Meet OUR WCW, the beautiful Barby

My name is Barbara Ukamaka Okwaraononobi. Barby is the 2^nd out of four amazing siblings and was born on 19^th of June. I don’t have a favourite food and I love music, art and books. A graduate of University of Nigeria and a young lawyer with an amazing personality.

Years before.....(Desperate Chicks)‎

Desperate Chicks was one of the best times of my life while in school. It all started after I did a little voice over for an artist in Manger Studios after which I was introduced to Stormrex and Ursla by Dekumzy and next thing we were scribbling away lyrics and cracking jokes. I had so much fun and also found myself in the process.  It was also pretty challenging because I was a Law Student and I must not flunk! I would go to the studio after classes and get back to school in time for a little studying and the next day of course. I figured if I had to do both at the same time without negative effect on my academics I had to put my head down. Amazingly, my parents never objected.

Desperate Chicks may not have made so much money but it was a talent-crazy driven group.  The beautiful thing about the group was the diversity in singing style. Stormrex, Ursla and I had different singing styles and most times we wanted to do the same song differently. I think that oddity was one
of the things that made the group unique back then. I totally enjoyed my time with Desperate Chicks, working with Dekumzy (our producer and manager) was creatively interesting. He is indeed talented and those 3 girls were amazing back then.

Being a Lawyer

I love what I do. I have been a Lawyer for 4 years now and it has been an exciting career. I did core Litigation for a year before going into Corporate Law Practice and Entertainment Law Advisory. I still sing but not as a commercial artist. It’s a God-given talent that must be used.  I still keep in touch with people I met in the music industry some of whom are actually my clients now.

There is always a reason for everyone we come across. Being nice, it doesn't cause a thing rather gives room for favour.‎

And yes, for the sake of famzing I have to post a picture of both us, it was three years ago tho but hey.....

IG: @barbytwits

Barby Okwaraononobi

Meet our MCM...

Hi, i'm Brainiac Aka the radio god, Aka the super hype Man

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Anambra State Born Broadcaster, Born on the 14th Of April, Aries, HipHop Historian, Events planner/Executive,Creative media content developer and publicist, Ghost writer, Artiste Promoter/Manager/Super HypeMan

My Early Interest in music pulled me into broadcasting way back in 2005. I joined Coal City Fm as an artiste and was saddled with the responsibility to host a show called (Weekend vibes) I found it so interesting because i was driven by passion even though i wasn't getting paid.. I earned a large followership with my funny, witty, hip, smooth usually common with private radios, In 2006, I moved on to Tansian university Fm where I studied political science and also handled a night request show which had so many folks glued to the station... I had the most callers , Hence my departure from Tansian University..In 2010, I moved on to Benue State, Makurdi where i did my NYSC and also got a Job at Radio Benue as An OAP, I handled a show called 

"Fm Delight" and i made History in Makurdi as I broke protocols with my contemporary way of broadcasting....In 2012, I went down to Radio Portharcourt in Port Harcourt city, a private owned station where i handled The Drive time show called "Afternoon Marathon" plus a HipHop show called "Mic Therapy"...In 2014, The  quest for a bigger 

challenge spured me to move to the Award Winning Metro Fm in Lagos as an OAP, where I handled two shows: the MiddayLounge And The Mic Therapy.. 

Well, currently i'm a business Man Plus I Work with Solid Fm 100.9 Enugu, I handle the award winning hip hop radio show

"Mic Therapy" on Saturday's from 9pm

When Brainiac is not working, his greatest passion is listening to music, watching movies, reading and socialising... I am weird because i come alive in the night time...I am  nocturnal like that...Thanks for hanging with me. 

IG: @hotbrainiac 

OUR WCW, Sonia Ebhota

• Let's meet you

My name is Sonia Ebhota and I am from Edo state, Benin city in Nigeria. 

•  Let's start from the very beginning? How was growing up?‎

Growing up for me, was bittersweet. I am the seventh child of nine and I've got five brothers and three sisters. So it was impossible for me to escape being a tomboy. And yes! I say bittersweet because there were times where even though I was my brothers' sweetheart, I couldn't have friends especially boys say hi or come over to our home. 

But every bittersweet story has a bit of sweetness on the side. And that's the part where my brothers had every invitation to every party in the neighborhood cos there were the cutest. I wore their T-shirts, had dreadlocks and baggies. 

One of my brothers would turn on the CD player just before it's 9pm and it could play up until 9am the next day with reggae music and blues. We were known to cause neighbors insomnia for music sake. Lol... 

• Educational background?‎

I Had my primary and secondary education in Delta state at St Charles group of Schools, 2008. And went on to college to get a diploma in music at Tenstrings musicians institute, 2012. Got a certification in Journalism at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, 2014.

• When did you start music?

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I started music professionally in 2010.

•  What inspired you?‎

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For some reason, I can't say exactly what inspired me. But the only thing I remember is, everyone who were my friends at the time, had one thing or the other to do with the art. I had singers, musicians, writers, poets and the list can go on. So basically, I would like to say my environment and the people in my life.

• What musical instrument do you play?‎

I play the guitar. Looking forward to starting a new journey with another instrument. Maybe a wind instrument this time. 

• What inspires your music?

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Firstly, my life as a person, as a woman. My family. My environment. It's funny when I say this, but it's true. The songs and life of some of my mentors. For example, India Arie, Lauryn Hill, Etta James, Mike Okri, Fela Anikulapokuti and the list can extend. 

• How well would you rate the music industry in Nigeria?‎

How well? *Scratches head* The Nigerian music industry has in time experienced revolution no doubt. And I would like to start by saying I'm a huge fan of change. But, when change begin to journey backward, I am thinking questions should be raised. Rating the industry is me giving it a 5 out of 10. 

There is more room to expand to explore and to develop. But I just think the industry now is rigid. Unlike what we had in the old-school Nigerian music. And that's why you can pick up a CD of any of the musicians from way back, and get the message still while you enjoy the rhythm. 

• What do you think about live band music?‎

I grew up playing live music. And I think it's the best way of expression. And that for example, that comes from the connection with the pianist, the percussionist, the guitarist, the background singers and the whole band. I think is beautiful! It's where the soul lies.

• Any collaboration with anyone yet?‎

No.

• Future collaboration?‎

Honey! Who wouldn't like a collaboration?  I would like some with Ty Bello, Nneka, Asa and 2Face now 2Baba. I adore and have great respect for them and their works.  And of course some very exceptional up and coming artists. 

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

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I see myself in the empire built by music currency. I see myself still feeding the world ageless music. In 5years, I want to be Nigeria's biggest thing, Africa's Toughest thing and World's greatest thing musically. 

• What's your philosophy?‎ 

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My philosophy is be happy but, get "ANGRY" It doesn't just take you being tired of a situation to change the situation. It takes you getting angry with the situation, not settling for less, not compromising and not feeling sorry to change a situation. My philosophy is Love, Live Lead. You should Love what you Live for and Lead in the path you've chosen. 

• If wasn't music, what would it have been?‎

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It would be music! 

• Have you been a part of any music reality show?‎ 

Yes I have. Star The Winner Is.... 2014 edition 

• How do you relax?‎

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I love it at the beach with my strings anytime. 

• What do we expect from you in the new year?‎

Newness! I think is sour to recycle. 

• Advice to the young talents...

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I would say, stick to your guns! That is... you should first know you have a gun. And a gun needs a bullet for firing... Simply put, find yourself, know yourself and put yourself out there. The sky is where you begin!‎

Meet our MCM, Sobe Charles Umeh

1. What's your name? 

 Sobe Charles Umeh

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2. Let's start from the very beginning, how was growing up? 

Growing up I would say was relatively okay,  both parents were Teachers so apparently I grew up in a home with  strict disciplinary environment. I had basically all I needed to grow up as a child but then in my family you can only have what you need and not what

 you want.

3. Educational background? ‎

I attended Christ the King College Onitsha where I sat for my WAEC, I then went to Madonna University to study medicine, but realised that wasn't  where I should be, by my second year I transferred to Imo State University Owerri where I had my BSC in Biochemistry, Finally I bagged my Msc International Operations and Supply Chain Management from Glasgow Caledonia University Scotland UK.

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4. When did you consider this path? 

I have always had passion for acting right from my primary school, but I professionally started considering film making in 2002 when I joined Association of Movie Practitioners at Onitsha then, headed by Ifeanyi Azodo. 

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5. How's the movie industry been? 

As far as I am concerned, the movie industry has been evolving and we are getting better by the day. ‎

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6. What was the first movie you directed?

A short film Tale of Sorrow

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7. Did you attend school of directing?

 Yes

8. Any awards yet? 

Yes, my first feature length film Bad Drop won Most Outstanding Comic film of the year  2015 at Abuja International Film Festival  and also Best Supporting Actor English 2015 at Best Of Nollywood Awards (BON)

9. Do you feel anyway different now compared to when you were not in the industry?

Well I won’t say so, just that my creativity has improved a lot with time and of course my circle of friends changed too, but I still make sure I keep in touch with old true friends.

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10. Who would you love to work with?

Frankly speaking I love working with any talented actor that knows his/her trade well and is very professional. I wouldn’t say I have favourites but Tyler Perry and Angelina Jolie won’t be a bad Idea *smiles*

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11. As a director, how would you rate the movie industry in Nigeria? 

Getting better over time.

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12. What makes you fulfilled as a director?: Being able to tell my story in a way that my audience can relate well with and of course getting international recognition.

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13. What would you rather do if it wasn't directing?

Music *Rapping*

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14. How do you relax? ‎

 I watch Movies or Listen to Music

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15. What do we expect from you this new year?

 Expect to see great movies, first is *How Not To Fall In Love* which I did last year ending but will be released this year, I already also have some scripts that I am to direct for people…so a lot of good stuff will be coming your way this year so keep your fingers crossed and your eyes open. *laughs*

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16. We have seen Stan Nze in your movies, is he your best actor *winks*?

* LOL* I do get this a lot!! Well Stan Nze is a great method actor who has great passion for his job. He is a delight to work with and of course he is a brother. If I don’t promote my own, whose own will I promote?? So yes expect him in most of my works .

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17. Describe yourself in one word 

Passionate

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18. What made your 2015 amazing? : 

The Success I achieved, too many to mention. 

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19. What would you love to change about the industry?‎

Our Distribution structure, but I believe we will get there soon.

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20. A word for the upcoming actors

Stay true to your dream, read and improve yourself always and most importantly pray and trust in God

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Facebook: Sobe Romeo Charles
IG: @realsobe

Our WCW, Sylvia Tammy Briggs aka, MAMA T

Meet the Rivers born OAP, Big, Bold and Beautiful.

1. What's your name?  ‎

Sylvia Tammy Briggs (Mama t)‎

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2. Let's start from the very beginning, how was growing up? 

Growing up for me truthfully wasn't too fun,  I had a very strict mum that was so protective that i didn't get the opportunity to play or gist with kids my mate but then it helped at building a very strong bond between my mum, Nengi and myself.  They were and still the first and best friends I have. ‎

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3. Educational background? 

I did my primary and secondary school in Port Harcourt (Bereton Montessori school and king of kings academy), I left Port Harcourt in 2004 for Enugu state where I attended the Institute of management Science and Technology(IMT) and Enugu State University of Science and Technology. 

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4. When did you consider this path?

 It wasn't planned. I had always wanted to be a barrister and practice law or be an actress.  Radio just happened then because I didn't want to stay idle at home but I am loving every bit of it now. 

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5. How has the media been? ‎

Tough, challenging, crazy but sweet at same time

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6. Where have you worked? ‎

Solid fm Enugu but now with Lagelu fm/Splash FM Ibadan

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7. What kind of program do you run on radio? 

I run a pidgin belt from 12 noon - 5pm Monday through Friday..  It's a live phone in program that I get to talk to people and get their contribution about politics and issues that concern our day to day lives and living. 

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8. How do you get feedback from people? 

I get feedback from my social media platforms and calls too. On twitter and instagram @solidmamat.  Facebook - officialsolidmamat

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9. Do you feel anyway different now compared to when you were not an OAP ?

Definitely. I don't get to be carefree anymore and being conscious of the fact that we are always in the public eye, where we people get to commend you or curse the  hell outta you,  haba you sef you sabi how the thing dey be, but you just gats wear smile for your fans and friends. 

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10. What has been the major challenge so far? 

Leaving Enugu for Ibadan and making sure I still stay relevant, be on top of my game, content wise so I no go fall my employers hand and of course  my listeners and fans. 

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11. As an OAP, how would you rate the performance of the Nigerian artiste? 

They are getting there, we have more of artistes than musicians/entertainers that do more of songs than music. Me no fit sing to save my life sef lol! 

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12. What makes you fulfilled as an OAP? 

The fact that I get to talk to people about issues they go through and try to help out in my own little way.  Basically giving voice to the voiceless gives me joy and fulfilment. 

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13. What would you rather do if it wasn't radio? 

Writing 

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14. How do you relax? ‎

Movies, playing table tennis and I love my bed sha

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15. What do we expect from you this new year? 

Better Mama T, more humanitarian work for me this year even though I have been doing it on a low-key but currently cooking something, u go be the first to know when the thing done. 

16. Have you featured in any movie? And do we watch out for new ones? 

No I haven't, but you should watch out for crazy skits and short comedy clips with me and a colleague Dr warri connect

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17. Describe yourself in one word 

 Crazy

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18. What made your 2015 amazing? 

Getting a new job and moving to Oyo state after staying in Enugu for 11yrs, trust me, from where I am coming from it is the most amazing thing that happened to me.. Am still Nwa 042 though because that state made me. 

Thank you so much Clare and to your Clarexpression team, make una continue dey do the good work.  God bless‎

Twitter & IG: @solidmamat

Facebook: officialsolidmamat

Our MCM and his testimony

MEET Oluwasegun Bisiryu, aka, KingsKid, our Man crush Monday

I grew up in a family of three children and being the first child and only boy, it wasn't easy.‎ I grew up in a rough neighbourhood in Mushin, so you can agree with me that it wasn't easy but it was sure fun, dangerous fun.

Then, my father worked with Oodua groups, the Pepsi Cola Company. He wasn't the Daddy kind of father, he was just okay, he had a good job, he had a car, but cared less 

for the home.... but there is ONE thing i am eternally grateful for, that is sending me to one of the best private schools in Mushin (Twins Day Nursery and Primary School) now Susan Martins school.

i was introduced to a lot of dangerous things in the early days of my life, street uncles will come take me to their hideouts where they shared stolen money and other items, they smoked cannabis, cocaine and gbana( as they call it) but My Parents were strict disciplinarians so the thought of what they would do to me was a guideline already and the beginning of wisdom,lol.‎

i remember vividly, one certain day i was playing "mummy and daddy" with a particular girl called Bilikisu at the backyard and one of my aunts caught us, that blackmailing was never ending. (my childhood memories)‎

In 1991, we moved away from Mushin because as at then, pepsi cola liquidated and we moved to our own apartment in Ikotun, in ikotun i was already in primary four and we had to change school because of the distance and the deadly Lagos traffic.

I forgot to mention, all through my stay in Mushin i was top in my class and always got awards every end of the year party for overall best in English, Mathematics and moral

instructions.

In IKotun, i kept doing the same, displacing the current champion in my class and when i went for my common entrance examinations, i picked kings college for my first choice and FGC meiran and i was given slots for both school as i came out excellent, as fate would have it, i ended up in a private secondary school on my street, St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, did my JSS1 and 2 there before they did a 100% increament in school fees,my father said, in his words:  "no, i cant pay that" and i was moved to a public secondary school where i did not regret i attended, Ikotun High 

School.

Ikotun High school was a learning ground cos that was where i actually learnt how to speak yoruba, i can remember my first day there and i started speaking phonetics and everyone in the school was like urgh! they communicate in Yoruba language, even teachers use yoruba to explain lol, but Ikotun HIgh school was a great experience. i met a while lot of interesting people there and had my first heartbreak there also.lol.

When I was done with secondary school,I had to re write Mathematics. Things became tougher, dad told us there was on means to continue as he wasn't working again and had no money.  I got a small thing to do and earned #4500, that was nothing to go with as my sister was doing a job with lesser salary. My mother was just a tailor in the house. The tribulations started, we barely had two meals a day.

i was given so many opportunities including AFF(Advanced Fee Fraud) popularly called yahoo yahoo now, but my upbringing and my christian faith did not allow me do that. we waited on God, we prayed, we fasted, we worked for God, i was a Chorister, a youth coordinator, an interpreter in my church then.

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One very fateful day, after we had nothing for two straight days, a tenant in my father's house went to badagry and bought smoked fish, he removed the heads cos he never 

liked eating head of fish, so my sisters asked the man for the fish to feed our dog, the guy obliged them, they brought the fishe and stared eating and that brought hot tears to my eyes. that was a saturday morning and on sunday morning, i threw myself on the floor, crying and praying to God, my mother and sisters joined in and that was when the latter came in.‎

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I challenged God, I worked for Him, I prayed, three months after, i got a job with SLOT and since then, our lives have been transformed dramatically and we all have graduated from school, I, B.sc. Computer science, my younger sis, B. Tech, estate management.

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IG: @kingskid00 

Throw Back Thursday #TBT

Our Celebrity #Tbt is the Eberi papa 1 of Bayelsa, Timaya. Back in the day when he attended talent hunt competitions. Humble beginnings lead our dreams to reality. I guess he is living the life he always wanted. Timaya is now a name to reckon with in the Nigerian Music Industry and is still working hard to stay relevant.

Baby Crush Wednesday...LOL

Meet the beautiful Esther Sanufunmi Sobande. She wants to be a doctor and loves to model.  She loves going out and loves to care of little kids. Esther loves to pray, she likes to watch Doc. McStuffin. She loves drawing and painting. She loves taking pictures of people, nature and anything she finds fascinating. She likes eating meat, chicken and turkey.

ClareXpressions would love to feature the beautiful Esther when she becomes that which would give her fulfillment and put some papers in the bank. We love you darling.

OUR MONDAY CRUSH IS THE TALENTED COMEDIAN - FOREVER

Meet Akuidolo Orevaoghene but as a comedian, he is known as FOREVER which was created from OREVA. He hails from Delta state and Isoko by tribe. A mechanical engineering graduate of the Institute of management and technology, Enugu , #Hehe but I guess Nigeria changed his destiny and made him a comedian.

Read about him:

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD AND EDUCATION...

My childhood was fun as we would always go to my grandma's house every weekend. It was a time to always look forward to because we would eat as we wanted, play without restriction and given all we asked for. It was generally fun.

My educational background is simple. I started from Jameb commercial school, Ughelli, till i got to primary two‎ before i proceeded to Oharisi Model Primary school. For secondary school education, i attended Government college Ughelli, and then proceeded to the Institute of management and technology, Enugu. I am still in the school of life though. No one graduates from that school.

WHEN DID YOU START COMEDY?

I actually started cracking jokes in 2007 but before then i was already doing stage plays. Anyway it was in 2005 that i first say a stand up comedy performance as we were watching "Nite of a thousand laughs" but it was "I go dye" that really inspired me and that was it started for me.

I have performed in many shows ranging from Alibaba spontaneity, Stand Up Nigeria, Tymeout with Tee A, I was one of the anchors at I.laff with Mc Abbey and many other shows. I also host my own comedy show known as "LAUGH SYRUP with FOREVER" which runs annually.

Well for awards, some small recognitions though but i don't have any that have come with a plaque yet‎ #smiles.

WHAT IS YOUR SOURCE OF INSPIRATION?

God inspires me. Life, right values, the future inspires me but as for comedy i am quick with thoughts, so once i see something, my mind begins to develop pictures and the humour in it begins to manifest. My mentors are Mc Abbey, Saco and Owen Gee. My role models are Alibaba, ‎John Maxwell and Fela Durotoye.

Yes, i play all instruments mentally but most importantly i clap my hands#smiles

IF NOT COMEDY WHAT ELSE?

If not comedy, I would have been a public speaker and writer, which i am still partially into at the moment. I write, i am also a radio presenter and i do a bit of acting. It's not difficult to joggle both because it's kind of knitted together. Yes, it has affected me positively as i am now more mature. I know a lot of people are willing to learn from me and i am not willing to disappoint them, so i tend to remain a great role model for them.

I am a proud Nigerian and all i wish for this country is that we should be able to stand up for ourselves and do what is right subconsciously.

ADVICE TO THE YOUNG ONES...

Be sure of what you want to become. Become better at who you are. Find a way to grow and always remember that talent is not enough. Thank you so much.

IG: @forevercfr

Twitter: @forevercfr

Facebook: Foreverdpreacher Oreva

MAN CRUSH MONDAY (MCM) | G-FRESH

And our Man crush for today is the talented actor and singer, also known by his musical stage name: G-Fresh. He studied theatre arts at University of Ibadan and is part of the renowned Afolayan entertainment family. He has featured in movies such as: Hood rush, Heroes and zeroes, Ojuju, Ija okan, just to mention a few and has bagged some awards. 

He has also released songs like the evergreen "Kokoro Ife Mi", Awelewa, Plug it, Kpasa Kona.

We wish him well and hope to see more of him.

Download and Enjoy my favourite song by him "Kokoro Ife":

DOWNLOAD

IG: @gabbyluccii 

Our Woman Crush Wednesday (WCW)

Beautiful Layefa Wokoro who always saw herself in the spotlight but wasn't sure how to go about it. She had boxes of make-up, was clueless on what to do about it or how to make fun and create happiness out of these boxes. While in school, her third year precisely, she decided to go for a professional make up class. She started from a mini class and later upgraded to the professional level. She came in contact with a tour artist during her NYSC days and completed her classes with a touch of perfection. 

For the beautiful Layefa, it is not about the money because it's not the driving force. She says it's fun playing with colours. 

We love the beautiful Layefa and wish her well in her smooth journey.

IG: @layefawokoro

Man Crush Monday (MCM)

My name is Edozie Peter chigozie. aka Peejay Edozie 

I attended St Martin catholic school lagos then continued at St Feliz seminary lol, weird right? and holy infants high school both in Delta State. A graduate of English literature from the University of Nigeria. Super lion tinz lol.

As much as I would not like to say I started singing from d choir, I actually started singing from the choir in school before 2009 when I first worked with OJB on my first recording and 2010 when I got signed by Serengeti music alongside Godwon..

My major motivation in music was Tu face idibia. People always said we had a striking resemblance but for me it was his expression and originality..Next was P Square, they were just too good at the music business and made beautiful music so I decided to work hard to also make my mark in the industry.

 Music and school are two opposing spirits. It wasn't easy facing both so I had to focus on school while I followed up on the other, because  school was just four years but music is forever.  I must admit I had a good time performing in school as I was one of the major music acts in school at the time. Ask anybody!!! Lol..

My very first song ,Wiper , was done out of the desire to show the world how good I was. I wanted to be different and unique and it felt good, though I  did not  promote it as much but it was loved by everyone who ever listened and the reception was amazing.