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Entertainment

I cried before going on air – Tiwa Savage’s interviewer, Azuka speaks


Seasoned Thisday journalist, Azuka Ogujiuba who conducted Tiwa savage’s exclusive interview has opened up to Genevieve Magazine (Genevieveng.com) on how she got the embattled songstress to do the interview as well as her relationship with the couple


How did you get to interview Tiwa ?
I was supposed to interview her three weeks ago. And she was supposed to get permission to use Jamil’s picture with the pampers picture. I had been following up for a while unsuccessfully. i believe she was reluctant because of the issues going on in the marriage.
After Teejay’s rant in the morning, I was asked to check online and saw TeeJay’s rant. I called Tiwa and told her what I heard and asked about the interview we were supposed to have. I later called Elohor both lines were busy throughout the day. I was finally able to get Elohor about 10pm and said I need to speak to Tiwa.But she replied that she doesnt think Tiwa will talk. Around 2am my phone rang and I saw Tiwa’s caller ID. And it was herPA saying she’s ready to do the interview and asked If I can come she would be very grateful. So I had to get my younger brother to  come with me because of the time. So they came to pick me from home and we went to Tiwa’s house. It was a bit scary because of that time of the night.
The interview was meant for ThisDay not PulseTV but her management decided to release it to Pulse instead. I was quite upset about that.
What state did you meet her ?
She was in a bad state. Like someone in mourning. Her eyes were swollen. She was in tears.  I met her with Elohor in her bedroom. And she gave me her phone to read the exchange between her and her husband and from my conclusion she wanted peace and was asking for them to part ways amicably and be good friend’s for Jamil’s sake. I saw her photos from the miscarriage and that brought tears to my eyes.
People said why did she take pictures. But I believe it was because she knew who she married. There were pictures of her in a stretcher.
How well do you know them ?
I met Tiwa before she came to Nigeria. We became friends when she relocated and I did an interview with her. And shortly threreafter she introduced me to TJ as her manager then and we got talking. He showed a lot of dedication in making sure Tiwa progressed in her career.
I got along well with TJ even more than Tiwa. I feel very heartbroken this happened. I was involved in their wedding. I was the only journalist who flew to their wedding in Dubai.
Why did you show no emotion during the the interview  ?
I had done my crying before I went on air. I told myself I had to be hard and it was deliberate. And her management insisted it had to be recorded so that she would not be misquoted. I am not a camera person but I decided to go along with their conditions because I wanted the exclusive. I felt she trusted me enough to give me the exclusive. I’m very nervous in front of the camera. It wasn’t easy for me because I was talking to a friend. I like TJ. I like Tiwa. It was tough I was trying to remove my emotions.
What would you say to your critics ?
I read some of the feedback and insults. I am not a TV journalist. I am a print journalist. I am not trained to be before a camera. I understand the criticism was because of the love for Tiwa so I’m not really bothered because I love her too. So believe it was because I didn’t show her the love which her fans expected.
After the interview was over we still sat down and talked and consoled her.
There were so many memes about my expression. People read me wrong. I was trying not to cry. I was in shock. But cyber bullying doesn’t move me. I have a thick skin. Tiwa knows I like her genuinely so I am ok with what anybody else says, We have mutual respect. She even called me later on to tell me not to let the insults bother me.
Some people even commended me on my ability to detach my emotions.I understand her fans coming after me because they think I’m an enemy.
what else would you have asked ?
I think I would have loved to speak with TJ. I read him and Tiwa’s exchange on her phone. Tiwa didn’t want war. I would have asked him how he allowed situation to deteriorate so horribly. I remember how he used to be so protective of her, she was like an egg to him. So it is so shocking things have gotten to this stage.
Do you think too much was shared ? 
The woman I saw that night was broken. I really don’t want to blame her. She was a woman who had tried so much. She was in a terrible state. I had to ask her why she was crying like someone had died.  She has covered so much from the public like when she covered his debts for the car,wristwatch etc because she was scared the media would get hold of all the information.
I dont believe she did it to revenge. Tiwa is a soft soul. She is not a bitter person. She probably did it to save her brand. She’s the biggest female brand in Nigeria maybe even Africa.
Do you think this will affect her endorsements ?
I don’t think so. I hope not. She was paid 2.5m for a show with Remy Martin and the money never got to her because it was with TJ.
Who do you think is at fault ?
I don’t really want to support anyone but I know them both. I know Tiwa will not fabricate things that never happened. If  have to stand with anyone I will stand with Tiwa.
Did Banky’s Mother really kick TJ out of the house?
Banky is a gentleman and from a good home and his mother is polished. We all know Banky was the bestman at the wedding. I don’t think Banky would be that mean. I don’t think he would abandon his friend when his friend needs him.

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Entertainment

Stella Damasus addresses husband snatching allegations again.

The pretty actress has addressed the husband snatching allegations levelled against her. Since sher secret marriage to Daniel Adenomikan, a director and ex husband of colleague, Doris Simeon, Stella has been dragged by internet trolls and has given all sort of names. Now, she’s speaking up on the subject.
“I have kept mum on the allegation until now and I feel it’s time I expressed myself.
“One of the comments I have seen consistently, over and over again is, ‘Stella snatches somebody’s husband’; ‘Stella the husband snatcher’; which is what has been going on.
“And I had sworn that I would never talk about it or even listen or stress myself about the issue. But I have decided to talk about it now, so that I end it once and for all.’
“How is it possible to go to somebody’s home, take a happily married man, take his son away from his home and say follow me.
“Let’s assume you are a man, and according to their story, he is happily married inside his home with his family complete, and I walk into that home to forcefully take a man, able-bodied man, and a kid, away from somebody’s hand and you are there looking at me.
“How does that work?
“So logically if people actually sit down and think about it intelligently, how do you snatch somebody from somebody and the person is there looking at you?
“So when you see a man who has settled ties with a woman and decides to move on with his life and you feel that there is something in this man that you like and he likes you, is there a problem there?
“I am not a kid. I am 38 years old. I am not about to start hiding myself’ 
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Entertainment

Leicester City football shirts sell out

Photo published for Leicester City win Premier League title - reaction
Who didn’t see this coming? Everyone wants to identify with their astonishing victory
Leicester City’s incredible title success has prompted a huge splurge on shirt sales. According to reports, Hours after the foxes were declared Premier League Champions, fans (football fans too) stormed the Leicester Shop and snapped up the club’s kits and memorabilia. The shirts have sold out and only a few flip flops are on the shelves. 
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Entertainment

10 ways to handle a clingy toddler

Photo Credit: akebaacademy.com

Clinginess is a natural reaction to feeling fearful or anxious about something. In young children, clinginess is often a sign of anxiety caused by being separated from a primary caregiver.It is also common for children to exhibit clinginess when things feel unpredictable due to changes occurring in their environment (e.g., entering school, change in caregivers or routine, new baby, divorce, or a death in the family).

10 ways to handle an anxious and clingy toddler.
1)  Do not ignore, overtly discourage, or punish clingy behavior: When young children exhibit clingy behavior, it is generally viewed as a positive sign that your child feels close and secure in your care and seeks you out for comfort when they are feeling distress. Responding to clingy behavior by ignoring or punishing it may make your child less likely to come to you when she is feeling scared or vulnerable.
2)  Be responsive to your child’s needs and feelings: Try to identify what might be causing the clinginess and describe her feelings so she begins to understand it. For example, “You wish mommy could play with you right now. I wish I could play too but I have to do work. I promise to play with you when I’m finished.” By describing her feelings and expressing your own feelings of wanting to be there for her, she will feel understood and be less likely to need your physical presence as reassurance.
3)  Increase predictability: Try to make things more predictable for your child by making the schedule or routine as concrete as possible. Although we know our children’s schedule, they may not. Young children do not have a clear sense of time, live mostly in the here and now, and have shorter memory spans. Using pictures to depict their weekly schedule (especially when it changes every two to three days), telling them what to expect next, and reminding them when you will be available to spend time with them (e.g., “Remember, our special playtime is after dinner”) will help reduce anxiety by bringing a sense of orderliness and structure to their day.
4)  Build autonomy: Children build self-confidence through mastering new tasks and contributing to their environment in a helpful way. Create tasks that your child can help you with at home such as setting the table, cooking, or cleaning up their toys. The more confident a child feels in their abilities, the more secure they will feel in any environment.
5)  Praise steps toward independence: Praise your child for tasks or activities that they are able to do independently (e.g., household chores, playing nicely on their own or with peers). Praising your child for doing things independently sends the message that they are capable of doing things for themselves and should feel confident without your close supervision and guidance.
6)  Schedule special playtime: Some children feel a constant need for affection because they are unsure when or if the attention will be available. Schedule 5 to 10 minutes every day when you can provide your child with undivided attention (i.e., no computer, conversations with others, cell phones, or other distractions).
7)  Separations and saying good-bye: Use a consistent phrase when saying goodbye. Be brief, do not linger, and do not overreact if your child gets upset after saying goodbye. Overreacting will only feed into her anxiety and make it worse, while lingering will increase the likelihood that she will continue to cry or seek your affection to prolong your stay each time.
8)  Don’t sneak out when you leave: Some parents find it easier to sneak out when children have a hard time or throw a tantrum each time they leave. However, this will only increase your child’s anxiety and clinginess because they will be scared to engage in any activity too long for fear that you may sneak out and disappear at any moment.
9)  Increase social activities: Socializing with children of the same age can help children develop attachments to their peers and can build social skills necessary for interacting with people outside of the immediate family. Set up regular play dates with a peer of your child’s choice from school or schedule a class or weekly trips to the park.
10) Stay with your child during social activities: Play with your child and their friends until they are comfortable playing on their own. Be available during play dates to teach and model social skills, respond to conflict, and monitor situations that may cause stress or anxiety.
Finally, clinginess is usually temporary and passes after children adjust to changes and develop skills to be more independent and interact with their peers. But if clinginess continues and leads to lengthy tantrums and resistant behavior when separated from parents and refusal to go to school or engage in social activities, you may want to consult a mental health specialist.
Culled from babiesdailynews.com. Visit the website for babies, parenting and pregnancy related articles. 
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Entertainment

John Terry, Mourinho hail Claudio Ranieri

Chelsea captain, John Terry and former club manager, Jose Mourinho have sent some heart-warming messages to Leicester City coach, Claudio Ranieri in the wake of Leicester City’s iconic Premier League title victory. The Italian football manager who steered the club to its fist Premier League title revealed he is still reveling in amazing feeling.
Mourinho, who once branded the former player a failure with the mentality of someone who doesn’t need to win acknowledged his huge influence in the club’s groundbreaking feat. In a statement issued by his management company CAA Sports, Mourinho said: “I want to congratulate everyone connected to Leicester City; players, staff, owners and fans. “I lost my title to Claudio Ranieri and it is with incredible emotion that I live this magic moment in his career.”
John Terry also paid glowing tribute to the 64 year-old. “I’m 100% pleased for Claudio. He’s different class and a great person – credit to him and the players” He wrote.
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Entertainment

Video: Marriage No Longer On The Cards For Me- Toyin Aimakhu

After ending her marriage to Niyi Johnson, Toyin Aimakhu isn’t eager to say “I do” ever again.
The talented thespian who is currently in the US made this revelation during an interview with Demi Oke of Fashion Buzz TV. “I’m in trauma and scared. All I need now is God and the holy spirit to help me.” She explained. Perhaps, times heal all wounds, the Alakada star added, “I am over it but I can not be healed.” She also dispelled rumours that she has been married several times. “I don’t know where they got that from. I’ve been only married once and that would be my last.”

Meanwhile the actress has released some really stunning African-inspired pictures.
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Entertainment

Leicester City crowned Premier League Champions

Leicester City have claimed their first Premier League title ever. Needless to say they have had an absolutely ground-breaking season moving from relegation favourites to Premier League title contenders and outright winners .
Tottenham crashed out of the race  after levelling with current title holders, Chelsea today.
With two games left the foxes are seven points clear at the top of the table  and are already  champions for the EPL 2015/2016 season.
Congratulations to them.
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Entertainment

Opinion : Tiwa savage and her husband deserve each other


Whatever was going on in their marriage is between both husband and wife, I honestly hope they find happiness in their own way. However, based on their social media rants, where none of them refused to take the high road, I have come to the conclusion that both husband and wife are tell tales and deserve each other.
First let’s discuss Teebillz attempt to commit suicide. It was so dramatic it came out as attention seeking rather than a cry for help. If truly he’s a drug addict then his behaviour is even more acceptable than attaching it to depression. Other celebrities have quietly committed suicide without fuss. And to make things worse, he decided to end his wife’s career to make himself feel better.
To me, Teebillz came across as a man who would take everyone with him on his way down. If he had a huge effect on Tiwa’s rise to stardom, he did not single handedly keep her there. She is talented and hard working, writes her own songs and squeezed her way through even after he stopped being her manager
No matter what anyone says about Toke Makinwa, let’s give it to her, she is a very wise young woman. While we heard rumors flying around about her marriage, she refused to bash the man who obviously did her wrong. Her career is soaring , her life is better and people have moved on!
Let’s compare it to Tiwa Savage’s interview: She tied a scarf, wore a rumpled tshirt in a blatant attempt to evoke sympathy, but in all these, she remembered to use a mild foundation and drew her eye brow in a perfect arch. Manipulation of the highest form, DISGUSTING!
To those who are thinkers, watch the interview again, she answered more questions than she was asked. And revealed way too much than was needed. She should have sent out a press release, addressed what’s necessary and stayed as classy as most of us thought she was
I feel terrible for anyone who is or was in a bad marriage but I respect those who fight and win in silence. There’s so much wisdom in mystery, obviously the BALOGUNS know nothing about this .
Credit : Instagram.com/ diaryofanaijagirl
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Entertainment

Tiwa Savage’s PR machine failed woefully – Charles Novia

Nollywood film maker and actor, Charles Novia has joined the growing list of celebrities who are offering their two cents on Tiwa Savage’s interview with Pulse Nigeria. The film critic thinks having the embattled singer dress casually, with a scarf tied round her head just to elicit sympathy watered down her brand. Read his opinion below
“I watched the video interview of Tiwa Savage. And I have a few thoughts on it. Seems to me that the basic idea, coming from a PR perspective, was to pull a fast Olivia Pope ish on the scandal which broke a few hours ago. And understandably so. Tiwa Savage is a Brand Ambassador for a few top brands such as MTN, Pepsi and Pampers.
“Whatever the negative fallout of this impending and scandalous divorce, it’s going to have some downside a bit on the brands she campaigns for. So a fast ‘tell-my-side-of-the-story mode’ had to be employed and fast too. I don’ t know if a professional PR person was involved with the packaging but it was tacky. Not professionally done, in my opinion. I’m not harping on what she said, as those things are her personal heart cry and she has a right of reply but I’m more interested in the optics of what has been put out.
“First, perhaps in a bid to elicit some linear empathy or something, Tiwa was made to think that looking humble and contrite corresponds with tying a dormitory scarf on her head and looking casual in a T Shirt was a good way to send the message home. I think it only demystified her brand more. This is a video which would be watched for years to come and even more so by her kid.
“Having tried so hard to be a Beyonce clone in Nigeria (and that’s my perception of her artistic projections all these years), she should have known too that Beyonce never plays with her optics in any way. That scarf and sombre look wasn’t the right optics, if you ask me. There are more visually acceptable ways of projecting a diva’s side of the story and her PR team ( if she has any) messed it up there.
“I’m asking myself too if the proprietary of having such an interview twenty four hours after the scandal was advisable. For many, it wouldn’t matter but for some, perhaps a little dignified silence would have been advisable. Ma’am, you are supposed to be pop queen. You be ‘ Dorodiva’. A simple press statement that you and your family would love to have your privacy respected at these trying period and bla bla bla would have kept everyone a bit cool till a proper interview surfaces. Recent clamping up lessons from Toke Makinwa would have helped.
“And the spilling though! I really have nothing to say on that much. First, every marriage have peculiar challenges. And couples try to work things out till the pressure point either makes the marriage go South or force the brakes for reconciliation. I have written many times about couples, especially celebrity couples who ‘flash and form’ seemingly pristine lifestyles on social media and I always end my homilies with the caveat that incessant kudos by one or even both partners to each other on social media at the slightest opportunity, are indications of a festering problem in that marriage. It’s the way it is here. The guy can be pummeling the wife every morning and she still would go up on social media to post his picture with words like ‘the only one for me…my lover, my life’. Incredible.

“In her interview, Tiwa said she dreaded his birthdays or wedding anniversaries because of “what people would say”. Sad, when a marriage is predicated on keeping up appearances for the public when it should actually be more private for both couples.
“Like I said, what she said in the interview is her right of reply. I would sympathise with her beyond the cosmetic sympathies she’s getting from fans, friends and fiends. She wanted a fairy tale life, worked hard to build it but found out that she was kissed by a frog who didn’t turn out to be the Prince she desired. My sympathy would be on the truncation of that dream and really not the nightmare she woke up from. Because she created it with him. And it had its entertainment value for the fans who lapped it all up.

“He was still legally married, from reports back then which were either squashed or played down, yet she ignored the alarm bells and still went ahead to marry him “after the traditional introduction”. What was celebrated in far away Dubai was just a reception for the introduction perhaps and not the legal nuptials. I stand to be corrected on this?

“It’s the classic case of the gullible girls always falling for the bad guys. And when you ask the question why such girls fall into that trap, they would reply that ‘I thought I could change him. That he would change’. Shiooor! His father could not change him, his mother could not change him but it’s you and your ikebe that will now change him?
“The gods are wise!
“She has denied the allegations of the trysts she purportedly had with Don Jazzy, Dr Sid and Tuface. Just as well too. Because I’m sure those guys must have had some temporary flaccidity after Tee’s ‘depressed’ rant. Person go just siddon e own and next tin your name go dey for somebody gbanshing list! Na wa o.
“And hasn’t this marital incubus taken its toll on her career in the past year? I think it has. In my opinion, this last album of Tiwa is crap. It’s quite a flat album. And it’s being received as such since its release in December. Perhaps the matrimonial shenanigans distracted the focus.
“It’s going to be hard work to rebuild her career from here on. Hard work. But she could just reinvent her career too. She seems like one who came into the scene with a ferocious focus to be on top. And she was arguably the biggest female act on he scene before perhaps a personal yearn for emotional fulfillment veered her off the path. And in trying to make a comeback, it hasn’t been easy. The fans have limited patience and other female rivals have come on the scene.
“Somehow, some comic relief seems to have come out of this. And it is perhaps culinary by inference. ‘ Edible Catering’. Talk about choking on one’s swallow! No pun intended. I do not know how people psycho-analysed that Tee Blizz’s instagram rants were as a result of depression. It seemed like a drunken or spaced-out outcry to me when I read it. And an accompanying recant on twitter later that his account was hacked seemed too like some silly sobriety thereafter. It’s high time these celebrities stop using the hacking excuse to cover up for infantile discretions.
“In all of this, I do feel some little sympathy for the couple. But there is a larger lesson to be learnt from all this by them and intending couples too; stop trying to keep up with The Joneses when in actual fact you have forgotten that you are The Jegedes. Keep the ish real.
“Oh….and if Tee Blizz was really hovering around the Lekki Ikoyi bridge as reported, for a suicide swim from which he was saved by Banky and others, then I would advise a whole squad or eagle – eyed friends to surround all bridges in Lagos after this Tiwa’s interview.
“She cleaned him out. Finished his ass like he messed up hers the day before.
“Depression? Nigger’s likely to see any bathtub as a river after he watches this video,” the critic penned down.
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Entertainment

Should We Put GEJ On Trial?

Article written by Tony Ogunlowo
There are those out there who want ex- President Jonathan Goodluck put on trial for his mismanagement of the country when he was President.

Whilst I’m not a big fan of his I don’t think this is a good idea.

Traditionally, ex-Presidents in Nigeria, corrupt, dictatorial or inept, have enjoyed immunity from persecution. It’s an unwritten rule. Nobody is considered ‘big’ enough to try them! The only exception to this rule has been when past military dictators have removed each other from office and dealt with themselves in true military fashion – either a spell in detention or up against a firing squad!

GEJ still has a considerable following in the country and persecuting him will only lead to mass rioting and disturbances as some people still believe he is a saint. Unfortunately Nigeria hasn’t evolved, or isn’t civilized enough, to put an ex-leader on trial, peacefully, without big wahala ensuring. So for now they remain untouchable and above the law.
And if you do put him on the stand, if that’s possible, how are you sure he won’t turn up in court with a team of about ninety overpaid and over-qualified lawyers who’ll turn the case into a show trial that will go on and on without reaching a verdict? And if you do put him on trial what’s he going to say? He probably won’t remember doing anything (- excuse the pun!) But yet again don’t forget he was just a by-stander most of the time while others ran the Presidency on his behalf requesting his presence only when they needed his signature on a money-transfer form!

But there is another way. GEJ can cooperate with EFCC investigators, helping them to unravel the myriad mystery of missing or looted funds. For instance was it a $2.1 billion dollars arms deal scandal or $15 billion dollars? Being the President at the time such a transaction would need his approval before the Central Bank would release any funds. Since he believes corruption is not a crime he obviously knows who the perpetrators are and it shouldn’t be too difficult for him to make a long list of all concerned and hand it over to the EFCC boys who’ll take it from there. It would be the patriotic – and honest – thing to do, if he’s capable.

Nigeria is currently enjoying a lot of bad press at the moment with the Senate Leader and others having their day in court. Do we really want to put a bumbling ex-President on trial to embarrass the nation in front of the whole world?

As an ex-President who has little or no credibility left, who’s forced to sneak around and doesn’t enjoy the patronage he used to, I believe he’s already been on trial and sentenced.

Let’s leave him to enjoy his Presidential pension, watch him turn up to give speeches in near deserted halls, struggle to write his memoirs or attempt to be an election monitor in some far flung banana republic.
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