PICTURE SELECTION OF THE WEEK: POWER UP GOSPEL WORKSHOP 2012

Just 2 more days until POWER UP 2012 GOSPEL WORKSHOP!!!

Check out the link below for more information:  http://tmc.ca/powerup/?utm_source=2012%2F02%2F29+12%3A04 3A40&utm_campaign=Free+KOBO&utm_medium=email

SPOTDAZZz: ENTREPRENEUR/ ACTOR OF THE MONTH

Ok, so another month of spotdazzz is here and somehow, somehow I hadn’t pre-planned who I was going to feature, then I somehow found out that Ghanian bred Actor, John Dumelo was in Houston and I was like, why not him?  The next question was how was I going to get him?  Ok, that was going to be a challenge, the first contact was a disappointment then months later, I tried another that came to mind and response was so positive and quick that I didn’t even need to blink…then of course, initial doubt set in, i was like yeah it must be a wrong contact for Dumelo, so guess what on my first trial i didn’t get a hold of him (you see sometimes the image we create in our minds can become reality) Anyways, to cut a long story short, i was like forget it I am not contacting my informant, so i put it aside and moved on but of course, I was like no i am still determined, I don’t give up like that unless I am not interested in something, lo and behold i looked at the contact info again and realized in my haste and misconception I had written down the wrong info, ok so after about 2 trials, I tried a third time and got Mr. Dumelo that I almost stammered, since  I wasn’t expecting to get him directly the day I did, so we decided to schedule the interview and the guy goes how about we schedule this interview for November? What!?..that’s like 9months in the future, not even a month. Though I didn’t say it out loud, I was like you’ve got to be kidding me, the nerve…Lo and behold again another misconception and misjudgement because John Dumelo is a clown and had only been teasing at the time, because  I didn’t have to shut my jaws before we proceeded right away with the interview….whew it wasn’t difficult at all.  This is what I found out during the course of the interview: Enjoy!  FYI…can’t seem to upload his baby pic…bear with me (more stuff to be uploaded shortly…thanks) Enjoy!!! by the way when he politely addressed me as Yes, Ma’am…i knew we were certainly in Texas!!!! lol

 

Bola Babs:     What kind of a person are you?

JMELO:       I am a cool calm and collected dude…lol (I shared this joke too as I recall his trying to schedule moi’s interview for November and with a straight face too- can you imagine?… lol)

 

Would you say you are the same person in the spotlight as you are outside of it?

JMELO:     Yes.  I try to be the same.  Generally I like fooling around a lot - making people laugh, but when I am in public, I have gotta to keep a straight face…..lol

 

Are you now based in the States?     JMELO:  No.  I am based in Ghana, just here on business.

 

Did you have a nickname in school? What was it?

JMELO:    My  nick name was JD…my initials…except for some few vulgar names my friends coined up…

 

Do you appreciate criticisms about your work? If so, how do you deal with the criticisms?     JMELO:     I love criticism.     It helps me to keep my head up.  If everyone likes you, then there is a problem. 

 

Have you worked alongside all your favourite Nigerian Actors? or are there still some you are yet to and would like an opportunity to work with?     JMELO: No I haven’t because there are so many of them.  Nollywood is a big industry and I tend to act with everyone, although I am glad I haven’t worked with everyone in the industry as people might get used to it.  I like it that way though.

What is your favourite colour?     JMELO: White.  It signifies purity; brightness; light.

What is your favourite ride?     JMELO: Mercedes Benz

Favourite Food?     JMELO: Jollof Rice with Plantain

You seem to have progressed into unconventional roles compared to back when you first started, why the sudden change and how do you decide what roles to play or not to play?     JMELO:     Acting is simply that Acting! Acting is playing a role.  However, the industry has progressed in love scenes but I must confess we expose too much, although the whole idea of is to bring out the life of a particular character role and make them real, believable.

So when are we getting married?     JMELO: (Laughs) it could be tomorrow; it could also be in 2014.  You just never know.

Does having a high number of female fans make it difficult to settle down?     JMELO:  No.  I think a man knows what he wants and when he wants just as he knows there is no perfect woman.  I am looking for dark, tall and perfect cook would be unrealistic.  I have thousands of women admirers from different countries but no, it doesn’t make me confused because I know what I want.  One just has to pray to GOD to give one the right person and be content.

How do you deal with female fans?     JMELO: The same way I am with you.  I am friendly.  I am respectful and I set limits as I have been caught up in certain stories all because I was too friendly, so I set limits.  I understand they are female and fans.

What is the most outrageous incident you have ever encountered with a fan?     JMELO: Actually few days ago in Arizona, a female fan who couldn’t believe it was really me  just started crying and arguing and crying about how she was a great fan.  Another incident happened in Ghana toll route when I sto pped and the female attendant said she wanted to tell me something, before I knew it she came out of the toll booth she was in to kiss me and went back to her booth.  Well, let’s just say it was nice not to have paid toll fees for that day (Laughs)

Did you always know you were going to be an Actor?     JMELO:  I did my first film at the age of 7; I went to school; university and studied civil engineering at KNUST – Science and Technology University in Ghana.  Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be out there in the spotlight; I wanted my own business too then so it is really no surprise that I am doing exactly that today.

What is the one thing that people don’t know about you and would only find out on SPOTDAZZz?     JMELO:  I hate dancing…I am a lousy dancer!

 Are you retiring from acting anytime soon?     JMELO:  No! However, I did like to concentrate more serious roles; roles that will make impact in people’s lives.

Why the decision to venture into a clothing line?     JMELO: It is not out yet but I have been introducing it and the response is encouraging; I have people who have already pre-order based on what they have seen. I set up JMELO not because I am an exceptional fashion designer but simply as a way of funding my charity organization the JOHN DUMELO FOUNDATION. I find it was easier to get people’s support when they know the item they are purchasing is for a worthy cause as opposed to asking for donation.  However,  I have a bit of fashion sense which I use to select and create with a twist which is then forwarded to my designers add something else before manufacturing.  JMELO clothing line is scheduled for release in March and you can visit my website though still under construction for a newer look www.johndumelo.tv

Have you ever been to Canada?  Fans were looking forward to seeing you at the premier of Adam’s Apples in TO, but you were a no-show, what happened?     JMELO:  I have never been to Canada.  However, I do intend to showcase my clothing line in Canada sometime soon.  I was a no-show at Adam’s Apple because it clashed with another event that came prior to Adam’s Apples in Texas, so I had no choice but to make Texas a priority.  However, I intend to introduce my clothing line in Canada, so fans can look out for me visiting anytime soon.

Which is your favourite style of dressing? Traditional or English?     JMELO: I love traditional but due to my formal activities, I wear more formal attire.

What do you think of the Ghollywood/ Nollywood film industry?  Do you think Ghollywood is influencing Nolly in a positive and/or negative way?     JMELO:  First of, I think we should be recognized as one big happy family. Internationally, no one really recognizes us as either Ghollywood or Nollywood.  We are just African Actors as I am an African Actor first and foremost.  Generally, I think both industries are doing very well, though some may think there is a rivalry going on, but I think it is just a healthy one and we should all just be one big happy family. 

SIU @ THE OSCARS

Here are my best top 3 picks: unique and sassy, all others is all pretty much the same styles coming in different colours

JOLIE ONLY…the others i can’t seem to cut out

GWYNETH

 

 

Sshh…do not disturb, I’m @ the 84TH ACADEMY AWARDS…THE OSCARS

Viola of “The Help” wearing a Vera Wong @ The Red Carpets’…Naturally, yet tastefully beautiful!

CONGRATULATIONS OCTAVIA SPENCER!!!  WE UNDERSTAND YOUR TEARS WAS THAT OF ACCOMPLISHMENT AFTER A LONG, HARD WORK!!! CONGRATS ON YOUR OSCAR WIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 “I LOVE ANIMATION; IF YOU’RE BIG, YOU COULD PLAY THE SKINNY PRINCESS, IF YOU’RE WHITE, YOU COULD PLAY THE ARABIAN PRINCE; IF YOU’RE BLACK YOU COULD PLAY A DONKEY, BUT I…I CAN’T PLAY WHITE, I COULDN’T DO THAT.” CHRIS ROCK PRESENTING LIVE AT THE 84TH ACADEMY AWARDS…

LOL…making jokes about reality isn’t comedy it is simply the truth, served on a platter of digestibility – BB

PAST/ RELATED LINK: http://bola2008.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/the-help-in-theatres-this-august/

http://bola2008.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/picture-selection-of-the-week-movie-good-deeds-in-theatres-february-24/

 

****MY TAKE: just saying…Wow, I simply honoured this invitation for 2012 simply because out of every movie in the entire America 2012, the OSCARS 84TH year, we got nominated or better yet, we spot the ‘fros only in 1 movie – THE HELP…history sure is still living history! Thank GOD, I ain’t American.  On the other hand, I am even hosting a dinner party of history repeated right before my television…FYI, when I get really bored at the oscar nominations, I will bail out for a Tyler Perry movie!!!

ching ching

- bb

FYI – This might be a good time to remind you guys to get set for the ANNUAL AEA (AFRICAN ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS) AWARDS in Canada…kinda call it the African Oscars, only in its 2nd Year though but certainly comparable, do check them out if you are in Canada and if you are visiting from the states like moi, still drop by, afterall, i was in the US for the Oscars; all the way from naija, so why not drop by as well for the Canadian awards?….check them out….http://www.aeawards.ca/

WHEN SOUTH AFRICA MEETS TORONTO II = AFRICAN GRACE courtesy SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR

The SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR, formed to share the joy of faith through the inspirational power of African Gospel music, has amassed a world wide fan base that includes Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela, Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel, Diana Ross, U2 and Celine Dion.

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FEB 24 (FRI) & FEB 25 (SAT) ONLY @ 8PM

http://www.sowetogospelchoir.com/

“Soweto Gospel Choir’s joyous, inspirational singing has electrified audiences of all ages & backgrounds around the world.  A joyful spiritual vision!” USA TODAY

PICS OF THE VENUE @ THE SONY CENTRE OF PERFORMING ARTS…BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE

RELATED/ PAST LINK:  When South Africa Meets Toronto I = It produces Legendary Yvonne Chaka Chaka -    http://bola2008.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/yvonne-chaka-chaka-live-in-toronto/

MOVIE “GOOD DEEDS” IN THEATRES STARTS FEBRUARY 24

THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT OF ANY HUMAN BEING IS TO LOVE GOD FIRST, YOURSELF AND OTHERS – TYLER PERRY

Hey guys,

You know I’m grinning from ear to ear right now.  Thank you so much for going to see GOOD DEEDS this weekend.  I knew you would love this movie, so if I may say I told you so, I TOLD YOU SO…LOL. I have been reading all the messages on the message board. Many of you said it’s my best film, most of you thought it was excellent and all of you seemed to have really enjoyed it. This is movie number 13 for me, can you believe that? And you’re still coming

I must say I was a little nervous. This movie is way different for me, and for it to be a dramatic film I was a little unsure if you would come out to see it. I never ever take for granted that you are going to show up… but you did. And again, I’m thankful. The #2 movie is worth so much celebration, especially if you knew the behind-the-scenes drama I’ve been dealing with. But that’s another story and I refuse to dwell on the negative.

So, on behalf of me and all of us at Tyler Perry Studios, we just want to say thank you for going out to the movies and keeping our voice strong.   

Thank you so much!

GOOD DEEDS, in theaters now.

 

Hey,

You know what I personally love the greatest about a Tyler Perry Movie? The highlight and significance of morality and its importance but most of all, the portrayal of minorities as classy, educated, talented, powerful and in celebrated positions on screen.  Take for example, in the movie GOOD DEEDS, the cleaning lady character assumed & had automatically conceived an image of a non-minority as the owner of DEEDS CORPORATION, while speaking to Tyler’s character who happens to be the owner, sole head of the mega computer software corporation.   That’s just it!  You walk away from a Tyler Perry Movie wanting to be someone better & with the hope that if any one can, so can you too!  Again, that’s just it, but of course, if I wanted suspense, thriller, violence of no purpose & invasion of aliens, I might have to reconfigure my choice movie & simply look elsewhere!!!

- BB -

PS: Tyler’s role in his love scenes was so modern-day in Good Deeds.  It was a shocker as its so unlike a Tyler Perry movie especially with him as the lead role; so I say have someone babysit your kids (if you don’t know how to explain to the kids quietly), not bring them to see Good Deeds just ‘cos there is a kid in the movie or the title is ‘Good Deeds’…just saying By the way, did anyone notice towards the end of the movie, their commercial flight ticket to Africa specifically states Abuja, Nigeria…i caught that & noone believes me, so go see it again – lol!

WIS-WORD

You become extraordinary once you know who you are - OPRAH

Legendary Martial Arts …Bruce Lee all over again???

Did you ever watch Bruce Lee films growing up? Well, I did and it made me wonder about martial arts eversince.  But, on getting to a multicultural society, meeting pp. of Chinese descent who are so regular , i recall an incident where a bunch of them were crossing the streets with me & kept looking at me in awe and asking me questions about how gigantic I look in their midst, well, they do appear so regular to me now et al, yadayadayada –  Then I wondered about all those inhumane stunts I watched back in the day on tv…ok here is why I got started today on this yadayada story….read on!

A Home Video was discovered where the short video showed a 4year old boy standing in the snow along a street in New York City wearing only his underpants crying and running towards his parent to pick him up, but rather than pick the child up, his parents were laughing and urging him to lie down in the snow which the boy does.  When asked why they would do that to their son on a snowy cold January day in New York City, his father said that he was merely training his son to develop a ‘masculine temperament.’

The comment captured by a respondent on utube states no abuse should be seen here as a father is merely teaching his kid strength.  it makes one strong mentally and makes you have a higher tolerance for pain.  The respondent further claims that they would do the same as their parents, uncles and older cousins did that to them as well.  Wowzzzers, please remind me to close my mouth before I begin to swallow freezing rain as substitute for food!  But then again, that might make me immune to hunger, i could develop a high tolerance for empty stomach and just refuse to eat amidst plenty.

What???? What if you live in Canada, what if you lived in Alaska? Would you do the same? When all things become new; you prepare for the best not the worst possible scenario out of life?  I appreciate some values in specific cultures but there is a thin line between sanity and insanity, but then again what is sane? and what is insane?  I still see china town when I walk down Spadina avenue in North America; Then I go on to still see china town when I walk down Lagos city in Africa, so I must still be missing a piece of the puzzle of life.

Hmmm….wonders shall never end, i guess we all should emulate this culture so we can all diss winter coats, gloves and hats….seriously? WHAT?!!?!!

WIS-WORD

When you learn, teach; When you get, give. – MAYA ANGELOU

WIS-WORD

A race of people is like an individual man until it uses its own talent, takes pride in its own history, expresses its own culture, affirms its own self hood, it can never fulfill itself – Malcolm X

PICTURE SELECTION OF THE WEEK : CLASSIC AFRICAN LOOK!!!

COURTESY:   MODEL – Sabrina

                           MAKE UP – www.africanbeauty.ca

                          PHOTOGRAPHY – Tosin Photography