ISLAND
LIFE
AFTERMATH
OF DIVORCE
SOCIETY
WOMAN, SHADE ALESH BUYS EX-HUSBAND’S, ALESH LEKKI PROPERTY
It is no longer a news that society woman, Shade
Alesh has left the father of her four children, Rilwon Aleshinloye Adisa to
remarry Ibeju society big boy, Shobowale. However the news here based on the
information reaching Islanders from sources close to the couple hints that 2
plots of land along the road of Agungi/Ajiran, LEkki phase 2 Lagos belonging to
Alesh has been bought by Shade. We learnt that Alesh put the land up for sale
due to financial challenges and his intention to renovate his Hotel at Ajah,
Lagos. Sources further hints that Shade didn’t deal directly with Alesh’s agent
directly rather her agent transacted on her behalf though she was oblivious of
the fact that the property belongs to the father of her children until after
the transaction was made. All efforts to reach her Ex-husband in order to have
his own side of the story was met with brickwall.
INSIDE
THE MULTI-MILLION NAIRA MURPHIS PLAZA OF IGBO BIG BOY, IN V/I.
For those who reside or are regular passers-by on
Sanusi Fafunwa would have noticed of an ultra-modern shopping plaza on the
right side of the street entering through Eko hotel round-about. This plaza
with 5 shops in it has a lounge (Shauns) and a Sharwama spot equipped with
imported materials and it’s owned by Igbo big boy, Murphis. The Lounge, bar and
Sharwama spot in the plaza has turned out to be the most preferred relaxing and
refreshment spot for most executive staffs to ease off stress after hard day’s
job or to while away the traffic hours. Information reaching Islanders hints
that the light complexioned big boy bought the building ,demolished and is
rebuilt it to suit a plaza and this costs him a multi-million naira. It would
be recalled that the old Murphis
Plaza used to have “Genesis Night Club”
which was manage by Murphy Okojie himself before he sojourned abroad. A visit
to the new Murphis Plaza surelyreveals that Murphy Okojie renowned for his
tasteful and posh fashion sense is back with a bang.
CLUB
OWNER, LADI AKINDELE RE-OPEN CHROME
Last week , Saturday 11th of February
Chrome night cub at number 82, Adetokun Ademola street, Victoria Island, Lagos
re opened after two months of closure due to indebted rent crisis. It was opened in order to hold the
pre-Valentine’s party and it was strictly a red carpet event with free
Champagne for ladies. Though the case is in Tinubu Magistrate court, Lagos
against the presentation of a dud cheque, Ladi Akindele went to Federal high
court Lagos to get an injunction for him to re-open his club for business as
the case is going on in Magistrate court against the order of the Magistrate
court to shut down the club pending when the court gives it’s judgments on the
case. He felt he was running into loss with the rent debt still increasing, so
he decided to re-open since he had a court injunction to re-open for business.
OBA
SAHEED ADEMOLA ELEGUSHI WIFE, SEKINAT OPENS KID STUDIO
The beautiful wife of the youngest king in Lagos,
Oba Ademola Saheed Elegushi wife, Sekinat penultimate week opened a kids and
teens hair studio. The kids studio named Seksah also have a barbing salon, hair
dressing and clothing in it just like all in one stock. The kids are kept busy
with toys .It is located within Oando filling station, 4th
roundabout, lekki-epe express way, Lagos.
SOCIETY
LADY, EUNICE EFOLE WINS THE STYLISH LADY OF THE YEAR AWARD
On Sunday, 12th of February society and
island big girl, Eunice Efole was awarded the most stylish lady of the year by
City People Media Group Fashion and Style award held at Balmoral hall, Oregun,
Ikeja Lagos State. The beautiful and stylish lady was shocked when her name was
pronounced at the event and she stepped out in her specially made yellow
outfit. Eunice is a property merchant living in Lekki phase 1, Lekki and this
hard work is a jolly fellow who enjoys gracing first class events in the
country and she ensures that she had a good time whenever she does.
ABOUT
MEGA XPOT AUTOS
Unknown to many people on the island an Auto mart,
Mega Xpot is on the 14 kilometer, Ikota School Bus-stop, Opposite Ifa Temple
Lekki Expressway, Ajah Lagos it has the latest exotics state of the art cars
from all brands of products. This Mega spot auto mart import cars, handles
maintenance and equipped fully with new cars from cars to jeeps and they also
do home delivery. The company owned by society big boy, Jubril M. Danesi can be
contacted on 01-8243858, 08037199031 and e-mail: danesi10@yahoo.com.
FORMER
SHERATON HOTEL MANAGER, EJIMOFOR EMEJULU’S 300M RESTAURANT, GYM CENTRE AND
CINEMA IN LEKKI.
One man doing something extraordinary in the
hospitality business in recent times is former Sheraton hotel boss, Ejimofor
Emejulu, as he stepped out with a multimillion naira project known as Bistro
Kilishi and EDEN Healthy Lifestyle Centre. The Centre unlike other hospitality
business has such an entertainment facilities such as Cinema, restaurant, gym
Centre, mini library,sauna and massaging facility and a monthly gig where
Nollywood celebrities are hosted. We scooped that the Centre located at Wole
Ariyo Street, off Admirality way, Lekki Phase 1 has become a beehive of
activities due to the varieties of meal they offer such as crocodile and
ostriches. Thus, a valentine package has been put in place to tantalize
Nigerians at affordable prices. According to Mr Emejulu ' in eden we believe in
a prophylactic [preventive] philosophy to healthy living. We therefore offer
our customers the opportunity of a lifestyle that reduces the risk of diseases.
DJ
JIMMY JATT LAUNCHES NEWFACE CAP
Nigeria's veteran and premium DJ, Jimmy Amu
famously called cool Dj Jimmy Jatt, on Friday 10th February launched his new
face cap snapback series at Swe bar, Lagos. The event which attracted virtually
everybody in the industry also doubled as the perfect venue for Jimmy Jatt to
launch his new single and video titled "KOMIJE". The new single
features, Orezi, Muna, Igho and Sauce kid. The new Dj Jimmy Jatt's snapback is
designed by wave making fashion guru and designer Marco Martinez.
BLACKFACE
BOUNCES BACK WITH EMOTIONS.
Dancehall act and member of the once successful
but now defunct Plantashun boyz, Blackface is making a come back with a brand
new single titled "Emotions". The new single produced by fliptyce
features FAZE, who is also a member of the defunct
group. Blackface who recently parted ways with his
wife DAYO, has been off the music scene for quite a while now. But information
reaching Islandtainment says the Dancehall king is almost done with his new
forthcoming album which is scheduled for release before the end of 2012, as
this would complete his comeback move and restore him back to limelight.
KSB
SET TO JOIN KEFFE AS SHE OPENS NEW EATERY
On the 5th of February 2012 in Lagos, south-south
female singing sensation and branama crooner Keffe Obareki celebrated her
birthday in a grand style with the official launching of her new eatery called
the BRANAMA Kitchen situated at Mende, Maryland, Lagos. Joining her shortly as
a celebrity in the hospitality business is Gospel Hip hop act, KSB who is also
set to launch her own eatery KSB FOODIES on Saturday 10th of March. Islandtainment
also gathered that meals at KSB Foodies will be named after celebrities like
Genevieve Barbecue Chicken; Omo-Sexxy
stew;
Jenifa Gbegiri Soup; P-Square (fried yam and
eggs); Keke's Delight Vegetable Soup, Ali Baba White Soup, Shinamania Okro Soup,
Goldie Plantain and Charly Boy Peppersoup.
HAKEEM
BELLO OSAGIE BECOMES CHOCOLATE CITY GROUP CHAIRMAN
Leading entertainment company Chocolate City Group
(CCG) recently reconstituted its board naming renowned entrepreneur Mr Hakeem
Bello Osagie as its chairman. Other board members include Yahaya Maikori, Paul
Okeugo and Audu Maikori.Hakeem holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business
School, a law degree from Cambridge University and an M.A. in Politics,
Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University. He is a member of the Nigerian
Bar. He started his career as a petroleum economist and a lawyer. For over
three decades, he has been a key player in the Nigerian economy through his
participation in several businesses in the private sector particularly in the energy,
finance and telecommunications sectors. He until recently served as the Chairman
of the board of directors of the United Bank for Africa Plc. one of the largest
commercial banks in Nigeria. He is also the founder and former Chairman of
First Securities Discount House, Nigeria’s leading money markets and Treasury
bill trading financial services firm, in which the IFC is an equity investor.
Currently he sits as Chairman of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services
Ltd (‘EMTS’), a mobile telephone operator that operates in Nigeria under the
‘Etisalat’ brand as well the Abuja Investment Company. Chocolate City Group CEO
Audu Maikori said: “As Chocolate City enters this new phase of global expansion
and rolls out next generation services for its artists, clients and media
partners we are very pleased to welcome Mr. Hakeem Osagie an entrepreneur par
excellence who shares our passion and vision of creating a world class
entertainment brand. He will bring to Chocolate City years of vast
international experience,
relationships and a uniquely successful track
record in global business excellence plus invaluable guidance as we execute our
objective of building the leading entertainment brand in Africa”. The Chocolate
City Group is comprised of three companies -Chocolate City Music (home to
artistes like Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Brymo, Dj Chaise and MI (who is also a
Director of the subsidiary) amongst
others-Chocolate City Media and Chocolate City Movies which is currently headed
by Katung Aduwak.Chocolate City Group recently won the prestigious Africa
Awards for Entrepreneurship 2011 (www.africaawards.com), which held in Nairobi,
Kenya in December 2011. CCG was selected from over 3,300 applications from 48
countries around Africa and became the first entertainment company to win the
award since its inception in 2007.
MANNIE
GOES INTO MUSIC, DROPS "HELPLESSLY"
Popular on-air personality and anchor of the good
morning Nigeria show on cool fm, Mannie has just added another feather to his
cap with his new romance with music. Mannie recently dropped a lovely brand new
single titled "Helplessly". The song is currently enjoying massive
airplay on cool fm and Wazobia fm, thus making the song quite popular. Truth be
told, Mannie's new single is hot and could compete with any of the songs from A
list act. It would be recalled that mannie started his career as an on-air
personality immediately he returned from South Africa in 2005 where he went to
represent Nigeria at the debut edition of the Big Brother Nigeria reality show,
and has since made himself a household name with his expertise and distinct
voice on radio.
HIP-HOP
ACT, DON JZZY OPENS UP ON WHY HE DOESN’T GRNT INTERVIEW
AS
HE APOLOGISE TO TERRY THA RAPMAN
Last week, award winning producer and president of
the Mo'hits crew Don Jazzy almost got himself in trouble with one of his tweet
where he said, 'If you decide that you want to do rap, there is 1 thing you
should put at the back of your mind, your parents are not
proud of you". Instantly, loads of comments
started rolling in and most notable was what one of Nigerians finest rappers
Terry Tha Rapman said, "Just read what @DONJAZZY said about rappers and
rap music, with all due respect that just WRONG! Its a disgrace to us rappers
though". Boldly standing up for the rappers and defending his genre of
music. With this accusation, Don Jazzy was forced to make a public apology on
his record label's website where he said, "My bro I am so sorry about what
I said. Please do not take it the wrong way. I would do my best to explain what
exactly I meant Sir. I like rap. I wish I could rap but unfortunately I can’t.
That aside what I mean’s was simply the fact that I don’t know any Nigerian
parent above 40 that can recite our rap word for word. That would be something.
If there are hip fathers and mothers in Nigeria I don’t think they would be
more than 5% of parents. Our parents love to dance and sing along to songs that
they like
and brag to there friends that their son is the
one singing. You can only imagine how upset they would be inside if them and
their friends don’t understand or can’t rap along with their loved son.Ok i
apologize for using the words “not proud of” ‘because you could say a parent is
proud of a child that is a surgeon and can brag to his or her friends about
that doesn’t mean that the parent can join the son to carry out a major
operation on a patient. Doctor Sid for instance used to be a rapper (and yes I
know he was not the best at it). His father used to hate that he was a
musician. I personally think he was just frustrated ‘because he didn’t
understand the kind of music he was doing. Today his father is a true believer
since he could sing “Something about you” to his wife. Davido’s father didn’t
like his music until he heard “E ma Da mi duro”. Obviously he can join his friends to sing
along to the song and be proud about the moment. I
have had this discussion with some of my rapper
friends too – M.I can tell you that his biggest song today should be African
Rapper, Jesse jags – Wetin dey, Ice Prince – Oleku, Saucekid – Undergee or
Carolina, Mode nine – Cry. And all this songs are big and widely accepted
because of the sweet melodies on the chorus, meaning more kids and adults alike
can sing along. I might be wrong but i have succeeded in this game by knowing
the market I’m selling to. I think I just speak the truth too much sometimes
and it gets me in trouble because I like to be real to myself and everyone
around me. That’s one of the reasons why I don’t like granting interviews. To
those that feel offended by my statement, I am sincerely sorry. I definitely
wish us all well. No bad belle or bad blood towards anyone. I do hope i have
been able to explain how I meant what I said sha na there the English wey I
know reach. Thanks for reading. IDJA". The rift has since been settled
with terry Tha rapman accepting the apology.
HIP-HOP
ACT, SHE-BABY WEARS NEW LOOK AFTER MARRIAGE
FANS
EAGER TO KNOW HER REAL MARITAL STATUS
Sexy
actress cum singer, popularly called She-baby now wears a new look this was
evident on her face book profile picture and this has been a topic of discussion among her fans
who are wondering if she is truly married judging from the kind of clothes she
wore in the pictures on her face book album. The mother of 1 had her eyes,
nose, mouth all pierced. This new look
is quite similar to Charley Boy’s leaving her fans to wonder what she’s
turning to since she got married a development they expect to have made her
more responsible in terms of dress sense and in other aspect. It would be
recalled that she officially tied the nuptial knot last year in a low-keyed
engagement and introduction ceremony due to her pregnancy and travelled to
London where she was delivered of a baby girl on February 23, 2011.
BETWEEN
PASUMA, OLAMIJU AKALA AND FANS
On valentine day, 14th of February 2012 stylish
and handsome Fuji megastar, Otunba Wasiu Alabi popularly known Pasuma stormed
Eldorado bar in Elegushi beach, Lekki, phase 2 to perform for lovers and fans.
At the show which had almost all the big boys on the island in attendance, the
son of the former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Alao Akala, Olamiju was also
there in company of his friends and he actually showed his love for Pasuma’s
music with his dancing steps that convinced people that the handsome guy is an
Fuji fan. At the show organized by Lagos big boy, Bolaji Eso people turned out
en mass for the Valentine show and the cool-headed star proved his competence
to the big boys and girls who stormed the show from different parts of Lagos to
Island. While he thrilled them to what he knows how to do best.
UNVIELING
THE NEW RECORD LABEL IN TOWN
A lime lite record is the latest record label to
spring up in Nigeria. It's owned by three versatile entertainment experts who
decided to bring their wealth of experience that spans across music, movies and
corporate world
The label was found in January 2012 with state of
the art studio, diversified producers and artistes.
Since its formation it has gone ahead to build
together a formidable team with producers such as Timothy king (TK) and
Bayobeats who in their own rights are topping the charts among the fast rising
music producers coming up in the Nigeria music industry with productions behind
artiste like Eva and LOS just to mention a few.
Also the label has signed distinct artiste that
would definitely leave their imprints on the music industry when their music
hits the airwaves. Among such artiste are Le'mmon the R&B singer, great
song writer and engaging personality, who would conveniently give anybody a
good run for their money, Ozzy b the young rapper that has been making a
statement in the underground circuit with is unique rap delivery, diction and
punch lines. Regarded among his peers as the rap major and at such a young age
he can speak with a strong conviction that it's only a matter of time before he
becomes everybody's best rapper. The last but not the least artiste to be
mentioned among those signed to the label is another rapper that goes by the
name Ushman, with is delivery of rap in the Yoruba dialect and still not end up
being a sound bite, then it can be concluded that he is a must to hear. Though
really young the label had to snatch him off the streets because of how well he
stood out whenever he grabs a microphone.
The such a composition that has come together to
form this record label, all that can be said is music industry in Nigeria just
got a new entry that would be climbing the ladder pretty fast
WHY
I LEFT UNITED KINGDOM FOR NIGERIA....WHIZ KID’S DJ XCLUSIVE.
Popular United Kingdom (UK)based DJ, Rotimi
Alakija popularly known as DJ Xclusive has lived in the UK for 11 years
thriving in the DJ profession for 7 years and he has carved a niche for himself
over there and USA with his out-standing performance. Nigerian Entertainment
Award (NEA) award winning and currently the DJ of the wave making hip-hop star,
Whiz kid. Barred his mind to the
publisher, Ola Muhammed on why he returned to the country, how he got job in
Cool FM radio in less than 1 month he returned and some other issues.
How‘s
your stay in the country?
It’s nice.
It’s just the weather, I mean the sun compare to where am coming from
but am getting used to it is just a matter of time because I’ve come to stay in
the country. Naija is Naija.
For
how long have you been in United Kingdom (UK), and why the desire to return to
the country?
Well, have been in UK for 11 years and I’ve made
an impact in the entertainment industry. I have also won some awards in Nigeria
Entertainment Award (NEA) Nigeria best DJ’s Award 2010, world best DJ’s award
2010 and lover boy’s best Nigerian Hip-Hop DJ’s. I’ve set a mark for myself in
UK and am here as a radio personality, with cool FM working with them to impact
my knowledge in the entertainment industry.
Do
you think coming to stay is going to work for you considering your land mark
over there and starting afresh here?
Life is all about challenges and taking risk
because risk is part of business. Meanwhile, am known in some area, among the
DJ’s and artistes. All I want to do is to establish myself beyond Lagos State
and in Nigeria. But I will also be travelling to UK once in a while because am
not a local DJ and I have a relationship with guys over there in UK because
calls/job will be coming from UK too.
Few
weeks ago you returned to the country how did you get the job in Cool FM
easily?
Before now I use to come home once in a while and
I have relationship with some of the guys in Cool Fm and when I returned to the
country I had a negotiation with the management and that was how I started. I
love what am doing there, I love the job, I love the environment and love the
people there. And Cool FM if not the best is one of the best radio Stations in
the country so am grateful to be part of the crew.
What
programme do you run on Cool FM?
Am on air from Monday to Thursday 3pm to 4pm and
8pm to 9pm road show. Friday and Saurtday 8pm to 1am particule mix.
Aside
being a DJ in Cool FM, what else do you do?
I DJ in
clubs, event, party, wedding and concert. Am also working on producing some
songs because in UK me artiste called Mu-easy we did a song for fun just good
time but the song is enjoying a good air on Wasobia and cool FM. I want to work
with some artiste in the country to produce some song which mean if am not in
the radio or studio properbly am on my bed thanking God.
As
new in the country with the nature of your job how did you intend to create a
relationship with Nigeria artistes?
Am not new in this game, have being DJ for 7
years. I known them, i DJ for most of them in UK concert. I have DJ for P
Square, Terry G, Wande Coal alot of them event international artistes, Neuae,
Morio, Reanal just mention but few of the international artistes. And back to
Nigeria here have DJ for Wizkid, Banky w and cope of them. Me been in the
country is just a bonus seeing each other every day. My relationship with most
of them started in UK.
How
did you start DJ as a profession after graduating financial computer?
I believed in don’t be lazy and get education
first and get your degree even as a child that is what i was advice to. I have
a flee for music whether is Hip-Hop, Raggea, Rand B any kind of music. I believed one should what he/she like not
what you are force to do. That is why am doing Dj and going to producing
because that is the passion i have. And DJ’s make people dance, happy and the
most exciting is when people start spreading DJ’s money.
Is
your parent happy with this your idea of coming back to the country to start
working as DJ’s after graduating in financial computer?
They are very happy and supportive. I think
because i have my degree make them happy because if am not educated that would
have bring a lot of issues and they know what am carpeble of when i was in UK
in terms of DJ as profession.
Aside
UK and Nigeria which other country have you DJ?
Yes, have DJ in Paris, Monaco, New York, Chicago
and so many places.
UK
RETURNEE HIP-HOP ACT, JJC OPENS MULTI-MILLION NAIRA STUDIO IN LAGOS
In the music industry in Nigeria the name
Abdul-Rasheed Bello may not ring a bell but JJC skillz surely calls your
attention. The “AWOO” crooner JJC/skillz started his career in London with the
419 squad which comprised of Don Jazzy D
Banj, MP, so simple, and Smokey before things fell among them. JJC has also helped
so many artistes in their music career. The kwara state born afro hip-hop act
returned to Nigeria to establish his music career in the country. Also the UK
base act opened a multi-millionaire recording studio with modern and foreign
equipment recently. To depict his versatility JJC also unveiled his high
quality of Camera which could be used to shoot musical video and movies. More
so, he has shot musical videos for some artistes like DJ Zeez (4kasibe and
Bobbie FC), Bouquis (Morile), Sym19 (Ikanka Ighoti je), Tipsy (Chingchong),
K19, Dj Jam Jam (Nuvo), Justina (Omo to sexy) and his own tracks (we are
Africans). According to him he set up the studio to help most up coming
artistes with affordable price with their in house producer, Teebee who also relocated
with them to Nigeria.
The publisher of Islanders Magazine, Ola Muhammed
had a chat with the TV and Video Production Graduate in his 12 Ilaje street,
Bariga, Akoka studio, Lagos and he bares his mind at length on his decision to
relocate home with some of the artistes on his big boiz production and Video
entertainment and his relationship with Mo’Hits
Coming
home this time, what are your plans?
I’m home to establish myself back in the country,
to sign some deals and to introduce the artistes on my record label Big Boiz in
united kingdom (uk) to Nigerians, for them to have a feel of them.
How
long would you be staying here?
As long as you like it here in Nigeria you will
like to stay for a long period. We are
all Nigerians.
Do
you think you can stay in Nigeria for long judging from the kind of environment
you are over there?
Yes..! I can stay because i was born in Nigeria
and my formative years was here till the age of 14 years before i left this
shores to Uk and when I got to U.K my
first song is that Nigeria is the best land with my song ‘Naija Mile’. I come
home once in a while bringing talents and impacting knowledge but I felt it’s
time to come and enjoy my labour.
How
would you describe your staying over there?
I thank God for a fulfilling career over there.
But i need to come home because there is no place like home.
Taking
you back, how did JJC & 419 squad emerge over there?
Have always been JJC and JJC is who i am.
Through the years there I kept discovering and
developing Nigerian talents.My first Nigerian act was the 419 squad. With the
419 squad we produced an album and it was widely accepted. Later other Nigerian
artistes like Don Jazzy, D Banj, Dr Sid and I’ve worked with different artistes
as well. Along the line some of them came to Nigeria to have a family contact
and that was how they boned the contract.
How
did your paths cross?
The likes of Master plan ( MP), so simple, many
others came to meet me in the studio that they want to do some jobs but had no
money and I’ll help them. With time we became friends then I start taking them
to shows, gave them a platform to exhibit their developed talents.
Musically,
are you saying you made them?
Yes, because i taught them stage experience, how
to write a song, how to produce because they only have a raw talent but i built
it for them.
How
did Don Jazzy and D Banj come in?
It was kaz that brought Don Jazzy to me because he
used to be a keyboard player for solek. He told me Don Jazzy want to work with
me from there i taught him how to produce,how to produce Hip - Hop sound and
within the some period MP brought D Banj
and I brought them into the group with D Banj playing harmonica
underground. And when I brought them to Nigeria for shows they decided to stay
back to do their own thing. After taking them to Radio,television stations and
printing media for publicity.
Were
you happy with the situation?
Nobody is going to be happy about such. But thank
God they’re working harder to have their own groups and make things work for
them. All I can say is that am happy for them because they have the fighting
spirit.
How
did your foray into music start?
When i got to london i sue to roam around the
streets of London like a street boy. Later my brother bought me a computer with
a turn table and he said instead of doing nonsense in the street of london i
should learn computer and how to make a sound from it from there I learnt how to make a sound became a Dj and
produce sound.
After some time i told my brother i wanted to do
music and he encouraged me. And this attitude of helping people or encourage
people for what they want to be is still in me I still help and encourage
people who I see talent in.
With
all your experience and those who have pass through you musically you think you
should have a record label?
I have a record label called big boys
entertainment and it’s also a video production company.
Do
you have any artistes under your label?
Yes presently, i have 2 Kriss, Lil miss, Tipsy,
Mohi, Tbo, AB fresh, and I.
Has
any one of them produced an album?
2 crazy have produced. Right now i have a complete
album that has all the artistes on my label and the album is going to hit
Nigeria by summer.
When
is that precisely and the name?
The album is big boys all stars and i came to the
country to discuss with some marketers, promoters and managers to make it
happen.
Can
you name some tracks in the Video?
Firstly wec are releasing a video called se e n
gbo mi and 2crisis has Mode 9 while tipsy has a video called chinchang and Noni
has video
What
is the relationship like between you, D Banj and Don Jazzy?
It is all about friendship and because the
distance I felt is another reason.
People
believe with their level in the Nigeria industry you guy should be close?
It is not everybody you help that will appreciate
it or pay you back and me i hate pride. But one people who realize what help
you have done for them.
How
did you come about the name JJC?
When I got to london people especially Jamaicans
used to call me JJC because i just came to london then. And I answer them because there’s nothing
wrong being a ‘JJC’. When I started music I chose the name ‘JJC’ as a stage
name and most of my songs are all about Nigeria and the language medium is in
Nigerian dialects.
Today, Nigerians in diaspora feel like coming home
and the Jamaicans too have a feel of Naija because Naija dun gaan( Nigeria is
sweet).
UNTOLD
STORY OF CLUB OWNER, SUSAN YUSUF DEATH
HER
UNFULFIL DREAMS
HER
PLANS TO SUE MO’HIT ACT, D’PRINCE
+
WHAT GOLDIE, STAFFS AND FAMILY SAID
It was a sad day for family, friends, staffs and
neighbors when the news of the death of club owner, Susan Yusuf popularly
called Susan Q filtered into town last week. The 33 year old hardworking lady
was allegedly stabbed to death by her friend called Idris about past 9pm on
Friday, 10th of February, 2012 in her block D5 flat 606, 6th floor 1004 flats
Victoria Island Lagos. According to the
security operatives in the estate the late club
owner was heard screaming for help and they swung into immediate action by
breaking down the door of her apartment. The alleged murderer Idris was said to
have jumped from the 6th floor when he sighted the security men he died
instantly after jumping from the 6th floor of the 12 storey building. When we
visited the 1004 flats, Victoria Island, Lagos the following day one of the
security operatives who spoke in anonymity said they were at their duty post
(estate gate) when they heard Susan screaming for help and they rushed down to
find out what was happening on getting to her entrance they met the door locked
they had to force it open in order to gain access. According to him, they saw
Idris jump down from the balcony (6th floor) and he died instantly. He said
Susan was found in her own pool of blood with close to 7 cuts on her body
(where she was stabbed) at that point they had to rush her to hospital because
she was still breathing and whispering help-help while writhing in pains. She
gave up the ghost before they could reach Military hospital on Awolowo road,
Ikoyi. He added that it was a resident
that discovered the corpse of Idris both corpses were further deposited at Yaba
mortuary. Our source further hinted that Idris came in to the estate around
past 8pm after some minutes Susan returned to the estate before the incident
occurred around past 9pm. They maintained that hardly does the deceased receive
visitors since she moved into the estate last year. When they (securities) were
asked who discovered the corpse of Idris at the back of the building they
retorted saying” Go and ask the police”.
About 8am the following the police at Bar Beach which the estate falls
under its jurisdiction locked up the deceased’s apartment and took away her
Pajero Jeep and Toyota corolla to their police station for further
investigations. The police officer who took the cars declined comments that its
only the Divisional Police officer that is in the position to do so. On getting
to the Bar beach police station the officer we met at the counter told us that the
DPO was not on seat that the Lagos State Police Public Relationship officer
(PPR) is the only one that can comment. When we got to PPR office at Oduduwa
crescent, Ikeja, Lagos he was not on seat. We later spoke with the Police State
PPR, Mr. Joseph Jaiyeoba he said the case of Susan Yusuf and Idris Muhammed was
reported at the Bar Beach police station but was later transferred to the State
criminal investigation department in Yaba, Lagos for further investigation
while their corpse was deposited at Yaba mortuary for autopsy. Her cars are in
the Bar Beach police Station for further investigations. We also spoke to a
friend of Late Susan and Idris who doesn’t want his name mentioned and he said”
he was called around past 9 at night that Idris has stabbed Susan to death that
he jumped down from 6th floor when the
securities was about to apprehend him. He added that by the time he rushed down
to 1004 flats he found Idris dead with his head smashed on the floor with Susan
dead as well. He maintained that the rumour that Idris stabbed Susan to death
was far from the truth because they were close friends and that Susan called
for Idris that fateful day because she needed to see him and he wondered what
could have transpired between that would make him stab her to death. He added
that if it was Idris that stabbed Susan his hands would have been in blood
stain, he also had two cuts (the jaw and stomach) on his body. We also
contacted the club DJ, Zeemo to have his comments on the death of his boss he
said, few hours (7pm) before her death she informed him that she needed to go
home to have her bath only for us to hear the news of her demise. When we asked
the 2month old DJ to describe his late boss he simply said that “She was a
simple and very nice lady, he added that, she will correct her employees at the
right time and play with them as well.
According to him, she was a great woman and that he was yet to recover
from the shock”. He added she was planning a special Karaoke event of 2seats
for N5, 000 package and life band for the Valentine’s Day. We also contacted
her Hip-hop artiste friend; Susan Harvey popularly called Goldie on how she
felt about the death of her friend. “She said it was a tragedy. She was one of
the most hardworking girls I ever met. She lived for her work, business,
success and personal achievements”.
Many of her friends and neighbors didn’t believe
Idris could stab her because of the level of their closeness they said they
were so close to the extent of driving each other’s cars. They alleged though
without being specific that it could have been a debtor or someone who could
have had a business dealings with her must have murdered her and that perhaps
Idris came in the course of the nefarious act and the criminals might have
pushed him. Some felt that the probably
the criminal might be someone living in the building. Late Susan started SQ bar from a Ghetto in
Igbo-Efon, along Lekki-Epe Express Way, Lagos with the trade name “Susan” as a
street bar before she moved to Ikota Shopping Complex where she operated for
four years with the name “Susan Q” and later she was leased the one storey
building at Younius Bashorun off Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, four years
ago. It would be recalled that late last year she partnered with hip-hop act
and member of Mo’hit, D’Prince to rechristen the club from SQ to Jonzing. She
reverted to the former name SQ when things fell apart between her and D’prince
December last year. When Islanders Magazine asked her on why she parted ways
with the younger brother of Mo’hit boss, Don Jazz? She replied saying that her
partnership with D’Prince was just on company name basis, according to her it
wasn’t on financial basis, I just used his name and he urged me to please use
his new single name, Jonzing so as to promote
his name and album. When we
probed further on what led to their early break-up she replied saying I don’t
want to go into that for personal reasons”.
ON
THE DAY OF HER DEATH
Surprisingly, few hours before her death that same
day, Friday 10th of February around past 3pm to 4pm she opened up on why she
parted ways with D’Prince. Here was her last interview with Islanders magazine,
Publisher Ola Muhammed
What’s
the secret below the success of SQ Club?
The secret is simply hand work. Also, it’s about
identifying the needs and desires of the customers and satisfying that hunger.
Would
you say that has been your unique selling point?
First, the clients separate SQ from other clubs.
The food is the second uniqueness and the ambience is the third. The other they
is the service we render.
You
started from a humble background, can you share your experience?
I started with Suzie Q in Igbo – Efan, Victoria
Garden City, Lagos in a small bungalow. It’s close to Chevron. My clients were
Chevron Staffers. I was there for 5 years. They commended my food and told me
to come our to VGC in Ajah and I relocated to Ikota Shopping Mass.
Against all odds, it turned out a success and I
started using live bands and not shows. I was there for another six years.
That success propelled me to relocate to Yinus
Bashorun, Off Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, Lagos. Thus, I came here and
opened the club. The initial name was sizzle. Q After 2½ years, I changed it to
SQ.
For
how long have you been in this business?
It’s been 15 years and four months.
But
many people were shocked when you rebranded and partnered with prince of
Mo’hits crew to rename Jonzing, what happened?
What happened was that in 2009, when the economic
meltdown started, most of my clients are matured people. I don’t have young
clients in their 20’s like what obtains in other clubs like Movida and the
rest.
That era affected me. I decided to include the
younger generation too. I spoke with a friend who advised that I got the
services of a celebrity instead of engaging the services of a Public Relation
Officer. I agreed because I discovered club owners use celebrities. They
believe that by hasting hen, they will also win their fans. I was linked up
with prince since he is a member of the Mo’hits Crew. I engaged his service to
take my club to another level but I never knew they were coming here to use
this place as a charity organization club.
The
belief was that Jonzing belongs to D’Prince and that you’re just a partner….
(Cuts in) Jonzing is not a partnership thing.
D’Prince came in as my PRO. I didn’t want
to tell the world that
his services was like a PRO because it won’t serve its purpose and it
would sound ridiculous to Nigerians how can
a celebrity be a PRO of a club.
Nobody wants to hear the truth. If I do that a lot of people won’t want to come
believe that how could prince be a PRO to SQ. I deceived the people out there
for them to come. What matters most is what I’m making and what he is making,
too.
Does
that mean he didn’t contribute any money to the partnership?
He didn’t contribute a dime. I can say it to his
face.
We
learnt that instead of him to influence your business rather he incurred a huge
debt?
Actually that’s true. My bringing him in as a
partner is that his face should be selling the club. We agreed he should be
here every day . But he doesn’t come. Rather, he would send his manager, Chike.
He doesn’t come always but Chike fronts for him. I told him before we signed an
agreement, it was stated that your face has to be seen here each time we run
the club. When people come here and they see his face, it will urge them to
come again and even tell their friends. I told him if that is how you will
work; I can’t contribute in the partnership.
Secondly, my crowd doesn’t buy on credit. If they
give me cheque it doesn’t bounce. And if they don’t give cheque and may have
spent more than their budget, they tell me when they will bring the balance and
they don’t default. But from Prince’s Side, I don’t know the names of the
people they sell in credit too. I only found that when checking the account
book money was missing. I asked the Manager and she said they told her not to
worry that they will collect the money.
Since they started working with me in September 28, 2011, that was when
the credit facility started. That’s from September till November 28, 2011 when
I kicked them out. The outstanding debt they incurred till November 2011 has
not been paid. They kept giving me excuses. The story never finished and I
found out that if I continued like that, I might have to close shop. If we were
paying the rent together, I won’t really feel it because he would want to make
his money back. But since he didn’t pay a dime, he thought he could use that opportunity to make money out
of SQ and fall back. Before they plan
such things, I had kicked them out meanwhile, the case has not yet finished. I
want to take them to court and make sure my N9million be paid.
Was
that the debt they incurred within two months?
Yes, that was the net debt they incurred.
When
you told then about this, what was their response?
He kept telling me I should not worry that they
will try and get the money from these people and I said this was the same old
story. They begged that I shouldn’t terminate the contract because they have a
lot of shows lined up in the club in December 2011 but I said I don’t care.
I
discovered a lot of renovation is going on what’s the response like from your
clients after the break-up?
Like I said before, that the kind of clientele I
have are more matured and they confessed they didn’t really like the idea when
I changed it to Jonzing. I told them not to take it personal that they should
accept it for the love they have for me. I own the place and not D’prince.
Would
you say you regret entering into partnership with him?
I really regretted going into it and with the
lesson I have learnt from him I can’t do any joint venture with any celebrity
anymore. You learn every day. If I didn’t do that, I would not have learnt my
lesson. I have leant so much within the short period I was with prince. And now
things have been going on smoothly. I do my karaoke on Thursday and Sunday, and
my normal club night on Friday and Saturday.
Corporate
organizations like MP partnered with you , what’s the secret?
Truthfully, I don’t go out to source for then. I
have never been to any office to sell myself. My business sells itself.
Whenever any of the people come here, they go out there to inform them of our
services here.
An
excerpt of her interview on the day she unveiled the new name of the club to
Jonzing last year.
What
is the experience like for you as you rebrand your club?
For me, the experience is very interesting and the
night was my best night. I am really happy about the crowd that visited the
club, cool people, everybody that came made a good comment, they loved the
club, the ambience, and they love the setting of the club and the services.
What
are the details of the partnership?
I think that is a personal information, and it is
not what I should be discussing with everybody. What I can tell you however is
that I like the prince and I love to work with him. I see him as someone that I
won’t have problems working with. For me to start giving you the details of the
partnership right now, is not necessary.
Why
did you choose the prince of all artistes to partner with?
I have met a lot of Nigerian celebrities, and I
have not been impressed by them because they brag a lot. I was talking with a
friend one day, and I told her that I would want one of these Nigerian
celebrities to partner with me in my business and she asked me who I wanted,
but because I was not into Nigerian music, I did not know who to pick. I told
her that if you can advise me who would you pick, but she said she could not.
Interestingly, I thought about Don Jazzy and I have also seen a video of the
song Omo Oba by The Prince and I was really impressed with him because he
looked cool. Because I didn’t have his contact, I could not get across to him.
My friend later gave me his number and I called The Prince up. The reason
behind my decision to do business with the Prince is very simple. The first
time I called him, he did not say because he is the younger brother of the CEO
of one of Nigeria’s leading record labels or because he was a celebrity, he was
not snobbish or rude. He was so polite on the phone. He said, why can’t we do
business together, where do you want me to meet you. I then invited him to the
club and I naturally fell in love with him. Not emotionally or romantically
though.
How
long have you known D Prince?
I have known him for about seven months.
Why
did you decide to change your club’s name from SQ to Jonzing, does that mean
The Prince has more control?
We were having a drink one day and I asked him if
we have to change the name of the club, what he would want it to be; he
mentioned foreign names so we thought why not a typical Nigerian name. We
continued talking, and suddenly he came out with the word Jonzing, which I
asked for the meaning of. He said it was the title of one of his songs, but I
didn’t like it.
He maintained that for people to come the club
they would want to come and Jonz. So I got the message and that was how we
chose that name together mutually.
There
have been a lot of crises in club partnerships of recent, what is the guarantee
that this won’t be another bomb set to blow up?
Through my
friend Goldie, I have met a lot of Nigerian celebrities, but I am not as
impressed by them as I am about The Prince. I don’t know how to put it, I don’t
see him as a trouble maker, I see him as a business-minded person who is
focused, who knows what he is doing and of course, he is a young person and I
believe if we work together we would make this place work.
How
did you start SQ Club?
S Q, actually started years back in 2002, in Igbo
Efun, Ajah Lagos State. It was just a small bar where people could come and
have their food and drink. In 2003, I started having mounting clientele from
Chevron and they started passing comments that I sell good food and that my
place is clean. So, they advised me to go to Ikota Shopping Complex at Victoria
Garden City (VGC) which I did. After consulting with some people, they told me
that the business at the place was slow, but the manager of the place said the
people who were saying that were people who did not what they were doing and
that if I knew what I was doing, I would excel. I took that advice, and since
then I have not looked back. It was through Victoria Garden City (VGC) that I
came to Victoria Island, I also told myself that I don’t want to do a bar thing
anymore and that I wanted a club; I thank God that today I have spent four
years in the club business and I don’t have any regret . I still I want to
remain in the business.
You
look quite young for all these achievements, a home in Parkview, a club and
others?
It’s all about hard work. I am a blessed person
and I am also not a lazy person, I work so hard to achieve all these you are
saying.
What
else do you do besides this club business?
Besides this job, I don’t do any other thing.
We sought for her lawyer in order to enquire from
her if the deceased confided her about her debtors and as at the time of going
to press her lawyer is said to be out of the country.
HER
UNFUFILLED DREAMS
Before her death she was looking for a credible
manager.
The club is currently under renovation in order to
fully revert to SQ.
She had strategized a creative way to mark this
year’s Valentine season in her club unfortunately death deprived her.
She was unable to complete her house project in
Lekki which was alleged to be 2 plots of land.
Meanwhile, the Edo State born hardworking lady
used to live in Park View Ikoyi with her white ex-boyfriend, Fons who returned
to his country after they broke-up about 2 years ago and Susan decided to move
to 1004 Estate last year. She was single until her death.
Also some residents in the Estate alleged that the
Estate securities are not being sincere about the issue because they believe
they (Security) have more to say about Susan and Idris’ death but they kept mum
because they don’t want the Estate management or the police to hold them
responsible because of their own lapses to have allowed a visitor in without
signing the register which contravenes the Estate law. There are few issues I
will want the Nigeria Police to look into about the incident. Firstly, where
was the key (in or out side) when the door was shut? What is the possibility of
someone who jumped from a storey land with his head? How did Idris sustain the
2 cuts on his body? Where was Susan’s house help when the incident occurred and
where is she now? Why is it that the estate securities only heard from gate
when she was screaming for help and no neighbors hear her?
Lastly, will the police be fair in the result
especially by revealing the finger print on the bread knife found in her apartment.
Only time will tell.
