court, Lagos today granted an interim order restraining the Federal Government from renaming the University of Lagos. The court ruled in the suits brought against the renaming of the institution by the students and alumni of the University of Lagos.

The case was adjourned till July 4th. 

Manchester  City and Ivorian defender Kolo Toure weds

 

Manchester City and Ivory Coast central defender Kolo Toure married his long time partner, Chimene Akassou, on Thursday June 14th in Abidjan. Kolo and Chimene have been together for more than ten years and have two children together. Kolo's brother,Yaya Toure, is currently the highest paid African player and African footballer of the Year. We wish you guys the best!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timaya's New looks..... shaves off his dreadlocks

Timaya's new look

Timaya surprised everyone a few hours ago when he posted a picture of himself with his signature dreads cut off!
‘Ma dread is offff……Kai I feel kooool‘, the self acclaimed Egber Papa 1 of Bayelsa tweeted.

Michael Essien and Nadia Buari hug and kiss in public

Back again? Essein and Nadia Buhari get intimate…

We all know about Ghanaian footballer Michael Essien and  actress Nadia Buari’s once romantic relationship that eventually hit the rocks.

The couple had been the toast of the town until it was reported that the Chelsea FC star had dumped the actress, leading to a war of words which went on for a while.

The former lovebirds recently put their egos in the background when they met at Ghana’s TV3 newscaster and host of Diva, Nana Aba’s show. Essien and Nadia, both 29,  hugged; cuddling, kissing and had a good laugh together with other guests…

Check out some photos below…

Rev. Chris Okotie dissolves marriage for the second time

Rev Okotie and Stephanie 

The marriage between the popular Reverend Chris Okotie and his wife Stephanie has ‘crashed’ four years after the couple tied the knot.

Sources say the funky pastor dramatically announced the shocking news to his Household of God Church congregation today.

‘Stephanie and I are no longer married. We have separated. You can see she’s not in church today. It’s due to irreconcilable differences and you should please respect our wishes at this time because there is no going back’, the three-time presidential candidate reportedly announced during service.

Okotie will be divorcing for the second time.

Stephanie has now been married three times and has three children from her first two marriages.

Omotola in Tanzania

The star actress arrived Tanzania. She was there for the premiere of a movie and also to visit an orphanage in the country.

 Omotola arriving in Tanzania

 

Omotola being welcomed...

 

Omotola with Tanzanian actress Wema Sepetu

 

 

 

MTN Project Fame West Africa 4 Winner, Monica Ogah steps into the Glam World of a Music Star!

 

Monica is a rising star, someone who is very confident of herself and a lover of music. It is easy to notice this after spending a few minutes chatting with her. It was always a delight listening to her powerful voice and watching her exhilarating performances while she was a contestant in the Reality TV show. Months after winning, Monica is still glowing and is ready to take on the world.

Hi Monica, it’s so good to see you. How are you doing?
Fine, thank you. I’m OK.

It’s been six months since you won the Project Fame West Africa Reality TV Show. How has the journey into your music career been since then?
It’s not been easy but I’m actually putting in my best to get there. I’m still trying to fit in.


Recalling the Before & After Moments of Project Fame

Take me back to the beginning of your journey. How did you get into the Project Fame Academy?
I can’t remember the year I heard of Project Fame but I went for the auditions in 2009. I was actually picked but I wasn’t called back so I forgot about it and didn’t apply the next year but last year I was in school and I said, let me just try again and see what is going to come out. Out of about 4,000 people, I was the last to be auditioned in Abuja and I was auditioned three times because I didn’t really convince the judges at first. One of them said I was tense and told me to go out and get some air which I did. On the day of the audition, my purse was stolen and everything I had, my transport fare was gone. I was almost discouraged, I wanted to go back home but at the end of the day I did it and this is the outcome.

 

Tell me about your stay in the Project Fame Academy. What is the most valuable lesson you learnt?
I learnt a lot, I can’t really place my hand on one thing because everything is important. I learnt to be myself, to be confident in what I do and also to enjoy what I do.

I understand your contract demands that you release your debut album within one year from the time you win. Am I right?
My album has to be out before the end of the next season of Project Fame.

So, does that mean you are under some pressure to complete the album?
Not really. When something runs in your blood, you don’t really take it as work. I’m not really under pressure but I’m working according to the timing so it’s not really pressure.

You must be recording a number of songs at the moment. How have you been dealing with the demands of your album?
I’ve really been working, it’s not been easy. I live on the Island and most of my recordings are on the Mainland. Before now, I wasn’t really good with driving but right now I drive myself so it’s a bit stressful. It’s a whole new business.

Do you write all your songs and how far have you gone with your album?
I’m almost done with an album right now. I write my songs and I work with good producers that help in one way or the other too.

Stepping into the Nigerian music industry for the first time must be a bit challenging. How are you finding the music industry?
No matter the challenge, I think God will give me the strength to face it. We have good people in the industry already and if you want to be on top, you need to work extra hard. That is what my Manager keeps telling me. He tells me to focus and work and I’ll get there so that is what I’m doing right now.

Who is your Manager?
I’m being managed by Illbliss.

What were your expectations when you went in for the show? Was it to win or just to have fun?
Whatever I put my hands in, I want to be the best or one of the best. So when I was coming in, I had my mind prepared for whatever was going to come my way, I was ready to take it. I was there to win the competition, that was my mindset, and that was where my head was till the end of the show.

Didn’t you have any low moments on the show, anytime you felt you weren’t actually going to get what you desired?
I was the only one that never went on probation from the beginning till the end of the show.

 

That must have been very reassuring. You’ve already released three singles. How has the response been?
Thank God people are actually responding to it. It won’t be easy because we have other great songs out there but it’s been good so far.

Which artistes and producers are you working with on your debut album?
I’ve worked with several producers like TY Mix, J Sleek, Silver Spoon, Wizboy. I’d be collaborating with Wizboy too and there’d be more to come.

What message are you trying to pass across with your debut album? What would be the theme of the album?
I’ve not really concluded on what I’m going to title the album yet but I’m sure that when you see it and you listen to the album, you will like it. I’m trying to pass a message across not to Nigerians alone but across the world. I want to be inspiring. As much as I love to have fun sometimes, I also want to pass messages across to the people.

Getting More Personal
Tell me more about you now. Where did you grow up and what is your educational background?
I grew up mostly in Benue state. I also stayed in Abuja for a while. I was in School of Nursing at Benue State University. I had already spent about a year and I was supposed to write my exams before I came for Project Fame. Right now, I’ve missed out on a lot and I don’t think I can go back. I’ve written JAMB again and I applied to study Computer Science at University of Lagos because I am kinda based in Lagos now.

When did you discover your love for music?
I’ve been singing since when I knew myself to be Monica. I grew up singing actually and I think what really inspired me was my Mum. She’s the choir mistress in my church and I have four cousins that also sing. It also runs in the family.

Is Monica in a relationship right now?
I’d love to keep it personal for now.

For someone who just achieved something really great, you must have even more admirers at the moment. Do you have more guys taking interest in you now?
Sure, yes. But it’s normal.

What qualities would endear you to any guy?
As long as he respects me as a woman and respects my opinion. I won’t say I want a nice guy because some nice guys could turn out to be bad.

I want you to compare what your life was like before you won Project Fame and what it is like right now. What are the things that you used to do before that you don’t do anymore?
The first thing is that I’ve changed location and I can’t see my friends anymore. My friends are in Benue state. I haven’t really made friends in Lagos yet. I do have cousins and family friends but I don’t really know places in Lagos so I can’t go to their houses. Also I don’t get to walk around the streets like I used to. I don’t get to wear my slippers and walk on the street and just be cool with it.

On the flip side, what privileges do you have now that you didn’t have before?
This platform has given me some access to talk to some certain people, mingle with them. I had the dream that I was going to meet them someday but I wasn’t thinking it was going to be so soon.



You won N2.5million as one of your prizes? How have you used the money so far and what do you intend to do with it?
It’s just to further my career. I really don’t want to come and create an impression and just die down. I want to grow up, get to know more things, so I’m going to invest it in my career because I know it will pay me later on.

Finding Her Feet
Singing other people’s songs is quite different from composing and singing your own song. Most of the songs you sang on the show were already hits so it was easy to impress with your own rendition of the songs. Now you have a whole new different game to tackle. How do you intend to prove yourself?
It’s actually very different. It’s got to be a new style. This is when the real me is actually beginning to come out. But I have made up my mind to keep pushing and I won’t stop till I get to where I’m going to.

Things must be quite different for you now with people watching what you wear, what you say, what you do; is it awkward now being under the spotlight? 
I love to live a free life. It’s not like I’m going to go out there to misbehave. I’ve always been like this, even before I came to the spotlight. Wherever I go to, I am myself. Its something that I don’t really enjoy but it has to happen. I’m now a public figure so I have to watch what I do, what I say, what I wear, and all that. Sometimes people tell me “you can’t wear that” and I’d be like “are you kidding me? I’ve been dressing like this since God knows when”. It’s a whole new game and I have to learn to get used to it.

Which international artiste would you love to have a music collaboration with?
I’d love to sing with Brandy. This is somebody who I personally love her style and she has really imparted me in so many ways.

What was your most memorable performance on the Project Fame Show
I have three – Alicia Keys Falling, Patra Wakaman, and 2Face Only Me

I really loved your performance of the song ‘Only Me’. I can’t forget that in a hurry. Are you going to make that song come alive once more in your debut album?
I’ve been given the go ahead to remix the song which I would and it would soon be out.

That would be great. Will you have 2Face on the track with you?
We are pushing for that, we hope that I would do the song with 2Face but if it doesn’t work out that way, I would have to do it alone because I’ve gotten the rights and we’ve signed it.


Your winning moment was spectacular. You threw off your shoes, shed tears of joy; I could really feel your emotions through my TV screen. Tell me about that moment.
Let me be truthful, when I was standing there, my shoes were actually killing me. They gave me the highest heels that day. In my mind I was saying ‘please just call these names, these shoes are killing me’. So as soon as they said it was me, I just had to remove the shoes. I wanted to enjoy the moment so I remove what was paining me and kept it aside so that I could enjoy myself.
I was honored to be called the winner because there were great singers there too. I respect all of them and I want to use this platform to also say that they were all good competitors. It wasn’t an easy win. Maybe just something little made me win but I enjoyed the moment.