Encomium
ON Sunday, December 20, 2015, the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos will be agog as Wale Adenuga Productions, under the leadership of Wale Adenuga Jnr., stages this year’s edition of Nnenna & Friends End-of-Year show which promises to be a bang.
ENCOMIUM Weekly had an interview with the pretty entertainer and host of the event, Yinka Olukunga (Nnenna) on the event. She also opened up on the alleged secret wedding and the set of twins she was blessed with on Friday, September 18, 2015, and much more.
First, we congratulate you for being blessed with a set of twins months after wedding.
Thank you, sir. God bless you.
How does it feel now being married?
It feels good. Marriage is beautiful but then it comes with its peculiar challenges as well. But in all, it feels good to be married.
When exactly did you tie the nuptial knot?
That was in December 2014.
Why did you keep everything off the public radar, especially the media?
I didn’t disappear from your radar. It was just a small wedding, a family stuff so to speak. And then, I got pregnant shortly after the wedding. The pregnancy didn’t treat me well at all. It was a tough time for me.
How would you describe the whole of the nine-month experience?
It was very challenging and complicated. I was always praying right from the first month I got to know I was pregnant till the day I gave birth. My first trimester was very tough. I was on a bed rest throughout because there were chances of me losing that pregnancy if care was not taken at that time. It was very tough and complicated. I was in the hospital for a very long time. But at the end of it all, God saw me through. I thank Him for that.
That means it’s not easy forgetting the trauma so soon?
Yes, it’s really traumatic. It’s not something one can easily forget. But the beauty of it all was that I delivered safely.
With all you went through, would you scold or beat a child at all?
No, but then you have to because the Bible says spare the rod and spoil the child. Even though you don’t want to, you still have to because you must correct them. Children don’t know anything. As a mother, you just have to teach them the right thing all the time.
We believe marriage, pregnancy and all what you went through in between might have kept you off the entertainment scene for a while. How do you feel about that?
Yes, I was away but I was still in contact with my children. Before I delivered, I still had some recordings with my children and my fans. So, I wasn’t away totally but I was only away from the media.
It was reported you had a secret wedding, why did you make it so? Was it because you were running away from the media or what?
It’s not a secret wedding. It was just a family affair. It’s just a very small family wedding.
Can you share with us your love story with your husband, Oluwarotimi Ademo?
I met him when I was serving at Ojodu-Berger, Lagos. And we’re basically friends. From friendship we graduated into dating. And he proposed and we got married in December 2014.
What attracted him to you?
His friendship and person. Also, his intelligence is superb. I love all these qualities in him.
Would you say being Nnenna was one of the reasons he chose to marry you?
No, that’s not true,
What’s your experience about marriage? Would you say it’s beautiful?
Yes, marriage is beautiful. Every marriage has its ups and downs, but with God on your side you should be able to scale through.
How has it affected your career?
Marriage hasn’t affected my career because my husband understands the nature of my job even before he got married to me. And he has been very supportive all through.
What does your husband do for a living and where is he from?
My husband is from Ondo town.
How do you feel having a set of twins for your husband at first time?
That’s wonderful! It’s double blessing from God. I believe I might have done something really wonderful for God to have blessed me with these wonderful children. They’re beautiful gifts from God. I am so grateful to Him. I can’t really thank Him enough for that.
How many more are you still expecting from God?
Only God knows but we have put a stop to that for now (laughs).
You know they’re two girls, don’t you consider having another one soon, maybe…
(Cuts in) No, there is a stop for now. But God has the final say.
Is it because of the economic situation of the country?
No, it’s just a policy. And it’s only God that can say, “My child, it’s time for you to have another baby.” So, I can’t decide on that.
How prepared are you for this year’s Nnenna & Friends End-of-Year show?
I am very much prepared for it. It’s like it’s my first major show for this year. I have not really had much time for my children and friends this year. Unlike last year, we had like five shows. This year, I think this would be our second show.
How was last year’s edition?
It was fantastic.
What’s going to separate 2015 from 2014 edition of Nnenna & Friends show?
This year’s edition is bigger and better packaged. It’s a different thing entirely. This year, we have more sponsors who are really supportive and we have a lot of gift items for the children. That will make children more excited. We also improved on our entertainment content this year. The event has a strategic mix of diverse content in order to ensure that everyone has a good time and goes home with unforgettable memories. Our list of performers contains some A-list acts as well as up and coming ones that cuts across almost all the sectors of the entertainment industry.
In the music, we have 9ice, Adewale, Oshadipe Twins, Korede Sax, Dizzy Mbata, Brymo T, N Stars and more. On the comedy side, we have Chigul, MC Prince, Jim Boi, Bukunmi Preacher and others. Of course, there’s going to be a stage drama as usual by Papa Ajasco & Company. We also have dance artistes in the house, including Explicit, N-Stars and others while motivational talk will be delivered by Dayo Israel. Other side attractions include face painting, dance competitions, family games and much more.
What’s the purpose of the show generally?
The Nnenna & Friends show is organized by Wale Adenuga Productions, in order to bring people of all ages together for good, clean family entertainment, as they celebrate end of 2015 and look forward to 2016. It’s mainly targeted at kid, teens and adults.
Where and when is it holding this year?
Nnenna & Friends show for this year is holding on Sunday, December 20, 2015, at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos from 3 to 6 p.m.
It usually holds at National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, why the choice of Muson Centre this time around?
The Muson Centre was chosen due to its central location, making it easily accessible to families coming from the Mainland, Island and even the outskirts of Lagos.
What of the security arrangement for the event?
There is no problem concerning that. There is enough parking space and sufficient security for all our expected guests. We’re expecting about 1,000 guests at the event.
How much is the ticket for the event?
The ticket fee for the show has been cancelled. Everybody will now be allowed to come in free. You’re free to enjoy the fun at no cost now. Thanks to our sponsors, including MTN and our other sponsors, Indomie Noodles, Heritage Bank, Cadbury Hot Chocolate drink 3-in-1, National Open University, Three Crowns Milk and others.
What’s your expectation from the show?
Beautiful turn out. Lagos is really in for a super treat this year because with our line-up of artistes performing at the event, the Nnenna & Friends end-of-year show this year promises to be a blast as maximum fun and enjoyment is guaranteed.212.
- TADE ASIFAT
