Veteran actress and musician Onyeka Onwenu, talks about her foray into music and acting, present-day lyrical content and videos, as well as fighting for respect in a chauvinistic industry in an interview with TheCable Lifestyle’s latest edition of The Legend Series.
After spending decades in the industry, what changes and innovations do you appreciate the most — and have had the most impact on your craft?
It has to be the digital advancement and other technical improvements and renovations available in the studio, such as voice corrections. But then one has to be careful with these because the analog system has its merits.
The sound is richer and more authentic to the ear. We get around this by using both systems.
Also, the fact that you do not need to be signed to a record company for your music to be heard is a good thing for up and coming artistes who probably would not have had the opportunity they now have to simply reach their fans through the internet.
How did you get your first break into music, then later, acting?
While still in the United States in 1978 or thereabouts, I happened to speak on the phone with Sunny Okosuns. His first wife Nkechi was the sister of my first cousin’s wife, Ada Dan-Chimah and Sunny had called their house in Chicago where I was spending my summer holidays.
I told him I was interested in having a professional music career. He asked me to send him a demo tape, which I did and which he liked. When I got back to Nigeria in 1980, I contacted him again and he took me to EMI. I was signed on and Sunny Okosuns produced my first album, ‘Endless Life’.
I never planned to go into acting. My immediate elder sister Ijeoma was the Actress in the family and she was very talented, my mother too. However, around 1989, Zik Zulu blackmailed me into acting in the film, ‘Nightmare’.
The story was about a childless woman who found an abandoned baby and raised her. He promised that the proceeds would go to an orphanage. He had faith that I could act. The film was well received and my acting career took off from there.
Your role in the adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ earned you wide praise.
How was that experience?
It was very special on a number of levels; It was Chimamanda herself who insisted that I must play the part and she felt really vindicated after my performance. The producers thanked her for it.
The experience of working with Hollywood greats like Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandi Newton, Annika Rose provided me with a great opportunity to learn a thing or two. To have received the reviews I did, in the midst of them, was something to be proud of. It was God’s grace.
I am also very proud that one of us John Boyega who was later cast in a Star Wars film is now the toast of Hollywood.
I am hoping that opportunities like that will also come for me, from my appearance in Half of A Yellow Sun. It was a pity that for some political reasons, efforts were made to kill the film in Nigeria.
Finally, for the first time in Nigeria, Biafra could be depicted in a film. It gave us the opportunity to discuss our history. This is something that is needed, even if it still makes us uncomfortable, discuss it we must, so that we do not continue to make the same mistakes.
You have managed to keep your personal life vis-a-vis your children from the media glare. How’s that been possible and is that, in your opinion, the way to go?
I am a shy and private person. Because I insist on living a down to earth life, going to the market, doing the school run and going to places with my children when they were younger, I knew that I had to play down the celebrity lifestyle to a minimum.
I am a diva on stage or in any situation that calls for it, otherwise, I am just an ordinary person. That simplifies my life and protects my family from unnecessary scrutiny and unwanted attention. My children are not keen on capitalising on their mother’s name. They are intent on making their own. I respect them for that.
A lot of veterans have issues with present-day lyrical content and shoddy live performances — what’s your take on this?
I grew up in Port Harcourt in the ’50s and early ’60s, before the Nigeria/Biafra war. Those were the days of Rex Lawson, Osita Osadebe Celestine Ukwu, etc. Their songs were philosophical.
But they also had lyrics castigating women and calling them Ashawo, ‘One Pound no balance’ and so on. That made me promise myself that I would sing songs that would uplift women.
My point is that sexy, nonsensical lyrics have always been with us. As each generation matures, they realise that what endures is what edifies. They will switch tactics and write better songs.
I am more worried though about their videos. They are becoming more sexually explicit by the day and the children are watching. In fact, they are being influenced by the lewd dances they see in these videos, and their parents seem unconcerned. Mark my words, sooner than later, these children will begin to enact these sexual moves in real life.
I was at a children’s party recently and I nearly cried at what I was witnessing. Many parents were around and didn’t care.
But when I took over the microphone and began singing my songs, Iyogogo, Ekwe, You and I, Bia Nulu, Alleluya, etc, the dance steps changed. The children enjoyed dancing and synchronised their steps but no lewd movements.
What was it like starting a career in entertainment at a time when there was no technological disruption or internet boom?
It was very interesting. We knew no better, so we took it all in our stride. For example, with the analog system of recording we were using in the early 80s, you had to record with your band, all playing and singing at the same time.
If one person made a noticeable mistake, you had to start all over again. It was quite frustrating at times. Also, there was a noticeable drop in the technical quality of music recorded locally, compared to what was obtainable abroad. Mixing was also challenging.
You had to cut, slice and join tapes, which was not always neat. The engineer also needed to be hands-on and remember the manipulation of the panel, as programmed in his head.
Many Artistes would compensate by starting their recording in Nigeria, but finishing in London. Still, the technical problems persisted.
In 1984, however, when I recorded the album ‘In The Morning Light’, which contained songs like Ekwe, Bia Nulu and Alleluya, I decided to scrap the initial recording I had done in Nigeria because the technical quality was suspect and start all over again, from scratch, in London.
We went partly digital, using the FairLight system. It turned out to be the first album in Nigeria with a digital component. The difference, of course, was remarkable.
The release and promotion of an album after release also were challenging. You had to work with a recording company and physically take your music to the radio and TV stations and of course the print media.
There was no YouTube or iTunes so distribution was laborious and fraught with exposure to piracy.
Did you ever consider taking a hike when the entertainment industry wasn’t as financially profitable as present day?
Yes, I considered leaving the music industry, but not for financial reasons, but for the lack of respect and consideration from the audience, the press, as well as the male practitioners in the industry.
Sometimes, people feel that you are public property just because you are a woman and an entertainer. They feel that they are entitled to talk to you anyhow, touch you, use your services and not pay you.
I had to devise ways to protect myself. My policy is to only mix with people on a professional basis. I am very formal. I do not joke around and I do not socialise. I also collect all my fees before the show.
By the same token, I conduct myself in a professional and self-respecting manner. I leave no room for failure to live up to expectations. In fact, I strive to exceed expectations in my performances.
I must say, however, that this has led to some people labelling me a snub. But I am not. I am indeed shy and very down to earth. I am also confident and self-assured.
What projects are you involved in other than entertainment?
When the music industry took a nose dive in the ’80 and ’90s, when record companies such as Polygram, EMI and Sony left the country, artistes like me picked up the gauntlet and continued to sustain the industry by financing releasing and promoting our music, under individual labels.
Mine was called Ayollo Productions. We owned and rented out a rehearsal studio, musical equipment and the Kabassa Band.
I also set up and Events Center in GRA Ikeja called The Unity Center. As a member of PMAN and PMRS, I contributed my bit to sanitising and regulating the music industry, with regards to issues such as piracy, intellectual property and copyright dues. PMRS metamorphosed into COSON, one of the two collecting society in Nigeria today.
SEE: ‘There is nothing wrong in me copying Olamide’ – SkalesThe post “I’m Not A Snub, I’m Shy And Down To Earth” – Onyeka Onwenu appeared first on Within Nigeria.
A married Nigerian woman, identified only as Faith just shared this with YabaLeftOnlin. She exposed her ex girlfriend, a former lesbian, identified as Belinda, who she helped with the sum of N80,000 to push her business, Belinda has refused to pay her back.
Apparently, after Belinda’s business picked, she’s refused to refund the capital that was sent to her by her former lover, Faith.
Faith demanded for her money back, but then, Belinda refused to pay her back.. Faith even went as far as going through Belinda’s relatives, but all to no avail.. Instead, Belinda denied ever knowing who Faith is, and also denied any relationship with her whatsoever..
So, she chose to expose Belinda on Social Media. Faith also shared with a video of Belinda sucking her privates. But YabaLeft wrote: “it’s too raw we can’t share it here.”
It should also be noted, that Faith gave full permission to attach her pictures with this story.. She also revealed that her husband knew she was and is still a lesbian before he got married to her.
Read below conversation between Faith and Belinda, on how they met and agreed to sex.
It should be noted that YabaleftOnline went through extreme measures to verify the authenticity of Faith’s claim, and to make sure this isn’t a case of an “Ex-Boyfriend trying to blackmail his ex-girlfriend.”.. But it wasn’t so.
A video call was put through to Faith, to confirm she indeed sent this herself!
See pictures below:
Credits:YabaLeftOnline
SEE: “My girlfriend of 7 years got married while I was still dating her”- Man shares storyThe post Married Nigerian woman exposes her lesbian partner she lent N80k to and has refused to pay back…shares dirty chats and video appeared first on Within Nigeria.
Young actress, Omalicha Elom unlike most of her her colleagues is not here for the ring. According to the actress, she is single and flirting.
In her words:
“‘I have never experienced heartbreak. In fact, I don’t even know what it is like, because I have only dated two guys in my life. I was the one that dumped them. I broke their hearts instead.
The last one even threatened to pour acid on me, because he couldn’t deal with the heartbreak. Right now, I’m single and flirting. I need to make lots of money,” she stated.
Concerning quenching sexual urges:
“Whenever I need sexual satisfaction, I would look for an old flame or new crush. It’s not so hard; I’m not a shy person.
I‘ll just walk up to the new guy that I’m crushing on and tell him I like him and want him in my bed. I’ll ask for a fling. We are all adults. After having sex once or twice, that’s it, then we can call it quits and life goes on.”
On making use of sex toys she said;
Her response: “I’m not a fan of sex toys. I often help myself (masturbate), but I can’t do sex toys.”
SEE: Why I lied that I was virgin – Actress Toyo BabyThe post I’m single, I masturbate or walk up to any guy I like, to quench urges – Actress Omalicha Elom appeared first on Within Nigeria.
Top Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo a.k.a RMD ’s daughter just turned 15 and the elated dad who made a decision few months ago to keep his family off social media, took to Instagram to celebrate.
Here’s what he wrote:
“Several months ago I made a decision to keep my family off my social media accounts but today as my little girl turns 15, I am compelled to say something.
I’m not exactly certain why but perhaps it’s because every father nurses some level of uncertainty about their little girl growing up. It doesn’t matter where, Nigeria or the US, the fears are there.
The fears are doubled today because of the exposure to the internet which is fraught with all kinds of dangerous notions, warped narratives and risky things, but you are my girl, who above all knows and fears God. My fears are calmed by the fact that you have been instilled with values that are not of the world but of the word (of God), which is why I know you will grow into a fine woman who will be a light and beacon to and for your generation.
R.M.D. continued:
“I believe God that you’ll continue to grow in wisdom and in grace and that the light of God’s word will always guide you to make the right choices.
Make yourself and everyone that loves you proud baby. Daddy is rooting for you, so go on my sweet cakes and enjoy your day and never forget that daddy loves you silly as always.
Happy Birthday baby.”
SEE: “I love to kiss…kissing is sweet” — Media Personality Denrele EdunThe post ‘I made a decision to keep my family off social media, but my girl just turned 15’ – Actor RMD celebrates daughter appeared first on Within Nigeria.
Oluwatosin Ajibade, aka Mr Eazi
Singer Mr.Eazi has replied a twitter user who shades him for not being different despite dating one of the billionaire’s daughter Femi Otedola.
Twitter user @iamchukkyrap tweeted:
“Not for mreazi. Even if my friend is a dating billionaire’s daughter, it will show on my body.’
Mr Eazi had this reply for him:
“Forget about billionaire daughter! even if i enter forbes list nothing will change! Lmao.”
Here’s their exchange below:
The post “Forget about billionaire daughter, if I enter Forbes nothing go change”- Mr. Eazi replies troll appeared first on Within Nigeria.
Read this story from an Instagram user who was dumped by her man after he got her pregnant with Twins.
According to the lady, he had a bet with his friends to get her pregnant and dump her.
Read below:
I met this guy in 2013, he slid into my DM but I refused him. He was still on till 2015 June, I accepted. Then I just completed my NYSC so I was free. He asked we go together to visit him home at Accra, I did agree and we went there. It was quite nice with him but I noticed he was hot tempered but just believed he will change because I loved him. Then 6 months into the relationship he hit me twice so I gave up and wanted to leave cos I was in Accra for his birthday and it didn’t go well at all.
Just three days to when my flight was booked, I discovered I was pregnant and I told him. He seemed happy and said he is sorry and ready to settle down so three months later the introduction ceremony took place and was agreed by my family to come pay my bride price by last immediately I deliver but along the line when I was 6 months gone he was doing stuffs like I am a pest..I was so frustrated and sad that I had constant high blood pressure. Then he started dating one Ghanaian girl.
A girl I knew and she used to do my pedicure and nails and stuff…I confronted him but he lied about it. Then I knew my life was doomed. I delivered my twin kids July last year and two weeks about my delivery, he sat me down and said he can’t marry me that he is a in a relationship with the Ghana girl and I should just try to forget about him… I told my family, he denied in front of them and instead he said I don’t like his family members, that’s why he told me that.
Three months later he moved me and the kids to Benin where he rented a comfortable apartment for just 3 days. After that his phone started ringing in the morning, and I wake him up. To my surprise he slapped me and started shouting that it was a lie he had a bet on me with his friends in Ghana that I was forming innocent girl and didn’t want to f**k any guy in the area so he never loved me.
I fainted immediately and was rushed to the hospital by the driver. I woke up my whole life was turned upside down. He traveled without even seeing me. Later got a text from him that he sent 200k into my account to use for kids it’s over. When I need anything for the kids he will send. That was how I stayed in the house with the kids till the rent expired and he said he can’t pay anymore and I should get a smaller one, so I did he paid and here I am alone with my kids trying to stay strong.
Lest I forget, he slept with my maid and sister living with me lol. Well, God will give me my own husband some day I know.
SEE: Facebook User Claims This 11 year Old Girl Is The Youngest Mother In NigeriaThe post “He slept with my maid and sister, had a bet with his friends to impregnate and dump me” – Lady cries out appeared first on Within Nigeria.
Actor Charles Inojie just revealed that he proposed to his wife via a phone call.
The comic actor said this in his interview with Saturday Beats. Read excerpts below:
“My wife and I had been friends and lovers for a while before we got married. When I approached my wife that I was in love with her, she told me that I was not serious because she thought that I was joking. I experienced that for a while but with persistence, she accepted to date me.
“There is something about destiny and there are some people that you would meet and you would know that they are meant to be more than friends. Incidentally, the day I proposed to my wife, she was not even in the country. I called her to ask when she would return to Nigeria and she began to query me.
She eventually told me that she would be away for about three months and I began to grumble at that point. She was eager to know what was on my mind because she asked if the issue was very serious. I told her that even though it was quite urgent, I would be patient.
“She ended the call and later that evening, she called back asking me what the problem was because she had been restless all day ever since I made the call. She demanded that I tell her what was on my mind.
After dragging the issue for a few days, I had to open up because I discovered that it was going to lead to an unnecessary quarrel. I had to propose to her on the telephone and immediately I did that, she started crying, then she said yes. That was it. I would have loved it to be more conventional but the circumstances did not allow it. But I am glad it went well.”
The post ‘I proposed to my wife via a phonecall’ – Charles Inojie appeared first on Within Nigeria.
Olori Ajoke, one of the wives of the Alaafin of Oyo turned a year older yesterday and shared some beautiful new photos to celebrate her day.
Olori Ajoke Ola Adeyemi, the youngest wife of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, turned 28 yesterday, 3rd of November.
The post Alaafin of Oyo’s wife Olori Ajoke drops lovely photos to celebrate her birthday appeared first on Within Nigeria.
Following the ongoing news reports that the one-year-old second marriage of Nollywood actor Femi Adebayo is in crisis, his wife has just shared a video with him.
There were reports that she had allegedly unfollowed her husband on Instagram, she has however started following him again and also made a live video to debunk the report.
A quick check reveals that she just started following him some hours ago. Watch the video below:
Actor, Femi Adebayo and wife Tayo, goes on IG live to debunk marriage crisis rumour ….
A post shared by MORE JUICY NEWS B4 D LAST POST (@famousblogng) on Nov 4, 2017 at 2:51am PDT
The post Actor Femi Adebayo’s wife starts following him again, does a live video with him to debunk rumours appeared first on Within Nigeria.
