Amebor » Interview

Whose Mother is this? – ITS AFROCANDY AGAIN!!!

Jide Ladipo — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:25:29 +0000

It’s not that we like to patronize AFROCANDY; it’s just that we find her amusing and entertaining. Last year she blessed with us her hit track: “Ikebe Na Money” and this time she is back with a new track called “Who go be my man?”
The video is similar to the first video she did. A$$ flashing, Pervy men checking her out and all that unchoreographed booty shaking! (See reactions to her first video and our interview here)

We would leave all the comments to you, our readers. Afterall, we are just reporting what is happening out there!

Minding Motherland Krooks’ Bizness | Fashion Bizness

Dipo Agoro — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:55:14 +0000

I came across a new, refreshing line while trying to find what to wear for the summer and especially for the NRC Reunion in New York. Thru my search I noticed Motherland Krooks, a line started by philanthropist and designer, Seyi Sowunmi which captured and blended urban and african influences. Being an amebor I decided to interview him and find out more…..CHK it Out

AMEBOR» When did you launch MK?
MK»‎Motherland Krooks started in 2007

AMEBOR» What inspired you to start this line?
MK» First of, I will like to say thank you for this interview. The inspiration comes from my interest in fashion and passion for africa. I wanted to find a way to differentiate how clothing

AMEBOR»No doubt, we appreciate ethnic fashion and what they bring to the community.‎ Where did the concept for MK come about?
MK»As an African, one can help to notice how corrupt are countries are. Corruption, hunger and poverty are top issues in Africa and I want to capture these issue through clothing. Motherland-of course refers to the continent of Africa and Krooks – refers to the people that are causing and not preventing the top issues

AMEBOR»‎Of course you know @ amebor we are in your bizness, Tell us about the “Stop The Krooks Foundation”.
MK»‎Well, that’s a project we have created to execute the purpose of motherland krooks Inc. We currently just collaborate with non for profit organization as we hope to do more of out own projects to help the problems facing Africa.

AMEBOR»‎So you are a designer/philanthropists, we need more people like you in our world. So now to minding who Seyi Sowunmi is? Where are you from other than Naija?
MK»‎I am from The Bronx, New York.

AMEBOR»‎The home of Fat Joe and them, cool cool…so what is a typical day in the life of Seyi like?
MK»My days are pretty unpredictable, but a typical day will be going to the office in the morning, then trying go to class in the afternoon. I usually pick up ideas for new designs during the day. When I get back on campus I start designing, promoting or studying. Sometimes both. ‎I don’t sleep till I’m able to get ideas out my head by sketching or research.

AMEBOR» ‎We see from your designs that your hard work has really paid off, congratulations, where can we purchase Motherland Krooks designs??
MK»‎Thanks. We just launched the Motherland Krooks website with the online store. Anyone can get their hands on our design by simply logging on HERE

AMEBOR»‎We definitely love the line and wish you the best of luck

Click for more about Motherland Krooks and Seyi Sowunmi

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People say that I sound like Jay-Z – Vector tha Viper

Amebor Staff — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:58:26 +0000

“Nigerian “Jay-Z” People say that I sound like Jay-Z, but I prefer Vector over that”. This is what the up and coming hip-hop artist Vector had to say in his interview with Ruby Udeh.

Affectionately known by his family and close friends as Ogunmefun Olanrewaju David, to those in the music limelight and dedicated fans across Nigeria and aboard he goes by the name Vector Tha Viper. Vector sets himself up as expert by revealing that what he does involves a specialized skill, expertise, and art. Signed to the music label YSG Entertainment in 2009.

What do you think? Listen to some of his singles here:

Author insert a music with WS Audio Player
Download (Vector - Warm N Close).

Author insert a music with WS Audio Player
Download (Vector - I luv U Nigeria).

Author insert a music with WS Audio Player
Download (Vector - Kilode).

Check out what “Tha Viper” had to say

1. Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a Rapper, Good one at that. I don’t believe in the “crowd movement,” that meaning everybody headed towards the same direction at the same time. I am a graduate of the “philosophy department” from the University of Lagos.

2. How did you get the name “Vector tha Viper” and what does it mean?

There is many meaning to Vector, but one meaning describes it the most. It means that the magnitude and directions of hip-hop, and also that I am the virus carrier and if anyone wants some of this I will infect them.

3. Who would you say is your all time favorite artist?

My all time favorite artist would be Shawn Carter. I like his talent, and I can relate to his thoughts way beyond what ordinary people can relate to. I also like Ludacris, and Afro-Beat (Fela)

4. Describe your style of music and the message you are trying to send to your listeners?

My style of music is just “making good music.” Hip-hop is the instrument of making good music or can be considered as Afro-hip-hop, but I most consider my style of music just as making good music.

5. What made you want to become an artist?

Funny enough the story is when I was growing up there was these sets of guys that played around with hip-hop; they were followers of ice cube and famous hip-hop artist and that inspired me to want to do it myself. It looked easy and I began finding out what hip-hop truly meant. Also when I was 13 an undiscovered group called S.O.S had said Nigerian slogan for the new drink called “Zobo” Which was the first Rhythm I’ve ever heard, which goes like this “Zobo is our new logo.” He got the Rhythm out of that and figured I can do the same.

6. What hip-hop artist would you compare yourself too?

“Nobody” I am original.

7. Can you tell us about your debut album which you are currently working on? Which song would you say is currently your favorite?

There are so many songs that I would like to call my favorite, giving kudos to the production company YSG, I would have to say that they have curved the new edge of who I am becoming and who I can be. The album is going to be a straight up surprise. Even for me some of the songs I have recorded even surprises me on how amazing the album will be.

*Do you think your music has made it in Mainstream yet?

Vector is not a new name in Nigeria nor is it a new name in American currently.

Songs such as “Kiloda,” “Warm and Close” and “I love you Nigeria” is being promoted in the United as well as in Nigeria. YSG is trying to get it in to the mainstream across the world. “YSG is international!!!”

8. What song would you say is the most influential song you’ve made thus far?

We are all about the movement so the song called the “Movement” ft. Sister Soul and “I love you Nigeria” (ILN) I would have to say is the yesterday, today and tomorrow of music. “ILN” is the only song that is in its self form Nigeria about Nigeria.

9. If you could work with anyone in the music industry that out right now, who would it be?

- I would work with Jay-Z just in order to set the record straight that we are not the same, but I seriously would love to be on a track with “2-Face.”

10. What is your opinion of where other artist’s music stands compared to yours and where do you feel your style of music will stand out amongst the rest?

With my music I am trying to reach a wider audience not just the Nigerian community but around the world. My music is for everyone who can relate to it.

Bonus Question: Is there anything you would like to say to the readers?

“I come in Peace” does not work. To the readers, I want them to know that I’ am what hip-hop is, what hip-hop was and what hip-hop will be. Holla!!!

Amebor.COM!!! You guys are doing greatly in what you do; you are taking Nigerian music to where it needs to be. Ya’ll is doing a good Job. And you guys show the good side of what the media is showing about Nigeria.

Lexx chats with the man behind Sturvs.com

'Lexx — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:13:00 +0000

Another talented Nigerian brother allowed us to mind his bizness and guess what we did??????????? You guessed right

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO | Jim Iyke’s victim FIRES BACK: “HE BEAT ME BLOODY”

Abiola Abiola — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:26:36 +0000

Last month, Jim Iyke spoke to journalists about an Abuja-based lady whom he claimed was try to “blackmail” him, because he broke-up with her.

The lady in question, Tutupie Sherrif , has broken her silence, in an exclusive interview with one of Amebor.com’s Abuja correspondents. In the interview she talks about the relationship and the abuse, and she also shed light about his “charity,” Jim Iyke foundation, which she claimed he used in scamming donors!!!

Gas Queue hustle | Streets on Lagos

Jide Ladipo — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:40:57 +0000

Check out the madness it takes to buy gas in Nigeria. The fuel scarcity in Nigeria, one of the top oil exporting countries in the world continues into the new year 2010

Minding Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s (Big Brother Nigeria) Bizness.

GuguLethu — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:34:31 +0000

Most celebrities as you can imagine get the most flack for their big egos, if you couple that with their impossible demands and hectic schedules trust me when I tell you that is a nightmare waiting to happen if your job entails interviewing them. Needless to say when the idea struck to approach Ebuka Obi-Uchendu of Big Brother Nigeria for an interview I did not know what to expect, I swear I even wished myself good luck out loud. I mean why wouldn’t I? After all this man is tall, dark and hugely handsome and the fact that he is witty, intelligent and well educated is enough to make ANY woman melt. So you see in my head the the heebie-jeebies were validated.Frankly I prepared myself for the let down and secretly readied an “I told you so” talk to myself for later as I went in for the dive. Once I got in contact with him, Ebuka was more than amiable. He was amazingly easy going, not like I had imagined at all. His professionalism and the fact that he kept to the deadline for the interview has made me gain respect for him. To me these are all signs that point to a level headed down to earth man, who obviously hasn’t let fame get to his head. My skepticism has obviously flown out the window and the rest is below for you to read to see how it all went down.

Q: What did you do before you were on BBA?

Well, I was on Big Brother Nigeria not Big Brother Africa. It was the first and only edition ever held in 2006. It was broadcast across Africa onDstv 24 hours a day for 3 months. Before that, I was a practicing lawyer, who was not earning the best salary and needed a break from the financial burden and stereotype that was law practice. But now I am ready to go back to it; and soon.

Q: How did you get cast for BBN, if a series of interviews were in order were they hard? What was the craziest or most bizarre question/activity you had to participate in.

My elder sister saw the advert for participants in a newspaper and dared me to go on. I thought it was a huge joke but still went on anyways. There were 5 stages of auditions including a 350 question IQ test, a Psychic picking our brains and of course the weirdest being where we had to dip our hands in a box, pick up a prop nd act out a 2 minute drama skit with it.

Q: What other opportunities have come from this experience?

The opportunities didn’t come immediately. A lot of us were under the illusion that we would start getting offers to do stuff. But when one week became 2 months, everyone realised we had to hit the streets ourselves. I walked into the ThisDay office and convinced them to give me a job as a writer. I have since mainatained a weekly column there for 3 years now. After that I auditioned to host Nigeria’s version of Britain’s ‘Dog Eat Dog’ a reality Tv game show. I hosted that for two seasons. I have also hosted an entertainment weekly show called ‘The Glo Show’ for 2 years as well amongst many other television and stage gigs.

Q: What are some of the challenges that you have come across as a celebrity?

The challenges are mostly as a result of pressure and expectations of me from people. The need to always be the well dressed, smiling, courteous bouyant Ebuka. Unfortunately that is not a reality and It can never always be that way. Sadly though a lot of people think otherwise…

Q: What are other ventures you’d like to embark on?

The entertainment industry in Nigeria is growing tremendously and talents continue to be exposed almost on a daily basis. But issues like piracy and poor copyright laws have been one of the biggest setbacks to its growth. I hope to soon use my background in law, to plug into that loophole and also tap it well for my pocket. I have also come to fall in love with television and hope to grow even bigger on that front beyond the national platform which I currently enjoy.

Q: Are you involved in any charity work?

After BBN, we launched ‘The Housemates Foundation,’ which we tried to use as a channel for helping orphanages. While that has suffered considerably because most of us have tight schedules, I have continued to be a part of other charities as much as I can. Also, I’m a part of my church’s community that supports inmates in overcrowded Nigerian prisons. Not all of them there are guilty but because the judicial system is slow, a lot of them spend years without trial and are neglected s a result.

I also belong to a group of friends called ‘The UnRulieS’. The name may seem weird but it’s just a fun group. We have made it duty to support the Lagos State Old People’s Home as often as we can.

Q: If there was one person you’d love to meet , who would it be and why?

As a young boy I had three people on my to meet list. Sadly Mother Teresa died before I could meet her. On the other hand I thankfully got to meet Pope John Paul II before he passed on. The third is everyone’s living hero, Nelson mandela. I’m hoping you know the right people to help me fulfill that one real soon!

Q: The most interesting person you’ve met to date.

Mhhh… For some reason it has to be somewhere between my mother and elder brother. It’s very unhealthy to hang around either one of them. Rib cracking stuff, they are both intensely hilarious!!!

Q: Are you a fan of fashion? Maybe favorite designers?

I am more a fan of style than fashion. Like they say, fashion comes in seasons, but style is forever. I like to where what suits me as against what is fashionable or has a label. But I also love bespoke tailoring so I do admire bespoke tailors like Michael Andrews and Anderson & Shephard. Nigerian designers are starting to make a name for themselves too with people like Clothsense and Emmy Collins topping my list.

Q: Favorite foods, drinks, vacation spots.

Anyone who knows me, knows my favourite food is yam. I love my yams with anything, pounded, fried, boiled or made into a porridge! Nothing beats it. Favorite vacation spot is still my village, Okija. Nothing beats the peace and quiet I get when I’m there.

Q: What type of music do you listen to?

A lot of Nigerian music is topping my list these days but I still love my soft rock from artists like Athlete, ColdPlay & Keane. I also enjoy hip hop artists like Kanye West, Kid CuDi and Jay Z.

Q: What are some of the places you’ve been that you never thought you’d go and your celebrity has afforded.

I’m a true Guinness fan and never thought i’d be able to visit St. James’ Gate in Dublin, the home of Guinness. It was an awesome experience etched seriosuly in my memory. Loved it!

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years.

If I could see the future, of course I would change it so I really can’t say. Hopefully, doing bigger better things. Perhaps a family and a whole lot of money!!!

Twitter: @ebukka

On a side note: Ebuka I’ll see what I can do about introducing you to Madiba in the meantime I’ll catch you around Jozi in ‘10 for the World Cup.

Miss Black Britain, Helen Lawal lets Amebor Mind her Bizness

Amebor Staff — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:30:26 +0000

As you probably, know by now we’ve taken it upon ourselves to mind your bizness, whoever or where ever you are, as long as your “bizness” is worth minding. So, its only natural that the pretty gorgeous and intelligent Helen Lawal got our nomadic attention.

AMEBOR: Before we proceed on questions about Miss Black Britain, kindly tell us about yourself, background etc.

Helen: I was born in Benin, Nigeria and moved over to the UK to live in Yorkshire when I was about 5. My mum , bro and I go back to Nigeria regularly to visit my dad. Ive always felt so lucky to be able to live between two cultures and being exposed to the Nigerian way of life at a young age definitely made me appreciate living in the UK. We take so many things for granted here like clean running water and electricity!

AMEBOR: First of all, congratulations on this WIN. This is mighty big. WOW! Miss Black Britain, huh? How does being the flyest black lady in Britain make you feel?

Helen: I was crowned a year ago and I’m still in shock now!! …Id like to think that the judges saw that I had ambition and passion and this was why they picked me? Although I have put myself forward for these beauty pageants like Miss BB and Miss England I sometimes find it difficult to accept that someone would judge me solely on how I look. . I guess its ‘cos I was always a geek at school and studying to become a doctor you’re always judged on your academic achievements and rewarded for hard work so to be told I’m the best at something because of the way I look opposes everything that medicine is about!!

AMEBOR: So, we read somewhere that you just thought “competing would be fun”. You never once really thought you were going to win. Tell us about that.

Helen: I guess I just answered that in the previous question…

AMEBOR: Do you have any past modeling experience? If yes, how has this WIN opened up doors for you in the modeling and fashion industry?

Helen: I started modeling 2 years ago after a photographer suggested I send my pics off to a few agencies. Ive been with Catwalk model management in Leeds since then but have recently been signed to Boss Model Management who are the leading agency in the North so quite excited about that. I actually found it difficult when I first started off. I’m quite a silly person, bit of a joker and try not to take myself too serious so at first when I was put in front of a camera and told to pose I struggled and found it quite embarrassing!!

But over the past two years I have learned that when your modeling you have to act, its like I adopt a different persona when I’m in front of the camera. When trying to produce a good shot I dont see it as me being photographed I see it as me and the photographer working together to produce an ‘image’, I see the colours, angles, dimensions and structure.

AMEBOR: You are undeniably a celebrity now! How has your life changed?

Helen: Celebrity, pfff, nooo! I’m just Helen Lawal the medical student who appreciates the opportunity she has been given to be involved in the modeling world!

AMEBOR: We understand that you are a medical student (Sports medicine, specifically – which is quite demanding) how challenging has it been to juggle the responsibilities of being Miss Black Britain and pursuing your education.

Helen: (I’m not studying sports medicine!) Ive managed to juggle my modeling and medicine quite well. I know my parents were concerned at the beginning that I would be distracted by modeling but its actually helped me maintain the right balance of study and fun in my life. Its so different to being on the wards, its a refreshing change and gives me a boost! I’m in my final year of medicine which means being on the wards, in theatre or in General Practice 9-5 so I’m having to put the modeling on hold for a while, when I get an odd afternoon off i sometimes squeeze in a cheeky photo-shoot

AMEBOR: We also read that your father owns a Hospital in Nigeria ? And that you might go home to move home to for some type of Elective, why Nigeria ?

Helen: My father is an orthopaedic surgeon in Benin and he runs his own clinic with a 5 bed ward. This summer I spent sometime working with him which was great, Im his only daughter and the only one out of his 4 children who has followed in his footsteps so hes very proud

I also spent some time working in the National Hospital in Abuja and I really learned alot about medicine in Africa, I hadn’t realised how different it was from being a doctor in a more developed country. The doctors have to work in poor conditions with a lack iof resources and funding, it makes the job of saving lives and providing quality care even more challenging than it already is! some storied form my summer at www.stethoscope -and-stilettos.blogspot.com

AMEBOR: We know every contestant during these pageants have some type of charity in mind during the process, tell us about your charity of choice and what drew you specifically to that charity.

Helen: Whilst i was in Nigerian this summer Global Giving arranged for me to visit ‘The Friends of the Disabled’ charity in Lagos. They provide basic education, skills in shoe-making, tailoring, welding and computer to help disabled youths with no basic education or job skills whom otherwise resort to begging and become victims of dangerous activities.

They also aim to eradicate Sign Language Illiteracy in the six geopolitical Zones of Nigeria in order to include the hearing impaired who are totally excluded. http://www.globalgiving.co.uk/pr/1100/proj1044a.html I’m hoping to organise a big fund-raising event for them soon.

AMEBOR: What’s the craziest thing that has happened to you since the WIN? Any crazy fan stories? Esp in Nigeria ?

Helen: It sounds weird but being in hospital and having a doctor or nurse recognise me as ‘ Helen the model’ or a doctor introducing me to a patient as a beauty queen is crazy! For me once I have my stethoscope round my neck im in doctor mode and you don’t always know how colleagues and patients will react to you once they find out your a model…some take you less seriously.

AMEBOR: What else do you have going on right now that you’d like to talk about?

Helen: I’m doing a surgery rotation at the moment with the colorectal team at York Hospitals so I’m getting to watch loads of amazing operations! pretty gruesome stuff some of it! I’m heading down to London November 14th for the Miss Black Britain finals where I will be handing over my ‘crown’ at the Mermaid theater…check out this years contestants.. http://www.missblackbritain.co.uk/

AMEBOR: What would you like your fans to know about you? some random facts:

(Click here to view more pictures and become Helen’s fan on Facebook)

Helen:

I was an extra in the first Harry potter film when I was about 14, you can see me right at the end in the train station scene (so embarrassing!)
I’m one of those freaks who has a second toe longer than their first!! Ive got big plans for the future that involve me combining my medicine and modeling so watch this space:-)
My moto in life: its better to regret doing something that to regret not having tried!
Thank-you for all your support, especially those of you in Nigeria

AMEBOR: Thanks Helen for letting us Mind her Bizness by giving us an interview. We appreciate your time. You are one really fiiiiine sister. Good luck with all that you do.

Pop Singer, Briana Colette “Talks about it” with Lexx

'Lexx — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:26:05 +0000

Briana Colette hangs out with Lexx and talks about music, fave artist, fashion etc…lovely lady…

Minding Daniel’s Bizness

GuguLethu — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:59:32 +0000

Daniel Oluwafemi is a name you might want to remember. This young Nigerian born model has the potential to head straight to the top. I spotted Daniel gracing the runways of fantastic designers during Fashion Week in New York and I felt compelled to scoop an interview. I mean How can I not. This man has the body of a God and after I envisioned how many ladies would thank me for featuring this eye candy on Amebor it just had to be done. Frankly when I approached this 22 year old to introduce myself I expected him to be arrogant and dismissive especially because he was surrounded by a bevy of supermodels backstage. However; to my surprise he was meek and mild which put me at ease therefore I didn’t feel awkward requesting him of his time. Due to our busy schedules we were unable to meet personally but eventually we were able to speak. This is how it went.

G: First of all I have to ask how in the world did you get a body like that? And in case you’re wondering I’m not asking for me. The ladies out there would be pleased to find out.

Daniel: Well I work out 5-10hrs per week. I also try to watch what I eat and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

G: I bet you get a lot of complements on your body and handsome looks

Daniel: Oh no! Why are you trying to embarrass me.

G: I don’t mean to and I apologize. I just think that someone who has your looks and is built like you would get a lot of attention for it.

Daniel: Actually can you ask me a different question?

G: By all means, I sense that you’re being shy and I don’t want to put you on a spot like that. Well here is a question that is more relevant. “Did you always want to model?”

Daniel: No, It was by complete chance. A friend recommended I sign with an agent after I’d lost my job. I took his advice and I did just that. Ended up signing with a great agency that looks out for my best interests. Since then I have been lucky to get booked.

G: Since then? How long you have been modeling then?

Daniel: Well, its been long enough

G: So do you model full time,

Daniel: Actually I’m a student full time so I have to balance school and modeling. Sometimes its hard because I have to be in two places at once, but I’ve become good at managing time correctly.

G: What do you major in Dani-el? and do your friends call you Daniel or Dani?

Daniel: Mostly just Daniel and I’m a Computer Science Major.

G: Why Computer Science?

Daniel: The first reason is that I love computers. Also my dad was a computer analyst since I was born so I’ve been around computers all my life. Its safe to say naturally I gravitated towards something that I was familiar with.

G: I’m sure your dad is content with what you studying in school, but is he equally thrilled about your career as a model?

Daniel: Indeed. Both my parents are opened to it and support me fully.

G: When do you graduate?

Daniel: It feels like its never going to happen, but thank goodness its soon.

G: How soon?

Daniel: Next year.

G: What has been the highlight of your modeling career thus far?

Daniel: Walking during Couture Fashion Week.

G: Why is that?

Daniel: Because I had the opportunity to work with a few Nigerian designers who are ambassadors who on a mission to put “African couture” on the map. I felt proud being that I’m originally from Nigeria and I was part of history. It also seems like the more exposed I am in the fashion world, the more passionate I have become. My knowledge of the industry has really expanded as a whole.

G: I have to ask you this question because I’m sure the ladies are going to want to know. Well are you single?

Daniel: (Big laugh) You are funny you know that.

G: Well I try. So are you?

Daniel: You can say that. Yes I’m single.

G: Why do you sound hesitant?

Daniel: I’m not, Gugu you’re too silly. Honestly I am single.

G: I wish I didn’t have to reach this point because its been a blast talking to you. But before we end our conversation may I ask where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Daniel: I have so much that I want to do. I’m still young you know and the sky is the limit for me and I know God has a lot in store for me. So I’ll just have to wait with open arms and ride with the tide.

G: You know you’re going to have more fans and admirers after this. What would you want to say to them?

Daniel: See there you go again!

G: Its the truth though.

Daniel: How about a Thank You. Honestly any support is appreciated and I’m grateful, specially to you. Thank You for giving me this opportunity Gugu. It has been a pleasure meeting you.

G: Oh Daniel, the pleasure has been mine. Thank You as well.

Well there you have it ladies and gentlemen. Without beating about the bush I have to say this had to be the most fun I’ve had carrying forth an assignment. With that said I would like to wish Daniel Oluwafemi all the success in the world. I have a feeling this wonderful young man is destined for greatness. Being humble and hard working is a concoction for success.