G.Y.E PRESENTS AGAMA LABEL.

AGAMA LABEL is not just a Clothing line,Apparel or Brand Name created to provide people with comfort and the best quality style clothing when worn,it is also an Experience.Their products reflect Class, Prestige, Self Confidence,Growth,Positive Change,Success and Self Advancement in all aspects of life.We at GidiNoize were priviledged to have an interview with Alexander OG who is one of the owners of AGAMA LABEL.

GidiNoize Interviews Alexander OG For AGAMA LABEL

1. WHO ARE THE OWNERS OF AGAMA LABEL?

Uzo and Emeka Menakaya are the founders of Agama Label, with distinguished partner Alexander Ogbechie, and executives, James Adigun and Tobenna Menakaya.

2.CAN YOU GIVE US A BRIEF BACKGROUND ON THOSE THAT RUN AGAMA LABEL (EDUCATIONAL, FAMILY)?

All Nigerians. Alexander Ogbechie and James Adigun live in the UK, Emeka Menakaya and Uzo Menakaya live in the States. Tobenna Menakaya lives in Nigeria.

3. HOW DID YOU GUYS COME TOGETHER?

Myself, Uzo and Emeka Menkaya went to the same primary school in Nigeria and we lived in the same neighbourhood. We are family friends, and have known each other for over 18 yrs now. That’s a strong team.

4. WHEN WAS AGAMA LABEL FOUNDED?

Agama Label was founded in 2006.

5. WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME AGAMA AND THE LOGO?

The name Agama comes from the Agama Lizard which is found predominantly in the Western parts of Africa. It is a very prideful but confident lizard mostly due to its beautiful colors and its ability to change them. Occasionally it walks around in the sun and nods its head as a sign of self-confidence/self-approval. We took that and created a brand that conveys that through our products. Our Shield Logo which is our face and primary brand Logo. It displays the name- Agama on the top part of the Logo, beneath that is the AL symbol which stands for Agama Label, and the Ivy leaves which symbolize prestige.

6. WHEN DID YOU GUYS REALIZE FASHION DESIGNING WAS YOUR CALLING?

2006, we all have a passion for fashion. Uzo and Emeka came up with the idea and concept, it was brilliant. I myself have an eye for fashion, once I heard about it that was it..I was hooked.

7. WHERE DOES THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR SHIRTS COME FROM?

Everyone in the Fashion industry is an inspiration to us..Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Russell Simmons, Versace, Gucci amongst many, but what Agama Label stands for is Self-confidence, Self-advancement, Success, Growth and Positive change in all aspects in life. Take a look at our one of our polo designs, with the Chinese symbol on the sleeve. That symbol means “5”. Hence, the 5 things we stand for. All our designs have a meaning.

8. IS THERE A POSSIBILITY THAT AGAMA LABEL WILL BE GOING INTO OTHER TYPES OF CLOTHING’S OTHER THAN POLOS?

Most definitely, we plan to branch out into other products other than Polos. It only makes sense to do so. Ideas, designs and plans are in effect to branch out into other products such as Jeans, Tees, Sweaters, Hoodies, Dress Shirts, and Accessories etc. We want to master this department (Polos) first, and then branch out into other products. We have to make sure we do this right. Feel me?

9. WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR DESIGNS HAVE BEEN SHOWCASED IN VARIOUS FASHION SHOWS CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THEM?

We have been in a few local Fashion shows here in London, and a couple in the U.S-Dallas such as, the Ethnic Fashion Week, The Nu Creations Fashion Show.

There is a huge Fashion show coming up in Paris (sponsored by L’Oreal) this October, and AGAMA LABEL is going to be featured. Another prominent show (The Pin show) taking place in Dallas in February 2010 is also in the pipelines.

10. WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST MOMENT FOR AGAMA LABEL?

Hmmmmm, I can’t say we have already had “the” greatest moment, its always humbling when somebody tells us how much they love our products, or when someone says “Hey I saw someone wearing your shirt at this part of the world”.. It’s always a good feeling. Nah, it’s always a great feeling. In saying that, we know there are still great moments ahead.

11. WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR AGAMA LABEL?

To become a worldwide recognized Brand name in Fashion, philanthropy and other related industries or fields. We are trying to build a household brand name. One step at a time.

12. OUTSIDE THE FASHION SCENE, CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT THOSE WHO RUN AGAMA LABEL?

Can’t say much really, only that we are young individuals who are focused and believe in what we are working on, and are aiming for the skies.

13. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF FASHION DESIGNERS IN THE NIGERIA NOW, WHAT CAN YOU BRING TO THE TABLE THAT OTHERS HAVEN’T?

What we stand for and believe in, what our products reflect and represent. We provide value with our products and we are appealing to the global market.

14. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NIGERIAN FASHION INDUSTRY IS LACKING AND CAN YOU FILL THE VOID?

Quite frankly…the support and resources designers need. There is a lot of incredible talent in Nigeria and not just Fashion, I’m talking Music (Obviously), Film directing, Entertainment etc. We need to support each other in every industry we are in. We have to, at least to be able to compete with the rest of the world.

15. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER UPCOMING FASHION DESIGNERS?

Believe in your product and be consistent. No matter how hard it gets, be innovative and consistent. “Hustle like Russell”. That’s a line I try to share with people. Get it?

16. ANY LAST WORDS FOR YOUR FANS?

To our Fans, Thank you so much. We love and appreciate everyone out there who has supported Agama Label, trust me it gets difficult, but we do this for you guys, for all of us. We have to put Nigeria on the map in a much more positive way.

Alexander OG
AGAMA LABEL

To purchase products  visit

http://www.agamalabel.com

G.Y.E PRESENTS GREG ENAHORO(BARZ)-”I REALIZED MUSIC WAS MY CALLING AT THE AGE OF 4”

He realised music was his calling at the tender age of 4.Greg Enahoro is not just an artiste but so a producer and song writer.He has freestyled face to face with the likes of M.I, Naeto C, Ikechukwu, 2shotz & Ice prince.We at GidiNoize were privileged to interview this multi-talented chap.

GIDINOIZE INTERVIEWS GREG ENAHORO(BARZ)

1. WE AT GIDINOIZE COULDN’T HELP BUT NOTICE UR NAME. HOW DID IT COME ABOUT?

Wow!! To be honest. I seriously can’t remember .lol

2.WHO IS ‘BARZ’?

My real name is Gregory Enahoro, I’m a producer, rapper and songwriter that likes doing it BIG.

3. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND (EDUCATIONAL, FAMILY)?

Umm, was born in England and moved back to Nigeria at the age of 5 so mainly been in Nigeria my whole life. I’m the only son in a family of five and I must say its very nice mehn…lol. High school or Secondary School was King’s College… Yes yes yes! I went to KC and I’m PROUD…lol… but at the moment I’m studying Business and Management at Aston University.

3. WHEN DID YOU REALIZE MUSIC WAS YOUR CALLING?

I realized music was my calling I think at the age of 4 when I used to mime songs and at the age of 9 I started writing my own version of ’em songs and would do it with my cousin . Thought I picked it up seriously at age 13 and that is writing my own songs but I listened to 1 recently and I could not stop laughing. Lol… but now I’m on a serious p.!

4. WHAT GENRE ARE YOU INTO AND WHY?

I’m into Hip-Hop, Rap and R&B because I enjoy listening to songs from ‘em (genres)

5. HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR STUDIES & MUSICAL CAREER together?

Basically, I do not see it as a big deal. Like I know when its time for music and time for school and I do not joke with school. So to me, its education first and then music, unless the music is real important then I can RECONSIDER…lol

6. BEING A YOUNG ARTISTE COMES WITH A LOT OF CRITICISM AND DISAPPROVAL ESPECIALLY FROM PARENTS ,HOW DO YOU COPE WITH THAT?

True that! But my parents know I’m into music but they think I joke with it and all but my mom is actually feeling RECONSIDER and I’m happy about that.

7. WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOU HAVE COLLABORATED WITH A COUPLE OF OTHER ARTISTES CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT THAT?

Yes I have! It’s been wonderful working with other talents like OL-stAr, Sonia Irabor, Tosyn, Lanray, etc. I enjoy working with people because I love hearing other people on my record and it also helps in your music career by letting you know where your problem is and how you can become better and all.

8. WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST MOMENT OF YOUR MUSICAL CAREER?

Umm, would have to say when I had a chance to freestyle with M.I, Naeto C, Ikechukwu, 2shotz & Ice prince. I must say it was a wonderful feeling mehnn..:D. Also when I got a studio session with Dr Frabz. : D

9. OUTSIDE THE MUSIC SCENE WHO IS GREG ENAHORO?

Greg Enahoro is a cool dude who likes meeting people whether your short, tall, black, white, any color…lol, fine, not that ugly…lol…anybody basically and ye enjoys his life.

10. ARE YOU SINGLE? LOL

Hahaha 😉

11. APART FROM MUSIC DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST?

Umm I don’t know but my close friends say if I should drop music I should become a Comedian. *confused*…lol…I dont know why but maybe because I’m a little funny or they want me to embarrass myself.

12. DO YOU INTEND GOING INTO MUSIC FULL TIME?

Why not? If I get a big record deal I would surely sign, sharp sharp…loll

13. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS?

Wow! God willing, a Hip Hop mogul or a self made billionaire and I mean more than Warren Buffett 🙂 and again God willing (AMEN).

14. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF ARTISTES IN THE NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY, WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT?

Umm..! I think for the fact that I talk real stuff in my music. Like most people talk about love and stuff like ”ur the sugar in my tea, I love you till death.”, blah blah blah’…lol. But Reconsider talks about the opposite which most people don’t do.

15. GROWING UP, WHO WERE YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCES?

Jay-Z., he’s my number one influence, by the way y’all should go get Blueprint 3 if you havn’t., its crazy…umm.., Kanye West, Mase, Biggie Smalls, Lil Wayne, Trybesmen.,they were hot in Gidi at their time and i was a great fan, ye.! A lot more but these are like the major ones I can remember atm.

16. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY IS LACKING AND CAN FILL THE VOID?

I seriously don’t think the Nigerian Industry is lacking anything big. On reals, Nigerian musicians are talented and make great music for everyone. Like I was in a club yesterday and they were playing Nigerian songs and white people were feeling it even though they don’t understand what they saying but the music still makes ‘em move and that’s a very great thing

17. DO YOU WRITE YOUR OWN SONGS?

Yezzir!

18. I FIND ‘RECONSIDER’ AND ‘OUTTA MY MIND’ REALLY INTERESTING CUZ THEY PORTRAY 2 DIFFERENT TYPES OF GUYS, WHICH OF THEM ARE YOU OR ARE YOU BOTH? LOL

Lol… Reconsider, that’s mine and Outta My Mind that’s my cousin OL-stAr but I co-produced the track but for your question, I’m kind of like both guys ;-).

19. WHATS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR SONGS?

The inspiration is what goes on around me at that moment either in the world or what’s going on in my life.

20. IS THERE AN ALBUM OR MIX TAPE IN THE WORKS AND WHEN CAN WE EXPECT IT TO DROP?

Yup ‘O Gbono’…and it’s gonna be crazy, I’ve got a lot of incredible featured people and it should be out late December or early January but will surely keep y’all posted on that one.

21. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER UPCOMING ARTISTES?

Meehhnn… Do your thing and don’t listen to haters because haters gonna hate and you should not let ‘em make you weak but it should make you strong… u diigg?!

22. ANY LAST WORDS FOR YOUR FANS?

Thanks for y’all support, I really appreciate it. Its cos of y’all I keep making music so thank y’all and God bless.

To listen to his music visit

http://www.myspace.com/ogabarz

GENEVIEVE’S FIRST INTERVIEW SINCE HER FEATURE ON THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW.

GENEVIEVE NNAJI

After her feature on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Genevieve Nnaji granted an exclusive interview to…wait for it!! wait for it!! —>Encomium columnist,Stella Dimoko-Korkus(sorry to have raised your hopes high,it wasnt GidiNoize 🙂 ) lol, but still we deemed it fit to share it with you.

THE INTERVIEW

Q-Hello Genny

A-Stella how now?

Q-How are you?

A-Good. You?

Q-Fine. You must know why I am calling you?

A-Surprise me (Laughs)

Q-Did you know you were profiled on Oprah.

A-Yes .

Q-How did that come about?

A-It’s a long story my dear

Q-I have enough credit

A-(Laughs) Well, I was away on holiday and got a call from Iconola that Oprahs people wanted to speak with me. I thought it was a joke but I told her to go ahead and give them my number in the UK. Then my P.A also called to tell me, the blogger, Bella Naija had also called about the same issue and that she had given her my email and number. Then I got interested and started paying attention to my inbox which I hardly do. (Laughs).

Q-Then what happened?

A-Well the mail came soon after, but before I could respond I got a call from the Supervising producer of the Oprah show and an interview was carried out immediately over the phone. She explained to me first of all that they were doing a show on the most famous talents around the world and in their research I was the famous talent for Africa. I can’t tell you how shocked I was.

Q-So, what were the steps, give us details?

A-I am not good with details (laughs) but basically, I had about 3 telephone interviews with them. I gave them one or two numbers in Nigeria that they could deal with to send them all the stuff they need for the segment and that was it really.

Q-Was there any chance of you physically going on the show?

A-I don’t know. They asked me if I had a valid visa and I said yes but straight off the bat they said they were not sure when it was going to air and logistics might be a problem so they would let me know. It was cool with me because I was holidaying different parts of Europe with non-refundable reservations (laughs) so I was hoping they would not want me to come over immediately because the exchange rate of the Euro these days is not for children. Then I had a charity show in Nigeria on my return so, it actually was fine by me either way.

Q-Would you have loved to go on the show and sit on Oprah’s famous couch?

A-Sure. Why not, who wouldn’t?!(Laughs) But I didn’t and I have no issues with that whatsoever. I feel humbled that the big O and her people sought out little me in my little Nollywood box to do a profile on me on the most popular talk show in America. The fact that I was discussed at all is a great honour as far as I am concerned and can only be a good thing for me and I represent Nollywood. So, it’s good all around. Maybe one day. You never know.

Q-What did you think about Oprah’s comment that the average Nigerian earns 400 dollars a year?

A-Well, unfortunately she was wrong. That works out at about 60k a year. The average Nigerian doesn’t earn that. Who is the average Nigerian? Civil servants. They do not earn 60k a year. Maybe they got their exchange rate wrong. I don’t know but that’s inaccurate I’m afraid.

Q-She also said you earn the 6,500 dollars a movie.

A-Also a result of maybe the wrong exchange rate (laughs) I humbly submit that the figure is also inaccurate.

Q-So what do you earn?

A-Stella, you know the regions of how much I earn. You and your paper have speculated on it several times and even when your speculations were not so accurate, it was not 6,500 dollars. The reality is, the average AMERICAN does not earn in a month what Oprah earns or even what I earn or even what most actresses in Nigeria earn every 2 weeks. We shoot movies in 2 weeks so these earnings should be viewed like that.

Q-Did you call them to make these corrections?

A-I haven’t watched the show to be fair but I did see a little clip on Youtube where they showed some market women selling, not the beautiful part of Lagos. Western media never do really. This has been going on for years. Besides, those women are part of what makes Nigeria Nigeria. It’s part of our culture. So, if the western world prefers that as the picture of Nigeria, that is a problem for the ministry of foreign affairs. I think Nollywood has done a lot to show that there are other parts of Nigeria that are beautiful and I am interested in Nollywood because no one in Government is interested in us even though they should be as we are clearly the most popular export out of this country right now and should be funded adequately enough so as to represent the Country better but enough of that. I am tired of saying the same thing year in year out.

Q-Do you think this will open doors in Hollywood for you?

A-(Laughs) I don’t know. I did not look at it as an avenue to break into Hollywood. I didn’t go looking for it , so it wasn’t premeditated. My view on Hollywood remains the same. I am an actress. I can work anywhere. I am passionate about a good story, particularly character driven stories. If your story is good and the character appeals, I will play the role. Although it would be nice to work with acclaimed Hollywood directors and actors, I have always maintained that when they are ready for a young African woman to take part in a project that they will come looking for us.

Q-Finally, what is your overriding feeling on this?

A-Humility, Joy, Different feelings. Pride. I am just grateful to Oprah and her crew. I am honoured and humbled. It’s a great privilege and I am sure I will replay a million times over, Oprah saying Genevieve Nnaji . I am also proud of myself because I believe I have sacrificed a lot and worked hard and so, to be identified alongside all those other leading lights in their respective continents on a show as globally recognised as the Oprah Winfrey show I see as a little reward from God and the good will of my loyal fans. To be identified for work that I have done in my own little Nigerian box is truly gratifying to me.

 

GidiNoize

We Always Deliver

LIGHT UP NIGERIA ON CNN

Just last week Errol Barnett who is is an anchor and correspondent for CNN International joined Nigeria in this fight to LightUpNigeria, on twitter he put up messages saying Nigerians should send him reasons why the country needed to be lit up,different people did this including our very own GidiNoize CEO,Bunmi Adeyinka(I_Am_Bunmi).

A couple of days ago,Errol Barnett read 3 this tweets out on CNN’s Business Today Show,2 of which were that our CEO.This goes to show that our cries havent been in vein,Join the movement people, Keep tweeting and help make a change so our Kids dont have to join us in this Fight!

Watch the CNN clip below-

LEILA FOWLER GETS RECOGNITION FROM NEW YORK TIMES.

NEW YORK TIMES

For those who do not know, Leila Fowler is a boutique in Nigeria owned by Funke Fowler.Funke Fowler is the  Grand daughter of Chief Mrs Leila Fowler who is the Owner of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls. The boutique is named after Chief Mrs Leila Fowler.

Funke Fowler once said that her dream for ‘Leila Fowler’  was for it to be synonymous with Lagos as Saks Fifth Avenue is to New York and Neiman Marcus is to Texas.

Today ‘Leila Fowler’ can proudly boast of this dream coming true as Leila Fowler was  recognised in the October 1st edition of New York Times.

This is an extract from the original article:-

‘The continent’s wealth, though disproportionately concentrated, already is being spent on luxury goods by affluent Africans who shop in cities like London, Paris, Johannesburg and Dubai. Several luxury retailers and stores in London, for example, already count Nigerians among their top five spenders, trailing only Chinese, Russians, Americans and Arab tourists from the Gulf. And in Lagos, new boutiques like Temple Muse and Leila Fowler are catering to the elite locally by stocking both international and African designer labels.’

To read  the full article visit

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/02/fashion/02iht-rafrica.html?_r=1

‘THE FIGURINE’—>TAKING NIGERIAN MOVIES TO A WHOLE ‘NOTHER LEVEL.

THE FIGURINE

If you happen to belong to the School of Thoughts that believe that Nigerian movies are WACK then this new movie,THE FIGURINE produced by Nigerian actor/director Kunle Afolayan will change your perspective of Nigerian movies.

The casts include popular movie stars like Ramsey Nouah, Omoni Oboli, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Tosin Sido, Chief Muraina Oyelami and Kunle Afolayan

This is not your typical naija movie,the movie is being premiered around Nigeria and in other parts of the world too.The producer, Kunle Afolayan says he is aiming to bring an Oscar home(Gidi) with this feature.

THE TRAILER

visit the website for more info

http://figurinemovie.com/figurine.html

JAY-Z AND WILL SMITH SPONSOR THE $11 MILLION DOLLAR BROADWAY PRODUCTION OF ‘FELA’.

FELA ANIKULAPOKUTI

Honestly The African Legend, FELA ANIKULAPO-KUTI needs no Introduction but for those who dont know him(Everybody does) heres a brief Introduction.

Throughout Fela’s life,he fought for the rights of the common man, despite harassment, violence, and imprisonment at the hands of the Nigerian government. He fought the powerful people in position with his powerful music. Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s music looked to the past, present, and future.The founder of Afrobeat music, Fela, through words and sound, inspired musicians and visual artists in Nigeria and well beyond its borders. Although he died in 1997, his music and legacy lives on.

As of today, Baba 70 (as he is commonly called in Gidi) has gone from West Africa to West Broadway. The Broadway production of “Fela” which is a musical about the African Legend will feature in the Eugene O’Neill Theater with the first preview scheduled for Oct. 19 2009 and an opening night on Nov. 23 2009. The musical, about the African Legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones.

Now where Jay-Z and Will Smith Come In

Jay- Z and Will Smith are exhibiting their passion for the arts with generous sponsorship for the production of this  $11 million(Yh u heard it right) Broadway musical.
Though there have been mumblings that Jay-Z and Will Smith may step in as producers, we at GidiNoize cant confirm that as there has only been confirmation of the financial support from the two stars.

The 2010 Future Awards Campaign Is Launched–>Do you know any young Nigerians between the ages of 18 to 31 who are making Nigeria proud?

The future Awards which has been alive for the past 5 years is back again.The Future Awards is aimed to promote youth development in the Nigerian Society.The 2010 Edition of the Future Awards has been forecasted to be the best ever.The 2010 campaign was launched in Lagos a couple of days back. The iRePresent Naija campaign for 2010 was also unveiled , it features past winners like Funke Akindele, Mosumola Umoru and Cobhams Asuquo.

Nominations for the 2010 awards are now open!
If you know any young Nigerians between the ages of 18 to 31 who are making Nigeria proud/Doing great things Nominate them! The categories are as follows:

• Actor of the Year
• Best Use of Advocacy
• Best Use of Science
• Best Use of Technology
• Business-Owner of the Year
• Comedian of the Year
• Creative Artist of the Year
• Excellence in Public Service
• Journalist of the Year
• Professional of the Year
• Magazine of the Year
• Model of the Year
• Musician of the Year
• Music Producer of the Year
• On-Air Personality of the Year (TV)
• On-Air Personality of the Year (Radio)
• Screen Producer of the Year
• Sportsperson of the Year
• Team of the Year
• Young Person of the Year

The criteria is simple, really. The Future Awards wants young people who have talent, who have worked hard, and have achieved a good measure of success – in the past five years. Do NOT be afraid to nominate anyone you think deserves to be nominated just because he or she is not popular – in fact those are the kinds of achievers they are looking for.

Click HERE to nominate

Feel free to nominate GidiNoize too 🙂 lol

G.Y.E PRESENTS LIZ YEMOJA-”NIGERIA’S OPRAH WINFREY”

LIZ YEMOJA

She hosts a show titled the ‘Liz yemoja Show’ which features artists from all genres of the entertainment industry. The style of the show is intimate, informal, relaxed, but informative.She discusses various topics with the artist, giving fans information on their background, work, personality, and other projects they would like to promote to the public,she has interviewed almost all the big names in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry, the likes of Eldee, M.I, Wande coal,Dr SID….To mention a few.We at GidiNoize were privileged to have an interview with the Interviewer herself,Liz Yemoja.

GidiNoize Interviews Liz Yemoja

1. WHO IS LIZ YEMOJA?
Liz Yemoja is my alter-ego….Lol…Do your research and find out the name my mother and father christened me. Like Beyonce has ‘Sasha Fierce’ I am ‘Liz Yemoja’.

2. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND (EDUCATIONAL, FAMILY)?
I was born in Surulere, Lagos – Nigeria but came to the UK at the age of nine. I have a little brother called David, he is 15 years old. I went to an all girls (horse-riding) boarding school called Hanford in Dorset from the ages of 9 till 12… And then later attended a secondary boarding Sherborne School for girls in Dorset from the ages of 12 till 18. I then went on to Study Classical Civilisation and Literature at the University of Birmingham. I graduated in 2005.

3. WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR TALENT?
At secondary school, I was in my school’s public speaking team, so I have always had a passion for presenting.

4. ARE YOU INTO ENTERTAINMENT FULL TIME?
I worked as a very successful Recruitment consultant for three and half years in Birmingham after I graduated and in London also. I recruited software engineers into various industries. I decided to focus on entertainment fulltime this year (2009).

5.WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOU HAVE INTERVIEWED A COUPLE OF BIG NAMES IN THE INDUSTRY ON YOUR SHOW, CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT THAT?
Once I stopped working in recruitment, I took up work as a promoter for Cokobar.com, a successful weekly Saturday night run by Ropo Akin and Jide Onabowale. Cokobar.com put together three amazing shows this summer; firstly Basket mouth Comedy show in June, Wande Coal Album Launch in July and D’banj’s Kokoconcert at the indigo2 in August. I worked as the events project manager for these three shows and this gave me the opportunity to interview some artists, and it’s pretty much taken off from there…. Since the shows, I’ve been able to add, M.I, Eddie Kadi, Kojo Comedian, Eldee The Don, Dj Zeez into the portfolio.

6. HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH THE QUESTIONS YOU ASK THOSE YOU INTERVIEW?
I tend to ask the public what questions they would like answered, I ask on my facebook and twitter if anyone has questions. I do a little bit of research on the artist before every interview, obviously I can’t go in without any knowledge whatsoever on the artist. I appreciate every feedback from all my fans and those who watch the show, but I recently read a comment after one of my interviews with Eldee, which said ‘For God’s sake Liz do some research’….I laughed when I read this…because what people fail to realise is sometimes the opportunity for an interview comes very randomly…I can get a call at 2pm telling me, an artist is available at 4pm for an interview so it leaves me with very little time to research, get myself ready and transport myself to the interview location. And unfortunately I do not yet have the capabilities of the BBC where a researcher can send me details to my Blackberry! Lol, sometimes I do call my friends to email latest gist/info though, and I read up on the artist during the journey there.

7.WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST MOMENT OF YOUR ENTERTAINMENT CAREER?
I don’t think I’ve been doing it long enough to answer this, you know…ask me again in a year’s time! Lol…It’s pretty hard work getting all these interviews done…but I’m so grateful to God for the experience, so I guess every moment has been one I’m thankful for.

8. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE LIZ YEMOJA SHOWS?
I’d like to see The Liz Yemoja Show get on TV, a weekly show, that’s what I’m currently working towards….So anyone who is a ‘Somebody’ reading this and is interested in sponsoring the show, please feel free to get in touch….As we all know we’re in a recession right about now in the Uk, so I accept, Euro’s, Dollar’s and Naira! Eventually though maybe The Liz Yemoja show will become a talk show style programme…however, I’m focusing on establishing the show right now. It’s a very exciting time for me.

9. OUTSIDE THE ENTERTAINMENT SCENE WHO IS LIZ YEMOJA?
Confident, assertive, very Bubbly, I do love myself a bit, but I would like to think I’m not annoying with it…lol, I used to be called ‘Loud’ but these days with age I’ve calmed down. I’m definitely not cool, calm or collected…I’m spontaneous, and quite adventurous….I’ll try anything once though 🙂

10.GROWING UP, WHO WERE YOUR INFLUENCES?
Oprah Winfrey, Liz Benson (Naija Actress – lol), Beyonce (during her Destiny’s Child days, I think I was their biggest fan, I knew all the lyrics to Writings on the Wall)

12.ARE YOU SINGLE/IS THERE ANY SPECIAL MAN/WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE?
I am in a very happy relationship with a wonderful, amazing, talented man who completes me.

13. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST EMBARRASING MOMENT ON THE SHOW?
Probably, when I was interviewing M.I and at the end of the interview after I did the, ‘Thank you for watching The Liz Yemoja Show….blah blah blah’ the cameras were still rolling, we were in his sitting room at the hotel suite and he started interviewing me! He was like…now your turn, what’s your real name…and he rambled off all these questions…It wasn’t so much embarrassing but I guess I was caught unaware…and there were lots of people in the room; other interviewers waiting their turn, M.I’s management and entourage…I just giggled like a kid nervously….

14. WHICH OTHER TV SHOWS & ANCHORS DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?
Oprah, Tyra – The women on these shows inspire me….Oprah especially, she is a successful entrepreneur, She encourages a Goal-Oriented Focus: ‘You become what you believe’, says Oprah. Last year, before I started the show, I remember this note going round on facebook, ’25 things about me’ – I wrote on there that I would love to be Nigeria’s equivalent of Oprah Winfrey one day……and of course I still have a long way to go…but I feel you have to start from somewhere….and baby steps lead to giant steps….Oprah’s unwavering belief in her abilities is what drove her to focus all of her life’s energy on reaching her objectives, and I admire and wish to emulate that.

15. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF NIGERIAN TV SHOWS WHAT GIVES YOUR SHOW THE UPPER HAND?
The style of the show is intimate, informal, relaxed, but informative. But mainly the difference between my show and others is that I’m based in the UK and I’m interviewing Nigerian based artists, but I’m not limited to that. All the Nigerian artists featured so far have come all the way from Nigeria for the interviews; and when I go to Lagos I will be interviewing the artists as a Uk based presenter for my UK fans and also those all over the world. The show is entirely self-funded, hence the need for sponsorship and for it to get on Television, but I think because I’m funding it all, it makes me more passionate. I also believe it’s the personal touch that sets The Liz Yemoja Show apart. I’m not at an awards ceremony doing these interviews, I’m not in a studio room with studio audience, and I often do these interviews at various locations around London but always in a relaxed atmosphere.

16. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IS LACKING AND CAN FILL THE VOID?
If anything I don’t think people are working with each other enough in the entertainment industry….it’s a dog eat dog out here and it seems everyman has his or her sole interest at heart. People in the industry are sometimes too selfish and I don’t see enough ‘Team work’. Although the saying goes, if you want something done properly do it yourself…I firmly believe in the phrase ‘Two heads are better than one’ and I just think (without sounding too corny) people just need to show each other more Love. People often think once I’ve made it, that’s me sorted….what’s my own with other people, I’m gone and they don’t tend to look back and bring other people forward with them. I believe thats a Naija trait. Other Nationalities tend to encourage each other more, and acknowledge eachother’s successes, I just think we Nigerians need to be more positive to eachother.

17. ARE THERE ANY NEW INNOVATIONS THAT ARE EITHER JUST GONNA BE INTRODUCED TO THE LIZ YEMOJA SHOW OR THAT WERE JUST RECENTLY INTRODUCED? (CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT THEM)?
Well we’ve got the main show itself which features artists, we’ve got the ‘ABOUT TO BLOW’ section, and I’ve also got a ‘JOURNEY TO SUCCESS’ section where I will feature successful entrepreneur’s. I have not yet featured someone on this section, seems there are too many to choose from! Giggles* But I’d like to kick this section off with a bang in the near future!

18. WHAT ARTISTES SHOULD WE BE EXPECTIONG IN THE FUTURE ON YOUR SHOW?
I’m off to Lagos in the next few weeks so it’s exciting times for The Liz Yemoja Show…keep tuned! I’ve got the likes of Sauce-Kid, Olu Maintain, Banky W, Deebee Collabo, Rita from Kokomansion, Shona, Rekena, and possibly Shina Peters, who I think is a living legend…so lots more to come!

19. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER UPCOMING SHOW ANCHORS LIKE YOUR SELF?

Although I went to boarding school, my dad used to come to England during the holidays, we lived in Hampstead then and used to go to Victory, a massive church on Finchley road. Although I was eleven, this sermon still sticks in my memory till today…The pastor said ‘If the Dream is big enough; the Facts don’t count’….That’s been my personal motto since then, also Reverend Run from runs house once said…’If you take short cuts; you get cut short’…so it’s all about perseverance…hard work pays, so keep going at it!

20. ANY LAST WORDS FOR YOUR FANS?
Thanks so much for your support, without you there wouldn’t be me ….Remember: The cameras may STOP…but the Artists will keep rolling in……*About to Blow and *The Already Exploded *Journey to Success – It’s all about LIZ YEMOJA SHOW. Thanks Guys

The Liz Yemoja Show
http://www.youtube.com/user/thelizyemojashow

RITA DOMINIC LANDS $1,000,000 DEAL WITH NOKIA.

RITA DOMINIC

While Genevieve Nnaji celebrates her feature on Oprah Winfrey,Gidi born actress,Rita dominic who was recently given the sum of Fifty Million Naira(50,000,000)  to be one of GLO’s ambassadors hit jackpot once again.

Rita Dominic closed a deal of $1,000,000(notice its DOLLARS not NAIRA) with Nokia to be  ‘Africas Face of Nokia’.The contract with Nokia  is for 6 months and it is to promote Nokia’s new product, the N97,

We at GidiNoize shall start acting too,so we can get a Million dollar deal..lol

Congratulations Rita Dominic!!!