Meet Nigerian/Austrian Fashion Star Who Clothes R. Kelly, Agbani Darego

Omatu Fulani is no doubt one of the newest dames of enterprise on the bloc. Quite attractive and gifted, the beautiful multi talented fashion designer and singer who's waiting to explode  is  half Nigerian  and  half  Austrian  by  birth.

In an exclusive interview with National Enquirer's Teiko Sannor, Omatu told us her story of life and entrepreneurial voyage, ''I got self-employed shortly after my stint at the Modeschule Hetzendorf school of fashion in Vienna and then jumped right into the cold water!'' As a rookie, she continued, ''I left Vienna and went  straight to Hollywood and Las Vegas where I had my biggest break by getting world class celebrities like R. Kelly, Michelle Williams, Kim Porter and Agbani Darego to wear my creations,'' she reminisced. Another of my biggest break was when I released my first Extended Play-EP titled, "Melancholody" in Los Angeles last year. I made a lot of noise there, it was great! My face was all over the place on the red carpet and in VIP exclusive parties,''  her  exact  words.

To Omatu who's got a very good eye for colours and shapes, and can visualize a garment before ever putting any idea on paper, being able to style international 'A-list' celebrities, showing her collections on international platforms like New York and Paris fashion week, selling to stores worldwide and building a name internationally, is what she calls her success story. "As a Fashion designer and singer, I've gained international experience and recognition. When times are good and your designs are wearable, you can make a lot of money!" *smiles* "And as a singer, my songs are currently being played on radio in Vienna, London, Lagos and the States. The sky is the limit!  I have a lot of plans, when they're ripe, sure you'll be the very first to know." *she smiles again*

The name “Omatu” is of Nigerian-Igbo origin, the iconic fashion designer told us, when she was asked what inspired her brand-name. "Fulani sounds very Italian if you pronounce it the European way, so people like to compare it to  Cavalli, Armani, Gucci and so on. I know the name of my clothing line is namesake with the Fulani tribe in Nigeria. I love the fact that the Fulanis are one of the most beautiful tribes in the world, that fits perfectly into my creative concept  and as for my music, I do soul and RnB, followed by Hip Hop, Trap and Afrobeat. Then I also love disco and classic music, especially if it's a piano piece. I've got an album and two singles, of which one of them is titled, "YOU," and that was my most sold single, and the single that actually brought me to limelight.  My latest single is titled, "The Dream." I used to be my own manager, but  I'll soon announce my new  manager.”

The Austrian based, stylish, modernist, creative, and elegant fashion  designer and singer said she had always wanted to design as a kid when she used to dress her dolls and teddy bears, and had always wanted to sing and dance as well, so she joined the musical school, Vienna conservatorium. "I went to a designer school and  thanks to my mum who is a free spirit, I was able to go to musical school in parallel. When I first came across R. Kelly's music, his voice touched me, I had goosebumps and this was when I knew I wanted to do music.  I was so shy at first that it took me years to actually come out with my own sound.  I want my music to be heard, I'm not making music for the money,  I  sing  from my mind, body and soul, and I want my listeners to feel the same way I feel. I just want to put my music out there without any expectations." According to the fast rising singer, Omatu, ''a singer is someone who is able to give his/her listeners goosebumps when sharing  their music.'' And a Fashion designer? ''Someone who has the ability to bring his/her creations not only to paper, but actually to life and get people to wear  them  on  a  daily  basis.'’

"My client, I would say, is a self confident woman who's not afraid to show her feminine side at all times, a classy woman who likes to try new things and styles when it comes to fashion. Age range, 25-45. Music inspires me, most especially because I am an artiste as well. I am a huge fan of Wale, so I once heard about a rap competition he  was having on Instagram and I jumped on it. God knows I'm NOT a rapper but I'm a songwriter, so I was really proud when he picked me as one of the seven finalists. That gave me such a boost and also the confirmation that I got it, man! Traveling all over the world gets me a lot of inspiration too, seeing different cultures and what their fashion is like.”

Speaking on her first ever entrepreneurial shot, "Oh no, it's tough! No one came to my first show. It was literally my PR and I!" She confessed. "You've got to have a thick skin when you're in show business," she said.

Omatu's strength and power, according to her, is in her root, ''My company is in Vienna as well as the production and cutting company I am working with, so a typical day in Vienna is hectic because there is always something to do and people want to meet you in person. Great times too though because I'm constantly on the go to achieve new things, especially when I'm away from home. Mostly, I am out of town so it's more relaxed because all I do then is network and get my Fulani duties done via email which is less stressful. I regret that I haven't had a mentor, things would have been much more easier."

Talking about the bad influence of buzz, smokes, drugs and meeting men in the entertainment industry, Omatu shared with us... "Oh yeah, the industry is like that but God gave us the free will, so it's up  to you how strong  or  weak  you are, to resist certain things. I think we all know what's good and bad so it's in the hands of the individual which route you want to go. I've met all kinds of people in this career. I've met musicians, great musicians, I was star struck! I met strangers with a lot of influence in the industry who helped me without asking me to give them anything in return, and I'm very thankful for that! But the industry can eat you up and also manipulate you quickly. So yeah, I've come across all types of people, good and bad, but haven't we all?”

No doubt, this very daring personality could also have a place in the movie industry if she puts her time and energy into it. "I can see myself as an actress, but I won't have time to achieve that. But hey, if I got a movie request, I would jump on it!

‘'I Can't Date A Poor Ugly Guy But Won't Mind A One Night Stand With…'’- Dayo Kujore's Daughter

For Ayinke Dayo Kujore, the cute and beautiful presenter of the wave making programme airing on Orisun TV on Startimes, there's nothing like basking in the euphoria of one's father's old glory, the bubbly lady is enjoying the limelight bestowed on her person by her father's fame as a musician. ''Everywhere I go, my father's name opens doors for me,” she told our editor recently.  Ayinke's old man is the popular  Juju musician, Wonder Dayo Kujore, whose musical exploits shook the air waves in the 90s and early 2000. She spoke to your darling National Enquirer on her adventures  of  life. 

Tell us about your passion for TV presenting, how  did  it  all  start?

That's a long story o... but anyways,  it all started  in 2013  when Uncle Bimbo Ogunsanya,  a  movie  producer called me about presenting on a new TV station, Orisun TV on Startimes decoder. At first, I was scared because I didn't really think I could do it but then my mum and Uncle  Bimbo  encouraged me that I can do it so,  I started going to Orisun studio to experience  how  it's done .  After a while,  I was given a show called “Miliki Express”  to  handle  and  here  I  am  today.

What doors will you say your father's name have  opened  for  you?

My father's name, Wonder Dayo Kujore is a powerful name in the entertainment industry. Well,  anytime  I meet people that know my dad, they always want to be my friend and associate with me. Also, in my profession as a presenter, the name has allowed me meet and interact with top celebrities . I can remember back then in secondary school, whenever my dad was not around and we hadn't paid school fees, they will send everyone out of the class except myself and my siblings... I get these special treats from people, so the name has been a blessing.

What's growing up like, schooling, siblings and so on?

Well, growing up was fun, I attended Starfield Kiddies College, went on to Brainfield college for my secondary education, proceeded to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife to Study Music and presently at NIJ (Nigerian Institute of Journalism) studying  Mass Communication.  I'm from a polygamous family,  the third and last  of  my  mum.

Who will you consider your biggest guest for now?

Wonder Dayo  Kujore... My Dad.

What was your first experience as a presenter like?

OMG... lol.. On the day of my first TV shoot, I was shaking, in fact, I was almost a nervous wreck but Uncle Bimbo Ogunsanya was there to help me through...  in  the  end,  it  was  fun!

What's  your  ultimate  dream  in  life?

To become a good name and a success in the entertainment industry.

If you have your way, when will you be married?

I don't know.

What kind of man can't  you consider settling down  with?

A man that lacks the fear of God, a poor man, a wife beater and an  ugly guy, lol. I love cute guys.

Every woman has made one or two mistakes meeting bad dudes,  can you share yours  with  us?

I've never met a bad dude in my life, I've been very lucky,  thanks  to God for that.

What's that thing you regret in life, of which you'd love to redress  should  in case the  hands  of  clock  be  turned  back?

Nothing, I've had a good life so far and I thank God for it... I live life  the way it comes and it's been  a  blessing.

Who's your professional role model?

Oprah Winfrey.

“Kissing Back Of My Neck Not Just My Weakest Point, It Makes Me Go Gaga”- Budding Actress Calabar Chic

If you've not encountered Stephanie Isuma's rare sense of humour, then you have to check out her instagram handle, CalabarChic for some of her interesting comic sketches, she's damn good a talent in the world of her own. With several parody Characters such as Mama Yunior, Mama Yenniffer, Calabar Chic and so on, this promising upcoming actress and burlesque expert has won so much fans in a short while that she might be pondering to start a ministry for congregation of fun seekers. The pretty skit maestro and presenter of Calabar Network News Nigeria-CNNN spoke to National Enquirer's editor, Tunde Moshood on her professional journey, movies and future plans.

How did it all start, who discovered you?

It all started in 2010, I was in my 2nd year in the University   A friend of mine had mentioned that the renowned Nollywood director, Lancelot Imasuen was in town, so, since I was in Asaba getting some research materials for an assignment in school,  I decided to visit  the set of the movie  to talk to him about a script writing job, instead I ended up playing a minor role in the movie, he really did give me the courage by making me believe I can do it, even on the very first day. He encouraged me to pursue this dream, made me read acting books, I read about great actors and film makers and watched a lot of movies. He practically taught me the act of acting, and  it has turned out well, Today, I love what I do, I'm enjoying it. It all happened so fast and unplanned. The stress was too much! I thought at first, but eventually I started to love the whole acting and film making process as time passed by but I didn't take it up because I wanted to concentrate on my education which I did and after my NYSC in 2013, I moved from Port Harcourt to Lagos in 2014 where I began acting professionally.

Where are you from and how many languages can you toy with?

I'm from Yala LGA in Cross River State.  I speak Yala (Idoma) which is my native dialect,  Efik and also Igbo .

What actually brought out the concept of speaking in Calabar tongues?

Hmmm… The funny part, I have always been "the shy one" all my life but my mum and my late best friend are the best mimics I know, they used to do the talking while I would laugh so hard, so I started trying it out. Been around them a lot molded me into this character.  The first funny video that ended up becoming one of the most watched and reposted on Instagram which landed me the title "Mama Yunior", I did it with my 6 year old kid brother, it was recorded by my mum, (laughs) I was just playing it out and she did the recording for me with my phone. I decided to post it on Instagram and "wow" I was amazed at the reception when I posted the video. People kept asking me for more and here we are today! I am CALABAR CHIC (laughs).

Good to hear that you actually got the inspiration from your mum, which other thing did you inherit from her?

Laughs…Not just that, I inherited the talent of cooking from her, my mum is a wonderful cook, she taught me how to prepare every meal, I am the only daughter, so she made sure I learnt everything, and well too. She also taught me that on no condition should I deprive any person of food no matter how angry I get at a person, she takes these things serious and so do I.

What did you study in school and why didn't you practice what you qualified to do?

Growing up, I had always known I wanted to be on TV but not as an actress because I was a very shy girl. My Dad always made me and my brothers watch the NTA news daily with him and would ask questions thereafter. At age 7, I was the newscaster for my school's end of the year party and from then my dad told me I did really well, and  I would make a great TV presenter like Eugenia Abu and Cyril Stober, so  I got admission into the Nnamdi Azikiwe  University Awka  to study Mass Communication and along the line also fell in love with script writing. But as fate would have it, I met a director who thought I had the face for screen, not just as a TV presenter but as an actor. So what I studied in the University is actually  in line with what I am doing today, although I launched my first web talk show as a presenter "Talking Relationships With Steph " on YouTube, it's a talk show I hope to continue.

There's this rumour that you're dating a notable producer or maybe he was trying to lure you on a location, how true is this?

(Laughs ) Like you rightly called it, "a rumour " which I am infact just hearing for the first time. I am not dating any producer or anyone else in the industry.

How many movies have you featured in and which is your best for now?

I have featured in quite a few movies between 2014 and now when I moved to Lagos. Let's say about 18 movies 5 of which are Africa Magic Original Films (AMOF ) and and also 6 Television series, so not much yet but I've been working tirelessly. I would say "LOVE, LIES and ALIBI  " have been my best and most challenging movie so far. Produced by Africa Magic Original Films, (AMOF) directed by Ehizojie Ojesebholo and Thomas Odia.  It was the third movie I featured in.  The first where I played a minor role, just two scenes as "Dorcas" Majid Michel's maid, "THE RICHES" was directed by Lancelot O. Imasuen and produced by Great Movies Ltd. CALABASH TV SERIES  directed by Obi Emelonye was my second and others came after.

Have you really made money in acting, if not, what other things pay your bill?

I won't say I have really made money from my work to pay my bills as much as I would want, but I will get there. Still working towards it but I get paid for the jobs I do, so as an upcoming actress, the little I have been earning from my jobs have been paying my bills. I also do voice-overs and I write scripts too

What won't you be caught using your body for?

I cannot be caught using my body to get favours from anyone. Some guys might think its pride, Yes! It actually is, literally, but not saying it out of pride.  I am just proud of my body and I respect it.

What does sex means to you and what's your weakest point?

Sex means a lot of different things to different people but to me, I feel there is more meaning to sex than just the physical act. I see sex as an act of affection, a bonding activity, fun, exciting and very beautiful. Well, that would depend on who you do it with. Weak point!  Hmmmm…Well, there are several but I'll just pick one. When he kisses the back of my neck, that's like a spot that get me into a whole different world. (laughs)

How has the "Calabar" character added to your personality?

I have become more open and jovial. I'm normally a friendly person who laughs a lot but with people I know personally, but this Calabar Chic character has opened me up a whole lot, and a whole new world. Now, I'm more open and receptive to people I have never even met before. I can't believe I have fans everywhere who recognize me once they spot me, It's surprising because I started this less than 3 months ago, now everywhere I go even on the streets, shopping malls in Lagos, Port Harcourt where I was born and bred, Calabar, Uyo and Benin surprisingly, people recognize me from my videos.  It has changed a whole lot about me and I absolutely love it.

Do you know this talent will put some more food on your table if you consider stand-up comedy at events, have you thought of it?

A lot of people have told me that, even some big names in the industry. I never considered going into stand-up comedy. It isn't as easy as it looks. I think it is very challenging, it requires a lot of hardwork and dedication which my acting job is already taking out of me. I want to do more like appearances on a show or event for just 5 minutes or so, not as an MC or a comedian. I just recently had my first stand-up comedy experience on stage at the Most Beautiful Face in Nigeria beauty pageant. The finale for 2016 took place in Uyo for which I was invited to make an appearance. The love was overwhelming from the colourful audience. I think they love and enjoyed seeing me on stage for the first time. Female comedians are really doing a great job, it's not as easy as it looks.

 I love Chigurl, she is one of the people who brought out this part of me, by watching her videos and trying to mimic her, I discovered I could actually do this. I also love Princess, Helen Paul, Lepacious Bose and Ann Kansime.  I respect their dedication and zeal to comedy as women.

Are you still up for grab or you've been taken?

(Laughs) By that I'm sure you're asking if I am still single.  Well, yes I am very much single.

What image of yourself do you see in 5 years time?

In 5 years time I hope to have achieved a lot by Gods grace. I am an ambitious lady, a go-getter I am the type of woman who wouldn't sit and wait for the mountain to come to me, instead I will go to it. In 5 years I should have gotten to a certain level in my career where I can impact and add to the society. I hope to continue my talk show "Talking Relationships With Steph", I already shot the first edition which was more like a try out project but the second edition will be far better and more organized. Also, I am very passionate about charity work, giving back to the society, impacting lives. In 5 years I hope to have set up my NGO aimed at sending kids from the streets back to school. My role model  is my mum who is the nicest human being I think there is, I really adore her and want to be like her as a woman, wife and mother, after which is Angelina Jolie for her humanitarian work and her superb acting skills. I want to become the "Angelina Jolie of Africa ".

Enquirer's Under Cover Exclusive Mami Market Where Police Uniform, ID Card Sell For Peanuts Uncovered

This is definitely the very first seemingly insurmountable task for the newest police Inspector General, Ibrahim Idris to crack as recent shocking revelations in the Nigeria Police Force have revealed that, the NPF is the biggest and most dangerous cankerworm this country faces and it will take bravery for any super cop get to the roots. National Enquirer gathered reliably that, almost a quarter if not half of the 370,000 (Three hundred and seventy thousand) personnel in the police force are fake officers brandishing police uniforms for various criminal reasons across Nigeria. The source confided in us that, some of them are either retired police officers while some are equally dismissed personnel who can't adapt to any other means of livelihood than forcing out their ways the way they were used to in the force. 

 

According to National Enquirer's findings in an exclusive under-cover investigations where what can best be described as the most crookedly-organised crime ever was unearthed, the Nigeria Police Force is indeed the most porous in the world leaving the sovereign nation sitting on a keg of gun powder if the on-going felonius racket ravaging it is not nip in the bud. 

This office scooped and decided to follow-up the unbelievable story of how police uniforms, ID Cards, Emblems, Belts, Caps and other intimate accessories that make-up a complete kit are being offered for sale freely in a MAMI market somewhere in Ikeja. Our daring team of crack reporters led by editor were truly at the Mami market directly facing the popular Area F Police command, Ikeja, Lagos and the discovery was astoundingly appalling, all you need to do in some cases is shave your beard very clean and walk into one of the shops there majestically, as long as you've learnt the slang, ''abeg gimme one ID Card or ID dey?'', the moment you approach the woman like that, she knows you're a 'son of the soil' or maybe a serving policeman. 

Meanwhile, some of them are very cautious perhaps because of the illegality of selling police stuffs openly, such person may ask you, ''you be police, where you dey serve'', as cheap as that, and the moment you answered yes, I dey barrack here, I dey serve for Idimu, she'll bring out anything you want provided she has them because it's like pure water, selling like Akara. During the adventurous under-cover investigations, we couldn't get Identity Card the first day but we were able to buy Uniforms, the light blue material is just little above a thousand naira, same with the black trousers' material, everything is sold separately, NPF emblems, caps, belts to the extent of giving it to a tailor to sew for you, all in the same neighbourhood. Alas, we later got the ID on the second visit and pronto we have a complete and original police uniform properly sewn with a budget just close to N10,000 excluding the boot, there is anyway, but we didn't bother to go that far because the mission is just to blow out the scandal and get the police IG to smoke out the perpetrators.

Can you differentiate our man from other police officers you see outside, this is a uniform we bought and sewn from the Ikeja/Area F Mami market. We however dug further by talking to innocent policemen who gave us more damning insights into the Nigeria Police atrocities, ''those uniforms you're seeing are meant to be given strictly free officially, with proper identifications before you can get it but those Ogas use their powers to bring it out forcefully and illegally from the central store and give to their wives to sell, everyone buys it anyhow, that's why the number of fake police in circulation is so enormous, different people doing different things, even those police guarding many politicians are fake, and that's not all, there are so many ex-convicts, rogues, touts joining the police, there's no control in the admission system, once you have a godfather, you don't need any educational background, tell most police to bring out their certificates and you'll marvel at the type of personalities entrusted to man our security of lives and properties, the police needs a total cleansing and complete turn-around, enough should be enough for now'', the man who proved anonymity shocked us the more. Another major leaking roof of the Nigeria Police lackadaisical leadership is the issue of proper identification, ''there's no seriousness in the Nigeria Police Force, it's the worst in the world, do you know aside the fact that, there's no way anyone can detect if you're a fake police or not, so many people, even real police personnel claim any rank they like outside duty post, for instance, if you walk your way to getting a transfer to another state or anywhere in Nigeria, just tell them at the new police station on resumption that you're an ASP and straight away, an ordinary rank and file will be kitting himself as a SUPOL, believe me, no one will query you because there's no data base or any electronic device of confirmation and you know what, we don't know the true figures of the NPF, it's that bad, tell me how guns won't be everywhere when you can buy the uniform like Akara in the market'', he revealed. We're really at cross roads on this story because of the police uniform in our custody but it has to be told for the sake of the high crime rate in our society, we owe the masses that obligation to unravel such an utterly odious, evil, abominable, unpardonable heinous crime. We certainly know the FORCE will be on our trail to, ''come and interview the IGP by 10am' at the Force HQ, Abuja on so so date, we're planning to send the uniform in our possession to the FORCE HEADQUARTERS the moment this publication hit the streets. There are other serious allegations which we shall tell in our next edition. Tunde Moshood and Sherif Ajalaruru

From Ireland In Esse Agesse's Voice, ''Yes, I Can Marry A Younger Lover If He Doesn't Want Babies''

She's one of the top rated team of old school female pop musicians. She was very famous before relocating to Dublin, Republic of Ireland after the irreconcilable differences that broke her marriage to renowned music producer and Nollywood starman, Kingsley Ogoro. After many years of sojourning abroad, Esse Agesse has finally gotten her rhythm back and ready to pursue her musical career in full blown. She spoke candidly to National Enquirer's Jav Fredericks Imoni during a recent chat.

Was your recent trip to Nigeria project driven?
I haven't been in Nigeria of late, however, my latest the song, Worship Yahwey was done in Nigeria sometime ago and I am only just promoting it.

Why so late, were there challenges?
We face challenges all the time in whatever we're doing, the issue of which producer to use, which studio etc arise. The song was on my lips when I woke up in the morning a few years ago. I was in a dream and singing the song and dancing, I had in fact been praying and fell asleep while doing so only to be in the dream and waking up singing the song.

You've been away for so long, how many years now?
A long time but I have been going back and forth.

What are you doing in Ireland?
I am a Learning and Development Executive and I volunteer as a mentor with a renowned children organisation. I am very much involved in my church, RCCG Freedom Hall, Mallow Ireland. My work with Women Of Love International in advocating for girl-child's education is also a personal journey I've been struggling with for a while. I have chosen to work with a dear friend, Ini Usanga who champions a cause for women and children here under her organisation, Love and Care for People Worldwide. The cry for the education for children and the girl child in particular cannot be over emphasized.

When you're not singing or ministering, what do you do?
Mentoring.

How's life away from motherland?
Not easy but with God it has been bearable.

What does being famous mean to you?
 I think it's when you have the support of your people home and abroad.

Your most cherished moments?
Whenever my children and I have talks that give me an insight into their minds
.
 You've been separated from your husband for years, what's happening to you?
 The right man hasn't come along and when he comes, maybe I'll jump at the offer.

Have you ever thought of going back to him, maybe for sake of the kids and since there seems to be no man anywhere?
 No comment.

 Does he look after the kids or see them regularly or you just the father/mother?
 I prefer this question stricken out.

 Okay, who're you seeing now?
 Nobody.

What has life taught you?
To totally depend on God no matter what.

 Your regrets in life?
 The only regret is probably not focusing on my musical career.

 Can you date or marry a younger lover?
 Yes, if he has a mature mind and as long as he doesn't expect children as well because am done with child bearing.

So, that means there's a marriage plan in mind?
 Why not, If the right man comes along. Yes.

 Favourite holiday spot?

 For now I'd say Delta State Nigeria.

Your children are abroad-bred, will you allow your daughter marry from here?
 Yes, if that's her wish.

 How often do you come home, and the kids?
It used to be every year for me, however, in recent years, I haven't been home due to financial reasons.
 You seems to be missing the music scene, what would you say has changed?
 Hmm... change is the way, almost all the songs sound the same but danceable. Also both men and women are getting the exposure needed, then, it was mostly men in the industry. I miss the performances.

 Who were the people that inspired you in life?
 My Father and Whitney Houston with reference to music.

 What's your favourite verses and why?
 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Because it gives me courage when I need it.

Life philosophy?
 Always show love and kindness no matter what.
 Favourite quote?
If you fail try again, success is down the line. ( LEA)

Fashion fetish?
Jeans really.

 Ever crush on anyone?
  Yes, Denzel Washington.

 Sources of inspiration?
 Jesus Christ, my children and my siblings .

 What's cooking in you?
 Working on a new song.

 Why did it take you so long to come back?
 It feels right now, I didn't have the time, now my hands are not so tied.

 Message to fans?
 Keep on keeping the faith. I love you all.