I truly believe that DJ Solar added his own lines to Guru’s words about DJ Premier

Late last year we had an exclusive interview with Guru and his partner Solar. You can listen to the interview here:
Exclusive UnderDaRock Interview with Guru and Solar

Guru wrote a letter to his fans and sent it out through a press agency. Here it is:

“For the fans that reached out with love and support, I can’t tell you how much that meant to Guru and myself. Guru prepared this letter (read below) while he was in the hospital for the fans,” the producer continued. “I hope now that Guru has moved on to a better place.”

I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this. I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ. As the sole founder of GangStarr, I am very proud of what GangStarr has meant to the music world and fans. I equally am proud of my Jazzmatazz series and as the father of Hip-Hop/Jazz. I am most proud of my leadership and pioneering efforts on Jazzmatazz 4 for reinvigorating the Hip-Hop/Jazz genre in a time when music quality has reached an all time low. Solar and I have toured in places that I have never been before with GangStarr or Jazzmatatazz and we gained a reputation for being the best on the planet at Hip-Hop/Jazz, as well as the biggest and most influential Hip-Hop/Jazz record with Jazzmatazz 4 of the decade to now. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time. And we as a team were not afraid to push the envelope. To me this is what true artists do! As men of honor we stood tall in the face of small mindedness, greed, and ignorance. As we fought for music and integrity at the cost of not earning millions and for this I will always be happy and proud, and would like to thank the million fans who have seen us perform over the years from all over the world. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time and is my most creative and experimental to date. I hope that our music will receive the attention it deserves as it is some of the best work I have done and represents some of the best years of my life.

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Well, my name as you know is Mofe J. Duncan, born of a medical doctor father (Professor J.T.K. Duncan) and a banker mother (Ms. Molly Thomas), but you didn’t really need to know that. I am a proud Deltan (from the same town as RMD even). Have 6 siblings… 5 sisters and 1 brother, am the last. Studied Biological Sciences Education in Unilag, no regrets.

I’ve been in the industry for close to 6yrs now. Been modelling since I was very little (age 5) for a nestle product. The experience was horrible, I throw up on set. Then I had my first big advert when I was 12, for Maggi 2 minute noodles. Didn’t do much till I was much I was 18, with various calendar jobs and billboards.

At 21 I got a major break presenting the Saturday morning show on rhythm 93.7FM, which was my major career booster. Met a lot of good people along the way and made a couple of good friends. From then, it’s been climaxing. I worked alongside IK, Isis, Anita, Nnamdi, Ceasario, Sasha, TEMI and my first anchor then… Olumide Macualay.

Umm… acting puts you out there, but artiste management opens doors for others as well as yourself. I like acting, and now I’ve found a new passion, Directing. I’m loving being behind the camera these days.

They were fantastic! Being on set with other actors n directors is always so interesting. And no I haven’t stopped, just been a bit picky with scripts. My last project isn’t out yet even. And my Management company too has been filtering my scripts.

Well, my first break at anything media was modelling. I enjoyed it a lot, seeing your face up on a calendar or a billboard can be very gratifying. My biggest till date was my Celtel billboard, which light on the skyline when the network just newly changed its name. Modelling was hard though, I mean the rigorous auditions and rejections, but like I tell most people who come to me for jobs, never model for the money, do it because you love it and most importantly, because you can!

I love to teach, and help, and build people’s character. I’ve assisted so many artists in the past during my time at Rhythm and till date I still get calls for one thing or the other, even when I MC events, I always get contacts and re-invite the strong artiste to other events. My first major artiste is Stella Damasus.

Right now, 3!

I’d say this categorically. Stella is a fantastic person. I’ve known her since my days at rhythm even before Jay died. She is an amazing artiste. She would never make decisions without consulting her management (in this case… ME! *wide smile*), never disrespects or blames if things don’t go her way. She carries everyone along. Her working environment is so relaxed and her mood is light, as long as… you do what you’re supposed to do, when you’re supposed to do it!She manages me too, so it’s a business partnership. Besides managing her, I am the Project Coordinator for SDA Productions (Stella Damasus Archives Production).

Yes I do. I am the Manager, she is the brand. Everywhere I go I have to be able to represent her in the best way possible and as professionally as I can. And so far there hasn’t been any complaints from either side of the divide.

Good question! It’s 5ive, not Five. And in any rating, 5 star is perfection or the highest rating. And I was born in May, the 5^{th month. I’m actually working on renaming it to 5ive28 Entertainment (after my birthday May 28th) because there are too many Five entertainment brand names.}

Ah plenty, you get hated. You have to be the one to say “Am sorry I cant accept that!”. You get to break a lot of hearts and reject a lot of clients. And then when it’s time to bargain fees, problem! And for someone like Stella Damasus, who can get 5 jobs, 5 days a week, 5 different briefs, 5 different projects. Can be hell I tell you, but that’s what I live for!

In one word… Piracy!

Check this, Stella Damasus has close to 40,000 fans on her fan page on facebook, not once have I read one nasty comment on her thread. Not once! There are, of course people that cant stand her, as everyone does, but my word to those kinda people is… “Your loss!”. I don’t think Nigerians are patronising because they are direct and speak their mind as they feel. If they like you, they like you. And if not, well… you’d read it in the papers.

Well I don’t know if am the right person to ask o, but I think we have a strong media habit in Nigeria. We like to get up close and personal with our stars. It’s a good thing.

Marry me? …lol!

The ability to Change a Life for the better everyday!

Goals: To be not the best, but the most essential.

Objectives: Artiste Management. Event Planning. Brand Management. Entertainment Consultancy. Content Building. Consumer Research.

Firstly, you need to have the talent, then the skill, then the determination, then hard-work through practice, and of course no one can be good at what he or she does without God.

Believe in your dream… No matter how many rocks life throws at you, use them to build your castle.

Agreeing to Manage Stella Damasus. Still learning the ropes even. J

Women. People, for some reason believe, that I have a dozen and some women. Let it be known that I AM A ONE WOMAN MAN!

Hahaaha! You think am good looking? Wait till you see my Dad! Do females stalk me? I wouldn’t use the word Stalk, but some of them don’t hide their intentions.

To be a successful businessman, father and husband.

Mathew 5ive vs 5ive: Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

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U.D.R: So Deenola, thanks for taking the time out to sit with

UnderdaRock.com today. When did you begin Deenola designs?

The adventure begun a year ago, in 2009. We started with 5 design ideas which were revisited and now we end up with a full collection of 13 pieces!!

U.D.R: What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion allows you to be free and express yourself. We wanted to make a statement about the vision that fashion and especially african fashion world needs to bring to our communities and people in general. There is definitely a demand!

U.D.R:   When did you realize that fashion design was your destiny?

We don’t think that you have to realize that it’s your destiny, it was a need that we had to fullfill, and a challenge too for us. Being both in the fashion and music industry help us to be attracted to have our own clothing line, somethign that represent who we are.

U.D.R: What inspires some of your designs?

Our personalities influence our collection a lot, we both have different tastes when it comes to fashion but at the same time we are very similar. Our main isnpiration of course is our african culture which has been a real motivation and pride.

U.D.R:   Have you overcome any difficult challenges, if so how?

Starting your own fashion label is never easy in the making. You will always have obstacles in the making of the garments, the people you work with and at the end, the most important thing is to know how to overcome them and learn from your mistakes.

U.D.R:   What makes you different from other designers?

Deenola is a package, we want to create a brand which will influence our client on a day to day basis, and give the african print more accessibility to every woman’s life.

Deenola wants also to be part of the designers who do not wish to be put in a box so called  “ethnic designers”. We are both african and we do not want our work to be defined as ethnic because we are using different type of african fabrics. Our design are made to be approachable by any type of women and wearable.

U.D.R:   What message does your fashion say to others?

Our message will reflect what the collection is about: versatality, confort, chic and details.

U.D.R:   You recently exhibited your fashion designs on the AfricanFashion Show in Dublin, Ireland—what was that like?

It was such an amazing experience as it was our first fashion show for our collection. We were very excited and overall it went quite well. Dublin is a very friendly city, we met some great people and the atmosphere was great!

U.D.R:   What do you think your fans out there should know about you that you haven’t mentioned?

We are not just a clothing line but we are aiming to become a brand that truly represents the african essence

U.D.R:   What do you hope to accomplish? What are your long term goals?

We really hope that a lot of women will recognize themself in what Deenola reflects, which represents the woman that is pride to wear confortable, chic clothes, in unusual print and design.

In a long run, we are hoping to have our own boutiques and Deenola to be a recognised brand in the african ready to wear clothing market in Europe and in Africa.

U.D.R:   How do you spend your free time, when not designing?

We both have seperate lives, Ola is working in different projects at the moment and is also a make up artist and Deena is a music educator.

U.D.R:   Do you see yourself as a role model to others? How?

We hope to inspire others to accomplish their dream cause nothing is impossible, that’s our moto!

U.D.R:   What project are you currently working on, that UDR readers

should look out for?

We are currently working on Deenola’s campaign and our website.

U.D.R:   Do you have anything else to add, for those interested?

We truly hope they will enjoy the collection

U.D.R:   How do we keep up with updates on what Deenola Designs is doing?

Do you have a website?

Just check out on our facebook group for any updates and news. The new website will be up and running very soon, watch the space!

U.D.R:  So, what can we expect from Deenola Designs in the future?

That’s a surprise, we do not want to spoil it, but it will be worth the wait!! but all we are going to say is menswear is on our list

Here are some other examples of Deenola Designs work:

For more of Deenola Designs, please visit their facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=56777307223&ref=ts

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GURU and Solar Interview

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In what might seem like a leap of faith, dashing Uk Top male Model, Ibukun Jegede was discovered after he won Britain’s Next Top Model of Colour in 2008 after beating 4500 models in the UK.

Born on the 4th April 1987 to Engineer and Mrs Jegede who reside in Lagos, Nigeria. Ibukun Jegede started modeling at the age of 16 after being called by a modelling scout on the street in Lagos. In 2007, he relocated to the UK to pursue his degree in Information and Communication Technology at Nottingham Trent University before he discovered  the British modeling industry awaits him. In this exclusive chat with Habeeb Lawal, Ibukun pours his heart on some deep rooted issues.

1. who is Ibukun jegede? can you decribe yourself?

I’m a professional model. I am a very quiet person, love my privacy at some point and verey easy going.

2.How did the sojourn into the world of modelling begin?

It started back home in my country Nigeria. I was on the street some years back in Lagos and a guy called Bobby from Golden age modleing agency introduced me to the industry. I later took it up from there.

3.And what would you say gave you the big break?

That was when i won Britain’s Next Top Model of Colour in 2008 at the Chelsea stadium.

4.How did you feel when they announced you winner? Did you have the slight idea you would win?

To be honest, I havent mentiopned this out since 2008. I actually thought I will take 2nd place because the judges made good comment when i was called on stage. I thought an Italian model will win but was eventually me. I was shocked when I heard my name as the winner

5.And post TMC, how has life been? celebrity status and all?

Life has been good. It opened a door for me in the industry. After TMC i went to several countries for paid work such as Spain, France, Senegal, Nigeria and all. The celebrity status made me understand who my true friends are. It can also be challenging cos all eyes watching..

6.What are the challenges? It cant be all rosy…

OK. Let me go to the point. People hate unnecessarily even when one is humble or proud. People awaits one’s downfall. They expect you to look fresh all the time which makes most celebrity live a fake life but I wont please everybody

7.Good. So who is a celebrity then?

A celebrity is someone who has acheive something and being clebrated by the public.

8.Whats a typical day in the life of Ibukun Jegede like?

after waking up in the morning, I say my daily prayers and commit the day to God’s hand. I go to the university for lectures, go for modeling jobs, hang out with my good friends, and end up in the gym before preparing for the next day

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Oc Ukeje

1.Five words that best describe you.

Good-looking,gifted,relational,determined,grounded

2.Whats your philosophy of life?

There’s a place called forward

3.The greatest misconception that people have of you

That everything is a bed of roses.

4.Five qualities a good actor must possess

Dynamism,depth,delivery,diction,good hygiene.

5.Five nollywood actors you admire (male and female)

RMD,Joke Silva,Genevieve Nnaji,Desmond Elliot,Norbert Young

6.Bad habit you would like to stop

Err…biting them nails…

7.What car do you drive?

A chevy optra

8.Your favourite movie/movies of all time

Gladiator,legends of the Fall,Man on fire

9.Favourite perfumes

Davidoff Good Life, Kenneth Cole Black, Dunhill

10.Countries that you have visited

Cotonou,Ghana,Czech Republic,U.A.E,Germany

11.Highest point in life

When I aced the AMBO competition in 2006

12.Lowest point in life

When I lost my dad

13.Five people closest to your heart

My mum,my bruv,my sis,Eric,Josephine,Banky,Lala,Chidi,Boma…sorry!can’t be five!

14.What you wont be caught dead wearing

Any size slightly bigger than my frame…or a blouse!why?!

15.Crazy thing you have done for love

Love is rational these days….

16.Best compliment a fan has paid you

Keep doing it for us…

17.What quality puts you off in people

Proud folk generally

18.What attribute do you like in people

Being down to earth

19.If you could change anything in nollywood….

The scripts that start off the movies at all…

20.Your biggest role model of all time

Will Smith

21. Favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe

Jeans…you can’t go wrong with it anytime!

22.If you were to come back to this world as an animal, what would you be and why?

Lol!err…possibly a poodle!

23. Your ideal woman

A down-to-earth belle that knows how to abase and how to abound…and never forgets either extreme.

24.Two things you dont like about yourself

Can’t imagine any!lol!

25.Your favourite hangouts in lagos

Don’t have any.

26.Any nollywood/hollywood star/stars you ever had a crush on, names!

Scarlett Johansson,Keira Knightley

27.Educational background

University of Lagos,Akoka…B.Sc Marine Science

Federal govt college, ijanikin.

28.Long term goal.

To be standard to emulate in showbiz.

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U.D.R: Describe yourself in one word
Tinuola: Tenacious.  

 U.D.R:   What motivated you to pursue music career?
Tinuola: It really started in High school being part of the drama and cultural club. I got my stage freight over with there. It really did prepare me for what was yet to come. However, I  didn’t embark on music right out of high school. It really kicked in after 9/11 while still modeling. I was living 2 blocks from the World Trade Center when the disaster happened. It was right after that I decided to slow down drastically in modeling and take up music again. I felt a bit rusty in the beginning but with time I got into it. It also helped a great deal to have a mother playing the likes of Bonnie M, ABBA, Fela, Grace Jones and the likes growing up. I was always surrounded by music. I was a happy kid growing up. My new album “Addicted” basically encompasses all things I love to do in general be it love, sex, shopping et. al. It’s a nice feeling to let things out and say out loud for all to hear, I did just that with this song. And now it’s getting of hits and downloads on iTunes and Tinuonline.com

U.D.R:   Have you overcome any difficult challenges, if so how?
Tinuola: I think growing up and attending a tough Nigerian high school prepared me for the worst things in life. As a result, I don’t find anything difficult. I hated my schoolmates and never wanted to share any of my things with them. They were cruel sometimes and I enjoyed punishing my seniors by not relenting on giving them my buckets of water as they so insisted on making their juniors hand them over for nothing. I went to an all girls boarding school in Nigeria. It was tough as nails and I have that school to thank for making me tough and ready for the daily rigors of living the adult life in the music business today and in New York City for that matter. I learned to grow a tough skin and prepare myself for those that may not love everything that I do in life. Now that I think about my childhood school days it cracks me up. Gosh, silly what kids do!

U.D.R: who are you inspired by?
Tinuola: Growing up listening to the likes of Grace Jones, Fela Kuti and Nina Simone thanks to my mom was fantastic! It helped forged songs on my album such as “Not The Devil” was derived after a very disturbing confrontation with a friend and “My Life” was written after arguing with a family member. “You Want Me” came about while feeling aroused on one given day and just picked up a pen and wrote about it instead. And of course “Shoeholic” was written while cleaning out my closet, rearranging my shoes only to discover some pairs I hadn’t  seen in a long time and also bringing back memories of what I had gone through in acquiring them. I soon started singing to my shoes but was quick enough to record it on a recorder to have it on my album. It all began as a joke but it stuck just like that. I certainly didn’t think the video to that particular song would become the success that it is now. It is now playing on airlines, cruise ships, in store play, music TV station et. al worldwide and least I forget, a viral hit online where it actually all started. It’s amazing the power of the internet these days. I wish it was that strong when I came out with my first album in 2003.

U.D.R:   What do you feel makes you different from other singers and designers?
Tinuola: Drawing from my everyday life and using myself as a scapegoat for testing anything I put my name on before bestowing it on others. 

U.D.R:   What message does your music say to others?
Tinuola: To be free spirited, speak your mind and be at ease with yourself, with your soul and mind. The truth does set the mind, body and soul free. Everyone should try it. It is definitely very different, edgy and free spirited. If there is one thing I picked up from Fela Kuti’s style of music it’s the free spirited nature of it. I like to sing and write without rules and tradition commonly found in the music industry. I didn’t write with the intention of targeting one particular region of the world. Music is art, like beauty it is within the ears of the beholder/listener. I simply wrote and sang about things that happened in my life at given time, nothing was made up. 

U.D.R:   How did you react the first time you heard your music on the radio?
Tinuola: Stunned! My first album it happened on WBLS in New York and the new album “Addicted” happened while on vacation in Italy last year. It is an out of body experience which is hard to explain. 

U.D.R:   What do you think your fans out there should know about you that you haven’t mentioned?
Tinuola: That I get very teary eyes when I yawn and that I am far too deep in love with food. (laughs)

U.D.R:   What do you hope to accomplish? What are your long term goals?
Tinuola: A nice house perched on a white sandy beach in Thailand with fresh fish right out of the ocean grilled on an open fire to my taste. I am so in love with that country now I don’t know why.

U.D.R:   How do you spend your free time, when not performing, or designing?
Tinuola: I love to cook! I find it to be very therapeutic and makes me focus and think. Other vices includes traveling and designing by just doing tons of pencil sketches of things that might never be fruitful. I just draw and paint endless lines. It helps me to focus.  I pace myself, quite the contrary to what people think. I make time for everything I do by just letting my mind choose what it feels like doing next. I don’t force myself to do anything its not in the mood to do. Creativity is all in the mind, one must “pamper” that mind and let it roam freely by letting it choose and not the other way around. This is how I pace myself.

U.D.R:   Do you see yourself as a role model to others? How?
Tinuola: I am not perfect and don’t want to offer myself as a role model to or for anyone. I make mistakes like everyone else and don’t need to be under a microscope. So I regretfully have to refuse the crowning glory in that department. I am sure there are many others willing and already doing the job. It’s not for everyone. I am far too free spirited to be a role model.

U.D.R:   What project are you currently working on, we should look out for?
Tinuola: My book. It’s all thanks to those endless number of emails I received about my shoe collection as a result of the Shoeholic video being so popular on youtube now almost a million hits. I was approached to begin writing a book about it to answer all of their curious questions and I thought why not? More updates will be posted on facebook.com/tinuonline. The book will revolve around shoe collecting and details about my collection and some juicy stories about my friends. It’s basically a tell-all book which I’m certain you will enjoy. It’s very gossipy, over the top but true eye brow raising hot stuff. I’m hoping by spring 2011 it will be released if all goes well. You know how things can be with agents and publishers. It is a new world for me, but I heard it’s much like the music industry, a lot of dog eat dog. So God help me. I am praying we have a good banging out party for it to bring all the fabulous guys and girls out and talk about it. I am praying next year spring-summer. A big amen to that.

U.D.R:   Do you see yourself more of a singer, designer?
Tinuola: Oh good lord. For me it’s like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. I find both vocations to be very dear to my heart. I do them whenever I am in the mood. I don’t follow anyone’s schedule. 

U.D.R:   Do you have anything else to add, for those interested?
Tinuola: I am involved in an online tv show which will be on outrageousview.com sometime this year. I have fans worldwide to thank for all of these opportunities coming in everyday. There are many other things coming up but not allowed to talk about them yet. However they will be announced in due course on facebook.com/tinuonline where my work updates are published and I spent time chatting with friends on varied topics as well. And for all you genuine shoeholics out there I’m a big supporter of a fabulous page facebook.com/shoeholics. Come out and play with other ladies or gents talking about shoes and their love for shoes. (laughs)

U.D.R:    how do we keep up with updates on what Tinu is doing? Do you have any websites?
Tinuola: My music and other upcoming projects are on www.tinuonline.com and my lifestyle site www.tinuola.com

U.D.R: Thank you for taking the time out for this interview.
Tinuola: Thanks a million for having me. It was my pleasure as well.

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Extended eyelashes plus outlandish wigs and hairdos plus matching accessories equals to Goldie. But buried beneath all the supposed vain outlook and persona is a sweet, down to earth, humble and fun to be with Susan Harvey.

In the Nigerian music industry replete with female artistes, Goldie, born Oluwabimpe Susan Harvey, distinctly stands out. This might not be unconnected to her strong musical roots. She took to music quite early in life admiring popular singers. “I had many role models. In my time there has been Whitney Houston, Madonna, Celine Dion, Micheal Jackson, George Micheal. They are just so many. I could grant a whole interview just talking about my musical inspirations and why they mean so much to me; not only as an artiste, but as a person.” Like most cliched stories, she honed her singing skills in the church. “I started singing at a very young age. Not professionally of course,in the junior church choir but I’ve always been a song writer so when I was in the UK, was part of an all girl group, I’d write songs, and we’d perform in pubs and for friends and family. Our group eventually split up, but I decided to make a career of it once I got back to Lagos. I’ve been at it professionally for 2 years now.”

She got her stage name, Goldie owing to her peculiar skin tone. “Goldie was a nickname given to me by my friends in the UK because of my skin tone,” She states with a smile. “When I was growing up in Lagos, I was what was classified as a red albino with ginger hair,skin and freckles. But when I got to the UK, my skin tone kind of evened out a bit and became more bronze, hence the nickname. Though sometimes I like to believe it’s because I have a heart of gold.” She instructively differentiates her person from her famous persona. “Susan Harvey is deep, shy, caring, reclusive, artistic and being the first born of her parents, I’d like to say responsible too. Goldie is an extension of Susan, but a more confident outgoing crazy extension.” Whether you like that persona or not, she is fast gaining acceptance. She has worked with some of the best including Rhymzo, Jazzman Olofin, OJB Jezreel, Weird MC etc. She still remembers with nostalgia her first experience on stage. “In Nigeria, one of my very first performances was at the shrine during Felabration. I was nervous. The shrine has this sort of reputation but it wasn’t like that at all. My performance went on without a hitch and the crowd actually cheered. It was so cool that the shrine is actually one of my favourite stages to climb now.”  The awards may not be rolling in yet but she is far from bothered. “One can’t wish these things The time just has to be right. Once it is the right time,you’ll be on that stage, gratefully accepting what is rightfully yours. But yet again, I’m grateful thus far. I mean, the fact that all my video’s have been nominated for one award or the other in just two years of my being in the industry is a winner all on its own.” This level of composure and confidence breeds resilience. Little wonder why she still hovers about the many challenges she faces. The challenge of doing Pop music, a genre that is not widely accepted yet,not having a record label as we speak(she does have some sort of management deal with PHI records in Scotland though),the challenge of having her songs played on radio and TV amongst others.  She has a strong belief that keeps her going. “I believe nothing is impossible, so I’m going to get done as much as I can, when I can. Most of it is entertainment related anyway.”

Despite her music concerns, Goldie still manages to indulge in other stuff. “I run a date reminder service but that has been shelved for now as its a very personal hands on/relationship focused kind of job. Recently, my music hasn’t given me the time I need to do that properly.” She is not completely devoted to her music though. She is addressing her weight issues. “Yes I must say, I have lost weight and its all because of these size 8 pair of jeans I absolutely adored and had to buy. They didn’t have any in a size 12 or a 10. So, I’ve been intentionally losing weight for the past 2 years. Dieting to within an inch of my life, trying to fit into them. Finally they fit – and that’s the honest truth!” If you thought that is all, then you are in for a surprise. She has a peculiar passion. ” I spent most of my year gathering material for a documentary of mine titled ‘Eve-O-lution’. It’s a project I took upon myself to develop bearing in mind that the best self help studies are case scenarios of actual survivors. So I’ve taken out a lot of time talking to women from all walks of life who have overcome peculiar challenges to achieve success. We’re done editing now, so its just a case of finding out the best route to get the message to people out there. We hope it will be inspirational to all who view.” She announces and then she adds,”As or my music, necessity is the mother of re-invention. I’m almost done with my album” One thing she  however  isn’t into is management. She has been rumoured to run a bar but she categorically denies it. “People keep saying that, and the harder I deny, the more they believe. So I’ll just state again for the record; A friend of mine also called Susan happens to own Suzy Q bar, now Club SQ.”

Unlike hardened critics and pessimists,she holds the view that the music industry is on the upward rise.”The Nigerian music scene has grown a lot in the past 4/5 years. There have been a lot of success stories, quite a number of endorsements, and international collaboration is at its peak.” She is quick to point out that improvement is necessary. “I still think there’s a lot of room for improvement though..The industry ‘greatly’ lacks proper structure, where album sales cannot be accurately verified (so there are a lot of lies going on). By this, I mean, just because a song is everywhere doesn’t mean it has sold millions, and recently I’m beginning to see a lot of things going on behind the scenes as a “who knows who” game. It is not good and fair at all!” She vents. “The price of CDs too is ridiculous. It’s a joke! N40 per disc? After all the labour? Naaah! men!” Irrespective of the downside, she is happy that the female artistes are slowly and surely coming into their own and should be given the chance. “I believe we have a lot of talented female artistes in our midst. Females who are putting it down and in their own way, paving ways for others to follow. Unfortunately though, I don’t think the ladies are being given enough room – don’t ask me by whom – to express themselves and properly showcase their talents. Let me give an example. In any major concert/event, how many females do we see headlining performances..? Enough said!”

Goldie bares her mind on other sensitive issues in the industry. When quizzed on the issue of beef and rivalry, she chipped in her opinion. “Girls are generally very touchy-feely creatures. And its very unusual even in less creative professions, say banking for example, to find girls being very close friends. Acquaintance? Yes! Friends? I’m not so sure!. That being said, I don’t subscribe to the ‘beef’ school of thought. Healthy rivalry is a good thing. It’s challenging, keeps every-one on their toes and helps every-one get better; same as in any business.” She also airs her views on artistes who mime songs on stage. ” I think it depends on what is available for the artiste on stage in terms of equipment, the sort of event, and what the organizers want really. But in my opinion, performing live in most cases requires getting a live band to come on board which involves spending a lot of money which I’m afraid to say a lot of our artistes can’t really afford because of the state/lack of industry infrastructure. I mean if show organizers are willing to pay for these ‘extra perks’, why not?” That’s how far  she can go pouring her heart. She doesn’t give out much about her private life. She did let us into her educational background though. She attended Green Springs Montessori School, Saint John’s College for her secondary education and the University of Sunderland in the UK. She also has diplomas in Law and Human Relations. Goldie shields her relationship away from public eyes but  asserts that there is no ideal man/partner. “There is no definition of the ideal man. What is ideal for me might not be ideal for you and vice-versa. Unfortunately, the heart is not a toy and one can’t just determine who one falls in love with. It just doesn’t work that way.

That being said, I think a caring man with a good sense of humor always works.”

Goldie is also relunctant to talk about her fantasies on the pages of a magazine but she readily announces that she is addicted to shoes. “I have a horrific number of shoes. I’m an accessories freak!. Shoes being number one on my list of indulgences. Quote me, a woman can never have enough shoes!”  This has sprung up insinuations and misconceptions from different quarters – one of which is talk that she is vain. But she claims that isn’t even the height of it. “People have a lot of misconceptions about me. People are always going to judge you by what they see on TV anyway. But I have met people who’ve said to me, ‘I didn’t know you could cook’, or ‘You’re so down to earth’, and to that I always roll my eyes like duh! There’s no such thing as artiste stereotype.” Goldie has come to develop a thick skin to these criticisms and strangely funny incidences. “A lot of strange things happen to me these days, so nothing absolutely nothing shocks me any more. I’ve just learned to take it all in my stride.But there was this one time at Muritala Muhammed International Airport. This Customs Officer asked me to sing ’spin me’ to him while he was searching my bags. I mean, that was weird.”

One big fact that is not weird is that Goldie got this far by sheer determination and self-belief. And that is the advice that she has for her fans. “Believe in yourself. You can do anything you set your heart to and don’t let anyone tell you any different. For more details on what I’ll be up to and so forth, look me up on www.iamgoldie.com or facebook (Susan Harvey)” Goldie’s words of advice is not just another verse from some unpublished epistle. Its a proven theory that has made Goldie a golden figure in the entertainment circles.

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