Nse Ikpe on Friendship, Finding a Man and Hobbies

Nse Etim Ikpe is a nollywood actress and has been nominated and won some awards that prove how good she is. She features in a lot of the new nollywood movies and in a recent interview, she talked about what she thinks about friends and friendship, her adventures in finding a man, and some of her hobbies. Enjoy...

What makes someone earn your friendship?

Honestly, you know friendship is two ways but I always say for you to be able to be my friend and I your friend, I must be able to make excuses for you. It means I will not judge you ever. No matter what you do, I will see why you did it from your stand point. Even if it’s wrong, I will understand why you did it because you had told me. I will trust you for it. For instance, I might not see you all the time but we are very close. Some people will take offence; our friendship will cease to be. I have friends I don’t see, the day we see, we continue where we stopped.

They do not judge. They do not feel bad. As my friend, if you feel I’ve done wrong, do not judge, call me to ask me and I will explain why I did it. That’s what I owe you and that’s what you owe me. Friendship is not about getting up and shouting, ha na my paddy then tomorrow I go away. I don’t like to have surface friendships. I like to have friends and if they are my friends I will keep the circle small. That’s fine! But I can have acquaintances. I have people I talk to. I can laugh with anybody. At the same time I don’t have to laugh because not every day is okay for laughter.

As regards marriage, do you have reservations about certain tribes?

No, I don’t. I just think a good man is a good man.

There was a time you said it’s difficult to get a good man; do you still have that notion?

Is it not hard? I’ve checked it; all the good ones are taken. All the ones that have light shining on them are not the ones I’m looking for. I’m just waiting for the one that God will pop up and I will just say, hey! I’m right here. I think a relationship starts with having a friend. It starts with friendship, you get to know someone eventually something can happen or will not happen. You cannot force anything. You cannot say because society says it, then I must be married. What dirty respect? What if the man doesn’t even respect me? I want the society to respect me. Which one is more important at this point in time?

We know a lot of them are taken, but is that to say you haven’t seen any good one?

So I should go and collect somebody’s boyfriend now?

Exactly what are you looking for in a man?

You know when I find that thing I will tell you. I’ve said all sorts in different interviews but I think over the years I just streamlined it, I want a man who I can feel safe with. It’s not about money. But a man that you know has your back. That’s enough.

What about the biological clock…?

My biological clock is not ticking anymore. I stopped it from ticking and when I want it I will tell it to start (laughs). I’m in control of this thing men.

On those days when you are stressed out, what calms you?

Cooking calms me a lot. When I can’t sleep at night, I cook. I read a lot. I think that no knowledge is ever lost and reading brings a wealth of knowledge. If you constantly go there you can never lack. One thing I pray for is that our generation, the one after me actually, I’m hoping, will tell our kids to read.

My parents did that. They helped me to do that. I remember someone saying that I speak well. Them no dash me. I read a lot. I see a word I don’t know, I mark it down. I say to myself what does it mean. What’s its origin? Is it Greek? Is it French? Those are the questions I ask myself. So when you know these things when you are pronouncing it, it’s as if your father is a professor. Sometimes, I hang out with my friends. It’s therapeutic when I talk to my friends and let go of my fears. I also like to be alone a lot of the time, which is funny. I can just lie on the bed and just stay there.

When Hurricane Sandy Made Land Fall

The phone calls started yesterday, as friends and family called to be sure it wasn't our Washington that was in the way of Hurricane Sandy. We assured them that was DC and we're all this way over on the other side of the country. I was even flippant, saying it couldn't be worse than maybe some rain and flooding. It was jarring to listen to the evening news after a busy day and hear of death tolls and destruction.

I just want to use this opportunity to wish everyone well who lives on the path of the super storm. Please remain safe. There might be no electricity, but there are fire hazards, and other dangers, especially drowning in the flood waters. Ready.gov has these tips among others on how to stay safe during a hurricane.

Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
Avoid elevators.

For those who live in the area and want to offer hands-on help, you can visit the Red Cross website to see where you can do so. If, like me, you are very far from the areas of the East Coast affected by Sandy, there are still many ways you can help. The Red Cross has suggestions on how people can help in raising money.

10 Hot New Nollywood Actresses

The exclusive world of some of the hot and new faces in the industry who are strategically taking over. These fresh faces are not only young but also talented.

With their daring and uncanny roles in reigning movies, they are gradually and stylishly occupying the front rows in Nollywood flicks. Check them out below

Beverly Naya
In 2010 when Beverly carted home the award of ‘Most Promising Talent’ at the Best of Nollywood Awards, movie buffs began to see her as one who has come to stay. As if proving her admires right, she further emerged as ‘Fast Rising Actress’ at the City People’s Awards 2011, after which her career has remained on a steady rise.

With this feat, the UK returnee young actress who embraced Nollywood in 2008 with her first amazing role in a hit movie entitled Home In Exile, is no doubt among the latest sensastions in the industry. Other movies where she has displayed her acting prowess include, The Stripped, Weekend Getaway, Up Creek Without A Paddle, Alan Poza, Make Me a Heart’ and numerous others.

The only child of her parents who lived most of her life in London relocated to Nigeria about three years ago, to pursue her passion for acting. Beverly who studied Film Making and Script Writing at Rodhampton University in London was once rumoured to be in a sizzling romance with Desmond Elliot. Months later, she was alleged to have switched over to Uti Nwachukwu, a romance close observers believe is still ongoing.

Chelsea Eze
She proved herself to the world as an actress to reckon with in her first movie entitled, Silent Scandals. Surprisingly, her amazing performance earned her an AMAA (Africa Movie Academy Awards) nomination in the same year, 2009. Expectedly, she went on to win the award the following year as the ‘Most Promising Actress’, AMAA 2010. She also won ‘Best Upcoming Actress’, ZAFAA Awards 2010. In the same year, she bagged the ‘Revelation of the Year’, from the Best of Nollywood Awards.

With an aura of self-confidence and maturity around her, Eze who easily strikes one as someone ready to take on the world was born in Kano, grew up in Kano, and had her Primary and Secondary Education in Kano. Among other hit movies to her credit, the English Language graduate of University Maiduguri featured in Two Brides and a Baby, Twist, Timeless Passions, Hood Rush and others.

Collette Orji
Many believe that her pretty face and well-shaped backside are reasons producers lurk around her with movie roles. But whatever the reason, the Anambra state-born fast rising actress is indeed hot and gradually carving a niche for herself in the industry. She has dazzled in many flicks including, Raindrop, Two Can Play That Game, Amaka Mustapha, Strength of a Woman, Blue Blood, among others.

Annabel Zwyndila
With her daring and very challenging lead role in a hit flick entitled Samantha, her impressively scintillating roles interpretation immediately stood her out in the league of fast rising actresses in Nollywood.

Having starred in so many movies including Common Ground, Twisted Union, Beauty, Painful Sin, Motive for Murder, among others, the Adamawa state-born actress is currently the toast of many producers, as she is currently shuttling different states and countries with filmmakers, who see her as the next biggest thing in Nollywood. Despite her recent giant strides, the sexy and humble actress who came fifth in the third edition of AMBO is not resting on her oars. “I still have a long way to go. My eyes has always been on the top because I dream big. I believe I have the potentials to storm Hollywood and act with the best in the industry”, she declares.

Amazingly, the Master’s Degree holder in Human Resources Management from the London Metropolitan University, has been nominated as ‘Best Upcoming Actress’ in the forthcoming ZAFAA Awards billed to hold in London soon, at the prestigious Hilton Park Lane Hotel, London.

Ivie Okujaye

“I am not going to fade soon; I am going to be around for a very long time. Anybody waiting for me to fade soon is wasting his or her time waiting”. That was the recent outburst from the Economics graduate of the University of Abuja and AMBO season four winner.
The Delta State-born starlet who is playfully referred to as ‘Little Genevieve’ due to their striking resemblance proved her mettle with her first role in Alero’s Symphony, alongside popular R&B star Faze, which won her AMAA 2012 Award for Best Promising Actress.

Angel Ufuoma
Since her arrival barely a year ago in the highly competitive Nollywood, the sexy starlet from Delta State, is also becoming the darling of leading filmmakers. The pretty and cerebral Cambridge trained lawyer, has featured in a number of blockbusters including the already wave making and yet to be released movie-Dr. Bello. With a knack for flawless roles interpretations, the soft-spoken Ufuoma will indeed go far.

Naomi Ihemelu
Anambra State-born Ihemelu is also a shining star among her peers as made apparent in her roles in quite a number of movies and soaps including, Desire, When You Are Mine, Confidential Romance, Faithful Betrayal, Kolomental, Clinic Matters, among others.

The History and international Relations graduate of Lagos State University, whose career started in 2007, has continuously upped her game and is currently dazzling home video viewers in both movies and soap operas, especially Clinic Matters, which is currently the delight of many lovers of soap operas.

Pamela Peters

Since she stepped into showbiz, the Otukpo, Benue State-born Pamela has continued to dazzle in both English and indigenous hit flicks which have earned her a lot of award nominations. Pamela who also produced Ozuofia in Brazil combines acting alongside production, as she is gradually gaining relevance in the make-believe-world.

Chika Agatha

Busty and beautiful Agatha is unarguably one of the hottest starlets tantalising Nollywood with abundant skills and endowments. Apart from her sexy eyes and endearing physique, the star actress of Dream Walker, Transformer, Akpati, among others belongs to the school of thought that says: “If you have it, flaunt it!” Most importantly, she doesn’t pretend that she got boobs and sexy eyes to flaunt.

For this beauty and sex appealing nature, the Anambra State-born Management Science graduate of University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, has always been a fantasy to most men. Besides, she has a smile that can awaken a dormant horse and soften the hardest heart.

With this hard-to-disguise beauty, sound education, marvelous roles interpretation ability and her obvious humble nature, many believe she will soon become the hottest item on screen, as she is gradually riding on the back of respected Nollywood producer- Ifeanyi Ezekwe-to fame.

Chinee Uyanna

Barely a year in Nollywood, the Anambra State-born Chinee is also becoming the toast of many producers and directors because of the way she interprets roles, especially wacky ones. She says: “I’m very daring when it comes to interpreting movie roles. I go out of my way to assume that role and execute it to the best of my ability”.

The pretty gap tooth graduate of Economics from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has displayed her acting prowess in the following movies, College Girls, Shakara Babe, Baby Factory, Azonto Babe, Sweet Mistake, Fight for Passion, Great Betrayal, among others.

Wumi Obanla

At a close encounter with the multi-talented Wumi, what comes to the mind of a movie-buff is that she is pretty, sexy and daring. With a model-like physique, outspokenness and uncanny knack for roles interpretation, Wumi who hails from Ondo State and studied Economics from the Lagos State University, is indeed a star to watch out for as she is currently dazzling Nollywood. “I have a passion for acting, and I believe I have a lot to offer the industry”, the fair-skinned, soft-spoken and fast rising actress who is currently producing her debut movie-Iyagbajumo-stated. Wumi is also a model that has done several high profile jobs for many multinational organizations.

Why I Invited Aki, Paw Paw To Meet Flood Victims – Delta State Governor

DELTA State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, said Monday, that he invited popular Nollywood actors, Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, popularly known as Aki and Paw Paw, to visit flood victims in the state as motivational speakers to alleviate the pains of the internally displaced persons.

Aki and Paw Paw were first noticed by some persons at the inauguration of the 12-man committee on the management of Federal Government fund released to the state over the flood disaster and the Post-Flooding Rehabilitation of Victims, headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Francis Tabai, at Government House, Asaba, by Governor Uduaghan.

They were conspicuous in their attire and size and that attracted the crowd, which went hysterical.

Governor Uduaghan, who painted a sorrowful picture of the pains the internally displaced persons, IDPs, were going through, having been sacked from their homes by flood, said everybody who knew how to ease pains should help to ease the pains of the victims.

The governor said he decided to invite Aki and Paw Paw after he visited the Institute of Continuing Education, ICE, flood victims’ camp at about 11.00 pm on a certain day and discovered that the IDPs, who were watching a Nollywood movie, were so engrossed that they barely gave him attention when he walked in.

Uduaghan said: “As I walked in, half of the population were watching television; you know we provided a giant television for them.

“I tried to attract their attention. Some looked at me and greeted me, but they turned to continue watching the television. When I looked at the television, I saw it was Aki, Paw Paw and Ibu that they were watching.

“You see, because they were watching Aki, Paw Paw and Ibu, they forgot their pains. For them, these Nollywood actors were helping them to ease their pains. That was why I invited them to go to the different camps as motivational speakers because the victims require a lot of motivation, while they are preparing to go back home.”

The governor observed that some of the victims, indeed, required psychological support, adding that he was optimistic that Aki and Paw Paw would provide it for them.

“That is why they are here as motivational speakers.  I believe that the few minutes they will spend will ease the pains of our IDPs. Those who have ability to ease those in pains, please help, it is not about food alone for the victims – that will not ease their pains.”

Singer Adokiye’s Raunchy & Luscious Magazine Photo Shoot

Adokiye Kyrian Yvonne (a.k.a Adokiye) is a fast singer who recently debuted with two songs - “Baby Baby” ft Olamide and “Kulumo Kulumo” ft Black 70.

The River State born beauty was reportedly paid $200,000 (plus a G Wagon Mercedes Benz car) for this raunchy photo spread with a magazine tabloid in New York.

Soundcity Presenter Adams & Project Fame Winner Chidinma In Love?

Soundcity presenter, Adams Ibrahim, 24, is in a sizzling romance with MTN Project Fame winner, Chidinma Ekile.

 

The romance between this two has been the question on the lips of many night crawlers and some of their colleagues, wondering how their closeness suddenly grew, but now the news is reality.

The two have been spending a a lot of time together since last year and many who have sighted them together believed they were merely hanging out.

However, the two started hanging out at different spots synonymous with lovers, and the question on the lips of observers and friends was if indeed their relationship was one of a platonic nature.

Their favorite hang out spot on the Island, where they were often sighted is the Karaoke bar  beside Movida night club. The two, obviously enjoying each other's company are usually seen talking and laughing out loud.

A source in the know further confirms their relationship status, adding  that a night is never complete for Chidinma without her dear prince Charming “Adams”.

The whole buzz I'm told, started out sometime last year as a professional relationship but grew stronger over time. Chidinma who is currently touring around Africa in places like Kenya, Cotonuo, Abidjan and Gabon is reported to have recently confided in a friend about missing Adams.

It is further gathered that prince charming will be travelling soon to join Chidinma, not for professional reasons but to alleviate the tension of the  "jakolikolikoko" crooner, whose heart is obviously going "Kedike" for Adams.

To further confirm the story,  a call was placed to prince charming “Adams” but all he did when asked was to give a loud, hearty laughter, indicating the obvious.

BREATHTAKING PHOTOS: 2012 MTN Lagos Fashion & Design Week

On Wednesday 24th October 2012, the 2012 edition of the MTN Lagos Fashion & Design Week kicked off at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos with an Opening Cocktail party, and ended Saturday 27th October 2012.

One of the most anticipated shows at this year’s edition of the MTN Lagos Fashion & Design Week was the presentation by British fashion brand,Matthew Williamson. The design team delved into the label’s archive and delivered a spectacular show. We are presented with feather dresses with sequined bodice, lacquer lace frocks, chiffon print dresses and blouses, leather cut-out frocks, Grecian-inspired floor length dresses and pant suits.Romantic, chic and graceful – this collection is a must-see!

Nigerian fashion label, Mai Atafo Inspired unveiled its Spring/Summer 2013 collection. The creative director, Ohimai Atafo kicked off his new collection presentation with ready-to-wear suits for men. Dapper-clad male models strut the runway in light and navy blue suits with dark and white pants. Immediately after showcasing the male collection, we were taken to the bridal world by the designer. For the label’s Weddings by MAI S/S 13 collection, we were presented with a white ball gown with a dramatic centre piece cut, a pink knee-length dress as well as lace gowns. The collection was accessorized with fascinators as well as elbow and waterfall veils. Check out the photos!

For its presentation, Nigerian design label Sunny Rose showed us the different sides of blue. The label’s creative head showcased models strutting the runway in print frocks, knee length dresses with sweetheart necklines and evening wears all in colour blue. Check out the runway photos!

Nigerian design label, Jewel by Lisa is always one to look out for during fashion week presentations. We were presented with lots of multi-coloured luxury print outfits which paid homage to the modern day Fulani girl. This Spring/Summer 2013 collection, according to the design label on twitter, is “A Modern day ode to the Fulani tribe”. From long dresses with thigh-high slits to knee length frocks with patterned cuts, this collection is a definitely must-see.