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When I saw Funke, it was love at first sight – JJC Skillz

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Singer, producer and video director, AbdulRasheed Bello aka JJC Skillz, talks about his career and marriage to popular actress and producer, Funke Akindele-Bello

 When was the first time you knew you wanted to do music?

I think I have always wanted to do music from when I was a young boy. I used to have an area group in Kano, and we used to do Apala music from door-to-door. I actually thought I was going to become a Fuji star. We’d go to people’s houses, knock on their doors and when they opened, we made them laugh by singing some funny songs. From then, I knew I wanted to become an entertainer. When I moved to England at 14, I became a hip-hop artiste. Meanwhile, I formed my first group in school called Secret Weapon, and it has always been that way. I was always forming one group after another, until I had a successful group called Big Brovaz signed to Sony.

How did you coin the name JJC?

Back then, I had a heavy Nigerian accent, and everyone used to laugh at me. Hence, the reason I gave myself the name JJC which is an abbreviation of Johny Just Come, which is used to describe someone who just arrived a place. When I realised that they weren’t going to accept me, I decided that the best thing to do was to bring people from the neighbourhood together that had the accent and the swag. I created my own group, signed them and started promoting them, even though I was about 19 at the time. Two years later, we won the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Award as the best unsigned artistes from London. From that point on, all the record labels wanted to work with us.

You have an affinity for being in groups, don’t you think you can stand alone?

I will say I am inspired by many people like Dr. Dre, Puff Daddy, Timbaland etc. Those people have their own identity, just like if anyone sees me, they will know that’s JJC of We Are Africans fame. But more importantly, it is about being able to transfer that knowledge that I have to other people. I do not see myself as just an entertainer, but as someone that can develop people. And that is why I have been developing groups and artistes.

After I got Big Brovaz signed to Sony and we went platinum, we travelled to America to do the movie, Scooby Doo. After that, I stepped out of the group because I felt it was becoming too oyinbo-like for me. I wanted to create something a bit more homely, because right from when I was a child, I was one of those guys that went about saying Nigeria is the best land. Then, people used to think I was crazy for saying that, but I knew that one day, I would come back home, and here I am. Anyway, while Big Brovaz was still big, I started another group called JJC and the 419 Squad, which was very successful as we had over a million album sales and won KORA award. However, most of the members later moved back to Nigeria, while I stayed back in the UK. I then decided to start another group called Mr Skillz and the Crazy Girls, which got signed to EMI Records. After that, I left the music scene and went into video production which is my other passion.

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Of all the groups you have worked with, which did you have the most chemistry with?

I think I had chemistry with everyone I had worked with. Right now, I am having the time of my life with Scene One Productions, which is a new record label I’m working on with my wife, Funke Akindele-Bello.

Do you play any instrument?

I play a bit of the piano. On every single group I worked on, I did a bit of production. I also developed other producers, like Don Jazzy, to produce for groups as well.

When you first met Dbanj and Don Jazzy, did you have any inkling that they had what it takes to become superstars?

The truth is I usually see greatness in people even before they see it in themselves. When I first met Don Jazzy, he was a piano player for Mr. Solek; he was not a producer. But the passion he had for music made me know that he could be transformed into a wonderful producer. Dbanj was a harmonica player and he was very fun to be with. He was funny, lively and had the charisma of a super star. I saw all that in them, and that is why I picked them. And I picked so many other people just like that.

What was Don Jazzy’s role while you were working together?

He was an upcoming producer that was set to take over the scene. And that was what he was there for.

Are you still on good terms with Dbanj and Don Jazzy?

We are all cool; it’s one family. But you know they say, there are no permanent friends or enemies; just interests.

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When Mo’hits fell apart, did you try to mediate and bring them back together?

When their journey continued after the JJC university of music, what they did and what they created was none of my business. And it is not really my place to come into someone else’s business and tell them what to do, and how to do it. So no, I did not get involved.

How are you finding the experience of being a video director?

It feels like a natural progression because I studied video editing and production, which I passed with distinctions. While still in the UK, I got a job as a video editor and I did that for two years, working for  big companies. Music is more of a situation where you are always pumping money into it, but video is where you make money.

So you have made more money as a video director than as a music artiste?

I wouldn’t say that; I have made money both ways. The good thing about music is that if you do it well and monetise it, the money keeps on coming non-stop. You can make money from a song years after it was recorded and released.

As an entertainer, what has marriage changed about you?

It has made me more focused. It has also given me more stability and peace of mind.

You once said that you were wary of any  kind of   emotional attachment, why did you  decide to get married to Funke Akindele?

In life, when you find the right person, nobody needs to tell you to settle down. It is like finding God; you may be a bad boy in the club today, and the next day, you’re in front of the church shouting ‘Halleluyah.’ Nobody can determine when that change will happen, and I’m very happy that it has happened to me.

How did you meet your wife?

She had an idea called Jenifa’s Diary that she wanted to do, and she was looking for a good director and cameraman, so she called me to help her shoot the TV series, and that was how we met.

Was it love at first sight?

Absolutely, it was an instant connection.  In fact, it was love at first sight. I saw her,she saw me and, we saw stars. From that point on, everything was aligned.

What were the qualities you saw in her that made you know she is the one?

Ask every single man that is married, they will tell you the same thing.  It is the same qualities that everybody wants.

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So what are those qualities?

To be honest, I do not want to talk about my personal life. My wife is my baby and I cherish her a lot. If I start giving you all the secrets, people may want to snatch her from me.

Even if you do not tell us all, just give us a sneak peek…

The truth is I work really hard all the time, and a lot of the people I dated in the past used to complain that I did not devote time to them. But now, I have found my better-half who works as hard as I do, so it is a perfect combination, and the world is in trouble because we are the perfect team. As I am playing music, she is making me laugh. We have the perfect synergy, and what we are working on right now will blow people’s minds away. And I want to advise people in the entertainment industry to go and look for their better-half within the same industry, because it will give you more focus and direction.

But many people feel inter-marriages in the entertainment industry do not work, can you share some of what you have discovered that can help them?

Pray to God for direction because I did a lot of prayers and God answered. Different things work for different people. All I know is that God has given me what works for me.

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Renowned Nollywood Comedian ‘Mr Ibu’ Is Dead

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In a tragic turn of events, the iconic Nigerian comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has reportedly passed away.

 

A close source within the family confirmed the development, indicating that the beloved entertainer breathed his last on Saturday afternoon at Evercare Hospital, Lekki, where he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

 

Mr Ibu, celebrated for his exceptional comedic talent, had faced health challenges in the past year. In a noteworthy struggle, he underwent surgery to amputate one of his legs, a procedure necessitated by undisclosed health issues.

 

Throughout this period, the actor had openly sought support and prayers from his numerous fans and well-wishers.

 

The Nigerian entertainment industry mourns the loss of a true megastar, and fans worldwide express their condolences for the passing of a beloved figure who brought laughter and joy to countless lives through his memorable performances. The legacy of Mr Ibu, marked by his unique style and infectious humor, will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of fans and the annals of Nollywood history.

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Mohbad father’s lawyers request coroner summons for Primeboy, key witnesses

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In a recent development surrounding the controversial death of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, lawyers representing Mr. Joshua Aloba, the bereaved father, have taken a significant step. The legal team, led by Emmanuel Oroko, sent a letter dated Jan. 15th, 2024, to the Coroner overseeing the inquiry into the artist’s demise.

The letter urged the Coroner to summon Ayobami Fisayo (known as Spending), Boluwatife Adeyemo (Darosha), and Ibrahim Owodunni (Prime Boy) to provide testimonies and eyewitness accounts regarding the events leading to Mohbad’s death on Sept. 12, 2023.

The lawyers asserted that the insights from these three individuals would contribute essential factual evidence, shedding more light on the perceived unnatural and suspicious circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

“Our research for instance has shown that there were incidents on the 3rd Mainland Bridge at about 2.30 am (Sunday, September 10, 2023, that the appropriate witnesses did not mention and which no one has related at the Coroner Inquest and in our opinion would have given away the circumstantial event that led to the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba.

“In furtherance to the above, we believe that there were also events on 12 September 2023 at the deceased residential premises, which were not mentioned by the appropriate witnesses, and such information would have given a better insight into the real cause of the death of the deceased, as recent events have shown that some probable witnesses have been suborned.

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“These key witnesses include the driver of the car that drove the deceased, his wife, his brother and the witnesses proposed to this honourable coroner Inquest court.

“Furthermore, we believe that the situation of the CCTV at the deceased residential premises not functional at the time the deceased and others came home may not be true”, the letter partly read.

The Afrobeats singer, based in Ikorodu, departed on Sept 12, 2023, at 27.

In a letter dated Sept 18th, 2023, addressed to Justice Mojisola Dada, Chief Coroner of the High Court of Lagos State, the legal firm Falana & Falana Chambers formally requested a coroner’s inquest into the artist’s passing.

Subsequent to the letter, preliminary inquiries into Mohbad’s demise commenced on Friday, Sept 29, 2023, at the Magistrate court in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Thus far, two police officers—ASP Oderinde-Gafar Ajibola and Muhammad Yusuf, both affiliated with the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba—have testified before the coroner, presenting the police’s findings on the matter.

Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, the Coroner, has also heard the testimony of Mohbad’s Disc Jockey (DJ), Ajisegiri Ayobami, who asserted his presence with the artist on the day of his passing.

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Lagos: DJ Power Set to Ignite Good Beach for African Tour Premiere

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Renowned international disc jockey, DJ Power, is poised to set the stage ablaze at Good Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos, on the 29th of December 2023, signaling the commencement of his highly anticipated African tour.

DJ Power disclosed this during a press briefing held at Amber Residence, Ikeja, Lagos last Friday.

Baroque Works Studio, a leading entertainment powerhouse, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DJ Power, taking on the role of chief promoter for the tour.

The Good Beach event is anticipated to be a standout moment, attracting music enthusiasts and fans from far and wide.

Showcasing his extraordinary talent, DJ Power’s African tour promises to be a musical journey traversing the continent. The event will pulsate with special energy and vibes, featuring DJ Power’s signature Afrobeat and Amapiano sounds, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for attendees.

In an exclusive collaboration, CEOAFRICA has been named the official media partner for the event, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all its media channels. Fans can anticipate exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and live updates as the excitement builds.

The Good Beach event is expected to draw a diverse and lively crowd, bringing together music lovers of all ages to revel in the vibrant energy and creativity that DJ Power embodies.

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Attendees can brace themselves for an electrifying live performance promising an experience that transcends musical boundaries.

As the countdown to the event begins, organisers are urging fans to secure their tickets early to avoid missing out on this unforgettable spectacle.

With the pledge of exceptional music, incredible performances, and an atmosphere to remember, DJ Power’s Good Beach performance is set to be a highlight of the year’s entertainment calendar.

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