Nollywood: Accused of Breaking up Marriages and Dating Married Men, Sexy Actress Mercy Johnson Breaks Silence

In her short but exceedingly exciting career so far in Nollywood, sexy and ‘hippilicious’ actress Mercy Johnson has been a lightning rod for controversy. it was as if her success, created an avalanche of hate, disdain, envy and a passion in the tabloid media to celebrate all that define her acting career and personal life in the most sordid and unenviable light. Every imaginable shenanigans – the crazy, the jaw dropping and the totally outrageous have been ascribed to her. You google her name, and you would be confronted with all manner of unsavory stories, most of them with backgrounds in innuendoes, conjectures and others dripping in hate, sarcasm and outright lies. She has among others, been accused of causing the breakup of the marriage of a prominent Nollywood director.

The gist is that she forced the young director abandon his family and children, While he cavorted with her. When the director was no longer seen to be useful to her over all game plan. She dropped him like a hot potato and left the man reeling – an act some in the industry allege contributed to the creative demise of the promising director. She has been accused of dating married men, and using her physical assets to hoodwink, control and even bewitched the men – a situation that has created a steady stream of hatred and disdain from the women whose husbands found in her a more comfortable emotional abode.

Sometime last year, a tabloid media reported that she was accused of having stolen money from one of her lovers and the news was a big Internet sensation. She was said to have been deceived by a married man in Spain, made to believe that he was single, only to realize after telling friends how excited she was to have found the love of her life, that knight in shining armour was happily married, and had just been blessed with a baby. She was said to have been devasted beyond words and almost committed suicide. She has been accused of being a man eater whose sexual appetite and material cravings have seen her provide sexual favors for men in order to keep up with her high-end and high-maintenance lifestyle. Everything that is unsavory has been associate with this young and sexy actress. As an industry insider and one who knows the intrigues and the cutthroat competition that exists in the industry, I have always regarded the stories ascribed to Mercy Johnson with the pinch of salt. I have refused to pass judgement on her personal life, and had been waiting for an opportunity for me to confront her one on one with these mountains of accusations and have her respond to them. It did not help her cause in the sense that she has studiously kept her silence and refused to engage the media in the back and forth reports on her personal life, which in a way was good, because what you are about to read here, would not have been exclusive.

Last year during my trip to Nigeria, I asked her to meet me at my hotel, and She had apologised that she was shooting a movie and would be on set for another five days. Since I had two extra days to stay in Lagos, I told her I would call her when I got back to the States. She had promised to break her silence and tell me everything I and millions of her fans needed to know concerning her personal life. Earlier this month, I called Mercy in Lagos, and for over two hours on the phone, I listened to a sweet, young and talented actress who was seriously in pains due to the mischaracterization of her person, her values and the ethos that define her soul. I listened to a talent who, even though Nollywood has been kind to her, and has rewarded her with success, acclaim and material growth, has thought of packing it up, and calling it quits because she just can’t take the personal attacks and lies on her person any longer. I listened to an actress, who tearfully told me “people are just out to destroy me, for reasons I can’t adduce.” Mercy was frank, and answered my questions candidly because she said “I finally want my fans to know who the real Mercy Johnson is, as opposed to the one that has been painted in the media which I do not even recognize because that is not who I am” I asked Mercy to tell me the truth about all that has been written about her and below, in her own word, I present to you Mercy Johnson taking on all that have been written about her.

On Her Break-up of a Directors marriage
“I read that story and nothing could be further from the truth. I did not break up any director’s arriage, because I did not date any director. I was shocked when the story was published and I wonder aloud where they got the story. That story hurt me a great deal because at that time, I was in a relationship with someone that I really loved and cared for. He left me after that story was published because he thought that I was two timing him, which was patently false. All my explanations to him did not move him and I was devastated. No such thing happened. As an actress have I been close to my directors? The answer is yes – like all other actresses I have had close ad professional relationships with my directors, but that is where it all end – nothing personal.

People just take delight in writing stories that would embarras me. I may be at home, on my bed, watching television as it happened recently, and a journalist would call me to say they just saw me leaving a hotel with Mr. X. When I told that journalist I was on my bed and that he should do his investigations properly, he hung up. A lot of what that has been written about me is not true. can you imagine how wicked people can be by writing that my mother is a witch and that it’s that power she transferred to me to have all the men they claimed have been doing my biddings? That was a low blow. We are Christians and abhor anything diabolic, and for anyone to write such a lie shocked me to my foundations. It wore me down, and as human, I couldn’t help but shed tears at the blatant destructuve campaign my haters have mounted against me. All I can say is that I leave them to god to judge.”

On The Story that she stole money from her lover
“Can you believe that someone in his right mind would write such a story even though they knew it was false? The newspaper that wrote that story later retracted it, but the damage was already done. The truth is I didnt steal money from a loved one. Logically, it is incongrous for one to even imagine it. If I am dating someone, and I have a particular need, and I have a particular need, wouldn’t it be better for me to ask that individual to give me help as opposed to taking his money without his consent? That is just not who I am! But again, it is the cross that I have borne for the past five years – a cross that is getting too heacy to bear these days. Truth is, I have thought of quitting many times. It is just too much for me. You do not get appreciated for the happiness you bring to people, all you see in the media is one hurtful and blatantly false story about you. But I love acting, and I thank God that I have been accepted and loved by my fans – they are the reason why I am still here-otherwise I would have long thrown in the towel.”

On her reported uncontrollable sex drive

Again, that is a blatant lie. I am not different from any other young woman who got thrust into limelight at a very early age. Have I made some mistakes with men? You bet I have. But tell me whi is that young woman or even grown woman who has not made mistakes with men? It is true that I have had my heart broken many times, I just told you about the guy that ended a relationship with me after reading that I was seeing a married man, which was not true. It is also true that I was in a relationship with a guy in Spain who told me he was not married, only for me to realize after travelling to Spain to meet him that he was married, and was just playing games with me. You learn from certain experience and they help make you stronger and better person. But does this mean that I’m a young woman with uncontrollable sexual drive and cravings? No, absolutely not! I am from a good and decent home, and there are certain values that are sacrosanct with me. I have not and do not hop from one bed to the other, not for pleasure or material comforts. Nollywood has been kind to me. I get paid decent fees, and I am always in demand thank God for that, so I make decent income that guarantees me a decent and comfortable lifestyle. Why should I demean my self worth and value by sleeping with men for money? That is totally out of my calues system. Do you know how many times I have cried when I read things that are ascribed to me that are totally false? The media made last year (2009) my worst year ever. In terms of the volume of lies and hate-filled stories they published about me.”

On her rumored wedding plans
Yes. It is true. I have finally found the man of my dreams – the one I have been looking for – one who understands me and I dare say this is the best relationship I have ever had. Let me confess this to you: We are engaged and would be married soon. His name is Prince Odi and he is a prince from Edo State. He is a great man – a God-fearing man, a lover, a confidant, an enabler – just everything a woman desire in a man and I count myself lucky to have finally found him. He is a successful businessman. He cuts the picture of who and what manner of a man I was praying for, and my meeting him proves that prayer works and if you desire for a soul mate that affirms your values, God will bring him to you at the appointed time. He is a man who has accepted me for who I am and pays no attention to all the nonsense that has been written about me. He regards them as ‘occupational hazards’.”

Mercy Johnson described herself as a girl-next door that has been eminently blessed by God. “I forgive my enemies for all the heartache and emotional stress they have brought me all these years”

Nollywood Actresses Now Roll In Hummer Jeeps???

Guess y`all will be wondering how much this chicks make per movie scripts right?

Well, the gist in town now is that two Sexy Nollywood Actresses Tonto Dike and Ebube Nwagbo have just upgraded their fleet of Automobiles.

Gist have it that Tonto`s Jeep was given to her by a male admirer but she claims She bought the Hummer H2 jeep herself,and has since then been painting the town red with it, showing it off to everybody.

Also painting the Lagos metropolisis red is co-actress Ebube Nwagbo who recently just acquired a Hummer Jeep and also moved into her new crib somewhere in Marwa Gardens, ikeja.

Na wa oh! This chicks are really living the life oh 

I’m back home to conquer Nollywood – Beverly Naya

Beverly Naya, Britain-based Nigerian model and actress has finally pitched her tent in Nollywood.
The sexy actress who has modeled and acted extensively in the UK and America, took Nollywood by storm last year when she played the female lead role in Lancelot Imasuen’s award-winning movie “Home In Exile.”

Here, she had a steaming kiss session with ace-actor Desmond Elliot. In this thrilling  encounter, Beverly who hails from Delta State takes HVP through her world of fantasy, her passion and the reason behind her homecoming to make her mark in Nollywood amongst other sundry issues.
Excerpts.

My root and my dream world
I’m a Nigerian born and raised in England. I am from Delta State and I know I’m from Ibuzo, the Igbo speaking Delta region. I had my formal education in the UK. I graduated from Roehampton University in London where I studied Script writing and Film making. Prior to that, I had studied Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy for my first degree at Brunel University.

I was brought up by a rod-sparing mother who pampers me with the good things of life. I did not encounter any incidence of child rivalry or juvenile inconvenience. I enjoyed  all the parental attention because I’m the only child, so my mum says I’m spoilt. Even at that, I have a mother who has always been there and is supportive. There is this natural flow of communication and understanding between us.

We hardly have frictions because we have developed a bond to an extent where we make statements even in our silence mode. The bond is so strong. She is my manager, my supporter and in fact, she is my mentor who nudges and urges me on. My father shuttles between the US and Nigeria while my mum and I are back in Nigeria settling down to embrace what the country has to offer.

Beverly Naya

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With this arrangement, there is bound to be some gap (with her dad) but we communicate as much as we can. The best he can do is to support my career and that he does. But one cannot compare motherly love with paternal because while the former is always more physically available, the latter is out there on the field trying out his hands on different things.

My growing up days were wonderful and full of memories that I love to relay all the time. I’m certain it is impossible for anyone to have a perfect childhood, but I feel mine was quite reasonable because my mum did a great job. I had no issues with my childhood. I was born and raised in London. I enjoyed the atmosphere in which I grew up.

I lived there with my mum and it has been a memorable experience for me. I have been coming to Nigeria for the past three years and I love every part of my homecoming. I’m more at home in Nigeria now than in the UK even though I have lived better part of my life there. I lived in London from birth till I was six  months old when I later relocated to Atlanta, then Chicago and thereafter returned to London when I was eight years.

Preference for Nollywood
With all sense of modesty and humility, I have a career I’m in love with it at twenty-two years. A career totally different from what my friends in London are facing right now. Its a career in which I have endless prospects and fulfilment, nothing could have been more joyous than this. We should also not lose sight of the fact that London is not really working at the moment.

The effects of the last global economic recession is still there for all to see. We should not forget easily also that London is owned by whites and definitely, whites will get jobs faster and easier than blacks. But here it is different. So, why shouldn’t I come back to my own country where I know that I will always be accepted, appreciated and loved. I think those are the major reasons I came back. I love where I grew up. I appreciate all the things I’ve learnt and I’m willing to apply them here.

Yes, I had in-depth study of Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy. I could have secured a white-collar job in any company of my choice out there but the truth is that I would not have found peace and satisfaction doing so. When the talents for acting ignited in me, I knew right away that this was what I wanted to do. I have passion for it. Honestly speaking, it was overwhelming coming out tops in my college but I believe that it buttresses my deep-seated interest in acting to a large extent.

Studying  Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy wasn’t with my heart. So I decided to find myself another route and I fell in love with acting and dancing. I love the fact that I could escape from who I was and become someone else. When I got an award for acting in college, I was overwhelmed because I never saw it coming at all. That experience made me believe that I can. I have acted in movies and done theatre shows. I played a lead role on a Ben TV programme called ‘Dynamite’ and a documentary titled ‘The American Dream’, which won me the Prince’s Trust Award.

Playing female lead role in Lancelot Imasuen’s Home in Exile
I had this opportunity to showcase the stuff I’m made off. I played the female lead in the movie which was a very challenging role for me. Desmond played Dave while I played Julie. The plot is as interesting as it is suspenseful. For me, it is very challenging while at the same time didactic. It stretches me to my full capable limit. I enjoyed the set; I enjoyed everything about the movie. The established actors were very open and so supportive.

They made me feel at home and I was able to discharge my roles flawlessly. It was one experience I will live to cherish for a long time. Also, it was an opportunity I grabbed with my two hands. It was wonderful working under the direction of one of the industry’s best hands, Lancelot.

Erotic scenes
It was all pure acting. The roles must be delivered according to mood of the scenes. It must be seen by the audience to be real. Personally, I did not get involved but professionally, Julie was seen doing all those things she did in the movie. Let me emphasize here that Nigerians are sophisticated and conscious enough to know the difference between reality and make-believe. I don’t really think issues arise from kissing or playing romantic scenes in films.

Artistes encounter challenges when they find it difficult to detach themselves from roles they are often seen playing. There are artistes who get stuck to particular roles and as a result, become stereotyped as the very characters they play.  Julie had to act as if she was actually in a relationship with Dave(Desmond Elliot).  And she did just that.

My career revolves around professionalism. I am careful about the way I carry myself. I wouldn’t want to be in the predicament of losing a contract because someone lacks professionalism. I handle myself with dignity. I know I’m a beautiful woman and men would always make advances even outside the industry but I try as much as possible to be polite in turning them down.
Relationship

I’m in a relationship with my career at the moment. Of course, men come in droves, both with genuine intentions and ulterior motives.

Ramsey Nouah, Uche Jombo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Koffi Adjorlolo, Monalisa Chinda, Desmond Elliot dazzle in Ini Edo’s new movie

Celebrity Guests at Mike & Keke Ezuruonye’s Star-studded Wedding

Ini Edo, Tonto Dikeh & Ify Dim With Nonso Diobi, KC, Presh and 2Shotz on the train, we instantly knew that Mike Ezuruonye and Keke Nnorom‘s wedding would be a celeb fest! It is a testament to the groom’s character that so many colleagues from Nollywood and stars from the music industry as well as family and friends came to celebrate with him on his big day. In terms of style, there was a full spectrum of selections. Check out the photos below. Click the link below to go to ... MORE PICTURES OF MIKE EZURUONYE'S TRADITIONAL WEDDING pictures from MIKE EZERUONYE wedding. Okwi & Fifi Umenyiora Rukky Sanda Ebube Nwagbo Muma Gee with her husband, Prince Eke Juliet Okonkwo Adaora Ukoh Emeka Enyiocha with his wife Emeka Ike with his wife Mary Atunyota-Akpobome Ini Edo Tonto Dikeh Kate Henshaw-Nuttall Rita Dominic Empress Njamah Jude 'Engees' Okoye Eucharia Anunobi & Susan Peters Stephanie Okereke Mabel Makun Peter & Paul Okoye of P-Square Saheed Balogun Omena Daniels, Uche Jombo & Julie Odia Caroline Ekanem-Danjuma with guests Frank 'Papas' Okamigbo & DJ Jimmy Jatt Julius & Ibiere Agwu

Monalisa Moves To New Lover’s Abode

Nollywood diva and one of the lucky showbiz personalities favoured in the Globacom Ambassadorial project, Monalisa Chinda, is allegedly said to have moved to a new lover’s abode in Lekki, Lagos.

Also that the two personalities have been sighted on a number of occasions at Southern Sun, a popular hospitality haven in Lagos. The rumour which has been spreading like wildfires, we gathered, is being distributed by some certain authorities, accusing finger, though, is pointed to Dejo, her erstwhile husband and father of her baby.

The sources alleged the sultry actress have even been rolling in the hay with this Lekki big boy (name witheld) before the story of her marriage break up saga became public knowledge.

Though, Mona as she’s fondly called by friends and fans is yet to comment on the real reasons her marriage collapsed, her friends, however, are said to have advised her to restrain herself from any media interview or otherwise.

The ugly rumour about her new affair, according to some of her friends, is baseless and it’s an attack of calumny on the beautiful screen goddess. “Mona doesn’t even have time for such now; she has been working on so many scripts. Right now as we speak, she’s far away from us where she’s shooting a movie and she won’t be through until in 10 days’ time.“ We were told.

Monalisa Chinda

Attempt made to reach the mother of one daughter, Monalisa to comment on this issue came with this: ‘I don’t have time for such issues and that “right now I am working’ – as an Ambassador of Glo much is expected of me and I need to deliver so as to be on top of the game in Nollywood.” These were her words.

Genevieve Nnaji Revealed

Being recognized by Oprah is certainly one of the highlights of my career so far,” she says, “but having people of all races from different parts of the world actually recognize and appreciate who I am and my work, is fulfilling and one of my greatest achievements.”

This international recognition is definitely a breakthrough, not only for Miss Nnaji, but for Nollywood as a whole. Since the inception of her acting career more than a decade ago, Miss Nnaji’s star has been rising at an amazing velocity—ironic considering that acting was not her first career option. “When I was younger, I wanted to be a lawyer. Going into acting as a career was not planned. The idea, for me, was to spend time while I awaited my WAEC result doing something I enjoyed and felt I could do. It all started out as a hobby, to be honest.”

Miss Nnaji started out with small roles, until her memorable performance in ‘Ijele’. “That was the movie that gave me my big break. After that, people started to recognise and acknowledge me for my work.” Thus, her ‘hobby’ developed into a full-time career, but like most great artists, something inside her always knew that she had what it took to deliver. “I knew it was something I could do because I felt it strongly inside me. Everything about it (acting) has to come as natural as you being you.”

With more than 80 movies to her credit, Miss Nnaji has been a trailblazer, amassing great awards and recognitions, including her 2005 African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She has not only conquered the acting world, but has delved into music and is currently starting to make waves in the fashion world. Miss Nnaji could also probably make a great model, as her 2004 lucrative Lux advertising campaign affirms.

Behind the Spotlight

What lies behind the woman everyone is fascinated with on screen, is a mystery. But as the interview proceeds, the real Genevieve emerges. She is funny, warm, and down to earth. She is fan of sugary treats, snacking on cookies and a bottle of coke.

She also reveals her love for Jazz and mellow music, as well as her aversion to romance novels. “They are too predictable,” she says. As an actress, she is passionate about “a good story with strong characters”, adding that her movie ‘Letters to a Stranger’ is one of her personal favourites. She says that she maintains her true identity “by staying true to myself and being able to decipher what is real and what’s not, and surrounding myself with people that really and truly care for me as a person and not Genevieve the public personality.” On the rare occasion that she is not working, she unwinds by relaxing and watching movies. Her favourites include ‘Shrek’, ‘Crash’ and ‘Saw’.

St. Genevieve

“I like my hair slightly messy, not looking too perfect,” she says as she prepares for the photo shoot. Her style, as she puts it, “is simple, classy and comfortable”. This is translated in the designs from her St. Genevieve clothing line, some of which she has brought along for the photo shoot. “I am motivated by fabrics. I can look at a fabric and determine what dress can be made.” Launched in 2008, Miss Nnaji defines her clothing line as an extension of her personal style which is about chic simplicity. “Style is personality. It is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Simply put, style is the real you.” An advocate of aid organisations, proceeds from the sales of her designs are donated to charity.

Supernova

Barely in her 30s, Miss Nnaji has achieved more than most have in a lifetime. She defines success as “self-satisfaction and peace of mind”, and attributes hers to “God, determination, focus, hard work, honesty to one’s self and patience.” One unique thing about her success is how she has been able to diversify. Beyond acting, she dabbled into music—releasing an album in 2004—and has now turned to designing. So what’s next for this star?

“I have not set out to be a conqueror of things. I do the much I can and sit back and allow God do the rest. I never know his plans for me and that makes life all the more exciting. I like to be pleasantly surprised.

“Life is what you make of it,” she says. “It’s yours to live and be happy with. Don’t waste it trying to please others because it’s a one time opportunity you can’t afford to lose.”

Judging by her past achievements, there seems to be no limit for this shining star.

Source

Jonathan invests N30billion in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry

During my series of notes in the run up to Nigeria's fiftieth independence anniversary, I expressed a desire to grow Nigeria's entertainment industry into a world class one where we would see Nollywood movies being played in theaters and grossing hundreds of millions of Naira as well as have recording artists like Tuface Idibia, Dbanj, Banky W, P-Square, Timi Dakolo, Weird MC and co selling millions of records and generating wealth for themselves, their record companies, marketers and tour promoters and by so doing expanding the non oil sector of the economy.

Now in furtherance of this, I have just attended the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Silverbird group where I announced a Federal investment of 200 million dollars (about 30 billion naira) as a direct intervention lifeline for the exclusive purpose of supporting artist and developing our entertainment industry. This may not be a lot of money, but it is a beginning. In seeking to diversify Nigeria's revenue base, we must think outside the box and I am expectant that this fund will make Nigeria the African entertainment capital in the not too distant future. It is my vision that every producer whether in the film or music industry, every actor or actress, fashion designers or artist must have opportunity to access cheap, long-term funding to grow their business: make movies, write hit songs, build malls, build cinemas, provide jobs and give hope to our people! GEJ

Celebs reaction to President Jonathan’s promise:

Nollywood thrived without the government, so the government will make a huge mistake to make a promise and fail. Nollywood will still succeed with or without the government. The government should be weary of that but if Nollywood succeeds without the government. Nollywood will be churning out a world view that the government will be worried about because you would have left it to charlatans; but if the government controls it, then we can have some form of order

- Fred Amata

‘It’s a welcome development and a great idea’

– Segun Arinze

‘Oh yes, I expect that if the president makes a promise he’ll keep his promise so I think it will materialize and it’s about time too because Nollywood is about the largest fast growing movie industry in this region ,and the bane of the industry so far has been adequate funding because you need money to make good films. So with more money, we’ll get better films and people will enjoy going out more to watch movies’

– Grace Egbagbe

‘By all means, he’s a man of his word. We’ll expect to see the manifestation and the result of the $200million offered’

– Zack Orji

‘I think it’s very promising for our industry but seriously we’re here to stay, we are not going anywhere because we need to grow and we’re all happy about that. Well, it’s for us to make sure that they keep to their promise so we need to hold on to their words. Hence, the entertainment industry as a whole is going to grow’

– Stephanie Okereke

‘I think it’s about time, a good thing and a smart move on the President’s part. $200million is some money, it’s not a fortune. Well since they haven’t told us how it’ll work, I prefer to be optimistic and it’s obvious to anybody who’s looking that the entertainment industry in Nigeria will succeed anyway, so it’s a good thing to get on the bandwagon now. I do think that this time around, things will be different. I don’t know the kind of person he is, so I can’t speak on his behalf but I like to be hopeful and if I were the president I would make sure I do it’

Good script can make me act for free –Henshaw-Nuttal

t will amount to stating the obvious if one describes Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, as one of the best things that has happened to Nollywood.

A Glo ambassador and current Face of O, Kate’s odyssey in the make belief world started on the set of When the Sun Set, where she acted the role of Omono and has never looked back ever since.

Little wonder, her absence from the screen for a couple of months, an absence she attributed to her commitment to “some other things,” has set tongues wagging that she may have called it a day with acting.

“I, turn my back on what made me? Acting is not only about acting; it also involves being MC, dancer, singing and all that. I have been involved in some other things since they no longer have the money to pay for movie roles.

“I am presently working on producing two films. One is Tarzan versus the V-Monologues, directed by Wole Ogunsekun. It’s a first of its kind. It deals with issues that affect women from all walks of life: circumcisions, rape, drug abuse and war, among several others. The second one is called Little Drop.

It is produced by Olu Jacob Productions, owned by Olu Jacob and his wife, Joke Silva,” she told Klieglights in response to the question on her absence from the screen in recent times.

Kate, who described as wonderful, her experience as a thespian, took time to explain why she was missing on the cast and crew of the V-Monologues last year.

“Oh, it is wonderful! Actually, it was Aunty Joke that called me to participate in the first one. I agreed to do it. The play is being aired around the world and has really been good. This is how I started the journey. Since then, I have been called to participate in it every year, apart from last year that I didn’t do it because I wasn’t available to participate then,” she said.

She insisted that her absence from the set of some of the recently released movies is a more of a function of her very busy schedule and not that producers and directors no longer believe that her face still sells movies saying, “even if I get a script now, I am not available till the end of November, and producers will not want to wait. So, they have to find a replacement.”

She however said that some of the scripts that come her way of recent are at best, half-baked scripts, which she would not want to be associated with. “Though, the scripts come but they are not good enough. Some of them are not challenging for me. After being in the industry for close to 18 years and having played a lot of roles, I prefer something more challenging. Something that can push me and make me nervous at least, a bit,” she said.

And what really does Kate look out for in a script before accepting to interpret it?

“First and foremost, the storyline must be good. So, I watch out for the story line; then the character, the director and the cast; even if the script is not that fantastic, you should have a good director and a good cast and crew,” she said.

And the actor(s) she cannot put with are those that do not have respect for time saying, “If it’s somebody that doesn’t come to set on time, I would rather not work with such a person because I don’t want to have headaches. That is the truth.”

She dismissed the rumour that she has started rejecting small budget roles since she hit it big as Glo ambassador. According to her, “it is not about the money. Money is important, but some of the storylines are not good enough for me. I am yet to see someone that would come to me with a good storyline and say, Kate, I don’t have money.

“Those who know me know that if the story is good, and we have a good working relationship, I will do it.”

And for the first time in her acting career, Henshaw-Nuttal, has shown that she is a crossover actress with her dazzling performance on the set of Saheed Balogun’s ‘Eti keta’ (Third Party) a Saheed she acted the role of Saheed Balogun’s fiancée. She was the only English language actress in the film that featured about 100 artistes.

Commenting on the welfare of actors in Nollywood, she said that they are not being paid their worth.

“Everybody knows that, we all know it. Even if a particular actor or actress is paid N1million, what is the value of that these days?

“In the days of Ejike Asiegbu as the president of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), he tried to specify the minimum amount actors and actresses should be paid for a role, even for a waka pass role.

“Let the least be N10, 000, unfortunately, some people would pass through the back door to ask for ridiculous amount.That is very unfortunate,” she said.

Kate has no kind word for the quality of some films that has been coming out of Nollywood of recent; “some of the story lines no longer make sense.

“I have said it several times in my interviews that Nollywood is going backwards and that is exactly what is happening now. I find most of the storylines uninteresting, no matter how simple. I have heard a lot of people complaining that the storylines are turning into something else. If you survey public opinion about the industry and the quality of movies, you will understand what I mean,” she said.

Who does she think should be blamed for the low quality of the movies?

“The blame is on the producers and directors. They are the ones that provide the crew, the lighting, the cameramen, everything. The actors and actresses just come, act and go.

“You have to be behind the camera, study the whole process, know how to direct, know how to produce before venturing into it. Not because this person is producing, me too, I must do my own too. Anything worth doing is worth doing well,” she said.

She said she has been able to manage an almost scandal-free

career because she is hardly seen in public functions.

“I think that is a very good clue. I just want my life to be about my work, nothing more. I am working with a brand. I have to represent myself and the brand very well.”

She also told Kleiglight the secret of the success of her marriage despite the high rate at which celebrity marriages crash every day.

“Celebrities’ marriages are not the only ones crashing. Marriages are crashing everywhere, but maybe because we are in the limelight, the stories of celebrities are constantly in the news and the media is ready to advertise everything about us. My husband is very much in support of my job.

We have been married for the past 11 years, and he knows how hard and demanding my job is. He also knows that I am not always at home, and whenever I am with my family, I spend quality time with them. If the job comes, and he says ‘go’, I will go. If he says ‘don’t go’ I will sit down. It is more than submissiveness because my husband can say “sit down at home, don’t go anywhere” there is nothing I can do about that because he is the head of the family,” she said. 

BN Tidbits: Ini Edo’s Wedding | Caroline Ekanem Danjuma, Uche Elendu & Jennifer Eliogu Expecting | Nadia Buari & Michael Essien | Jim Iyke | Plus More

Its that time again! BN Tidbits.

Ini & Philip

After months of speculation, the date has finally been set. Actress Ini Edo and her boyfriend, Philip Ehiagwina will be celebrating their traditional wedding on Saturday, November 29 2008. All the best to Ini, wishing her all the best in her forthcoming marriage.

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Nadia & Michael

Gollywood superstar, Nadia Buari and Chelsea Football Club star, Michael Essien are said to be planning their wedding. The couple who have been together for over a year are allegedly engaged. Nadia and Michael are two of Ghana’s biggest stars while Nadia is a a celebrated actress, Michael plays international football for Ghana and Chelsea.

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AY & Mabel

Comedian AY (Ayo Makun) will be tying the knot with his partner, Mabel. The couple have already completed their traditional and court ceremonies and are blessed with a baby, Adeola. They will be celebrating their church wedding on the 29th of November 2008 at the Household of God church.

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Ex-nollywood actress Caroline Ekanem Danjuma is pregnant with her second child. She is married to Musa Danjuma and they have a son together. I saw Caroline a couple of months ago and she looked amazing, really stunning! Congrats to she and her husband.

Actress, Uche Elendu Igweanyiba is pregnant with her first child. She recently celebrated her traditional wedding. Congrats!

Veteren nollywood star, Jennifer Eliogu is pregnant with her second child. Her husband is a Switzerland based businessman. Congrats to the couple!

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Nollywood actors, Jim Iyke & Pat Attah are both set to launch musical careers. Pat is well-known for his talent with the guitar and has displayed his vocal talent in a few of his movies while Jim’s only apparent connection to the music indutry is his previous relationship with music video model, Katura Hamilton. That said, looking forward to listening to Jim & Pat’s musical offerings.

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The new issue of Genevieve Magazine features the women of WIMBIZ on the cover, these ladies (plus one man) have set themselves apart in the Nigerian business environment and spend a lot of time and energy working to encourage the new generation of Nigerian career and business women. They include Openimi Akinkugbe of IBTC , Ify Igbodalo of Design Options, Ibukun Awosika of the Chair Centre & Chi Chi Okonji.

Photo Credit: Purefoto , Niyi Tabiti , Bella Naija

Additional Source: Stella D-K

Nollywood actors are afraid of exploits — Emeka Enyiocha .

He came into the Nigerian motion picture industry and excelled within a few years. But Emeka Enyiocha has been out of the screen for some time now. He tells AMARA OSAJIUBA what he is up to in this chat.

RECENTLY, you became scarce in the home video, did you quit acting or you went behind the camera?

You see, one thing about this industry is this, at a stage you are everywhere and you think you are making the money but by the time you sit down and calculate it, you will find out that you are not making anything but just doing a particular thing and when you increase your fee, and they stop calling you and because you don't have any other thing, you will have to go back to your normal fee. But if you have something doing you can say this is my fee and if they don't give you any job, you don't bother. Actors and actresses are always scared of taking up something else to do because they don't want to be sidelined and they don't want people to think that they cannot be reached anymore. I decided to get my own productions outfit because almost all the money you make acting is being spent immediately even when you are still on set. For two years I have not been on set, I have actually earned more and not sitting down and allowing someone dictate my life for me.

So how many works have you done since you started your own production outfit?

I and my partner have done three productions now. We did the Patriot which is a National orientation programme that helps educate Nigerians on fake drugs. We also did another one called School which is talking about the rascality of the children from wealthy home in school and the third one called Champions Of Our Time which is a physically challenged movie, is a future movie that will be shown on silver bird cinema by the end of November and it was done in collaboration of the Lagos State government.

The year is almost ended, what would you say your achievements are this year?

Well, I have achieved life because I have a good life, I have achieved a good family because I have a wonderful family and I have been able in my own little way to put smiles on the faces of people around me.

What are your plans for next year?

My plan for next year is to continue where I stopped this year.

What do you think your challenges will be while trying to achieve these plans?

Everything is a challenge; your environment alone is a challenge, even the success of whatsoever you want to do is a challenge because you must pass through a difficult period for you to increase and that will give you an opportunity to learn and go higher but if you don't pass through that, you cannot increase

We are yet to hear a music track from you or did you decide not to venture into music like some of your colleagues?

Well, I don't think I have the talent, I don't just do something because people are doing it, what I do I do it well and it is better I don't do it than doing it and start running from pillar to post.

As an actor and a producer, would you say Nollywood has done you so good?

Yes, honestly, that I am Emeka Enyiocha today is Nollywood because it's like when you come from a no place though it must have taken you a lot of years, but the money comes suddenly and rapidly which is how blessings comes from God and it will make you to erase those moments of darkness.

What do you think is the reason for the so much divorce between Nollywood stars and their spouses?

The environment and secondly the understanding, you see, People do not know that marriage is the most difficult institution on earth. These actors and actresses are human beings, for example, if I get to my home, stardom dies and I become me. I respect women but they are very difficult, every woman is different from the next woman. You cannot understand a woman and even when you do everything, there is still trouble so you cannot satisfy a human being. Bear it in mind that when they say human being, they are talking about women. It has nothing to do with your possession, it is just about that specie called women but most times, maturity also come to play because when you are mature, there are certain things you will see and ignore but when you are not mature, you take things the way they are. The divorce has nothing to do with stardom because these people are human and are not perfect. All we have to do is to pray to God. Ego is another problem in every relationship especially when you feel that nobody can tell you what to do but when you have it at the back of your mind that you can only hear the worst thing from your close friend, then there will be no problem. Not that you will not react, you will react but to an extent.

So how do you intend to protect your own marriage from crashing?

The most important thing is that at the back of my mind, I know divorce is not an option because we have agreed. Honestly it is not easy, marriage is difficult, it the most difficult thing you can ever venture into and if you are not married, start thinking of that. It is not a bed of roses. If it a boy friend and girl friend relationship, you can walk out but since it is marriage, you are going nowhere. You should have at the back of your mind that as you are leaving your spouse, you are meeting worse people so the best thing is to remain where you are. There are some people that are good but even in that their good nature, you will still encounter problem. Divorce is not the option.

Do you have the plans to quit acting?

No, I will not, instead I will go into directing.

What is your dress sense?

I love looking good and my clothing line will soon be out but I just love looking good.

What really keeps you going in the field?

What keeps me going is that Nigerians have started changing their perception. Because it is change that we need and it is change that we will get. That is what keeps me going.

Your relaxation point

I relax while working. It is unfortunate that I am not giving much time to my family, but thank God they understand, thank God there must be food on the table. I am not an outgoing type, most people think I am outgoing in nature but I am a home person, I do everything that an average man don't like doing, I go to the market and cook when I want to, I buy food stuff because I am trying to become better as a husband.