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Thursday, September 6, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
I work hard ney for my money –Denrele Africa’s eccentric red carpet host and VJ of South Africa based music station, Channel O, Denrele Edun, was overwhelmed when he was announced On-Air Personality of the Year (Television) at The Future Awards. The former Soundcity presenter known for his weird fashion spoke to LEONARD OKACHIE, stressing that his ‘madness’ is for a purpose: Excerpts: How do you feel winning The Future Awards? I cannot describe it now. Honestly, I was not expecting it because I have been nominated for the award since 2007. I talked to myself, “will this finally get to me?”In 2007, ‘The Future Awards’ gave me ‘Producer of the Year’. I feel really honoured. It shows my work is not in vain. Did you ever dream seeing yourself in the entertainment industry? Yes, I knew from time that I will be into entertainment, but I was not sure what I was going to do. As time went by and I went into self realisation and actualisation, I discovered it has to be in showbiz. I began presenting in 2005, and when I started, they did not give me any programme. I was just hustling and writing scripts. But as God would have it, right now, I represent Channel O Africa, and I did the Big Brother finale. What more could I ask for? I want to say a big thank you to a ‘The Future Awards’. This is the best feeling ever. Even if I did not win, I would have gone home happy. The fact that when they were calling for nominees, people were shouting my name and that was enough. Your appointment at Channel O was like a miracle. How did it happen? What is yours will be yours. If God decrees it, it will be. I never thought they will pick me. Sincerely, I will say that, I am one of the faces for the channel and I know there is more to come. This is just the beginning. Have you changed since joining Channel O? I am the same person. The person that has started this process will be the same person that will end it. I will never grow wings because of my awards or
Denrele
erance, but he didn’t do that, he just left me. I think he saw that this was going to happen to me.
because of the money. People who know me, will tell you that I do not discriminate or compromise. Nor do I have celebrity status. I do what I have to make people happy and I like to be part of people’s success stories. How did it all begin? I actually started in television in 1995. Then I went into modelling. I used to dance for artistes like Ruggedman, 2Shot, Lexxy Do etc. I went into presenting in 2005.I will say that this is my 18th award and I feel good because I wanted and got it. What is your advice to younger artistes? There are two ways to know your personality: the way you behave when you have everything and the way you manage when you have nothing. I have had nothing in life and I have lived like I have everything and I could make everything happen. This is an industry where there is space for everyone. If people come to you for help, please help. You never can tell what you are doing in the life of such a person. I have so many success stories and I think this is the law of distributive justice. Which aspect of Nigeria do you represent on Channel O? I represent the Nigerian culture and music because Nigerian music is taking over the African music industry. I am an advocate and proud to be part of that movement. In as much as we are one Africa, one continent, “Naija no dey
I’M NOT WORKING TO WEAR GOOD LOOKING CLOTHES AND ALL
OF THAT;
I WORK SO HARD BECAUSE I AM BREADWINNER IN THE FAMILY
What is your background? My father is Yoruba from Ogun State. My mother is part Indian and Mauritian. I was born in Hamburg Germany. So I don’t even know where I am from. I am the first and only son. I have two younger sisters. I don’t like to say this but you know how crazy it can be. I’m not working to wear good looking clothes and all of that. I work so hard because I am the breadwinner in the family and I say this anywhere. I’m not working because I want people to notice me.I have family to feed and this is a testimony to the fact that I’m working very hard.
carry last.” Are you a mad person? “Na the madness dey put money into my bank account.” Yes! I’m positively mad. What encouragement do you get from your parents? A lot of people look at me and feel I don’t have parents. Or if I have, what are they doing? Of course, when I have children, they will have the freedom to express themselves as my parents gave me. Considering the fact that my father is Nigerian and family members used to complain everyday. I was pulled out of the church. My father would have locked me up or taken me out for deliv-
Why do you always distinguish yourself? I think it is by grace of God and the fact that I don’t drink and smoke. I’m naturally high. You can’t help but notice me. Even if they hide me under the table, you must see me. I am die-hard. If I see something I want, I go for it. I don’t accept no for answer. That it is my perseverance and spirit. How much do spend on your make-up? I don’t spend the money on myself. Everything you see on me is for free. Like I said, it is the grace of God that I don’t pay for anything. And when you know where you are headed, let no one stop you.