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Writen By Azuh Amatus

With his screen twin brother, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) already married and expecting a first child with Nneoma, his darling wife, Osita Iheme famously known as Pawpaw is quietly crying and eagerly searching for a wife and soul mate this New Year. And to prove how serious his search for a life partner is, the Nollywood phenomenon has taken his case to God in supplications.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with EE, the Imo State-born entertainer who was raised in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, disclosed that he would like to settle down this year with his missing rib.

“But the challenge is that I do not know whom to marry. I’m not really searching per se, of course, I have many female friends and fans. Some of them intimate, but picking the person I will spend the rest of my life with is what is delaying my settling down. God will help me decide soon, because with Him all things are possible.”

On how soon he is expecting to hear from God on the choice of a life partner, Iheme, who still laments the death of his dear father, refused to give details.

“I know I will be getting married someday, it could even be tomorrow, this month or even next month, but what I cannot tell is the very day or date. I have told you everything is in God’s hands and He alone will help me make the right choice. Mind you, he who finds a wife, finds a good thing…”

Is the lucky lady an actress or a member of the Nollywood family? We asked, taking into cognizance the fact that Aki, his acting twin brother picked a wife from the industry.

“I do not know and would not want to disclose anything about my future wife or even give clues. But I have always told you that I can marry an actress. Of course, there are a couple of them in the picture, but I have somebody I confide in always. I do not know if I’m still searching or not because love has been kind to me. God knows that I need a wife and He will surely provide a good one for me.”

Meanwhile, close pals and associates of the wealthy actor who was decorated with the national honour of MFR, last year by President Goodluck Jonathan, are insinuating that he might spin a surprise by unveiling his sweet heart at his forthcoming birthday, which holds on February 20.

Iheme, the last in a family of five, four boys and a girl, rose to prominence with his wondrous role as Pawpaw in the monster hit movie-Aki na Ukwa, in 2002, courtesy of Amayo Uzo Philips. He is currently studying Computer Science at the University of Lagos.

Story and photos by AYODEJI SODE of Entertainment Express, who was in Port Harcourt.

Celebrities frequently boost their star appeal by adding a touch of class to their birthdays and weddings. Nowadays, it has become a trend for many A-List actors to turn their weddings into occasions of mind-blowing extravaganza and razzmatazz. Consequently, some celebrities have bragging rights to first-of its-kind weddings. Famous examples include the 1996 Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s white wedding on board a mid-flight plane from Lagos to Benin and the recent Stephanie Okereke-Idahosa’s “French fairy tale nuptials” in Paris.

However, when it was the turn of Nollywood comedian, Victor Ifeanyichukwu Osuagwu, rather than engineering another occasion of glitz and glamour, the comedy merchant chose to spice his wedding with an unprecedented comic twist. Instead of riding with his bride in a “Just Wedded” branded vehicle to the venue of the reception, the man famously called “Adam Piccolo,” fresh from the altar, walked down the aisle straight into the back of an open truck. This unscripted high-octane comic relief was the interlude of the wedding which took place on December 8, 2012, in Port Harcourt when the star of Adams Goes To School officially solemnized his union with Roseline Nchelem, his wife of over 12 years and mother of his four children.

The bride and the groom arrived separately in Black G-Class Mercedes and Wine colour Range Rover respectively at St. Paul Anglican Cathedral, located at Diobu Garrison Junction, Aba Road Port Harcourt. The colourful nuptial was attended by fans, friends and family members dressed in Gold and Wine colour clothes. The service started by 9 a.m. and it went like clock-work with the usual knot-tying formalities. The Osuagwu children, two boys and two girls, were part of the bridal train as Little Grooms and Little Brides. In fact, the ring bearer was the couple’s son, while the best man and chief bridesmaid were none other than, Nollywood actor Francis Duru and his wife, Adokiye.

After the exchange of vows, Osuagwu, formerly a member of the Boys Brigade, was honoured by the brigade corps in a display match during which he was awarded a badge of honour, before curtain was drawn on the church service with a 33-category photo session.

By 12 noon, guests left the church and made their way to the venue of the reception at UPE Primary School opposite University of Port Harcourt. As the wedding convoy, led by the brigade band and a Rapid Response Squad police team, traversed the streets of Port Harcourt, they attracted attention and the over 30-minute drive became a massive street procession with the kind of razzmatazz peculiar to popular street carnivals in the Caribbean.

The reception was a series of activities that include cake-cutting, kolanuts presentation, and dance session. Thereafter, the traditional marriage rites followed. The occasion was further pepped up by the appearance of other Nollywood funnymen namely John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, and the duo of Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, famously known as Aki and Pawpaw. The crowd went agog the moment the diminutive pair was spotted. Similarly, Mr Ibu was mobbed by the crowd. Other celebrity that graced the occasion includes former President of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, (AGN) Ejike Asiegbu, “Kade” singer Muma Gee and her husband as well as stand up comedian Julius Agwu, who thrilled the audience with his hit song “Handwork.” The reception was enlivened with music and various cultural displays.

Osuagwu was so inebriated with joy that he danced uncontrollably round the open-air venue. “I am so honoured, seeing a lot of people come to my wedding. I appreciate everybody for coming,” an overwhelmed Osuagwu gave his vote of thanks to all. Unfortunately a downpour forced an early end to the show at about 530 pm.

Most of the out-of-town guest who attended the wedding lodged at the Tokyu Grand Hotel, located at Stadium Road. Following the interruption of the festivity by the rain, a sort of after-party ensued in at the hotel. In the thick of the revelry, another Nollywood ace comedian, Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, made an appearance at about 9 pm. Few days after, Osuagwu’s “wedding in a truck” was the talk of the town in Port Harcourt and its environs.

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Written By OMOTOLA OLAIFA

While controversy has continued to trail President Obama’s endorsement of same-sex marriage, many commentators and political analysts have focused on how it may affect his re-election chances.

As many Nigerians also condemn the first American president to support same-sex marriage, several entertainers are calling on the President to immediately have a rethink on the devilish endorsement , while also advising him to be careful as he could get his hands burnt on the matter.

IYANYA (MUSICIAN)

God who sent Adam and Eve into the world to multiple knew what he was doing. It is totally ungodly to have sex outside the laid down principles of God. God does not ratify sex between same genders. I don’t understand what President Obama is trying to achieve with this move. With the way things are going, he might get his fingers burnt on this one.

OMAWUMI (MUSICIAN)

This is just to tell you that the coming of God is near. These days we see all kinds of things happening in the world. It simply means God is coming anytime soon. So, for anyone who understands these facts, we stick to the word of God and it principles. It’s high time we started asking for forgiveness of sins. I don’t support gay marriage.

SOUND SULTAN (MUSICIAN)

I think same sex marriage or practice is diabolic. President Obama endorsing it is utter rubbish. Aside the fact that the Bible is against it, I also know that it has a negative effects.

SEXY STEEL (MUSICIAN)

In case some of them don’t know, same sex marriage has negative effect on the health of anyone that involves in it. So, anybody who doesn’t care about his or her health should go head and involve in it. It is very unfortunate that President Obama endorsed this. I am so sad for many of them.

DJ SPIN’ ALL (DICS JOCKEY)

I think Obama should get serious on better issues. That is not the problem of the country, this particular thing he endorsed is a thing of no substance to America. They should focus on things that affect the majority of America. And the man should be careful because this single move could mar his second term ambition.

BASKETMOUTH (COMEDIAN)

Sexual intercourse as ordained by God is a sacred gift meant to be enjoyed by a man and a woman. These days Nigerians and the rest of the world talk about homosexuality and now with the new development of President Obama endorsing it is surprising. This is devilish and God is not in support.

AYO MAKUN (COMEDIAN)

The act is purely evil and shouldn’t be encouraged anywhere. So, I am shocked that Obama endorsed it. I still can’t believe it.

GBENRO AJIBADE (ACTOR)

In Nigeria, the law has already targeted gay advocacy groups and also tagged a 14-year-jail term to it which I feel is not too much for such an heinous crime and also that those who abet or aid such unions could receive 10 years, as would any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organizations. But if Americans and the president, Obama, feels that is what they need now, no problem. They should go on, but I feel it is a sad news.

NAOMI IHEMELU (ACTRESS)

Same sex marriage is devilish. Obama is alone on this one. I think I am disappointed in him if he did this on a political level. I am happy this devilish act is stopping finally.

Written by Babajide Awoyinfa

Korede Bello is a young guitarist, singer, song writer and composer who does R & B/Soul/Folk music. This young creative fella, who hails from Lagos State, the entertainment centre of Nigeria, believes that he is the next best thing in the music and entertainment industry in Nigeria.

He has a reasonable pedigree. Nominated as Next Rated Music Artiste at the Peak Awards 2011, he won the Most Promising Young Act at the Toks Entertainment Awards 2011. He also clinched two awards, Indigenous and Revelation of the Year, at the Tush All Youth Awards 2011. This year, he claimed another laurel at the Hype Award 2012 where he emerged the Most Wanted Artist Of The Year.

This rising vedette, who draws inspiration from Asa and Tuface, is putting finishing touches to his album. Bello, currently under the management of Caspertainment and signed to Double Dice Records, had a chat with me recently where he talked about his music and where he is heading.

How did music start for you?

I started singing when I was in my primary school and my first stage performance was in my Primary 2; I was 7 years old then, that was when I discovered that I could sing. I think my singing talent is a special gift from God, I am the only one that is into music professionally in my family but everybody is a huge supporter of good music. My dad used to love Fela, Micheal Jackson, Ebenezer Obey, different contemporary musicians. Listening to different kinds of music inspired me.

How did your music journey start?

It has been a challenging journey for me; it started rough but going smoothly at the moment. The challenge that I had was, being able to convince my mum to allow me to stay late into the night in the studio and for shows. I was about to write WAEC then, it was hard to shuffle exams with music.

Professionally, my music career started two years ago, when I was still in secondary school, I recorded a song for my graduation; then I met a producer and worked on a song titled “I Love Naija” that was my first single, and I performed it on my graduation. It was after then I signed up with Double Dice Records because they believe I was good and since then I have been under the record label.

What concept do you stand for?

I preach love - everything related to love; I preach oneness. No matter how danceable, I always try to put a message in my songs. I do R&B, Soul, Pop and Folk. I am proud to say that I am the only one combining all these genres at the moment. I combine Michael Jackson, Asa, TuFace, Usher and Justin Bieber concepts. I mix these concepts to make my music unique.

Who are the artists that inspire you?

An artist cannot inspire me forever; as time goes on I see different uniqueness in different artists; any good artist can inspire me. But Michael Jackson, Asa, TuFace Usher, Justin Bieber, wizkid inspires me a lot.

Tell us about your new song “Forever”?

The inspiration behind that song is love; I try to put a message in it, and the concept behind the song is that only God lives forever, that is the secret message behind that song. The song had been, one of my favourite melodies. I had that melody for a while now. I try making the song simple such that kids, adults and clubs can relate to. I wrote the song with my guitar, that was where the inspiration came from. And I sang it for a girl I was in love with in school back then. She inspired the love part of it.

How many songs have you released presently?

I have recorded I love ‘‘Naija‘‘, ‘‘Hold Me” and “Forever”. I have so many great songs yet to be released; I am compiling them for my album that will be released soon. I have so many songs, written with my guitar and also recorded in the studio.

What are your album plans?

My album will be release early next year by the grace of God; I just want to concentrate on more singles right now, for people to really know who Korede Bello is and enjoy what I have to offer so that they can value the album because I have great messages and stories to tell.

What attracts you to music?

I think music attracts me to her; music is somebody that has been toasting me for a very long time; right from when I was a baby, music was always in me. Music actually discovered me and I am really thankful to God for that.

In the real sense, my mum and dad, back then played lots of records in the house. We had a turntable, a compact disc player and listening to this ignited and strengthened the love of music in me. Also in school, I did participate in things related to music and I wrote poetry in secondary school. I wrote all my songs which made me popular in school back then. I got inspired through my environment, friends and my country.

Which artist will you compare yourself with?

With all due respect, I don’t compare myself to any artist; I think every artist is great and unique in his own style. If people say I sound like a particular artist, that is good. But I am Korede Bello.

Do you think it is easier to make it Lagos that any other state in Nigeria?

The reason why artists come here is because Lagos is the centre of excellence, music and movie industry are mainly generated from here because of the good name right from the start.

How is the reception online on your song?

They day the “Forever” song dropped, all the Nigerian music site on the internet launched it online. The plan was that I was born on a leap year date, February 29, so they made it really special for me by uploading it in all the music sites in Nigeria. I got lots of good comment on the song, people called me that they heard my song and liked it, even from outside Nigeria. I tweet a lot and have a lot of followers. My twitter handle is @koredebello. For now I haven’t had bad comment about the song and I am sure that people are not teasing me with the good comments they have been writing.

What are your future plans?

My future plans is to take my record label higher, that is Double Dice Entertainment and also uplift the brand Korede Bello to the next level and by the next five years, I see us on top of the music industry in Nigeria. I believe that I am the next to blow, I am confident and assured about that because I serve a living God.

What is a typical day like for you?

When I wake up, I play a couple of songs with my guitar. Later I go to the studio to cook up something productive and in the evening I go for shows with my crew (if we have any on ground) and I

come back home very late most times.

How will you describe music in Nigeria?

I think we are really progressing, and people have started appreciating our music all over the world. The Nigerian songs are getting famous all over the world; people are appreciating our kind of music. Shout out to Wizkid, Dbanj, Tuface and the likes who are bringing out good music in the county.

Who are the artists you intend working with?

I will like to work with TuFace, Wizkid, Asa, Nneka, and some great upcoming artist people don’t know about yet. Right now, I am not revealing any secret now but I am featuring a lot of artist on my album.

I would like to work with producers like Jay Sleek, Lay Low, E Kelly and a lot of nice producers in the country.

How do your fans reach out to you?

If you want to reach out to Korede Bello, my twitter handle is @koredebello, my facebook name is Korede Bello, Koredebello@gmail.com

By Babajide Awoyinfa

Have you ever heard a song and flipped out wanting to know the artist and the title? Hoping that you’ll remember it long enough so you can go home and download it as soon as you can? Well, that’s what it’s like for almost everyone who has heard of O.D Woods’ debut brand new jam, ‘Go Below’. The singer whose real name is Ikon Orduen Andrew was born in Makurdi, lived in Jos and moved down to Lagos in search of fame through music.

With production by Shizzie of Maye Hunta’s Ekaette, Davido’s ‘Dami Duro’ and Wizkid’s ‘I Love My baby’ fame, ‘Go Below’ is already promising to be a major hit. Already, it has won an award as the ‘Best new song of January’ on Beat FM by listeners’ choice. I had a chat with him recently where he talked about his music and where he is heading. Excerpts:

How did you come about the name OD Woods?

My name is Ikon Orduen Andrew, I am from Benue State. The name OD Woods came from my name. Ikon in Benue means Woods in English, OD came from Oduwem and I chose to use OD Woods. A lot of my friends then had problem calling me Oduwem and they started calling me OD, so I added the English translation of my surname which was Woods, and came about OD Woods.

How did the struggle begin?

My struggle started way long in my secondary school in Benue State where I formed a group called Dust Creation. We were then doing music for fun. My first recording was on a crown tape, we performed in schools, and then after graduation, I moved from Makurdi to Jos where I did my university. I studied social work and still continued my music there in Jos. It got to a particular level in Jos that my song was all over the radio, and then I decided to move to Lagos because my musical dream was not something I was going to achieve staying in one place. So I just kept the hustle going on the street, because I believed that the more I move, the more momentum I gain and growing better until I get to the place God has designed for me. So that was why I left Jos to Lagos.

What was is it like coming to Lagos in search of a musical dream?

Moving to Lagos was weird for me at first because people kept asking me who I was and what was I up to? Which was awkward to me. I was prepared for it though. First of all I let the music dream lay low and I put my film-making career first. I was making movies and working. I got a job at Sound City as a programme producer. I started a movie company with my friends called “Film Boys Inc”, we graduated from film school together then in Jos, I was working with Sound City and doing project Film Boys Inc. with my friends. I just needed time to understand Lagos system. After working for a year in Lagos as a programme producer, I met a lot of people. I also went for shows; it gave me a better understanding of people I could meet in case I dropped a song and people I needed to connect with. I met a lot of people working for Sound City though. In 2011, my friends Maye Hunter and my manager Bayo now felt that it was high time I dropped a song because we have taken time to understand the system. So I called up for Shizzie, Shizzie produced Maye Hunters ‘Ekaette’ song, he produced ‘Dami Duro’ for Davido, he also produced ‘I love my baby’ for Wizkid. Maye Hunter advised me to call Shizzie. Shizzie came to my house, I sampled a couple of songs for him, and he picked ‘Go below’. He said it sounded catchy and groovy. That was how we came out with ‘Go below’. We produced it, sampled it and pushed it for a lot of people through the internet. People heard the song and we got good comment on it. January this year, the song was aired all over radio stations in Lagos and the song also won an award as the ‘best new song of January’ on Beat Fm by viewer choice. The programme on Beat Fm is called Fresh beats; they play couple of new songs where people get to hear and vote for their best song. And my ‘Go Below' song won the best song for the month of January. I didn’t even know that they were voting on radio, I was just called that my song had just won the best newcomer song of the month of January. I was happy to know that people have started liking this song. It gave me the confidence to keep going. I shot ‘Go Below’ video with my home boys from film school. ‘Go below’ is like the major thing that a lot of people know me for now, which is my first international single.

What is the concept behind the song ‘Go Below’?

I have a very funny way of getting my inspirations and writing my songs. I wrote the song in the bathroom. I do think and sing in the bathroom a lot. I just thought of a song that I will sing and the fans will be responding to what I say. I was humming the song at first and I imagined the harmony and melody, then I put up the words. I listened to that Lagbaja song long time ago ‘go below, go, go below’ and I felt it worked for my song.

Who are the artists that influenced you?

Artists influence me without me even knowing. When I was young, I listened to certain kinds of songs. I grew up listening to the likes of Lucky Dube, Peter Tosh and Eric Donaldson, I also loved Jarule back then. Some people who heard my song ‘Go Below’ said I was doing Jamaican-reggae style. I just don’t know how the Jamaican style reflected in my song, but I later realised that my subconscious just had connections with songs I had been listening to while I was growing up. I have been influenced by a lot of people.

What is your style of music?

My style of music is afro hip-hop, R n B, with dance hall infused in it. I wish there was a style they call cocktail style, which allows you to mix every genre. I put every good thing I listen to my song.

What makes you unique?

I am OD WOODS and there can never be another me. I try my best not to sound like anybody that I know, even though I might end up sounding like them subconsciously. My uniqueness is that God has blessed me with a talent and I use it in my own way. I do my things my own way.

Any album plans yet?

After my ‘Go below’ song, I want to drop another single and by the time I drop the third one, plans to release my album will be ready. But definitely before the year runs out the album making should be in process by then. I have written almost all my songs at the moment, recording some and as people like them, I am sure that God will direct me in the way He wants me to follow concerning my album.

Do you think it is easier to make it Lagos that any other state in Nigeria?

It is actually harder to blow in Lagos than in any other place. It is not easy in Lagos, but if you make it in Lagos you’ve made it in Nigeria. Lagos is like the New York of America. Lagos is the central that distributes entertainment all over states in the country. When you get that popularity in Lagos then you are successful. It is actually hard to make it Lagos. Jos is a smaller town compared to Lagos; entertainment business is not like major.

What has been the reaction to your ‘Go below’ song?

I have been getting a lot of good and also dumb comments. A lot of people at first did not believe me when I said I wanted to start singing, because when I came to Lagos, I started as a filmmaker. When I dropped the song ‘Go Below’, people did not believe it was me that sang that song. Funny enough, a lot of them loved my song. I got a lot of comment on twitter, Blackberry, facebook, but when people say they love my song, I feel the need to work harder. I have a lot of fan base now especially on twitter and facebook because people like my song and comment on it.

Which artist will you like to work with?

I will like to work with Jesse Jags, M.I., Tuface, Shank, Maye Hunter. A lot of people. But one thing about me is that when I have a song, I already know who I am going to need to work with.

Who will you like to like produce your song?

I have worked with Shizzie, he produced ‘Go Below,’ Jesse Jags is also someone I will like to work with. I like to work with a producer that I will be able to relate with and reason together with. I feel comfortable and glad to work with Shizzie.

Finally, who is OD Woods?

OD Woods is a new artist to reckon with, I have been chilling for a long time and I guess it is time to take my rightful position in the entertainment industry in Nigeria, Africa and the world.

Follow me on twitter @odwoods on twitter and odwoods on facebook

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New Year wish: God, please I need a wife -Osita Iheme (Pawpaw)

Comic Actor Victor Osuagwu marries in style .Couple rides in a truck to the reception

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Ex-Infinity member, K'ore weds lover in UK

Same sex marriage endorsement: Entertainers condemn obama

Next 2 Blow: Introducing Korede Bello

‘It’s my time to take on Nigeria,’ Says New Kid OD Woods