celebrity radar - gossips

“ I doubt if my daughter would love to be an Actress”- Mercy Aigbe Gentry

Published

9 years ago

August 6, 2015

Sahara Weekly

Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe Gentry has grown to become one of the most prominent faces in the Yoruba movie industry. However for this mother of three, acting is not the only thing that has helped gathered fans, her delightful fashion sense has got a lot of people swooning all over her. The talented actress in this interview with Sahara Weekly shares the secret of her success, her fashion, acting amongst other issues.

How Has The Journey been So Far?

I would say it has really been fruitful. I can only give God the glory. It’s not like it has been smooth all through, I have had to encounter one or two challenges, but truly God has been faithful.

What Project Are You Currently Working On?

Presently, I’m working on showing my movie in the cinema, it’s titled Victim, directed by Lancelot OduaImaseun and it starred Nollywood superstars like Olu Jacobs, Juliet Ibrahim, Seun Akindele, Fathia Balogun, Said Balogun, a whole lot of them.

Would that be your first English project?

It’s not 100% English, it’s more of 40% English, 60% Yoruba.

Why The Choice of Lancelot For The Directing of This Project?

I actually had the opportunity to work with him and then I just spoke to him and asked if he would like to do a Yoruba movie. Although it’s not 100% Yoruba and it’s also an ultra-modern movie.

What were the challenges faced considering the language barrier?

The script I gave him was English. We had like two scripts for the movie. In Yoruba and in English, for instance Juliet has never been in a Yoruba movie, that was her first Yoruba movie, but because of the way the script was she didn’t have to speak too much Yoruba and at the same time, she is a fast learner. It was really exciting for her, because I did speak to her after the whole shoot and she told me she had so much fun, and for Lancelot it was like a challenge, he is used to directing English flicks so it was very exciting for him to be on this set.

When Do We Get To See the part two Of Osas Omoge Benin?

(Laughs) Everybody keeps asking me that. I read a lot of comments on Facebook, Instagram and twitter asking that same question. eEveryone should just keep their fingers crossed. At the end of the day I promise that the wait will be over. Although I really don’t want to say a specific date, but my fans should just keep their fingers crossed. For now, “Victims” is what I’m focusing on, it’s going to be premiered in the U. K and in the U.S and it’s going to the cinemas and we are looking at September for it.

You have done a couple of English flicks in recent times, what would you say is the difference between the two industries?

I actually started with the English genre before I crossed over to the Yoruba industry. I would say is pretty much the same, it’s basically the medium which is different, the language. It’s the same way we shoot and produce our films.

Inspiration behind Your Fashion/Beauty Store MAG Divas?

I would say my love for fashion, because I’m a lady who loves to look very good, getting complimented for her looks, so definitely my passion for fashion inspired me to open the outlet.

How Do You Juggle Between Running A Business, Your Acting Career, And Parenting?

To tell you the truth it’s a whole lot of hard work. I have to manage being a business woman, an actor a house wife and parenting, but the lord has been helpful in making it possible.

Your Favorite Fashion Item?

When it comes to fashion I really don’t have a favorite.I love everything, from shoes to bags, I love clothes, hair. Its quiet difficult for me to pick.

Do You Wish Your Daughter would step into your shoes as far as acting is concerned?

It actually is up to her, whatever she wants to do I’m in total support. She is a big girl, she is almost out of the secondary school, and so whatever she wants to do I would give her my total support. Although I honestly do not think she wants to become an actress because she is more on the reserved side, but if on the long run she wants to be I would give my support.

What is the secret of your good looks?

I take very good care of myself, I eat right, I drink a lot of water, do a lot of vegetables I try as much as possible to stay away from carbs, and once its 6 o. clock I don’t eat. I try to pamper myself a lot.

There’s a new trend of opening stores and business outlets among movie practitioners, what would you say is behind this?

Its due to piracy, piracy would not let us rest.

At this point I would like to beg the government to come in and assist movie practitioners, because I actually believe there are laws that should bind against pirates, laws that would state that if you are caught in the act you would be severely dealt with, and if this laws are enforced, it would be reduced to the barest minimum.

Is piracy capable of stopping you from doing movies?

It wouldn’t, but its killing creativity, if you have a script which you spend 5 million or 10 million naira on, just because you are not sure of getting your money back you would be discouraged. I think you should ask Kunle Afolayan. As a producer you are an investor, you would want to get your money back and make profit, but because you are not sure of this you might want to cut corners, and try to reduce your budget, by doing this you might not eventually achieve what you set out to achieve with the project.

If you were to recommend a punishment for Piracy what would you recommend?

Piracy is the same with stealing, they should be imprisoned for a number of years. You’re stealing someone’s creative work, for some people acting and production of movies is the only thing they feed on, piracy is killing, and I think they deserve to be imprisoned once they are caught.

celebrity radar - gossips

BREAKING: Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Granted N500M Bail

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Court rejects EFCC's request to arraign Yahaya Bello without his counsel, adjourns to Dec 13 Ex-Gov to remain in custody

BREAKING: Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Granted N500M Bail

The Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, setting the amount at N500 million with three sureties. Bello, who faces a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering totaling N110 billion, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Maryann Anenih had earlier rejected Bello’s bail application for being premature but reconsidered after a fresh application. Alongside Bello, two co-defendants were granted bail with adjusted conditions, including property sureties across various Abuja districts.

The court also ordered all defendants to surrender their travel documents and remain in custody until bail conditions are met, as both legal teams agreed to expedite the trial.

celebrity radar - gossips

Nancy Isime Celebrates 33rd Birthday with Dream Home Reveal: A Testament to Faith and Perseverance”

Published

11 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Nancy Isime Celebrates 33rd Birthday with Dream Home Reveal: A Testament to Faith and Perseverance”

Nigerian actress and TV host Nancy Isime has kicked off her 33rd birthday celebrations with a major milestone—unveiling her newly acquired home. Sharing the joyous moment with her fans on Instagram, Isime expressed deep gratitude to God for the protection and provisions of the past year, which led her to this remarkable achievement.

Reflecting on her journey, the film star opened up about the struggles her family faced while striving to own a proper home. At the age of 13, Isime moved into her father’s uncompleted building, a space that lacked basic amenities such as floors, ceilings, doors, windows, and running water. This experience, she says, marked the beginning of her determination to help complete her father’s dream.

“I started saving at 17, hoping to contribute to completing my father’s house,” Isime revealed. “Now, I can proudly say that I’ve been able to fulfill his lifelong dream of owning a fully completed and furnished home.”

The actress went on to explain that she officially received the keys to her stunning new property on December 15, 2023, calling it an “unbelievable possibility” in her life. This milestone marks a significant achievement in her personal and professional journey, one that was made possible through hard work, faith, and divine grace.

In her heartfelt post, Isime dedicated this victory not just to herself, but to the young girls and boys who find inspiration in her story. She encouraged them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of success, no matter the challenges they face, and to trust that God’s blessings will always find a way.

“This win is not just for me but also for young girls/boys who find their story in mine. It’s only a matter of time, my darling. Nothing can come between you and the blessings God has in store for you. Nothing! Keep pushing! Keep walking in faith & obedience,” she wrote.

Isime’s career began in 2009 when she won the Miss Valentine International Beauty Pageant, and since then, she has established herself as a household name in Nollywood. From her acting debut in the TV series Echoes in 2011, to starring in hit films like The Set Up 2 and Shanty Town, Isime’s talent has earned her several accolades. In addition to her acting career, she also serves as a presenter, having replaced Toke Makinwa as the host of Trending on HipTV in 2016.

Despite her growing fame and success, Isime has remained focused on her personal goals. Last month, she revealed that marriage is not currently on her radar; instead, she is dedicated to building her career and achieving financial independence.

Isime’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work, faith, and perseverance, dreams really do come true.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nancy.E.Isime (@nancyisimeofficial)

celebrity radar - gossips

CAF Awards 2024: Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Lookman, Nnadozie, and Super Falcons

Published

2 days ago

December 17, 2024

Sahara Weekly

CAF Awards 2024: Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Lookman, Nnadozie, and Super Falcons

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman on being named the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also applauded Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for winning the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and commended the Super Falcons for clinching the Women’s National Team of the Year honor.

The awards, which celebrate excellence in African football, took place on Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor described the winners as exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria, praising their talent and contributions to the nation’s pride on the global stage.

“As a proud Nigerian and football enthusiast, I celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie at the 2024 CAF Awards. Their victories as the Men’s African Footballer of the Year and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year are a source of immense pride,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recognition as the 2023 Women’s National Team of the Year, emphasizing their dominance as Africa’s best female football team.

“These awards reflect the dedication, skill, and hard work of our footballers. They have not only brought personal acclaim but also showcased the immense potential of Nigerian football to the world,” he added.

Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by encouraging young Nigerian footballers to draw inspiration from the achievements of Lookman, Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons, reaffirming his government’s commitment to supporting the sport.