I Will Not be Caught Nude in a Music Video -2008 Star Quest Winner’ Aj

 

 

Aj – 2008 Star Quest Winner and Unical Graduate

Aj, as she is fondly called is indeed the next music art the world should look out for soon because of how her gift of singing holds a true charm on her. After clinching the most sought for Star Quest 2008 prize and also landing as top ten finalist in the Nigerian Idol… the sultry diva has since held sway. Aj , in this exclusive interview with our reporter, bares her journey so far ; talks about her kick back hit single musical video debut ‘could this be’; her prospects; and reveals her forlorn crotch for popular American singer Beyoncé Knowles; as well as her view about sex before marriage.

Excerpts:

About AJ

My name is Ajomuke Nwaeze but I’m popularly called AJ. I’m from Rivers State and I am a born singer. Am a graduate from the University of Calabar, where I studied Genetics and Biotechnology.

Motivation to be musician

Growing up, I just saw myself that I love music; I love singing, singing in the bathroom, singing in front of my family and it’s something that when I am not so in a good mood I sing, I get better. I feel better singing and it’s just like oh my God this is what I love to do in my free time and this is what gives me happiness. And so far it’s been putting food on my table. So it’s a good thing that I do what I want to do to have fun and I still make money from it.

How much music pays-off for Aj

Music pays-off. If you are good at what you do people come for you and you will sell definitely. My highest point so far has been when I won Star Quest in 2008 and you know it doesn’t come like that, it comes with cash. We had a car and then an accommodation in Lagos for a year, all other goodies. We were also signed to the biggest label in the country, we were signed to Kennis Music, and that was like a highest point. And also I have been to different tours: Star Quest, Star Mega Jamz- I have performed on same stage with big artists like Buster Rhymes, Ludacris and all that. It’s really been fun; and of course those are not for free. So it pays off.

Why she took a break from music

After I won Star Quest in 2008 people were expecting that I will just come up with songs, albums and all of that. I would have done that but I had to go to school and being a student here in Calabar and having my career run in Lagos and I also had to do a lot of travelling. So I decided to keep music low and concentrate on school. Being a musician, you really do not have to go to school, but I wanted to be a schooled musician. Because when you are educated it affects, positively, the way you write. And I want to make good music that’s why I went on the low. But now that I’m done with school-I just graduated newly- I’m telling my fans that I’m back for real and for good.

‘Could this be’ video premiere as welcome back

Actually, this is my second single. I did ‘Kini’ before now and it’s been on air, on Tv and on radio stations. So this is my second.

Journey so far in the entertainment industry

Winning Star Quest and being a top 10 finalist to Nigerian Idol; put together has been awesome. I’ve just done my second premiere. My first music video, I did a premiere for it, which also made debut here in Calabar and so far the brand name is graduating and its moving forward; and it can only get better.

Calabar as an obsession

No am not obsessed with Calabar, I came to Calabar to school and now that am done with Calabar am leaving to where it happens and you know where that is, the once capital of Nigeria (Lagos).

Why Lagos sells better

I would say if you want to buy crayfish you know where to get it. If you want to buy a car you don’t go to the market where they buy crayfish to get a car. For what I do Lagos is the best place for a music art. Like it or not, Port Harcourt does well, Calabar does well, Abuja does well but the main thing is in Lagos. I have decided to premiere twice in Calabar because I’ve been in Calabar these periods and am doing the second as a kind of send-off, saying goodbye to Calabar and my friends in Calabar.

The future of AJ

You need glasses to look at my future, do you have one there (jokingly)…What you say represents the glasses.

AJ’s prospective musicians she would want to work with

I will always say Asa is my number one; followed by Femi Kuti; and then I could work with very good musician’ which 2Face is one of them, I love him and I adore him. I could work with good female musicians; I have mentioned Asa earlier on; Omawunmi and Waje. Waje is pretty good, she is commercial, but then her value still remains, I love and adore her, she is good. I will love to work with these persons, but that is when the brand name has already been made.

AJ’s role model(s)

First of all, I look at every good musician and I take bit and bit from everyone; but then I adore Asa, I have said it before. I love Adora and I love 2Face.

Beyoncé, once AJ’s role model, why the change of heart on her

I was not only in love with Beyoncé; I used to be crazy about her. But maybe it was just a crotch because it didn’t last. I grew up and I just realized that am not so crazy about her like I used to be back then when I was in secondary school. Maybe I grew and knew things better. That implies that you see a person from the outside and you love the person and then when you get to know the person from the inside, you know better. Although then I still have some love for her; if you noticed (during her ‘could this be’ premiere), I did her song, so I still love her.

About AJ’s ‘could this be’ singles

‘Could this be’ is a love song about the heart and love. If you’ve listened to the song it talks about someone who is in love and maltreated in love. So she is wonders if ‘could this be’ love? You tell me you love me and then turn back to hit me. That’s what the song is all about. And then the video depicts the song, it talks about domestic abuse.

AJ’s growing up

Growing up was fun. I grew up in a family of 10 and I was the seventh child. It was fun; I had a lot of people around me. Though, I grew up in a crowded home, I still grew up like an individual who was born alone because I had all the privileges that an only child will have. I was my dad and mum’s favorite and I was like the center of attraction in the house and so I got all the attention despite the fact that i had lots of siblings it was really fun growing up in a house of 10.

AJ’s thoughts of being able to hold her own among the current singers in the industry

As far as you could produce a note; you could sing; and then you have a good producer to bring you up and then you have the right connect. Well, it’s all about the connection; if you have the right connection to put your songs and videos on top chats, you are there. It’s not a big thing breaking into the industry, when you do the things right; and when you have the right connect, which I think I got.

AJ’s values

First of all, I love honesty. In my doings I love to be honest and I love to be plain in everything that I do. And also I love stability, you know sometimes an artist wants to sell so the artist needs to sometimes switch and then forget the values, those they so much belief in. I love simplicity. You know when things get so complex, you know how it is. What I cannot do for music, I cannot go nude in a music video. Like you just saw the video (Could this be), I was well covered if you noticed. I will not be caught nude in a music video.

Is Aj into any relationship at present?

When you say relationship, like we have a relationship right (she coy off and giggles)…

Aj’s view about sex before marriage

In the world we are today, it seeming very random and its seeming like its normal but the truth is sex without marriage is not legal and it’s not supposed to be practiced. The Bible teaches us not to do that. But the world is getting so corrupt that even a child of 12 is even having. And then sometimes people get to say if you want to get married to someone, you have to know the person intimately before you get married to the person and know what you’re into, but I would say it’s false. I wouldn’t say I’m practicing it or I’m not practicing it. It is not right. We have to come up with things that are right, even though we cannot change it ultimately, we have to maintain consciousness that sex before marriage is not right and should not be practiced. For people that have started practicing it, you could stop and encourage those who have not started practicing it not to go into it.

Any man in Aj’s life?

Yeah I do, of course I should, and that ends it. As hot as I am if I don’t have it … I should and I do. I wouldn’t be telling who he is right now and may be you could get to see things for yourself later. My mouth cannot say; it’s only your eyes that can confirm it. Seeing is believing! ‘I cannot categorically tell you right now that his name is this when oga at the top says his name is something else.’ For how near, I will say am a full blown adult it’s all in God’s hands so I wouldn’t say. But when the time is right and when he puts a ring, I say ‘I do’ and that would be it.

How she deals with pushy advances from admirers

Even a normal female who is not a musician has admirers, it’s a normal thing. We are used to it right from when we were growing up so it’s something easy to handle. If you like the person and you are single, you could say yes. If you’re not available you could say no. I don’t believe in double dating. It has to be one person. Right now since am in a relationship and am interested, I just tell you straight up.

 

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Princess Ekanem makes debut

The much awaited film, “Princess Ekanem” has finally hit debut leaving audience with much to expect pending when the movie is bound for full release.

Princess Ekanem is produced by Mary Ekpe and directed by Ubong Nya.

 The film, which made its mouth watery premiere recently at the African Club, Calabar and commended for its interesting plot and picture quality, stars Frank Artus and Mary Ekpe.

Other faces featured in the movie include Eric Anderson, Emma Etukudo, Agnes Williams, William Effa, Lucy Inyang among other upcoming faces.

According to the producer the film tells the story of a great fish man, Etekamba (Frank Artus) who pays deaf ear to the oracle from the dreaded goddess, Princess Ekanem (Mary Ekpe) of Nkambo river, placing a band on fish farming in the river. What would have been a breathtaking suicide mission for Etekamba will turn him face to face locked up in romance with the highly feared river goddess shoving behind all pushy advances from the crème of the damsels of Nkambo.

Highlight of the premiere featured jokes by Last Prophet, music performance by Patrick Real and dance performance.

 

also read story on crossriverwatch.com

Made Iyanya What he is Today – Diana Mary

Diana Mary

Contrary to media reports that afro beat crooner, Iyanya Mbuk’s pathway to stardom was initially streamlined by former KC Presh group of singers, a television and radio goddess, Diana Mary has hit the center stage with claims that she made the push up that registered the international music star to the limelight.

The plump and effervescent Cross River Broadcasting Corporation chat show diva made the claim as part of her encouragement to upcoming artists during her MC opening at the 2008 Star Quest winner, AJ’s ‘could this be’ musical video premiere held recently in Calabar.

Narrating her initial encounter with the Kukere spinner, Diana Mary said Inyanya had been a minstrel boy who was always visiting her neighborhood to trill her and her family with his enchantment of scintillating songs he composed by himself.

Motivated by his rich dexterity she had always sort for ways to assist him foster his career but felt disappointed she had little to render then until when one day she had an opening to source for a karaoke manager.

According to her, she ceased opportunity for the highly talented Iyanya and since then, the boy never left any stone unturned in his career pathway.

And then when one day she had the opportunity to seat amongst the elevated angles of judges at the 2008 MTN Project Fame, her mind flashed back to her demigod, Iyanya and then she decided to pick a form for him and encouraged him to go for it.

As fate could have it he was the golden egg of the show and this became the final straw that broke the camel’s back and shot him to stardom.

As her final remark, Diana Mary said “when I see Inyanya perform today and people in dire appreciation of him, I still see him as that small boy who used to sing back then in my neighborhood.”

 

also read story at crossriverwatch.com

Skoto skimming hard after Arnold Schwarzenegger

Nigerian Films Actor, now turned politician, Skoto is basking hard with his aspiration to represent, Yahe Ward, Yala Local Government Council of Cross River State come September later this year.

The actor whose real name is Sunday Owoche had taken on sabbatical from the industry to borrow a leaf from American Arnold Schwarzenegger to dare politics as councillorship aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

Skoto who is about the same height with Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, was until he nursed intentions to contest as councilor the vice chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Cross River Chapter.

As it appears Skoto is already making head way following as six aspirants contending for the same position unanimously, during the party’s primaries early this year, held swear giving consent to him to contest unopposed for the position.

On their part actors in the industry are already seen updating his campaign posters on their social networks including their Facebook and BIS service and there are also indications that they may storm any organized campaign to fan support for their colleague.

When asked why he chooses to go into politics the movie icon remarked that his intends make impacts on humanity beyond the big screen.

If Skoto succeeds in the race this will put him as the first in Nigeria about his height to be allowed to hold political office and this will be great achievement for the country’s much claimed equality affirmation.  

Notable among the films Skoto has played roles in Nigerian films include Cross and Tinapa, When Tomorrow comes, 72 Hours, Calabar Girls, A Dance with Shan George, Vein Source, Unen Iban, Ekerete among others.

 

adapted from crossriverwatch.com

ACTORS MEETING IN END IN DISARRAY FOLLOWING PRESIDENTS ELECTORAL GUIDELINE

Thursday of last month’s Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, meeting in Cross River State ended in a deadlock following disagreements of members on the president, Ibinabo Fiberesima’s electoral framework for the chapter come September later this year, our reports has gathered.

The framework as presented to the house by the chapter chairman, Eric Anderson, who claimed he was acting on instructions by the national president of the guild, indicates that all activities concerning dissolution of the current executive, institution of electoral committee, conduct of election and swearing in of prospective executive members are to take place the same month against the usual three months practice in the guilds successive norm.

The announcement of this framework, our reporter gathered, did not augur well with members who are already being suspicious of sharp practices geared towards reinstating the current chairman Eric Anderson, who is said to have already began cementing this arrangements with ‘madam at the top’ by his recent frequent visits to beef up his relationship with her to enable him have his way through come September this year.

Members who developed tantrums against the electoral framework read include Ekpe Deme, Iya Orok among others.

Iya Orok was said to have requested that the constitution which has been held secret by the current administration to be produced to give clarity to things but chairman, who may have sensed some bad notes was said to have vetoed that request down.

 Mr. Anderson also used the opportunity to declared intentions to rerun as chairman of the chapter, which according to the guilds electoral norm may be unlawful to declare before dissolution and this could disqualify him.

 The current administration was in November last year fingered for huge financial misappropriation, which led to the Chairman’s suspension last year; and since then a cogent financial report is yet to be presented to members.

Since the crisis in November the chapter has witnessed a dropdown in membership from the 400 the chairman claimed publicly during Spirit of Jezebel movie premiere at Channel View to between 20 and 30 members attending meetings, despite that this does not constitute a quorum meetings are still conducted.

Last meeting was said to be attended by 20 members.

adapted from crossriverwatch.com

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FACE OF OBUDU CULTURE

Producers Guild Boss, Calls On Cross Riverians To Key Into FG N300Billion For Film Industry

The chairman, Association of Movie  Producers, AMP, Cross River chapter, Agnes Offiong has charged movie practitioners in the State to take advantage of the Federal Government N300Billion initiative  to better their profession and improve their livelihood.

The chairman who is popularly known in the industry as Agnes Williams gave the charge in an interview with our correspondent in Calabar recently.

Confirming the news of the FG’s commencement of the release of N300Billion it pledged the Nigerian Film Industry last year to be true Agnes said she had been formally informed about the development through a circular by national executive body of the guild

 She advised Cross Riverians to position themselves in a way they can benefit from the scheme.

For those interested in participating in the scheme the chairman said the basic criterion was for the applicant to identify with a guild in the industry after which they are expected to source for admission in any recognize institution offering training in cinematography and tender prove of this admission to the guild to recommend them to access the scheme.

In her words “the process has commenced already since July and is purposed to run through December

“We wouldn’t know what will happen after December, but for now members have been urged to source for admission in short term programmes relating movie making

“For participants to access this opportunity they must identify with a guild and must show prove of the admission they got from a recognized institution

“As part of our effort to encourage our people to access this opportunity the chapter has set a committee on course to assist interested applicants source for admission in stipulated institutions as recommended by the scheme”

The chairman lauded the FG for the initiative stating that was geared towards the right direction to strengthen the nation’s economy while providing empowerment to Nigeria teaming citizenry.

Agnes also used the medium to call on the Cross River State government to borrow a leaf from its Akwa Ibom State counterpart and give assistance to the industry.  

culled from crossriverwatch.com

producers hit calabar street to search for lead role Mary

Hyper Creative Studio, HCS, the leisure company involved in the production of the movie titled ‘Mary is Mine’ has taken to the streets of Calabar in a desperate man hunt for its lead role character ‘Mary’.

The Producer of the movie and Creative Director of HCS, Idorenyin Ekpa said they have failed to get any actress to play the lead role ‘Mary’ despite successive auditions the company conducted and has therefore resorted to take to the streets to meet the movie goal.

He said although he was amazed at the huge turn out and performance by artist last week at the just concluded auditions held at Yum Yem, Calabar, to decide its characters for the movie his company is still working hard to get its desired character specification for Mary.

The character specification, he said includes a girl that has beautiful shapes as a model with a high taste of humor mixed with ego.

Idorenyin Ekpa disclosed that shooting for the movie is scheduled to commence after the company concludes its routine holiday camp this August.

The company’s holiday camp this time is scheduled to hold in two Cross River Tourist locations, the Cross River National Park and Kwa Falls at Akamkpa local government area this month.

The company’s casting director, Kayode Peter, also disclosed that the cast list was to be made ready immediately after the character ‘Mary’ is found.

‘Mary is Mine’ will mark the first time HCS will be taking a break from its usual routine holiday camp organization to produce a film.

Mary is Mine is a highly comic story evolving around two mechanics claiming possession of Mary.

 

culled from crossriverwatch.com

 

Olu Jacobs, John Dumelo, Mike Ezuruonye, Others Storm Calabar for Movie Shoot

Veteran actor Olu Jacobs alongside other Nollywood superstars are expected to storm Calabar to partake in the shooting of the movie titled ‘The Seer’ expected to commence by September this year.

CRWatch entertainment gathered that actors in the lineup include Ghanaian star John Dumelo, Mike Ezuruonye, Chacha Ike alongside other promising faces in the industry based in Cross River.

Veteran producer, Chiko Ejiro is also expected to play supervisory role in the movie production.

The Producer of the film, Anderson Bassey Edim, popularly known in the industry as Prince Anderson, disclosed this during The Seer audition that held recently in Calabar the Cross River State capital, in preparation for the movie shoot slated to begin later this year.

The Seer is an epic movie that tells the story of a young man often looked down on for his ability to project into tomorrow and to recall yesterday.

It is not known yet if Ghanaian John Dumelo is to play the lead role.

 

culled from crossriverwatch.com

FG Redeems N300Billion Pledge To The Film Industry

The Federal Government has commenced allowing access to the N300 billion it pledged the Nigerian Film Industry.

This was made known following a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Paul Nwabuiko in Abuja recently after lunching the initiative’s website at 12noon Monday last week.

The website that practitioners in the movie industry are to register to access the fund is www.projectactnollywood.com.ng

Mr Nwabuiko was quoted by nollywoodgistme.com as stating that the fund is to serve the industry in two components.

The first component the Special Adviser said will involve N150million, which shall be dedicated to training and skills acquisition in the area of scriptwriting, directing, production and production design, special effects lighting, sound, HD techniques, acting, cinematography, makeup and editing.

While the second component is to involve giving grants to existing Nigerian owned private institutions offering training courses, programmes and technical certificate in movie making.

Meanwhile applicant institutions soliciting for these funds, Mr. Nwabuiko added, are expected to provide evidence of registration before 1^st of January this year and that they must show they are competent enough to train according to global best practices before the grant can be granted them.

This is the first time the Federal Government will be giving succor to the Nigerian Film Industry acknowledged to be one of the largest in the world.