BY DAVID AJIBOYE

Jim Iyke has been variously described as Nollywood’s playboy -a serial heart breaker, one whose motto vis-a-vis relationships with women, appears to be “use them and leave them.” Tabloid stories about his sexual escapades are in volumes, leaving many to wonder what he is looking for in a woman or if he will ever find that unique woman who will melt his heart and make him entertain the thoughts of walking down the aisle.

During a recent encounter with Jim, the issue of his playboy image and stories of his sexual liaisons were exhaustively probed. As reported before, he vehemently denied being a playboy, however, admitting that “a million women may pass through your life, but only one will stick and strike that chord in you.” It appears that that one woman may have finally materialized, and struck a strong chord in Jim Iyke’s life.

Jim Iyke

There have been some rumors and published speculations that the handsome actor may have finally found a woman of his dreams – a fact that he has neither denied nor confirmed, until now. Jim Iyke was asked explicitly if he had finally found the elusive dream woman, and if so, what qualities stood her out of the numerous others that competed for his heart, love and affection?

Smiling infectiously, Jim volunteered, “I am going to tell you everything you need to know. As a matter of fact, I am going to use this opportunity to finally break my silence over this issue. As you rightly pointed out, a lot has been written about my new found love, most of them largely speculative in nature.

“Yes, it is true. I have found the woman of my dreams, and we are in love in totality. She is the embodiment of all that I have been looking for: tall, pretty, exotic and supremely intelligent. I was looking for a woman who would complement and reinforce my intellectually curious mind -someone who would add and not subtract, and I’m happy to admit that I have finally found her. Her name is Phil, and I would leave it at that.”

How They Met, “I met Phil sometime last year in the United States. She’s of Caribbean ancestry – more specifically Jamaican. We had a movie shot in Baltimore and Phil was invited by her then friend, Ruth Okoro, to the set, and we had an instant connection. Initially, I thought I was just going to have a good time with her, and keep it moving.

But her beauty, intellect, deeply ingrained values and an abiding capacity to understand and deconstruct me struck me. No other woman I had met ever took time to learn who I was, and what elements and values define my entire being.

Phil’s love for me was not based on my fame, rather she cared much about Jim Iyke, as an individual and not Jim Iyke as a star-actor and Nollywood superstar.

Jim Iyke

I have always believed in the partnership of body, soul and the mind. Oftentimes, the women that crossed my path in the past were more interested in the partnership of the body. But Phil possesses both the intellectual ability and the traditional values that were in short supply with my recent past relationships.” In the past few months, the tabloid
newspapers had regaled their readers with the case of betrayal on the part of Jim’s new found love.

According to reports, “Phil, supplanted and betrayed her close friend, Ruth Okoro, who was said to be seeing Jim Iyke at the time she introduced her then best friend, Phil to the Nollywood Sexiest Actor.” As a result of this betrayal, the two erstwhile friends are mortal enemies today. Asked if he ever had an affair with Ruth, Jim replied in the negative.

“No. Ruth is not my kind of woman, and the notion that I was seeing her is totally preposterous. How could I be seeing Ruth, when she was even married to my boy, Philips Ehigiwina? She was sleeping around with Emeka Ike. I have values and moral ethos, and those values were in conflict with what I was seeing.

That was the reason I called Ruth’s husband in Texas, and asked him to come to Maryland and see what his wife was doing with Emeka Ike.

Ruth was caught red handed in bed with Emeka Ike, and she knows this to be the truth. All the nonsense that was written about my alleged jealousy because Ruth was seeing both Emeka and me, were pieces of junk journalism. It is true that Ruth introduced me to Phil. I didn’t need to deny that.

I saw a winner in Phil and I went for her. I have no regrets. What Ruth wanted from me, unfortunately, I couldn’t give it to her because of the fact that I have some morals in me. All the negative things she has said about Phil never bothered me because I know who she is, and I am comfortable with who she is.”

I GOT LESS THAN $5 FROM MY FIRST MOVIE -NKIRU SYLVANUS

By David Ajiboye

Nkiru Sylvanus could be said to be one of the very few actresses who have climbed the ladder of success through dint of hard work. She emerged on the scene in 2000, in the movie, Cry For Help.  Her above interpretation of her role in that movie has not only left a lasting impression in the heart of producers, it has left her permanently in the consciousness of Nollywood fans. In a recent exclusive interview with African Movie Star, Nkiru opened up on how it all started.

According to the fair-skinned actress, growing up in Aba, Abia State and having to watch actors and actresses on television opened up a new vista to what lays ahead for her in life. And that when it came to choosing a career, acting became the first choice on her mind. This, she said, was because she found out that she stands to make a name for herself quickly through acting than any other profession, and the money involved was also another incentive that made her take to acting.

Hear her: “I need to make a name for myself through acting, and the money I stood to make so I can take care of myself  were all I considered while making up my mind on the career to pursue. And when I did, I found myself picking up movie roles quicker than I expected.”

Nkiru went down memory lane and told us how her strict family background has kept her focused since she emerged on the movie scene with the hit movie. According to her she grew up in a family of seven with a policeman father who installed discipline and brought them up with very strict and proper manners in her and her siblings, which has always kept her on her toes.

“My father was a disciplinarian and the discipline he gave us is what has kept me away from silly controversies that surround most of my colleagues in the industry.”

According to her it was a herculean task convincing her father that she wanted to become an actress. “It was not an easy task but in the end, I had my way. He gave me his blessing but not without the strong warning that I should not forget where I’m coming from.”

Known for her roles as a crying actress in most movies she has featured in, we took her up on why she takes up the roles of one who is too emotional, and she revealed that she does that because film producers and directors have always casted her for such roles because, according to her she does it well.

“Producers like to cast me in roles where I cry a lot; they give me emotional or romantic roles to interprete and since I’m earning my money, I just have to do what they instruct me to do.”

For an actress of her caliber who ranks as one of the prettiest faces needed in most love movies, you wonder what could have been her opening fee in the industry in 2000. Beaming, she said it wasn’t much and that at the same time, it couldn’t have been anything more  than N5,000 but that what mattered was that, she was ans is still happy doing what she has always wanted to do in her life.

“It is a long time now, but I want to believe that it was about N5,000, but I wasn’t doing it for the money then, but for what I believed I wanted to achieve and looking back today, I think I’m happy that things have gone on well for me in Nollywood,” she admitted.

To some artists, taking part in a movie depend on the script and Nkiru is no exception to this rule as she said that as she said that she accepts any good script that has a story to tell and lesson for the public from the movie, when it goes into the market.

To her, ” I will take movie scripts that will impart positive lessons on the society and make me a better actress; I will never accept scripts that do not meet such requirements. I refuse such without thinking twice .”

In one of the movies she has been in titled, New Jerusalem, Nkiru played a rather queer role of a wayward  girl whose mother was a religious woman  in the day and, by night a criminal; a role many have not stopped asking why she took up.

” I had wanted to do something different from the crying girl stuff that a lot of people have associated me with, ut at the end of the day, I was surprised that many of my fans started judging me by that roles. I was disturbed that my fans thought that I am actually the girl I played in that movie, New Jerusalem but away from that, I’m just the girl next door who is down to earth and can do anything to please my friends.”

Nkiru also confessed that it has been only through hard work that she has been able to keep her head above board in the industry, as she is not one of those who cut corners to attain undue popularity in the industry.

According to her, ” I have been able to get where I am today because I believe in hard work and I am not like those who would want to cut corners to achieve success and I owe it all to God for guiding me to where I am today.”

With her beautiful look and fair skin, which usually attracts most men to her it is natural to want to know how she copes with the attention from the opposite sex. Nkiru said it is all about being diplomatic and that is what keeps the men close enough but far away.

” I deal with men in the proper manner without being rude but many would  still not understand why I would not date everyone who comes my way.” she said, while revealing that she is not ready for any serious relationship for now because she’s taking her time to find the right person and would know when the right man comes her way.

Asked if she would consider dating someone in Nollywood, Nkiru said her colleagues in the industry are humans, and if any one of them comes with genuine intention of settling down with her, she might consider the person.

On her most embarrassing moment, he said it was the day when someone came from behind while in a shopping mall in Enugu and lifted her up and spun her in the air to the surprise of onlookers.

The  actress, who grew up in Aba, said there are certain habits one overgrows in life and one of the such is the tendency to exhibit the character traits some people who live in Aba are known for.

“If it were about five years ago, I can answer you straight away that I would spoil for a fight with anyone who crosses my path, but not anymore now,” she said smiling.

As a romantic person that she is at least in movies, Nkiru said she’ll do everything for love except killing herself. Though a fashion freak, Nkiru revealed that she’s not choosy, and that she shops everywhere she goes be it Lagos, Enugu, Italy, London or Paris.

Recalling the first time she traveled abroad for holidays, Nkiru says she was surprised seeing so many of her fans who came out to have some nice time with her, an experience which gladdened her heart seeing people outside Nigeria appreciating her for what she is doing in Nollywood.

On the qualities her dream man must have, she said, “My man must be hard working, industrious and God-fearing and above all, romantic.” This she said, is because she believes in her man being the centre of her world and would want to remain hopeful that the right man would come her way.

Chidi-Mokeme

By David Ajiboye

“I’m a positive kind of playboy”, Chidiebere Geoffrey Azubuike Mokeme.

Actor cum model, Chidiebere Geoffrey Azubuike Mokeme, popularly known as Chidi Mokeme had the privilege of anchoring the first two editions of the popular Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) reality TV show sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc.

The 36 years old actor has by so doing dazzled millions of TV viewers in the country with his peculiar style as presenter of wave making reality show. In 2004, Mokeme led the GUS hopefuls to Snake Island in the outskirts of Lagos, and eventually made history as the first artist to supervise and present the show to millions of Nigerians who fell in love with the concept.

Anchorman for GUS 1&2

I guess it is basically for continuity purposes. My personal opinion to them is that it is good to have a steady anchor person that has also followed the show from from inception and at every point in time, have available history to rely on. There was also series of screen test again for the second time. And at the end of the day, they said to me, you got to keep the job. And I said okay, I’m ready to work.

Current Job

I just returned from a movie location by Andy Best Production in Abuja. The title of the movie is Pretty Angels. I played the lead role. I had another recording in Lagos with Lion-Base Productions. The movie was titled, Blood of an Armed Robber. And I will soon be going for other jobs. In fact, I’m basically back to what I know how to do best.

GUS and Nollywood

The two editions of GUS have helped in widening the scope of my fan base tremendously. But I’m still who I am in Nollywood. GUS can only bring positive changes.

First movie in Nollywood

I joined the commercial aspect of Nollywood in 1995. I had a shuttle between Zeb Ejiro’s Goodbye Tomorrow and Ralph Nwadike’s Body Vengeance . They were my first two movies in Nollywood. But I have been a model for long before Nollywood beckoned. Right now, I do more of endorsements. I had been working with the cameras long before Nollywood, particularly with people who were into tv. At one point, I was under Alex Osifo, who had an agency called Silver Models. I was then one of his models. I was into all these, until Nollywood came, So I guess the transition was more natural.

Success in Nollywood

I owe my success to everybody who has given me the opportunity to work with him or her. They all contributed to who I am today. I’ve actually worked my way to the top. Ten years is a long time. It is not a flash in the pan. It’s been ten long years of dedication, hard work and commitment, many years of excellence and professionalism.

13 years in Nollywood

With all sense of humility, I actually expected I would be way above where I am today. I took many risks to be in this industry. It was not something that my parents readily agreed to.  They actually had lot of problem with me modelling then. But somehow, I was strong headed and was adamant on what I wanted to do. I always had problems with them whenever I go for shooting and come back very late. They never could understand what kind of jobs I was into as a teenager then.  We had lots of friction then and I was a science student.  My transition into movies now made it worse for my parents and me.  Now I was no longer coming back late, but also staying away for one week or more on locations. It was not easy. And the determination in me for them to let me be was just to make a success out of this career. But I refused to quit. I always say to myself that the challanges as far as movies are concerned have not come yet. I still believe that there is so much more that I’m willing to unleash, but just waiting for the right kind of setting.

Biggest problem facing Nollywood

Nollywood has legion of problems. At the core of it all is mediocrity. it is virus that comes in various forms. But if you dig deep, you will find out that the bottom line is still mediocrity. People who do not appreciate the craft of art, should not be involved. If you have people who are coming in because of the millions they are making, then you will have so many substandard products.

Image of a playboy

If I cut that image in my movies, that is cool. But in real life, I’m a positive kind of playboy. My idea of what people call a playboy is some guy who is sleek, good looking and got everything going for him with nice cars and good house. Somebody who wears the right clothes, says the right thing without any impure intent in his heart. I want to look good, drives the kind of car that makes me happy. And also make those around me happy.

Female fans and admirers

One of the hardest things to find in Nigeria is gratitude for what you do. It is a difficult society. The truth is that some want to go beyond appreciating my work. I try to find ways of not hurting them whenever they come my way. I know where exactly to cut the line. I deal with it as it comes.

Marriage

I’m working towards that. I have a serious relationship. You’ll more about her when the time comes. We will tie the knot as soon as God says move.

Background

I’m Chidiebere Geoffrey Azubiuke Mokeme. The GQ actually comes from the G in my English name. And the Q, stands for Quo. I got it from status quo. I turned 33 last march 17. I’m the first in a family of two boys and three girls. I was born in Ogidi, Anambra State, but grew up here in Lagos. I’m also from Oba in the same State. I was a few months old when my parents brought me to Lagos. But my secondary education was in Minna, Niger State. I later went to Enugu for my higher education.

Future goals

To be the best in whatever it is that I lay my hands on.. I have lots of plans that I’m working on-They’re still under wraps. I will unleash them at the appropriate time. I will also go into movie making at the appropriate time.

How rich are you?

The truth is that I have a lot of goodwill going for me. I’m very comfortable.

By David Ajiboye

“…you have to pass through darkness to get to dawn”, Mike Ezuruonye.

Top Nollywood actor , Mike Ezuruonye, reveals in this chat with David Ajiboye, for africanmoviestar.com, why he’s a reserved person and why he keeps to himself. Excerpts:

Is acting all you wanted to do at the beginning?

Let us just say acting chose me. While growing up, I’ve been involved in acting one way or the other. But professionally I was dragged into it by Ruke Amata.

Which was your first movie and which year was that?

Funny enough, my first movie hasn’t seen the light of the day. The film was shot in 2005. The movies that took me into peoples’ consciousness are Broken Marriage and Critical Decision.

How does it feel to go through so much stress all in the name of acting?

Though tiring, it is fulfilling. The demand is quite much but we have to keep doing what we know how to do best.

I’m sure the money you’re making is worth your while?

I don’t know about that, but we thank God for everything.

Is it true you’re making lots of money?

Let me just say I can afford to pay certain bills and attend to some needs.

Recently you were in America for a tour..?

(Cuts in) I was there, but not for the tour. I didn’t go for it because I had a certain disagreement with their contract. The conditions were not right.

How does it feel when fans are all over you when you go out of the country?

Trust me; the love we get out of the country is great and enormous. It is so large. But to me, it means people are watching me and I have to improve on what I’m doing.

An A-list actor said you have displaced Ramsey Nouah Jr ?

I am not going to say I’ve displaced anybody. Let’s not forget that Ramsey is one actor you cannot disrespect at all because whether we like it or not, as a result of Ramsey, we have a lot of young men in the industry today. Everybody has her own talent, so nobody can displace anybody and, I have respect for Ramsey any day any time. He is one of the greatest actors Nollywood has ever produced.

I heard that lots of women are finding abode under your tent?

If you see women around me, It’s just that they appreciate my work. I’m only building my tent in Nollywood where I express my craft with passion.

Are there women who want to go the extra mile for you?

I don’t know about that. All I know is that when people appreciate my works, I thank them in return.

Do you appreciate them in cash or in kind?

You are getting me wrong. I don’t appreciate them in cash or in kind. It’s just an act of goodwill, a smile, and thank you very much.

Has being on tv changed your life?

Most definitely. It has it’s merits and demerits. Demerit in the sense that your privacy is taken away from you. Some people are out to see you make a wrong move, while some are out to crash your image without any reason. The merit is that doors open up for you here and abroad. People welcome you to their homes, you are given a lot of pleasure and people are happy. To me that is very fulfilling.

I learnt that the Ghanians are taking over the market because the marketers want to use them as market leverage in Ghana, how true is that?

We should be our brothers keeper. If there is any alliance, it is okay but the people who run the industry should know how to balance the equation.

Are you feeling the pinch like other actors?

I don’t want to sound selfish, but I’ll like to thank God.

How many movies do you do in a month?

When you get to a level, you have to be very careful. I do a lot of screening regarding the script I take, and that is why I don’t think I do more than two movies in a month.

You’ve been accused of many things and one of them is that you kiss passionately on set, what do you say to that?

This is the first time I’m hearing that. I just do my things and get out of there.

Which actress do you enjoy working with most?

I have a working relationship with every actress, both the upcoming and the stars. My motto is to be as natural as possible. If you want me to be friendly, I will be friendly and If you want me to be harsh, I will be harsh and you will forget that you are watching a movie.

I read something about you taking a girl abroad and dumping her?

I told you earlier that some people want to scratch your image. Why will I need to borrow from somebody? My father used to tell me that a borrower would go a sorrowing. I can afford to buy certain amenities with what I do. I never borrowed from any girl, it is so unfounded.

Why do you think such allegation was made against you?

I told you that people just want to scratch your image.

Have you had any fan that has gone to the extreme with her emotions or her anger with you?

That happens all the time. One of such is an experience I had sometime ago when I was outside the country. Some group of fans worked up to me, I think they’re from Aruba, in the Caribbean and they were so crazy, the madness was too much and my cloth got torn and I had to buy another shirt at the mall.

Which of your movies has been the most memorable.?

Lots of them, I can’t pick anyone now, I just put my best in all I do.

Who is the lucky woman in your life?

She doesn’t want to be made public now. By God’s grace, If we get married, you’ll know her. But I’m into relationship.

How many times Have you fallen in love?

No comment.

How many frogs Have you kissed before meeting your princess?

(Laughs) I’ve not. I guess I don’t like talking about my relationships. Let’s put it this way, you have to pass through darkness to get to dawn.

What is it that you look for in a woman?

She has to be God-fearing because He is the reason why I’m here today. He has put me on this pedestal and she must have a good character and be down-to-earth. Those are the basic qualities. She also has to be beautiful.

Is Mike a heart breaker?

I don’t consider myself a heart breaker.

How do you end a relationship that you feel cannot work?

Relationship start with two people, it is a mutual agreement. And If it should end, it should be mutual.

When is Mike getting married and what does love means to you?

When that time comes, you will know. Love is a feeling where you float in happiness and joy and you don’t feel any hurt.