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A lot of the misunderstanding is caused by my wife - Ekemelu #INTERVIEWFRIDAY

Posted by: 247tops blog Posted date: Friday, February 20, 2015 / comment : 0

Their love story is indeed an inspiring one and lesson-filled. Media personality, Matse Uwatse-Nnoli and her husband, Ekemelu, met in March 2012 and later got married on July 13th of the same year. Interestingly, if Mr. Nnoli had known that his wife, Matse, was a very popular radio presenter, according to him, he would not have popped the marriage proposal to her. "I did not know who she was until some weeks into the relationship. I told her if I had known who she was when we met, I don’t think we would have come this far," . The two love birds also shared their experiences during courtship, their fears and how they are now savouring matrimony.

Seeteazain:How long have you been married?

Ekemelu: We have been married for over a year.

Seeteazain:How did you meet?

Ekemelu: I met my wife on March 9, 2012. I remember the day because it was my brother’s birthday. I had a project I was working on and the technician had an installation to do. I had been to my brother’s place and was rushing to Lekki to inspect the installation. While in traffic at Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, I saw my wife in her car and I admired her hairdo. I thought she looked cute and tried to get her attention. Unfortunately, she did not look my way because her windows were wound up and she was listening to loud music. She sped off and I chased after her.
I caught up with and requested she pulled over. Matse complied even though she was shocked. We talked and exchanged cards. I did not know who she was because I don’t listen to radio.

Seeteazain:Asides her braids, what else caught your eye?

Ekemelu: I noticed she wore a tee-shirt with the inscription, Pink Pearl Foundation. I knew about foundations because I had worked with quite a few. We discussed about the foundation and I found the conversation quite intelligent. She seemed my kind of person from the way she spoke. As I walked back to my car, I told myself Matse would either be my best friend forever or my wife.

Seeteazain:When did you let her know you wanted more than friendship?

Ekemelu: I took my time because she needed to know me. I did not want her to feel pressurised and walk away from me. She stopped answering my calls at some point. Eventually, we spoke again and after several meets, she met my mum. On the first evening, I expected her to be shy but she got along with my mum, who gave me a gift for Matse a few days later. This was a good omen and we had not even begun to date officially.

Seeteazain:Did you develop cold feet when you realised she is a well-known personality?

Ekemelu: I did not know who she was until some weeks into the relationship. I told her if I had known who she was when we met, I don’t think we would have come this far.

Seeteazain:How long was the courtship period?

Ekemelu: We met in March 2012 and we got married July 13th of the same year. My father married my mum after three months of dating. I had been in relationships that lasted longer and did not yield anything. In a short period, I had seen so many qualities I liked.


Seeteazain:How did you realise she was the one for you?

Ekemelu: There was a day I walked out of her apartment and we did not speak to each other for four days. I used those four days to meditate. I asked myself if I should remain with her or walk away. I told myself that if I decided to stay with Matse, I would marry her. After four days elapsed, I went to her apartment. When she opened the door, she looked relieved and hugged me. She told me her mother said if I was for her, I would come back. It was then I began to make marriage plans in my head.

Seeteazain:How did you propose?

Ekemelu: It happened on impulse. We were seated in the living room. While we discussed, I looked at her and said we should get married. I liked her, she liked me and we seemed to complement each other. She asked if I had an engagement ring and I answered in the negative. I told her I would not give her an engagement ring.

Seeteazain:How have you handled her being in the limelight?

Ekemelu: She is an indoor person, but I am the one who gets stopped when I am out. People stop me and ask if I am Matse’s husband.

Seeteazain:How do you handle challenges associated with young marriages?

Ekemelu: The beginning is always rough, but we know that even the best marriages have rough patches. We are both mature and even though our marriage is less than two years old, we understand each other better.

Seeteazain:Who apologises first when there are disagreements?

Ekemelu: A lot of the misunderstanding is caused by my wife. Most times, she is the one who likes to vent and when she is done, she usually has a lot to apologise for.

Seeteazain:How do you celebrate special occasions?

Ekemelu: My wife and I enjoy quality time even when we are at home. For special occasions like a birthday or Valentine’s Day, we go to a resort where we are by ourselves. Once in a while, we host small parties at home.

Seeteazain:How has marriage and fatherhood shaped you?

Ekemelu: It has helped me become more health conscious. As a father and husband, you realise if anything happens to you, you leave behind your wife and child. It has forced financial wisdom on me because I have to think beyond now.

Seeteazain:Do you assist with house chores and the baby?

Ekemelu: I help out with our baby. As regards the household chores, it’s not as often as she wishes, but I engaged someone which is my own contribution towards helping out in the house. So, I help with the house chores, it’s just that someone does it for me.

Seeteazain:If you had to change anything about each other, what would it be?

Ekemelu: It would be her temper.

Seeteazain:Do you have a joint account?

Ekemelu: I don’t own a joint account with my wife because we have never spoken about it. Even though I have a nine-to-five job, I am also an entrepreneur and my wife is gradually becoming one. We have been building businesses together so from that perspective, I see us having a joint account someday.

Seeteazain:What pet names do you call each other?

Ekemelu: We call each other ‘Baby.’

Seeteazain: Thanks once again for your precious time.

Entertainment contributes about N9trn to the Nigeria's GDP - CECIL HAMMOND #INTERVIEWFRIDAY

Posted by: 247tops blog Posted date: Friday, February 06, 2015 / comment : 0 ,

There is no way you can talk about  successful Events in Nigeria without mentioning FLYTIME PROMOTIONS. Good day and welcome to yet another interesting episode of your favorite conversation #INTERVIEWFRIDAY. This week we had the privilege to meet the CEO, FLYTIME PROMOTIONS, Mr. Cecil Hammond. Cecil Hammond  is the brains behind Flytime Promotions, which has been organizing the highly popular Rhythm Unplugged, one of Nigeria’s longest running concerts. Cecil started organizing concerts and promoting artistes 10 years ago and now sits at the Founder/CEO of Flytime.Relax and enjoy this conversation below:
SEETEAZAIN: Greetings Sir, you are welcome to #INTERVIEWFRIDAY. Who is Cecil Hammond?

CECIL HAMMOND:  I’ve always been a laid-back person. And only my workers know the other side of me. I get to show it only when my workers don’t do what they ought to have done. I started with Rhythm Unplugged. I had my secondary school at Corolla and went to ISL. From there, I travelled to the UK and later came back to Nigeria. Cecil Hammond ...I’m a sort of intruder in the business. I studied Business Technology at Boston University and had my Masters in Hotel Management. And I returned to Nigeria immediately after my Masters. I wanted to go into network business but things didn’t turn out the way I planned. So I decided to start with Silverbird.

SEETEAZAIN: How did it all start?

CECIL HAMMOND: The challenge we had was in getting sponsorship for the show. But I believed in it, Nigerians and the world also believed in it. The first show was successful and then we had the second. Then, I used Tuface and other big shots in the entertainment industry. At first when we just started, the seats were empty within the first three hours into the show and I thought I’d lost the money my father gave me. My father gave me the first money I ever spent. I can’t remember how much . But it wasn’t the millions that we spend today. It was around a hundred thousand Naira. Then, my neighbours were the owners of Lindsel so it was cheaper. After that, the show became a success. Then I decided to take it out of Lagos to other places. I left SilverBirds to concentrate on building my brand. I did the next show with D’banj, then Basket Mouth and others. Later, I became tired of the big shows because people just want a cool and nice place, not a rowdy place. So, I bought a banter with Eko Hotel.

SEETEAZAIN: How did you get involved in the Nigerian entertainment industry?

CECIL HAMMOND:  My uncles (Ben Murray Bruce, Guy Murray Bruce and Roy Murray Bruce) run an entertainment company called Silverbird and I watched them build their empire since I was a little kid. When I moved back to Nigeria in 2003 from the UK, I started working with Silverbird, enjoyed it and believed the entertainment business is what I was meant to do.

SEETEAZAIN: Why the focus on Nigerian entertainment?

CECIL HAMMOND: The Nigerian entertainment industry has enormous potential both in terms of creativity and opportunity. Just look at the evolution of our music over the last decade. It´s been phenomenal! I focused on Nigerian entertainment because there was and still is a huge gap in this industry that has to be filled and so much to be done. It’s also all bringing Nigerian entertainment closer and more accessible to the people and making them happy.

SEETEAZAIN: What is your working history?

CECIL HAMMOND: Fascinated by the work my uncles were doing with Silverbird Communications, I joined the company when I moved back to Nigeria in 2003, working directly with Silverbird for a year and a half. It was during that period that I started putting together plans for Flytime, registering the company while still under employment at Silverbird. I also organized the first Rhythm Unplugged concert in 2004 while I was still a staff of Silverbird.

SEETEAZAIN: What values define your work ethic?

CECIL HAMMOND: Focus and innovation. It is very important to the business that the fans are happy. To make them happy, I have to put myself in their shoes, and think about all the different elements that matter to Nigerian fans, from ticket pricing to seating arrangement. For example, we were the first concert organizers to introduce the concept of tables at concerts. We understood the need for certain individuals and corporate organizations to have their own “party” within the concert. It worked for us and has now become an industry standard. Understanding the needs of our fans is what helps us innovate. We are not afraid to take risks and happy to learn from our mistakes.

SEETEAZAIN: What is your vision for Flytime?

CECIL HAMMOND: Flytime is a proudly Nigerian entertainment company. My vision for the company is to be the most respected media and entertainment house in Africa. I want to see Nigerian content on the global stage, competing at par with Western content. Our goal is to provide a platform for the best Nigerian content, helping to showcase it to the world. That is actually the motivation for Rhythm Unplugged; to create a platform for up and coming musicians and entertainers to thrive and be discovered Nigerian music and movies are already starting to go beyond Nigeria into Africa, but not mainstream in the way that it needs to be. Hence, the industry needs Nigerian media and entertainment houses dedicated to promoting our content.

SEETEAZAIN: Who have you worked with in the industry?

CECIL HAMMOND: As a company, Flytime has worked with the biggest brands in the music and comedy business. We have been organizing shows since our Rhythm Unplugged debut in 2004. Over the years we have produced concerts and album launches for D´banj, Wande Coal, P-Square, Wizkid, Davido, Tu Face, P-Square, Omawumi, Bez, 9ice, Sound Sultan to name a few. We´ve also produced comedy shows, most notably Bovi Man on Fire. Flytime also owns a music label; Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay were the first artists signed under Flytime Music. Both artistes were with Flytime for about 2 years before moving on. Flytime also helped to launch Davido’s music career before starting his own music label. Flytime now owns a booking and talent agency that provides all types of talent for all events. Flytime has also ventured beyond music and comedy. We´ve also produced television shows 3 Live Chicks and the Pepsi Top Ten Countdown as well as worked with renowned director Wole Oguntokun to produce the highly acclaimed stage play For Coloured Girls: The Nigerian Adaptation.

SEETEAZAIN: What are Flytime´s greatest achievements?

CECIL HAMMOND: Believing, building and sustaining the Rhythm Unplugged brand for 10 years. It´s easy to create but sustaining the brand is the hardest part. I´ve nurtured the Rhythm Unplugged brand and watched it evolve from our first show at Fantasy Land in 2004. Back then, the infrastructure was basic, elements such as the set and lighting were basic. These days we invest a lot of time, effort and technical expertise into delivering a highly experiential event for the crowd. Everything from the lighting to the sound, to the set and the routines is designed to create a sensory experience for our fans.

SEETEAZAIN: How do you spend some quality with your family?

CECIL HAMMOND:  Although I’m not an angel and I love to enjoy myself. My wife understands. She’s not an all-party person which is very good. I couldn’t have married someone who’s all -out there We met at SilverBirb. She was working with Rhythm. And I didn’t just ask her out. I had to really get to know her first. Then from there, we moved on. She knows I’m a quiet person but I get to meet many people because of my job. I help take care of my son, drop him off at school and by the time I return, it’s just to go to bed.

SEETEAZAIN: Funding is a major problem for the entertainment industry in Nigeria; in what way can this problem be solved?

CECIL HAMMOND: This can’t be solved until the capital market actually decides to understand how our businesses works. The problem they are facing now is they don’t understand how we operate and make profit. They know we make money and they see money coming in and out but just don’t understand it. Most of them also complain over 90% of us are all one man businesses with no full structure in place and if they invest funds into our business, what happens to it if something happens to us. The truth is quite a few of us have structure but once again, they haven’t taken the time to sit down with us and learn how we run our businesses and how they can help us grow. Once the capital market understands how we operate, I believe there would be a big change in the entertainment industry.

SEETEAZAIN: Some have argued that the entertainment industry has failed to tap into the funding opportunity available in the capital market, what is your opinion on this?

CECIL HAMMOND: I’m not aware of any funding in the Capital Market available for us. As we speak, they are yet to understand how we operate and make funds available for us.

SEETEAZAIN: How big is the industry today in terms of its addition to Nigeria’s GDP?

CECEIL HAMMOND: We´ve always known the entertainment industry to be sizeable in terms of economic activity, but now we have statistics. According to the recent rebasing of Nigeria´s GDP, the entire Nigerian entertainment industry -Nollywood, music, comedy, theatre contributes about N9trn to the country´s GDP. This is not surprising at all giving the way the industry particularly Nollywood and music production have exploded in the last 10 years.

SEETEAZAIN: Where do you see the Nigerian entertainment industry in 10 years?

CECIL HAMMOND: I see the Nigerian Entertainment industry becoming as globally competitive as the US. Our content will be fully Global by then.

SEETEAZAIN: Thanks very much for your time and we wish you all the best in the future.

CECIL HAMMOND: Always excited seeing young talented men like you doing the job perfectly well. It's always my pleasure.

"There is no Industry in PORTHARCOURT" - Mr. ISAAC UTERE, CEO MEDIAWORKS #INTERVIEWFRIDAY

Posted by: 247tops blog Posted date: Friday, January 30, 2015 / comment : 0 , , ,



Mr. Isaac Utere is the brain behind talent breeding outfit MEDIAWORKS, which has been organizing highly popular Street Concerts. MEDIAWORKS which was established about 7years ago and is now the Biggest Creative Organization in NigerDelta.

They are using these controversies to confuse the Masses - EMMA #INTERVIEWFRIDAY

Posted by: 247tops blog Posted date: Friday, January 23, 2015 / comment : 0 ,

Most individuals want to get applauded for their efforts or assistance towards the society while others wish to be left out of the fame. This is the case of one of Africa's Extraordinaire Philanthropist EMMA GREMAN. On this week's #INTERVIEWFRIDAY which happens to be the first interview granted by this Messiah of our Generation, EMMA tells us about how it all started, his humanitarian activities and the way forward for NIGERIA at large. Read this short but inspiring conversation below:

SEETEAZAIN: Good day Sir, Welcome to INTERVIEWFRIDAY....How are you going?

EMMA: Thank you. I must confess am not used to this kind of conversation.

SEETEAZAIN: I learnt this is the first interview you have ever granted.

EMMA: Yes. Actually am a very private person.

SEETEAZAIN: Why did you decide to have this one?

EMMA: As the 2015 General Elections is ticking round the clock i consider it necessary to enlighten my brothers and sisters about failed Politicians and their deceits.

SEETEAZAIN: You have played a major role in helping the less privileged and victims of Insurgency. Why and when did you decide to play this vital role?

EMMA: It started seven years ago. If you look around our society today you find numerous foundations and NGOs everywhere and yet they aren't doing their respective jobs.

SEETEAZAIN: Any support from the Government?

EMMA: No. It's an NGO

SEETEAZAIN: The elections are fast approving and we all know the same old story. Any advice for the electorates?

EMMA: The politicians are using these controversies to confuse the masses, few days ago there was a video that surfaced online where the two Major contenders for the Presidential Position in the forthcoming elections were seen laughing while their supporters are on the street killing themselves. I want the masses to think and be careful before casting their votes.

SEETEAZAIN: Thanks once more for giving you this first opportunity.

EMMA: Looking forward to meeting you soon...

EXCLUSIVE: #INTERVIEWFRIDAY with SANI DANJA

Posted by: 247tops blog Posted date: Friday, January 16, 2015 / comment : 0 , , ,


It's our pleasure as we welcome you to yet another interesting episode of our weekly series #INTERVIEWFRIDAY. If you missed last week's edition you see see it here. This week we decided to host one of Nigeria's Finest Movie and Music export SANI DANJA. In a telephone conversation with SEETEAZAIN, the multi-Award winning Entertainment Mogul discloses his plans for 2015, his 20 years in the Industry, Late IBRO, DANJA RECORDS among other issues. Relax and Read this exciting conversation.

 SEETEAZAIN: Good Day and Welcome to #INTERVIEWFRIDAY. How are you doing?

SANI DANJA: Am fine and thanks for having me.

SEETEAZAIN: SANI DANJA has grown to be the Biggest Brand to have emerged from the North. Tell us how it all started.

SANI DANJA: It all started 15years ago. It started from Movies then i started singing but we give God all the thanks.

SEETEAZAIN: KANNYWOOD is still strugling to retain it's position in the Movie Industry but has been faced with major challenges in recent times. What role have you played to improve the standard of this great institution?

SANI DANJA: The impact i and my colleagues are making  is to try to shoot and promote our movies outside the country. We have also attracted more investors to the industry. You can comfortable advertize your products through our movies.

SEETEAZAIN: You have featured in numerous NOLLYWOOD Movies, what do you think are the major differences between NOLLYWOOD and KANNYWOOD?

SANI DANJA: For me i think the major difference is that kannywood is doing more indigenous movies that promotes our culture, language among other things while NOLLYWOOD is more of the western culture.

SEETEAZAIN: In terms of payment who pays the most?

SANI DANJA: It all depends on how challenging the role is , how long you stay on set but sometimes KANNYWOOD pays more and vice versa. 

SEETEAZAIN: Word on the street is that KANNYWOOD is centrally based in Kano and has also deprived other Northern states opportunity to make their own contribution. How true is this statement?

SANI DANJA: No that's not true. The fact is that Kano is the heart or the center of the industry and that's why it's called KANNYWOOD. Everything starts from the there and also many of our Producers, Actors and stakeholders live in Kano. Concerning the rumor that other Northern States are deprived of their various contributions is a lie. If you have a very good movie and a good advert it doesn't matter if you coming from Maiduguri, Jos, Bauchi or any other state people will buy the movie and another important fact is that even if you produce your movies outside Kano you still might need to come and sell them in Kano because they have the Biggest Market in the country.

SEETEAZAIN: When was the last time you shot a movie outside Kano?

SANI DANJA: About 2 months ago.

SEETEAZAIN: Do we have any Organization responsible for regulating the activities of KANNYWOOD?

SANI DANJA: You know an Organization is the coming together of different individuals who share the same interest or goals.We have many organizations like AREWA and others.

SEETEAZAIN: SANI DANJA and ALI NUHU are considered to be strong rivals. Is that true?

SANI DANJA: Laughs. Yes we are but in the face of our fans but outside the scene he is my very good friend.

SEETEAZAIN: Last year, KANNYWOOD and NOLLYWOOD lost a veteran actor IBRO. What was your relationship with him?

SANI DANJA: IBRO was a very good friend of mine and we were very close to each other. He is one of the few people that started KANNYWOOD. He was very simple, always minding his own business and i don't think anyone can replace him in the industry.
SANI DANJA (L) and KANNYWOOD Colleagues

SEETEAZAIN: Away from movies, 2014 was also a big one, Sani Danja had many collabos and hits like BASU IYAWA featuring TERRY, OREZI in SHOKI( HAUSA VERSION), MAIRO, and of course song of the moment ALHAJI. Any more collabos possibly an album this year?

SANI DANJA: Yes my fans should be expecting more hits and collabos. Talking about collabos i intend to feature foreign artistes this year.

SEETEAZAIN: APRIL 19,2015 SANI DANJA will be celebrating 20 years on stage. How has the journey been for you?

SANI DANJA: It has been like a sailing ship, smooth and rough sometimes but you know no matter what we have a focus and we have a direction we are to. By God's grace we are here, 20 years in the industry and we hope and pray to continue with more success stories.

SEETEAZAIN: The event promises to be the most anticipated event of the year, any Guest appearances?

SANI DANJA: Yes is a day of  "SANI DANJA AND FRIENDS " and you should be expecting celebrities from the Movie Industry and of course my friends at the Music industry and infact it's going to be the Biggest concert of the year.

SEETEAZAIN: As the owner of DANJA RECORDS, have you signed any Artistes?

SANI DANJA: They will be unveiled by March this year about Five of them. Two male and Three female Artistes.

SEETEAZAIN: Last year you staged a competition called #MAIRO COMPETITION and yet no winner has been announced till date. What really happened?

SANI DANJA: The competition is still on and the winner will be announced next month.

SEETEAZAIN: Are we expecting to see more competitions probably a "SANI DANJA TALENT HUNT"?

SANI DANJA: That is something i have been doing for a long time but is not more of a talent hunt is just like an empowerment programme where youths are been nurtured and motivated. The reason behind the #MAIRO competition was to give somebody an opportunity to showcase his/her talent.

SEETEAZAIN: What has been the SANI DANJA's Best Moment?

SANI DANJA: There is quite a number of Awards i will never forget in my life because they are very special to me.

SEETEAZAIN: Any embarassing moment?

SANI DANJA: I dont think i have ever had any think like that but i had a show where many people sat down on a fence and eventually the fence collapsed. You know when people come together to celebrate and such an incident happens it isn't pleasant at all.

SEETEAZAIN: You also bagged numerous Awards and Endorsement deals. Tell us how much you made last year?

SANI DANJA: Laughs. I made some substantial amount.

SEETEAZAIN: The insurgency in the North has deprived many Talented youths great opportunities to showcase themselves. What do you think can be done to help the situation?

SANI DANJA: I think everybody needs to come together and tackle this problem instead of leaving every responsibility to others. We should also try not to be idle inorder to avoid been a tool in the hands of some selfish individuals because these individuals capitalize on our financial issues.

SEETEAZAIN: Final words to fans and many youths looking up to SANI DANJA as a role model.

SANI DANJA: I want them to be believe in themselves, keep doing your thing believing God you are going to make it. Also remember the saying "A THOUSAND MILES BEGIN WITH A STEP"

SEETEAZAIN: Thank you for having this interesting conversation with us and we  hope to come and celebrate with you come APRIL 19, 2015.

SANI DANJA: Sure and once again it's my pleasure.

Agbani Darego inspired me - QUEEN CHRISTABEL(QOT 2014) #INTERVIEWFRIDAY

Posted by: 247tops blog Posted date: Friday, January 16, 2015 / comment : 1 , , ,

It's my pleasure to welcome you to the first episode of our new exciting show #INTERVIEWFRIDAY. This is one of it’s kind as it promises to be fun, exciting and interesting. #INTERVIEWFRIDAY is scheduled to run on Fridays only and is set to feature influential celebrities who are role models in their society. Since this is the debut episode, we decided to honor the Most Beautiful Girl in the World QUEEN  CHRISTABEL IWUALA,QUEEN OF TRUST 2014.
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