How I Kept My Virginity for the Night of My Wedding –Popular Gospel Singer

This gospel music sensation has sensationally revealed how she kept and guarded jealously her virginity till the night of her marriage.

In a no-holds-bare interview with The Entertainer, Monique, who is married to secular musician, Rasque, boasted that her morality is unquestionable, and the moral ground on which she stands cannot sink.

Below is how she captured the experience and other issues:

“To many ladies and men out there this disclosure may mean nothing. To such people it is no big deal. But no matter anyone’s stand or view, it is very important to me.

It has helped me to stand my ground and look into faces of moral intimidators and tell them boldly that I am a daughter of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. It is a pride for my family and a big plus for my husband. A high moral life is essential for continuous success. Yes, I was a virgin till the very night of my marriage.”


Childhood

Monique is a name given to me by my grandmother who is based in France. I am from Ishaga in Lagos State. My father, Engineer Simeon Adebisi Fabiyi is the Osi Oba of Ishagaland. My mother is into business. I came from a family of nine children, six boys and three girls. I am the last of the “happy crowd”. My family is closely united and we grew up as one, treating each other with care, love and great concern.

My seniors were all good to me not because I was the kid in the family but also because they too were naturally brought up to love and respect people, status not withstanding. We were brought up with modesty in taste; we were made to appreciate little things and to value all things. Morality in words, deeds and association was paramount in my upbringing. My parents never opened the door of modernity that negated God and His ways for us. I am proud of this background. I thank my parents for this and my brothers for making me, their kid sister, to stay on line. Yes, they were my disciplinarians, hands of love, care, and my teachers in subjects of life.

Education

I attended St. Kisito Primary School, Iju where I used to lead the school in songs during the morning assembly. I left for Iju Grammar School where I continued singing both at morning assembly and in the school choir. This afforded me the opportunity to meet many groups from other schools at one competition or the other. It was at such competitions that I met members of Midnight Crew. Today we are closely knitted. They play a major role in my music career. Bouqui, the gospel rapper, is also another great friend of mine. We met years ago and I thank God that the relationship continues to be fruitful.

First love

As earlier said, my family is such that anything ungodly is never allowed. Our freedom was limited by the word of God and positive traditional values. I remember when I was in secondary school; a male friend of mine who was unable to confront another female friend dropped the letter he wrote to her into my bag with the instruction that I should help him deliver the letter.

Unfortunately, I forgot to deliver the letter. When I got home, my brother searched through my school bag and found the letter. He thought it was meant for me, and all hell broke loose. He beat me for close to two hours before my mother rescued me. The message sank in me that in the family no one was allowed to misbehave. Because of this, I had no boyfriend throughout my secondary school days and even in tertiary institution. This is why I don’t have stories of heartbreaks, disappointments, double dating and all sorts that most ladies tell about love. The first love in my life is my husband. He is my friend, my lover and husband.

Courtship and marriage

People used to see us together going out and coming in. This was the time I was getting serious with music. As an established artiste, my husband was helping me in the studio to put my songs together. It was this that led to our closeness. And when my brothers noticed this, they threatened to deal with him. I was surprised the day he came to our house and pleaded with my brothers. He boldly told them that whatever the case, he planned to take me to the altar. This was a surprise to everyone. Eventually, he had his way. The courtship was allowed and the marriage took place in 2005. Since then, I have formally changed my name to Mrs. Temitope Monique Lawal. We are blessed with two beautiful children, Eyimofe, a girl and Jamal, a boy.

Music talent

All my school days, I saw my involvement in music as just a show of interest and talent. This took me out of Lagos State University where I was forced to withdrawal due to engagement upon engagement that took my days and nights. It was one of my friendly lecturers who advised me to drop one for the other or I would fail in both. I dropped out of school and faced music squarely. But because of my thirst for higher education, I again enrolled at Yaba College of Technology where I eventually graduated in Business Administration.

And together with a certificate in Computer Science, I got a job in Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB). Interestingly, what happened to me at Lagos State University surfaced again while at GTB. It happened that I couldn’t concentrate much on banking because of concert engagements. Many ministries, organizations and churches were inviting me to feature in their concerts or programmes. This led to many financial loses that eventually forced me out of banking. Once again, I found myself at a crossroad.

Choir bickering

Istarted music as early as six years old as a leading choir member at Christ Miracle Church. I left for Abundant Life Church. This was between 1997 and 2000. It was here that I stopped going to church because there were always bickering and distrust among the choristers. I was one of the three people leading praise worship. Because of this, those I met there felt like ‘who is this lady that came from nowhere but suddenly became prominent?’ It got so bad that I threw in the towel. I lost passion for going to church and then concentrated on shows and concerts. It was in one of such concerts organized by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock that I got more recognized. I also took part in Circle of Stars competition where I emerged the overall winner. This was in 1999.

Music ministry

It took me sometime before I could find my way back into church. I joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God, His Presence Assembly. Initially, I was not regular but I sat up when I discovered that the congregation was unlike others and the pastor-in-charge urged me to take music more seriously. It was in this process that I discovered that music is the ministry given to me by God.
Music and deliverance

Anytime we had a special programme in the church like deliverance or healing, people used to fall down whenever I sang. Even this happens during Sunday services; I couldn’t believe it. Now, I have resigned myself to life in the music ministry, totally submitted myself to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I got born again in 1994 and rededicated myself to Christ in 2006.

Albums

I released my first album entitled, New Story in 2009. It has just four songs. I released Atobi Ju (The Almighty) in 2011. I did a re-mix of Oba-Gbogbo Aye (King of the Universe) early this year. Before now, I relied much on songs from other artistes. Despite this, my audience would tell me that I sing the song better than the original. Sometimes, I sing few of my songs also. When I became dedicated to Christ, things changed. I now compose my lyrics and write songs as if I was born with them. Songs come to me in very unusual manners and places. This is why I carry a writing pad about because inspiration could come anywhere. I have written songs for other musicians also.

My husband, Rasque

Life would have been different if not that I am married to my best friend. Only few husbands will allow their wives to sleep while they cook in the kitchen, only to wake her up to come and eat. My husband takes care of the children more than I do. He drives me to shows and concerts. He has been very wonderful. My husband too is a musician, he is known as Rasque and the brain behind such secular hits as Soji (Awake) and Ati Ready (We Are Ready). Both are successful albums.

Future plans

I am set to release more inspiring albums, shoot good videos to trumpet the gospel and continue to be part of the body of Christ forever.

I don’t believe in God —Seun Kuti

Oluseun Anikulapo-Kuti is the youngest son of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuit. Seun leads his father’s band, the ‘Egypt 80’ to date. In this interview with Bayo Adeoye, he speaks on his music and lifestyle, amongst other issues

You were 14 when Fela died, what do you miss most about him?

Well, Fela was my father. You know, it’s a long time now since he died. The most important thing to me now is his presence. I miss him being around. I think of what would happen if I were able to have a discussion with him today. Knowing everything I know now, those are the kind of things you miss. I just miss him being around.

Can you describe what God means to you?

I do not believe in God. I am not a believer of anything supernatural. I don’t believe in God, Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Ifa, Ogun, or whatever anybody uses as a reason to explain simple actions of nature. God, to me, is in existence.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

Ha (smiles)! My most embarrassing moment happened when I was nine. And nothing up till now has topped that. You know, I used to open the show for my father and I used to sing before he comes on stage. We were in Cincinnati and Fela was about to come on stage, and I had gone up somewhere because we played in this huge dome where there was an archaic session.

I was playing archaic, and I forgot about the show. I got carried away. And when it was five minutes to go… rushing back to the stage, I dressed up quickly. So, my sister helped me with my pants, I was wearing all this traditional pants that you will have to tie. So, I was like, Mosun, you did not tie it. And as soon as I got on stage, my pants just got down…

What is the amusing fact about your life that people will be surprised to know?

Well, I think I tried to keep everything as open as possible. But maybe, people would not know that if I had the opportunity, if it wasn’t for music, I would have been playing football. Not the American football, I mean real soccer.

What major goal do you hope to achieve in the next 20 years?

I do not plan that long. It is impossible for anybody to have that great plan. Looking at 20 years in a globalised world, anything can happen beyond your control. So, I think the way to deal with globalized world is to have concrete short- term plan.

Which is your favourite Fela’s song and why?

I like two: Look and Laugh and Original Suffer Head. You know, it’s just the dynamics of the music. I think in Look and Laugh, Fela actually put the definition of arrangement and melody together.

What is it like heading Fela’s ‘Egypt 80’ band?

For me, it’s very easy. The band is a very experienced band. It’s not as if they are novice, and they helped me as well. The veterans in the band make it a tradition to train the young ones and let them to be acquainted to the music. We are large in number, which makes it quite expensive to manage. But in terms of organisation and discipline, we are good.

Do you smoke?

Yes, I do. But I don’t smoke cigarette... I don’t believe any human being has the right to tell nature what to do. Nature believes in the usefulness of marijuana. And I think mankind is pompous. You don’t say earthquake or Tsunami is illegal. So, why should marijuana, an equally natural thing, be illegal, even when earthquakes and Tsunami are killing people.

When are you hoping on getting married?

I don’t believe in the title of ‘Mister’. The word itself is ‘Miss Your Star’. It doesn’t relate well with me. People forget to understand that the term ‘mister’ is an English term for an English gentleman, and I do not see myself as an English gentleman. When it happens, it happens.

You spent sometime in the Western world, what do you think about the African culture and tradition?

African culture and tradition are quickly getting extinct. Our society does not encourage us to embrace our culture. All cultures are centered on religion. So, the propaganda that African religion is only used for evil purposes while the Western religion is used for good purposes has totally destroyed our society.

Uche Elendu Publicly Lambasts Tonto, Oge Okoye, Iyabo Ojo; Says 'You're Not Classy'

Uche Elendu is an actress that is hot and sexy. For some time now, not much has been heard about her. Sources close to the light skinned actress told Nigeriafilms.com that Uche has been busy on some movie locations within Enugu, Asaba and Owerri axis.

Getting into news now, Uche lashed out at her colleagues in the play-acting profession. The likes of Tonto Dikeh, Oge Okoye, Anita Joseph, Lizzy Anjorin, Iyabo Ojo, Ayo Adesanya and some others have one thing in common which is one tattoo or the other on their skins.

For Uche, she thinks girls who tattoo their bodies are classless. Uche took to twitter to lambast ladies, including Nollywood actresses, who go for tattoos. She tweeted, "classy girls don't have tattoos. Reason is no one will intentionally scratch a Bentley, a Range [Rover] Sport or a private jet."

Hmm, was she wrong to have tweeted that? Hope Uche is not trying to get back at someone? Let's wait and see what comes out of this one.

Picture: Tonto Dikeh Poses Uncl*thed

Controversial actress, Tonto Dikeh has done it again this time by getting herself on the news headlines. The Ikwere, Rivers State-born actress and singer recently posed unclad and used the picture as her Blackberry display picture (DP).

Tonto, at about this time in 2011, was already in the news after she had the controversial huge tattoo on her back (as seen in the above picture). The tattoo raised a lot of dust as it hits various front pages of many magazines and newspapers with the various online news sites not left out of it.

Tonto recently tried her hands in music, which also came under criticism. Last week Sunday, she failed to show up at an event she was supposed to make her first performance as a singer.

NOLLYWOOD IS STAGNANT-Nobert Young

The thespian who is also a participant in the movie industry, Nobert Young has described the nation’s entertainment industry known as Nollywood to be amateurish and stagnant. “Nollywood has literally shot itself in the foot and it is not going anywhere anymore,’’ Young asserted.

The veteran actor made it clear that the perceived multimillion dollar movie industry which is ranked as the third larger producer of movies in the world, must embark on rigorous training of all the skills used in the production of its stories.

“Nollywood is how not to act because it is just beauty that the actors are portraying instead of the ability to be real when acting.They destroy the story by acting only on their beauty” he added.

When asked how come the financial success of Nollywood is still growing despite his alleged lack of professional in the industry, the former Checkmate star who now does more of stage productions than movies stated that “mediocrity is what sells in Nigeria. It is not the first time that people are buying what they don’t need, what sells in Nigeria’’ he alluded.

Suggesting on the way forward, the actor noted that there are diverse guilds in the movie industry. He urged leaders of the guilds to establish training centres for their professions.

Mr Young further declared that he has done enough of talking and was now ready to take some actions to rescue his beloved profession, thereby establishing a ‘Centre for Media Development and Acting Academy’ in Lagos where aspiring actors can come and learn the ropes of being the best in the profession.

Reacting to the rumour that theatre is dead in Nigeria, “theatre can never die” though he admitted that there have being a lull in the level of stage productions but there is a gradual surge in recent times. He also admitted that low publicity might also be responsible for the declining popularity of stage productions which he claims go on every week across some major cities in the country.

Uche Jombo Returns From US Trip After Eye Surgery With Complete Work Of “My Life My Damage”

Her visit recently to the United States was not only to have a corrective eye surgery, but also to finalise the post production of her new flick My Life My Damage, the movie giving Tonto Dikeh her first Cinema litmus test from the wave making trilogy, Damage movies.  

My Life My Damage is an advocacy piece that centres on a lax young lady who lives abroad and pays no attention to the sacredness of womanhood and decency. While living her reckless life she contracted HIV. The movie starred Tonto Dikeh as the lead act, Kalu Ikeagwu, Bukky Wright and others. The Damage series which is a movie collection of three distinct but interwoven stories is aimed at advocacy for social issues; each story addresses important problems affecting individuals, families and societies at large.


Synopsis: 'My Life, My Damage' deals with the consequences of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. A young lady who lives a reckless life abroad as a drug addict is given a rude shock when she discovers that she's HIV positive and now has to seek redemption for herself.

The movie written and produced by Nollywood sensation Uche Jombo was shot in Nigeria and the United States. However, the producer while in the States also had an eye surgery to correct a long standing eye defect.

The movie that has been premiered in the United States already will hit the cinemas soon as the premiere date for Nigeria is set for next year.

Naeto C Reacts To Fraud Allegation… Claims His Signature Was Forged

Hip-Hop maestro, Naeto C, has reacted to news reports making the rounds bothering on allegations of fraud levelled against him by one Muhammad Nura, of Fine Boy Swag (FBS) 

In a statement made available by his publicist, Naeto C set ‘to clear the air and set the records straight’ even as he claimed his signature was forged.

The statement reads in part:
With reference to the news making the rounds on entertainment blog portals and social media platforms about our client Naeto C defrauding a show promoter of certain amount of money, we would like to clear the air and set the records straight.

Naeto C actually made the trip to Abuja to fulfill his end of the agreement subject to receiving full payment for the said event which was supposed to be a day before or on the date of the engagement.
When it became apparent on the day of the show that the promoters were not forthcoming with paying up the balance, our client declined to grace the show with his presence especially as he had held up his end of the bargain regardless of the show being 3 days to his wedding.

Most significantly, the signature on the agreement document is not that of our client and this act of forgery is not only distasteful, but criminal.
The sum deposited is a fraction of the total amount which was agreed upon and stated in the agreement document as payment for his services.

Naeto C as a brand is of the premium stock. His life is well documented in the public’s eye from his family background to his upbringing, educational background, and his career as a musical artiste.
Every established show promoter knows it costs considerably more than the figure in question to book
Naeto C for a performance.

That said, we will explore all options made available to us within legal bounds of the constitution of Nigeria, including suing for fraudulent practices (forgery of signature) and defamation of character if we deem it fit, if these false claims and accusations are not retracted and a letter of apology issued