Tobi Bakre: Big Brother Fans Shouldn’t Pit Ex-housemates against Each Other

Tobi Bakre

Tobi Bakre was second runner up at the 2018 Big Brother Nigeria reality show. In this exclusive interview with Martins Ifijeh, Bakre shares his thoughts on why fans of ex-housemates should preach love rather than try to pit former contestants against each other. He also talks about his brand, relationships, role models, and plan to go into politics. Excerpts:

How are you coping with your many social media followers?

Before I went into the Big Brother House, I already had over 25,000 followers on social media. In the university then, I was one of those popular guys that used to do rave parties for commercial purpose. I organise parties where people pay gate fees. Then, I was this kind of guy that had hundreds of followers on blackberry messenger. Even in NYSC then, I was made leader of my CD. So, I am very used to large followership.

Where did you serve?

I served in Benue State, and then redeployed to Abuja after three weeks in camp.

Now you have over 800,000 followers on Instagram. How are you coping with this change?

Personally it is challenging because I am no more able to read direct messages and reply every follower. If I had to be doing all that, it means it will be a full time job. If I live full time on social media to interact with people, it would mean I will be neglecting my actual life. But then again, to continuously get more followers I need to be active. I am still finding a way to balance it because I love my followers.

How do you cope with bashings from some followers who may be angry with your actions at the Big Brother House?

Personally, I do not like confrontations, and that is why I do not see the bashings. Most times, it is my friends that tell me what people are saying on social media. Most of the times, I just go on twitter and tweet, then sometimes I see responses. Often times I do not see people’s opinions, not that they don’t matter because it is good to get feedbacks, but I hardly see the negative ones.

A lot of my fans do not have the real picture of me and why I do what I do, so I only try to listen to the people in my inner space that knows my reality. I like my fans, but then I have another group that have gone beyond being fans, they are my friends. Some of them were fans, who found their way into my life, they see all about me, and then I listen to their perspective. So I think maybe they bash me less now because I don’t respond, and a lot of them may not mean it, all they want may just be a reply from me. But I don’t reply such because once I do that, they end up getting what they want.

I preach love and peace, so if anyone is bringing anything contrary to that, he or she won’t get my response. For instance, how will someone say on twitter that Tobi’s visit to DBanj’s house caused the death of his son? How will someone say something that ridiculous. Even if you conceive it in your mind, how would you say that kind of thing? So I just looked at it and said that this person is definitely looking for a reaction but he won’t get it.

Are you now more under pressure to succeed?

In my whole life I have always been under pressure to succeed. Sometimes I feel that extra weight, but I try to shake it off because I personally chase myself to success. Anytime I succeed at something, I easily get bored and want new challenges. So in my own small life, I’m constantly under pressure to succeed. When I was a banker I was under pressure, I wanted that promotion, I wanted that recognition. I wanted that award so it has always been like that. When I was in school I wanted to be that smart guy and that same social guy, I wanted to be club chief and at the same time I wanted to be one of those guys that graduated with one of the best result.

For me it has always been more of my personal goal. I just want to be a very happy person, I want to be very wealthy and I want to be able to impact lives. So to make the impact I want for the society, I need to be wealthy and I am working towards it.

How are you working towards it?

I am working towards it, but how exactly I’m going to achieve it, I’m not quite sure yet, for now I’m just trying to grow the principles that would propel me for when the opportunity comes to be wealthy. I have remained prayerful, focused, hardworking, and I try to do different things. That is why a lot of people believe I am jack of all trade; from photography to acting, to other things.

For me, I find it very interesting that I can juggle one or two things. They say such people are masters of none, but not in my case, I try to be a perfectionist in every trade I do. One stream will expose you or give you big bulk, but to make a lot more of impact, you have to diversify into other areas.

What are you presently working on?

I am working on a number of things right now. I’m acting, hosting, doing stuff for fitness and then I’m still doing my social responsibility. Since I left the house I have been focused on five major streams at least for now till probably the end of the year. Very soon I will be doing photo exhibitions. I have been working on the pictures, trying to get venue, bring sponsors on board; it’s a big project so am taking my time, because this will be the first time I will be doing something this huge.

I am also doing ‘Tobi Live, which is like a Youtube platform where I educate the society on different intellectual, funny and entertaining topics. I am also doing a programme where we go to public schools to teach them handiwork like painting, photography, among others. I am also an investment banker.

I am doing CFA, which will make me a chartered financial analyst. That is one of the toughest finance courses I have attempted. It is in three stages, but I have passed the first level. When I clear my head a little around this whole media life, I will go back to finish level two and three.

What do you intend to achieve in the next five years?

I am taking one step at a time but in the next five years, I think I should have made my mark in the Nigerian entertainment industry; acting and hosting. So right now, I am learning from great guys in the industry like Ik, Ebuka, Ramsey Noauh  and the likes, but then, I think we all have different backgrounds so I’m taking notes from them and I want to be as great as they are or even greater. I don’t just want to be a host, I want to be that guy you bring on board to do everything, such that once you get Tobi, he will take care of every other thing. I want to be a one stop shop for everything. So that way I can attract reputable and bigger brands.

I learnt you are into biking as well. What is the idea behind that?

This is one thing my parents definitely don’t approve of, but the society needs to be educated on safe ways to drive bikes on our roads. I used to have a bike before I went into the Big Brother House. I am a biker, but my parents must not see me do it.

What challenges are you facing as an ex housemate?

Before now, the major challenge was that I wasn’t doing enough for myself. When I was with the bank, I had the typical 9am to 5pm job but it became exhausting and uninteresting. So the challenge then was how to break out and start to do all the things in my head. That was why in the first case I had to resign and went for the Big Brother House. I knew when I come out of the house; I will have the needed platform to do what I really wanted. And getting to the finals was just a big win for me.

Right now the challenge I’m facing is the thought of what I should do and shouldn’t do. But every time I keep reminding myself that I am human. I tell myself it is okay to fail and try harder to succeed. So I try not to put much pressure on myself even if I know the society is on my neck. My parents have been encouraging me as well. Sometimes they just ask, what are you doing now. Everybody wants to see me succeed. The fans are all hungry for the success, but for me it goes beyond success. It is more of achieving my goal.

It seems there’s a competition among the housemates to out-succeed each other. Do you feel that pressure?

That competition is been created by the society, and they shouldn’t do that. The society should realise that we are young and the unfair pressure fuels unhealthy competition. On my part, I am handling my own very well because I don’t even see anybody, I’m just running my own course, and at my own pace. So I am not looking at other people but I can’t say the same for every other housemate. We are all running different races, so if the society pitches us together, they then tend to measure who is doing better than the other. This may make some people try to run faster than their guardian Angel, which on the long run may be counterproductive.

I know this year’s big brother was probably a lot different. Society should learn to love us and not compare us. Fans should love who they love, and basically support every one because we all went into the house to entertain. That you have your favourite housemate doesn’t mean the other person is a devil. We didn’t kill anybody. When another big brother housemates come what then happens? Outside the house, we are still trying our best to continue to entertain. I tell people on my platform not to tackle other housemates on my behalf or bring anyone down. Anyone who does that on my behalf is not my friend. Let’s all spread love.

Does it get to you when people try to pit you against your fellow housemates?

I do not allow people do that to me. I control my space. The friends around me know I won’t allow anyone bring up such topics around me. Even while with the housemates that I am close to, we only talk about the things we are all doing, and everyone is okay with that. By next year even after the next big brother, I still want to be heard, that is what I am working on.

Which housemates are you still close to?

I am close to Alex, Rico, and Miracle. I still see them often. Once in a while I see Ifuenada and Leo.

What has the Big Brother platform done for you since you left the house?

Aside the large social media platform, it has taught me a lot. I have learnt how to work with people from different backgrounds. This is something difficult for many Nigerians. That is why when you go to offices you can see they are having favourites base on tribe, gender, etc. You see then in the house big brother can pair you with who you like or who you don’t like. So I have learnt to shut what I don’t like out, and focus on the goal. I have also learnt about my weaknesses and strength. So right now I’m building a lot more on my strength.

Were there things in your lifestyle before the house that you have corrected now?

Before I went into the house I was into drinking and smoking shisha, even in the house. But right now I am cutting down on those things. You know I am promoting fitness, so I can’t be talking about healthy living and still taking in unhealthy substances. I want to be a perfect example for anybody, so that any parent can say Tobi please come and be the mentor of my children.  Already, people tell me to be the mentor of their children, and it is quite fascinating.

Do you have more money in your account courtesy of your participation in the big brother game?

I didn’t win the money, though I won a few challenges like the Nokia’s one million naira game. But what I know is that the platform gave us quite a lot we can do for money even if we sit in our homes and do social media influencing. For me, it goes way beyond that. I can’t sit down and just be posting, I want a situation where I am the one paying people to post for me. I want to be an ambassador for brands where I can add value, and they will not hesitate to renew my contract.

How many endorsements have you had since leaving the house?

I have had a number of partnerships, but I am presently an ambassador to Play Apparel; a premium clothing line, and a network of professionals in photography, acting, banking, and politics, among others. I just got out of big brother house so we have to start from somewhere so that is where we are starting from so gradually we can work our way to the bigger things.

Would you like to test your new fame in politics at some point?

With how well I was received in my hometown, I am beginning to think towards how better way to add value to the society. With my knowledge and the kind of ideas I have, if I happen to be in the position of power I know l will be able to make good impact. Half the time, youths sit back and complain about our politicians. Youths with good ideas can bring it on board as well.

Who are your mentors?

My dad is my number one mentor. He is a yuppie banker. Another mentor is Adora; a talented business woman. She is a role model. On the kind of life I want to live, she has gone way ahead in it, so I am following her path. Then in the media space I have AY and Dbanj.

Dbanj is one guy I respect so much. I have only met him once, but the kind of knowledge he shared with me was so critical. I wish he was always around. AY has also given me some important advices I cherish. These guys have a whole wealth of knowledge and have been there over time.

Are you in a relationship?

Everybody is curious about that. For now, I am busy working because there is a whole lot of work to do. This is not even the time to be in any relationship. I need to be settled with this life first, so when I have all my onions together, I will start looking around for a relationship.

Do you have any plans of settling down soon?

One of my childhood dreams was to get married at the age of 24. But now I am 24, and there is still a lot to be achieved before I settle down. For now I just keep working so that I can get to my destination faster. Once I reach a certain level, I can then make a decision on a life partner.

How do you cope with female fans and admirers?

I stay in my space a lot. Half the time, if I’m not working I’m in my house. I get a lot of texts, inbox messages, and sometimes I get notes on paper. Once I see all these I just smile. Let me not form, I love the gestures; they make me feel like a fine boy.

Tiwa Savage breaks silence on Ciara’s sampling of her song

Tiwa Savage, Nigerian singer-songwriter, has spoken for the first time about Ciara’s sampling of her song, albeit tersely.

Ciara’s latest single, ‘Freak Me’, featuring Tekno, samples a large portion of Tiwa Savage’s 2016 song, ‘Before Nko’.

Despite the ‘Lova Lova’ singer being listed on the song’s credits and Ciara acknowledging her on Twitter, a section of Nigerians on social media insist the American singer did not take permission for the sampling.

“I’m not at liberty to discuss it right now,” Savage said when asked to clarify the incident in an interview on SoundCity FM on Tuesday.

Savage went on to say she has “written for other international artistes before but they haven’t sampled my record”.

When asked about her relationship with Yemi Alade, the ‘Lova Lova’ singer said, “there’s no bad vibe between us”.

Fans of Alade and Savage regularly pit the two singers against each other, sparking rumours of a discord between them.

“Every time we see each other, it’s just a mutual respect we have for each other and that’s not be trying to be political about it,” she added. “It’s definitely it’s just a mutual respect.”

Savage also spoke about the terrain of the music industry for female artistes. She said women are still able to build successful careers despite having to work “ten times” harder than their male colleagues.

“There are a lot of female artistes and they are not getting airplay and they get their videos played on TV,” the singer said.

“I don’t think that’s the fault or the female artiste of their management.

“I think, especially in Nigeria, or in Africa, we are just accustomed to male artistes. We’re accustomed to their sound, their brand, their lifestyle, everything.

“We’re accustomed to them being stars and that just needs to change. But I think a lot of females are doing it.

“They are working ten times as hard but they are still doing it.”

Savage bragged about her work ethic, saying she gets an average of “three to four” hours of sleep daily.

“I work a lot, I work hard and people around me know,” she said.

“I’m not even exaggerating, I probably get three to four hours at most of sleep in a day.

“I’m in the studio. Even if I’m not recording I’m sleeping in the studio just absorbing sound and just being around that environment.

“I’m also very discerning. I watch people, I watch their strategies. Not that I would copy what this person is doing but I’ll be so inspired (and) that will make me do it in my way.”

Fifty years on, Led Zeppelin are still idols for aspiring rock stars

They hardly make for easy listening, but the songs have retained their fame

“THERE was just wall-to-wall amplifiers, and a space for the door—and that was it,” recalled John Paul Jones, Led Zeppelin’s bass guitarist, many decades later. “The whole room just exploded.” No tape has survived of that first rehearsal on August 12th 1968, which brought together a quartet who would sell more albums over the next 50 years than any band apart from the Beatles. But listening to live bootlegs of “Train Kept A-Rollin’”, the blues tune that they practised that day, it is easy to imagine how that first jam created heavy metal music.

First came John Bonham’s thundering drums, not just powerful but pacey. Then Mr Jones’s bass began galloping alongside; he said that the two rhythmists “locked together as a team immediately”, and they later picked interlinking rings as their respective symbols for the band’s artwork. On top was Jimmy Page’s guitar, which seemed to be playing about four parts at once: pummelling away at low strings, thrashing some chords, trying out the odd bluesy lick and then a blistering solo on the high notes. Finally came Robert Plant’s howling vocals, interrupted only when he blasted on the harmonica.

The band’s name was pinched from Keith Moon, The Who’s drummer, who had suggested in 1966 that a potential group involving him and Mr Page, without a quality singer, would go down like a lead balloon. Mr Page kept a note of “Led Zeppelin”, and thought it was perfect for a new band that would combine music heavy and light. Though the phrase “head-banging” was supposedly coined to describe their concerts, it was far from the only effect that they produced. Just as beloved were Mr Page’s tinkling acoustic guitar and Mr Jones’s keyboards and woodwind, which combined to produce the famed opening of “Stairway to Heaven”.

That song’s gradual crescendo, from gentle fingerpicking to hard rocking, was a staple of their compositions. The first of its kind was “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”, the second track on their debut album—which, like “Stairway to Heaven”, also attracted claims of plagiarism. The band later acknowledged that “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” was in fact written by a folk singer called Anne Bredon, rather than passing through generations as a traditional tune, and paid her royalties for it. But they denied that they had copied the arpeggios in “Stairway to Heaven” from “Taurus”, a similar-sounding song by Spirit, who once supported them on tour. A lengthy legal battle ensued; the band won in the first instance, but an appeal is still being fought in America’s courts. The band has also settled with Willie Dixon, a Chicago blues musician, after he alleged copyright infringements on “Led Zeppelin II”.

But if the group’s debts to folk and blues music meant that they often borrowed from others, they were hardly unoriginal. Mr Page in particular reinvented what the guitar was capable of. He experimented with strange tunings and odd techniques, including the Eastern-inspired rising chords of “Kashmir”, the screeching violin bow on “Dazed and Confused” and the reverse echo on “Whole Lotta Love”. He also popularised the use of the double-necked guitar—which apart from allowing him to switch easily between rhythm and lead parts, also made him look like the original guitar hero.

The band’s image, epitomised by Mr Plant’s open-shirted swaggering, certainly contributed to their appeal. They took to touring on a private jet, the “Starship”, and trashing hotel rooms. Bonham, the most bonkers of the four, use to drive his motorcycle through the lobby. But that sex, drugs and rock’n’roll lifestyle also heralded the band’s demise in 1980, when Bonham choked to death on his own vomit after consuming roughly 40 shots of vodka.

The music left behind was immortal. Each of the quartet is widely acknowledged as a pioneer in his field. Rolling Stone, which savaged Led Zeppelin’s early albums, has ranked Bonham as the greatest drummer of all time, Mr Page as third among guitarists, Mr Jones sixth among bassists and Mr Plant fifteenth among singers. The heavy-metal giants of the 1980s grew up worshipping them. Kirk Hammett, Metallica’s lead guitarist, described the band as the “soundtrack to my youth”: “they were pretty much the first band I actually sat down with a guitar and tried to learn the guitar solos and the songs.”

Half a century on, that eagerness of novices to nail the opening notes of “Stairway to Heaven” or the drum intro to “Good Times Bad Times” remains the band’s greatest legacy. The rawness of their recordings means that they are not quite as suited to easy listening as the beautiful melodies and harmonies of Queen or the upbeat power chords of AC/DC (see chart). But among rock bands of the same era, only the Beatles have had their songs looked up more often on UltimateGuitar.com, the most popular website for tablature (which shows a wannabe soloist which frets to use, rather than the crotchets and quavers of standard notation).

Some 22m of Led Zeppelin’s page views have been for “Stairway to Heaven”, a riff so hackneyed that it was banned in a guitar shop in “Wayne’s World”, a film from 1992. But even if you eliminated each band’s most popular tab from the sample, Led Zeppelin would still be a comfortable second on the charts. Fifty years on, the band continues to inspire a whole lotta love. 

Nigeria’s New Tribe: The Future Awards Africa announces 2018 nominations

Nigeria’s New Tribe: The Future Awards Africa announces 2018 nominations

The Future Awards Africa (TFAA), Nigeria’s foremost youth awards, has announced its call for nominations for the 2018 edition.

Building on the theme ‘Nigeria’s New Tribe’ launched in 2017, the 13th edition of the prestigious awards seeks to reward excellence by celebrating advocates, creators, and pioneers between the ages of 18 and 31 – young people who have made significant strides, defying the odds within the year under consideration.

By driving sustaining positive change while ignoring tribal, economic uncertainty or religious differences, the new tribe is driven by their talent, commitment to hard work, and achievement in impacting the economy, the society, and rewriting the narrative.

The awards have taken its mandate seriously, consistently presenting 105 positive role models annually to young Nigerians. For this edition, a 2-day activity will be focused on engaging youth in different industries from women conferences to technology and innovation. This will further continue to create a strong network for youth to support one another in the leadership space.

Persons eligible for nomination must have made considerable impact within Nigeria and/or globally within the last one year and must have easily accessible documentation of their achievements. The public is encouraged to nominate trailblazers from their communities in categories ranging from social activism, business, professional service to media, and entertainment.

‎To nominate, visit award.thefutureafrica.com. Follow @tfaafrica to keep up with the latest news on the awards. The official hashtags for 2018 are #TFAA2018 #NigeriasNewTribe.

The Future Awards Africa category for nominations

The Future Awards Africa Prize in Acting
The Future Awards Africa Prize In Advocacy
The Future Awards Africa Prize In Agriculture
The Future Awards Africa Prize In Creativity
The Future Awards Africa Prize In Business
The Future Awards Africa Prize in Photography
The Future Awards Africa Prize In Education (Endowed by University of Sussex)
The Future Awards Africa Prize In Fashion
The Future Awards Africa Prize for On-Air Personality
The Future Awards Africa Prize In Professional service
The Future Awards Africa Prize In Public Service
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Sports
The Future Awards Africa Prize In Technology
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Young Person of the Year
The Future Awards Africa Prize for New Media
The Future Awards Africa Prize In Music
The Future Awards Africa Prize in Journalism
The Future Awards Africa Prize in Comedy

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Just in: Wizkid becomes Ciroc ambassador.

Nigerian music sensation Wizkid has signed a deal with Ciroc, a brand of eau de vie vodka. 

Wizkid made the announcement on his official twitter account while advising people to drink responsibly.

@wizkidayo “New Deal Alert! Officially with Ciroc, let’s get it. 

“Big bag alert! Drink responsibly”.

Wizkid

The ‘Soco’ crooner kept his fans anticipating the ‘Big Announcement” for over a day before revealing the details about his new deal. 

@wizkidayo “Big announcement in 24hours”.

Prior to the ‘Big announcement’ Wizkid  expressed his pride in the effort his team put into accomplishing the deal, while claiming to have been working on the deal for several months. 

@wizkidayo “We been working on something crazy for months! Its time”.

Wizkid credited his success to God and thanked his business partners for their support.

“It’s God blessing me. 

“Big shoutout to all my business partners,

“Big up Nike, Pepsi, Dolce & Gabbana, my family forever”.

Recently Wizkid met American rapper, record producer and entrepreneur Sean Combs a.k.a Diddy who expressed his desire to come ‘back home’ during the meeting.

Notably, the marketing and promotions of Ciroc is being handled by Diddy in an equal-share venture with profits from the brand being split between himself and manufacturing partner.

On his visit to the United States, Wizkid has also been seen in the company of superstars such as  DJ Khaled, producer Metro Boomin and singer Fergie.

While in London, the music artiste was spotted hanging with Drake in a viral picture.

The 28-year- old recently sold out the O2 hall in London, and is set to release a much anticipated album ‘Made In Lagos’ later in 2018.

M.I Abaga, Denola Grey, DJ Crowd Kontroller at the debut of Martell VSSD

Martell recently debuted its VS Single Distillery Cognac at a private event to key influencers and trade partners at Shiro, Lagos. The evening encouraged guests to express their curiosity by exploring the moments of pleasure created through unexpected experiences at the event. Guests were ushered to a private space where they were able to explore the distillation process of the Martell VSSD, followed by a tasting session by Martell Brand Ambassador, Mayowa Eyitayo.

Throughout its 300-year history, the House of Martell has constantly explored new territories, from geography, to design and taste. Now, its spirit of curiosity has resulted in an exciting new cognac which offers a deeper exploration of the unique Martell distillation style.

The Martell VS Single Distillery offers a deeper exploration of the distillation territory, revealing a cognac from a single distillation source, offering a unique profile. Through its range of cognacs of high substance and history, Martell has always made the choice of understated luxury to focus on the very high quality of its blends. Alone among the great cognac houses, Martell double distils exclusively clear wines – from which all sediments have been removed – in order to preserve the authentic fruity aromas of the grapes. This choice of quality over quantity produces the fine, luscious cognacs that are the hallmark of the Martell style.

Inspired by the iconic bottle of Martell Cordon Bleu and the new Martell Blue Swift design, Martell VS Single Distillery drastically new design reinterprets the traditional cognac ‘montre’ in a contemporary look proudly bearing the iconic the Martell swift emblem on the bottle, its simple yet elegant design is complemented by an artisanal cap with a visible cork and a beige color paper ribbon, stamped with Martell seal. The bottle’s textured white label with discreet gold edges is printed with the arms of the House and the signature of its founder, Jean Martell. From its rich taste to its refined design, Martell VS Single Distillery is thus a pure expression of the authentic Martell style.

Following the discovery of the Martell VSSD taste and characteristics which includes a luscious fruity aroma, guests enjoyed a culinary experience of exquisite food as DJ Crowd Kontroller hit the decks and super hype man Do2dtun kept  the energy levels up.

Please Don't Call Me King Put That Respect On My Man--BBnaija's Alex Says

Big Brother Naija 2018 finalist, Asogwa Alexandra or simply called ‘Alex’ seems to be shaking a major table here.

Alex took to her Twitter page to tell people to remove King from her name and put that respect on her man.

She said she okay being referred to as a Queen, and have no interest being a King or called one, also stating that she can be a Queen yet rule.

She wrote:

So Naomi said it nd I hv been thinkn. If I call me a king, does dt make my man a queen? Pls, remove d king frm my name, put dt respect on my man. *I didn’t say I hv a man o🤣*. I’m a Queen nd absolutely hv no interest in being a King or called 1. I cn be a Queen nd still rule my Kingdom

Never forget to put the black in front of that mamba. It’s one of the fastest and deadliest of it’s kind. Put some respect to that. Nobody came to this world to play.