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16 Housemates battle for 10th Next Movie Star reality show glory

Popular reality show, Next Movie Star, the 10th anniversary edition has kicked off as 16 young aspiring actors compete to become the 10th Next Movie Star.
This year’s edition is tagged Living your dream, and the contestants are in high spirit as their life long dreams of becoming superstars is set to be realized.
ENCOMIUM Weekly’s Dolapo Amodeni and Daniel Fayemi spoke with the Project Director, John Njamah on this year’s show as well as all 16 contestants on their chances of winning, how they expect the show to help their fledgling career and much more.

 

YETUNDE BARNABAS

Yetunde Barnabas
Yetunde Barnabas

Age: 22

Nationality: Nigerian Kogi State

Education: University of Lagos, 200L Public Admin

What are your chances of winning?

My chances are above average, I’m not anxious about it.

Who do you consider your biggest competitor in the house?

We’re a family here, no competition but I believe in myself.

What is your opinion about the show?

The Next Movie Star is a platform to bring out the best in you. It helps you showcase to the world what you’ve got in you.

 

SEGUN-DABO OLAETITAN

Age: 21

SEGUN-DABO OLAETITAN
SEGUN-DABO OLAETITAN

Nationality: Nigerian Ondo State.

Education: Graduate. English Language, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Akoko, Ondo State.

What are your chances of winning?

My chance depends on God who has got my back. We’re all talented but our attitude counts and I know I have one of the best attitudes in the house.

Who do you consider your biggest competitor in the house?

Everybody is my strongest competitor because we’re all good.

What is your opinion about the show?

It’s the best platform for a prospective actor.

 

SHEILA OKEZIE

Age: 26

SHEILA OKEZIE
SHEILA OKEZIE

Nationality: Nigerian Delta State

Education: B.SC Political Science/International Relations. Crawford University, Ogun state.

What are your chances of winning?

I have a strong chance of winning. My values, which include being real, honesty and determination would see me through.

Who do you consider your biggest competitor in the house?

No one actually. I feel we’re all unique in different ways so, I can’t single out any person.

What is your opinion about the show?

It’s a great show because it gives the youth a platform to showcase themselves. It has helped so many people so, I’m proud to be a part of it.

 

VICTORIA LEBENE’ MEKPAH

Age: 25

VICTORIA LEBENE’ MEKPAH
VICTORIA LEBENE’ MEKPAH

Nationality: Ghanaian Accra

Education: B.SC Human Resource Management. Zenith University College, Ghana.

What are your chances of winning?

I’m not really looking at winning. I see this as a channel through which I can achieve my dreams. I feel my being here is enough to help me.

Who do you consider your biggest competitor in the house? Everybody is a strong competitor. It’s up to the judges and Africans to decide who gets the prize.

What is your opinion about the show?

It’s a fantastic opportunity, a massive channel to announce your arrival on the scene.

 

ONYEKA EMECHEBE

Age: 27

ONYEKA EMECHEBE
ONYEKA EMECHEBE

Nationality: Nigerian Anambra State

Education: B.Sc Economics. Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra.

What are your chances of winning?

I know my chances are very high because of my previous acting experience and I am very focused.

Who do you consider your biggest competitor in the house?

They are all strong competitors, I don’t want to underestimate anybody but I know that by the grace of God, I will surpass them all.

What is your opinion about the show?

Next Movie Star has produced so many stars so, I rate them high. Kudos to the organisers of the show.

 

CHIGOZIE ONYECHE

Age: 21

CHIGOZIE ONYECHE
CHIGOZIE ONYECHE

Nationality: Imo State, Nigerian Imo State

Education: Undergraduate of Office Technology and Management, Yabatech, Lagos

What are your chances of winning?

Hundred percent. I know I have what it takes, the skill, confidence and strength.

Who do you consider your biggest competitor in the house? Everybody is good. They are a bunch of talent.

What is your opinion about the show?

It’s a very good show. They produce and groom stars. I have learnt so much since I got here and that makes all the difference.

 

JUDITH UGBEH

JUDITH UGBEH
JUDITH UGBEH

Age: 23

Nationality: Nigerian Delta State

Education: B.Sc Industrial Chemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi

What are your chances of winning?

I leave it to fate but my chances are high.

Who do you consider your biggest competitor in the house?

No one.

What is your opinion about the show?

It’s the best. It is wonderful because win or not, you’ll leave with a lot of experience and knowledge.

 

BLESSING SAXONE

Age: 21

BLESSING SAXONE
BLESSING SAXONE

Nationality: Nigerian Edo State

Education: B.A English, Kaduna University.

What are your chances of winning?

I am going to win. I have the confidence

Who do you consider your biggest competitor in the house?

No competitor

What is your opinion about the show?

It’s a wonderful show. It’s one of the biggest platforms for actors.

 

PRECIOUS MUONONGO OFFRE

Age: 21

PRECIOUS MUONONGO OFFRE
PRECIOUS MUONONGO OFFRE

Nationality: Nigerian Cross Rivers State

Education: Law student, University of Calabar, Cross Rivers State

What are your chances of winning?

With God on my side, it’s 100 percent.

Who do you consider your biggest competitor in the house?

Nobody actually.

What is your opinion about the show?

It’s a very good platform because you learn a lot.

 

 

ZAMILLAH EGERUE

PRECIOUS MUONONGO OFFRE
PRECIOUS MUONONGO OFFRE

Age: 27

Nationality: Nigerian Rivers State

Education: Theatre Arts student, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

What are your chances of winning?

My focus is on myself, my chances are based on my creativity but if I don’t emerge winner, I’ll still celebrate being a part of the finalists.

Who do you consider your biggest competitor in the house?

Everybody basically. The competition is strong.

What is your opinion about the show?

It’s a great show. It has helped build so many careers. Imagine how many people have passed through this show in the last 10 years.

 

RON SOLOMON MAXWELL

RON SOLOMON MAXWELL
RON SOLOMON MAXWELL

Age: 27

Nationality: Ghanaian

Occupation: Fitness coach, actor, martial artist and choreographer

What do you think about the show?

For 10 years, Next Movie Star has been the biggest platform in the whole of Africa for young and talented youths as they teach, inspires and fills us with a lot of virtues and skills.

What do you think are your chances of winning?

To be on the good side of everyone not to use that as a strategy of winning but to maintain a lifetime relationship with each of them. I will try to carry out my task, learn and apply all I have been taught in and outside the house about acting.

Who do you see as your strongest competitor?

Vitalis because anytime I look at him, I see myself. He is got the passion, charisma and talent.

 
VITALIS EZEIRUAKU

VITALIS EZEIRUAKU
VITALIS EZEIRUAKU

Age: 27

Nationality: Nigerian Anambra

Occupation: Student: Communications, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos

What do you think about the show?

It is a very nice platform that shows you to the world. Next Movie Star has produced lots of stars in Nigeria and I am privileged to be part of it.

What do you think are your chances of winning?

My chances are very fat because in 2008, I auditioned for Next Movie Star but was out at the final but did not feel bad because I felt I was not prepared. So in 2014, I did not have to think twice before obtaining the form, knowing that I have worked on myself. So, winning is sure for me.

Who do you see as your strongest competitor?

I am my worst competitor because I challenge myself to do things other housemates don’t do, I criticise and also inspires myself.

 
OCHE JOSEPH UDEH

OCHE JOSEPH UDEH
OCHE JOSEPH UDEH

Age: 24

Nationality: Nigerian Benue State

Occupation: Student, 400l, Political Science, Benue State University

What do you think about the show?

It is a show that gives youth the chance or channel to showcase their talents and to live their dreams.

What do you think are your chances of winning?

I am an entertainer and I have been able to give that strength to the viewers and also the housemates.
Who do you see as your strongest competitor?

Everyone is a threat to me because we are all keen at achieving success.

 
WILSON SOSU

WILSON SOSU
WILSON SOSU

Age: 24

Nationality: Ghanaian

Occupation: Student, Fashion Design and Textiles, Accra Polytechnic, Ghana

What do you think about the show?

Next Movie Star is one of the biggest in the continent. Every past winner and housemate of this show has been of great reputation. The ability for you to excel is very high as they train you for the tasks ahead.
What do you think are your chances of winning?

I won’t show off my ability and strength but my hope and help comes from the Lord, I feel God has said I’m the winner.

Who do you see as your strongest competitor?

I don’t see myself competing with anyone. When given a task in the house, I do my best and leave the rest. Everyone is good but I still believe in my strength and ability so I can achieve my goals.

 

KENNETH NWADIKE

KENNETH NWADIKE
KENNETH NWADIKE

Age: 24

Nationality: Nigerian, Imo state

Occupation: Student, 400l, Federal Polytechnic, Nkede Owerri

What do you think about the show?

It’s a wonderful platform every young and aspiring youth would like to be in, it has produced celebrities. It tells a story and whoever leaves the house can never remain the same.

What do you think are your chances of winning?

No one wants to be a loser. I don’t think less of myself, everyone is a winner the only difference between myself and the winner is that he/she goes home with a car and cash price but I am not focused on the price but to pursue my passion into the industry.

Who do you see as your strongest competitor?

I can’t begin to point at anyone because our potentials and personalities would tell.

 

JOHN NJAMAH, Project Coordinator, Next Movie Star 2014

ENCOMIUM Weekly spoke with MNS Project Director, John Njamah

 

John Njamah
John Njamah

How were you contacted to be the team of Next Movie Star 2014

The associate producer called and asked if I was free for a certain period that we needed to see and discus the Next Movie Star but firstly I needed to come on board as one of the judges. It was during the selection that I had word with the executive producer and was told they would love it if I come in as the project director because this year’s edition being the 10th anniversary means a lot to them.

Why do you think you were singled out amongst others? 

I have been part of the family from inception. I have coached a few of the past housemates that are doing well in their chosen fields. In fac,t three of them have won Big Brother back to back. So, I guess there was a need to go back to the beginning and bring in pioneers of NMS, by and large I am glad to be here again to do what I know how to do best (amongst many other things) to teach.

What do you think about the show?

The show speaks for itself. NMS has a fantastic track record of making stars year in year out in comparison to other reality shows with the same thematic pre-occupation. It’s always an honour when I am called to teach. NMS is a strong platform for talented individuals. It’s a training ground that helps build up your confidence, nurture you and get you prepared not just as an actor but as that individual with a lot to offer when thrown back into the outside world. This and many other reasons are why I like the show.

How does it feel working with or coaching the housemates?

It feels really good coaching the house mates. A lot of them are willing to learn and have come into the house with a strong eal and determination… this is a delight for every teacher. There a lot of miss directions in the industry and the discipline level has dropped tremendously and so for this year. There is the need to re direct these youngsters and inculcate in them that discipline that is lacking in the industry and ultimately help guide them to follow their dreams. Incidentally that is the theme of this year’s NMS, Follow Your Dreams.

What are the challenges?

The challenges come in daily especially since content is not pre defined, I work and create task for the house mates based on the vibe I get from them. NMS has a particular pattern and style for the format, but drama task and challenges the house mates go through are not predefined. That is a challenge to me. Second, the fear to get it right is a challenge. These young stars believe in me to help nurture them that is a challenge… and I love challenges. The fact remains that NMS is a challenge. The fact that the producers believe in me is a challenge and so far so good I believe we are on the right track and will make stars out of these youngsters.

Which housemate do you think is likely to win and why?

As it stands, they are all winners. With the level of training they have undergone at the T and G (training and grooming) at Ikogosi and in the house, it’s impossible to leave here empty headed. I always tell them that winning most times is not determine by who gets the car and the cash prize that comes with it but how well you are able to put to practice all you have learnt in the house. You are successful when you fail but able to pick yourself up and try again.

What do you enjoy most while working with the housemates and other crew members?

For the housemate, I like how they attack me with zeal to learn, I like their determination. That spurs me on. For my crew, we are a family already and it is key that they understand me. So, we are on the same page. For a lot of them this is second nature to them but every year comes with its own challenge, things are not rosy at all here. We started on a shaky note which is normal, but the speed in which we got back on track is amazing. I have a wonderful crew and they are passionate about what they do too, especially Mr. NMS himself Mr. Fajobi. NMS means a lot to him and he tries so hard not to interfere with the running here but he never succeeds. NMS is his baby so to speak and he doesn’t joke with it. It is that discipline that he has passed on to his crew and with me now to spice things a little bit, that I must say has been the success of NMS.

– DOLAPO AMODENI

Encomium

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A media, tech and events company.

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