Inspiring World of Showbiz’ Newest Bestseller - Gbemi Shotade

She's a die-hard go-getter, a determined entrepreneur, and promising dame of showbiz, that's Gbemisola Shotade, a paragon of beauty and perfect prototype of an African angel. The industrious young lady is no doubt the newest face of box-office-hit waiting to bestride the entertainment scene like a colossus.

The elegantly charming model and ex-beauty Queen of international repute is everything in all as far as showbiz is concerned-a gifted singer, talented actor, billboard star, catwalk expert, and alluring video vixen of commanding personality with a legendary creative ingenuity. Standing a terrific height of 5'11, the elegant lady who's in her mid 20s has taken the opportunity of her imposing figure to walk tall in so many critical situations of modern-day trappings of success.

She cut her teeth in modeling and pageantry though, standing tall at various times with different titles, 1st runner-up Miss Nigeria, Face of Lagos Carnival, Face of Vlisco Brand among others before winning the Miss Global Nigeria crown in 2012, a stepping stone that further shot her to limelight when she beat other beauty Queens across the globe to win the coveted Miss United Nations pageant in far away Caribbean Island of Jamaica.

Her quest for career adventure saw her edging on as the optimist found her way into the showbiz industry where she's presently a tour de force and newest sensation combing the two worlds of Music and acting with an unbelievable prowess.

Gbemi who's fondly addressed as Scarlet in the industry has appeared in top musical videos and has played major characters in notable TV series and movies while her debut effort in music, titled, ''Catch Me'' still enjoys massive air play in and around the globe.

The daring actress who's ready to go extra mile to deliver any script is one of the major characters in the wave making TV series, Casino showing on MNET, and also starred in Clarence Peter's movie, Hex, Wale Adenuga's Godwin and recently Mrs. Brown, a yet to be released movie directed by Ejike Chinedu Obim and still counting.

“I’ll Like To Flirt With Mercy Johnson - Aquilqh’s Rare Confession

To say he's one of Nigeria's finest filmmakers is like saying the obvious. Aquila Njamah is sure an A-lister as far as movie directing is concerned in Nigeria. Apart from been a face to reckon with in the movie industry, Aquila has stepped up to join the league of gentlemen in politics. He has summoned the courage to contest for the post of executive council in one of the local government areas in Lagos state. In this interview with National Enquirer's DamilolaDaramola, he shared his experience and many escapades as a movie director/actor as well as flair for politics.

How did it all begin?

Well, it started in the 80s, 1987 to be precise. I had wanted to be in the art world, I started with television programmes at LTV 8, and stage production, I worked with EnebeliElebuwa because he actually discovered me. My first movie was in 1996 and I also won an international award in 2007 (NIIFF) with the movie titled, THE RIVALS by Mercy Effiong which was directed by me.

Can you talk about some of the challenges in filming?

Yes, the major challenge in filming is lack of fund because to a large extent, we have not been able to create a good platform for investors to come in. Filmmakers have not been branding movies, for instance, you can't see a Nigerian movie where Toyota is the branded car used throughout. We are number 2 in the world in terms of movie production and yet, we don't have a database of how our movies are scripted, no annual collation of returns from the movies.

As a movie director, who can you say is your favourite actor, or someone that interprets your script even beyond expectation?

I won't say I have a favourite, because for me as a director, I believe in everything you do, discipline is the key word. Any idiot can be a star, but it takes a morally inclined person to go all the way. The likes of my late friend J.T Tom West (RIP), Mike Ezuruonye,  Ramsey Noah and Majid Michel are the kind of people I love to work with because they are versatile.

Does anyone need to be talented in acting to direct a movie?

Not necessarily, but one must have the interpretation prowess to be able to get what you want out of an actor. However, it is easier when you are an actor and also directs because it makes your job as a director less cumbersome as you already have an idea or picture of what you want e.g., Mel Gibson.     

 

Name one actor you will like to get naughty with?

This is a tricky question. Well I will say we are lucky in our industry because 70% of our female actors are beautiful, but the one I will like to be romantically involved with is the sensual Mercy Johnson.

Why are you not married?

You know, at some point, I noticed I was too engrossed with work rather than settling down, but trying to get the conception of what marriage truly is, from the industry where divorce is rampant, I'd rather get married and stay married. You know, being in this line of work, you need a partner that will understand and support you. Anyway, its work in progress

Is there any new project you're working on that you will like to talk about?

Yes, I am working on something, it will be coming out soon, it's a multimillion naira project, a movie I shot in 2011 which is yet to be released titled, SAND CASTLE. You know, a friend of mine said it's going to be a comeback for me but told him I did not go away, I only stepped aside.

Are there any personal ambitions yet unattained?

Yes, but currently I am running for the post of Executive Council of AmuwoOdofin L.G.A, under the PDP platform.

Why PDP?

Well, I have been a member of PDP since 2010, and I think as a party I like the way they do their thing. There's a lot of decorum there, they have respect for humanity, PDP is not tribalistic and it allows everyone freedom of speech. It is a level playground for everyone.

Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader?

I will say Matt MA Ghandi; he was a man who has genuine love for humanity and he was someone that carried peace everywhere. He was ready to die for unity, highly disciplined, and a great hero. You know, being who I am, when I heard about him, I was rest assured that good people still exist in this world. Also, will like to point out that my father G.C. Njamah, has impacted my life, even in death.

What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a movie director and in this your new found love, politics?

Being a Council Executive, it will determine my involvement in the movie industry. In my manifesto, I will talk about how my position will influence the movie industry in a positive way; I will reach out to talented ones, filmmakers, directors and I will also use the industry to search and develop talents.

What word of motivation do you have for the young ones coming into the industry be it as a director or an actor?

First of all, I will say passion before money; you have to be passionate and also good at what you do, if you can abide with this, money will come. There's a difference between being a celebrity and being a star, if you're eccentric, it's an added advantage. You have to do a lot of research, homework, and watch news so as to improve your creative mind and automatically, you will climb the ladder of fame and success.

"Day I Lost Lead Role To A Car Owner"

She's hot, beautiful and fashionably attractive. AmarachiIgidimbah, fondly referred to as Goddess Amah is one of Nollywood's promising stars who hails from Egbuoma In Oguta L.G.A of Imo State. The fair skinned and bubbly actress was a year older and she took the editor of your darling magazine, National Enquirer, TundeMoshood through her background, acting and how she once lost a plum role simply because she didn't have a car. You would enjoy the chat:

You just celebrated 25th, how true is that figure because ladies don't share their DOB?

Lol...well, I won't disagree with you on that, but personally I don't see myself hiding my age or reducing it because I have no reason to, so far am grateful to God.

Tell us what crazy thing you did on your birthday?

Didn't do anything crazy, just the normal thing I do everyday "was extremely happy".

At what point of your life did you decide on which path to follow?

Well, I have always had love and passion for entertainment right from childhood, I participated in every dance show/competition in all drama groups from primary school, secondary school, university up to NYSC Camp but my mum didn't like the idea so I stopped dancing but couldn't stop acting in church drama, before my NYSC, I worked as an auditor in a finance house but one day after four months of working, I just realize I couldn't keep up, so I resigned, that was in 2012, I went for NYSC and finished in 2014, after my NYSC I was trying to enroll for my masters in 2014 but one day after watching one of Angelina Jolie's movies I started mimicking her and a friend of my said "Amah you're a good actress, am taking you for an audition tomorrow, so we did go for an audition, the judges commended me, gave me a role and that was it, then I realized this is who I am.

What were the thoughts of vocation on your mind?

I never lost an argument and then I love buying and selling, so I was thinking of Law or being a very big business tycoon.

Aside acting what else pays your bill?

Am a fashion stylist, I own a clothing line called Amah's Dress up, I sell female clothes and hair wigs.

How has your educational and family background influenced what you do for a living, tell us everything about school and siblings?

Educational background has helped me in my work because the course I studied, Religion and Human Relations taught me how to relate and cope with different people no matter the situation, attitude, mood or circumstance because in line of my duty, I meet different people everyday, colleagues, crew and fans. As for my family background, its like my root and remote control remembering where I came from, reminds me of my limits, goals and virtue. My secondary school was Owerri Girls Secondary School Owerri, Imo State, from there to Imo State University, Owerri. My schooling, I will describe as a journey of life, some days were  bad some were good but in all I am happy, I am here today and about my siblings I have just one brother, no sister.

Every actor especially female has got a first bad experience, what's yours?

Wow...I've got a bad one to share, it was at a location where I've been given a script and was ready to go, then surprisingly, because I didn't have a car, I was swept off the role and it was given to a lady who had a car simply because they need a car for props on set, I will never forget, so painful.

And what's your status like today?

To God be the glory, am upwardly mobile with two state of the art cars in my garage.

How bare can you deliver a romantically sleazy script.

I can deliver any romantic script beautifully well but if it's immoral or corrupt NO, I won't do a movie that my family won't proudly sit and watch with their friends, apart from that my future kids too.

Who is your role model in the industry?

I have a couple of them for different reasons, Angelina Jolie, Genevieve Nnaji, FunkeAkindele  and Mercy Johnson

And your crush?

hmmm... myself I guess...lol

What's your catchment for a dream man?

Tall, Neat, Smart/Hardworking understanding, God fearing and ambitious, most especially Real, I can't deal with fake and selfish people. 

Are you free to mingle with guys or you have been taken ?

Am single ready to mingle 

What brings out the bitchy behaviour in you?

When I try to respect myself and you, but you want to show that you don't have home training, although I pick my fight carefully but if you step on me where it hurts unnecessarily I will give you a double dose.

What turns you on?

Neatness and good heart and good attitude

What are your projections as an actress in the next five years?

By God's grace and mercy because its not by my might I see myself on every billboards on the street and I see myself doing my other  projects as an entertainer

What won't you be caught doing at any time?

Smoking Cigarette

What and What are the beauty products you can't do without?

NONE at all, I can do without all,  actually sometimes, I don't even open my make-up purse for a month, I love to wear my natural hair , if there is one thing am lazy at, it's being girlie all the time.

What influences your fashion sense:

Apart from acting, fashion is another passion I have and my mood is what determines what I wear, am creative at that, am a trend setter

Inside The Amazing Lagos Super Recreational Resort, Lekki Leisure Lake

Have you been opportune to go on an adventure to the beautiful four star beach resort, Lekki Leisure Lake located on LekkiEpe Expressway by second roundabout, Marwa, in a choice area of Lagos? In case you've not, the complete leisure garden is, no doubt, the fastest growing weekend hangout in Lagos and the lake offers a wide variety of excitingly relaxing experience for individual, family and lovers. According to the Managing Director, the owners of Lekki Leisure Lake, Segun Animashaun who shared with us how the dream of the amazingly stunning recreational park was conceived, ''it was a dump with lots of refuse and squatters to struggle with, cleaning and turning the place to what it is today was herculean, it involved a lot of financial, emotional and passionate investments. The good looking General manager, Alex Adegbola however treated National Enquirer's team led by General Editor, Andrew Anyanwu and Photo Editor, Bisola Badmus to a lavish reception where he told us all we need to know about LLL.

Please can we know more about the resort?

Its all about a dream and determination, my boss, Mr. Segun Animashaun saw the vision of transforming a piece of land which stretches between Oniru and Elegushi beach into a leisure resort. It's four kilometres long and two kilometres wide. His mission is to create a place where an average person can come for Leisure and stay safe.

How long has resort been existing?

Lekki Leisure Lake has been operating for under two years and is still under development. We have much more to offer as we go along.

What are the unique things about Lekki Leisure Lake?

Lekki Leisure Lake is very centralized, people don't need to go very far before they can enjoy all water and land activities. We're also affordable for an average person and safety is paramount to us.

How has Lekki Leisure Lake changed the face of leisure in Lagos?

Leisure is far beyond just sitting to drink, we have successfully changed the thinking of an average person, as lots of people thought it costs so much to be on water and enjoy its activities. For instance, we have beach buggy, Jet ski, Quad bikes, bumper boats, pedal boats, wave boats, pontoon boat, Zip line, paddle big and ropes course and all these changed the face of leisure in Lagos. It costs only a thousand or two to enjoy any of these mentioned.

Wow, interesting; will it be right to say nothing else is missing in this park?

We're still improving, with lots of work to do. We're developing in styles and there will be wall climb in the near future. We're covering all corners of leisure, next is the "hub" and it will open up soon. In the hub, we'll have a 24hours dinner/ restaurant, proper sports bar, lounge/nightclub and events/conferencing hall. We also will have "children city", which will be a play centre for children, a place where parents can bring their children to have fun with maximum security, where they can drop off their kids to be entertained while they pick them up later.

Do you allow people to host parties or ceremonial events here?

Yes! parties can be held here. People come here for parties, especially birthdays. Music is free!

What's the itinerary like, is it a round the clock leisure garden?

We're open for leisure activities on weekends and public holidays only, for now. 12noon-10pm. And we're open for bookings on week days.

What's the implication of using the services?

Its not expensive, just N1,000 (One thousand naira only) for adult and N500 (five hundred naira only) for children under 10years.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed.

What's the entry fee?

Entry fee is N1000 per person but very soon we will start an offer on Saturdays only where entrance for kids is free of charge.

What's the average cost of food?

Freshly prepared barbecue and other delicacies are a popular feature of Lekki Leisure Lake and this can be seen from the number of people ordering from the rich and varied menu. Various refreshing beverages are also along offer at reasonable prices. Cold and refreshing cocktails on a hot and sunny day at the beach is always a hit. Most of these food items are relatively inexpensive and start from as low as N200 for soft drinks to N1500 for the food items.

You said “under development”, should we be expecting of future development?

Future developments includes more new and interesting beach activities for both kids, families and the young at heart , opening of the HUB very soon to include 24 hour restaurant and bistro, luxury sports bar with multi screens , rooftop cocktail and champagne bar and lounge with terraces overlooking the Atlantic ocean, events and conferenc hall. Also creation of the Zen Zone , a chilled out beach area for people who just want to relax and enjoy the fresh cool breeze of the ocean devoid of noise .... and much much more.

It's been nice talking to you

Pleasure is mine, you're welcome