CELEBRITY GUEST - TUKE MORGAN, SAXOPHONIST, CREATIVE BLOGGER, PHOTOGRAPHER!

Hey guys,

The VMA has just come to an end and our ladies brought the roof down, especially with their amazing and unique styles, and not forgetting their killer talents!

The likes of Beyoncé with her all female dancers, Rihanna, Brittany and so on! The Award show indeed had so many highlights that it won't be forgotten for a long time.

Anyway, back to Nigeria and still celebrating our beautiful and talented female artists, here is one of our own.

OMG, she is not only young, proudly African, talented, creative, strong, a change catalyst, an epitome of "love what you do", I could go on and on about her. Did I tell you she has a smile that shames the sun? Wow, that 1mil watts smile...A female Saxophonist, a creative blogger, a photographer and a whole lot more! 

I know I'm yapping way too much...but believe me when I say, you too will be excited about her when you are done reading this interview.

So without further delay, please meet the beautiful and most talented Tuke Morgan.

Real Gentlehawk: Can you tell our readers about yourself?

Tuke: Hello Everyone, My name is Adetuke Morgan. I’m a Graduate of Economics from the University of Nottingham, UK, however I don’t work in my field of study. I am a Saxophonist, Lifestyle Blogger, Food Photographer, Writer, Content Creator, Natural Hair Bearer & Theatre Aficionado with wanderlust who enjoys acting, modeling and doing voice-overs.

Real Gentlehawk: I  know that you wanted to learn the guitar but ended up with the saxophone, can you tell us a little about that story?

Tuke: Okay, so I went to England in September 2008 for my A-Levels. I was the only Black person in my year and I was shocked and impressed by the wide range of extra-curricular activities available at my school. I decided to fully take advantage of the opportunities that were available at that school and immersed myself in a variety of activities. By the end of the first term I decided I want to learn a Musical Instrument. I really wanted to learn the Guitar and sing like Hannah Montana, Jesse McCartney and Jonas Brothers, however God obviously had other plans. When I told my dad about my intention to learn the guitar he suggested the Saxophone, to my confusion. We reached a compromise, thanks to my music director and I was allowed to have two trial lessons in each instrument. I started with the Guitar and thought it was love, I learnt how to play Elvis Presley’s “Two Suede Shoes” and remember strumming and singing the song in the music cells so happily. The day of the Saxophone lesson came (February 25th 2009) and I describe that moment as “Love at first blow”, that’s how I forgot about the Guitar :)

Real Gentlehawk: What is it like being a female saxophonist and what does it take to be one?

Tuke: It’s great being a Female Saxophonist. There are very few of us in Nigeria/the world to be honest so we all stand out. It takes dedication, diligence, practice and hard work to be one. We stand out firstly because we are female but it is necessary to put in work to hone our craft and practice so that our skill is at par/even better than the men 😊

Real Gentlehawk: l know you’ve done a lot of work since you became a saxophonist especially while studying in the UK, can you please tell us more about those works.

Tuke: So when I first started playing in A levels, it was classical music and jazz. I played in the Jazz Band, did a lot sight reading and worked towards a music exam. In University, I played with the Nottingham Sax Ensemble for a little bit so practiced my sight reading & group playing there. I played in my church and youth fellowship and that period was a significant learning curve. I had to learn fast and work hard to keep up with the other instrumentalists/musicians at my church. I also got invited to minister at other churches in different cities and various African & Caribbean events.

Real Gentlehawk: How would you describe your personal style and is there a person who is a fashion inspiration to you? 

Tuke: My style is comfortable, I used to be a tomboy and didn’t care much for fitted clothes. 

My style is Afrocentric, I love the vibrancy of prints and how radiant they make me look.

My style is simple, I don’t do too much but it comes out looking classy and pretty.

My style changes frequently as my mood determines how I dress as well as the occasion I’m attending.

I get inspiration from everywhere, people on the street, my mum, blogs, friends, etc

Real Gentlehawk: I know you also a blogger, can you tell the readers how you first got  into blogging?

Tuke: So, the blog started in February 2014, when the NYSC FB group wasn't enough OF AN outlet for me to share information. I attended a writer’s conference with a friend, Ify Halim which also encouraged me to start the blog. 

Real Gentlehawk: You are a musician, a creative blogger and a photographer, wow that's a lot.  So how do you manage to find  time to run your blog and others  stuff efficiently? Do you have a team?

Tuke: Yes, I am a Musician, Lifestyle Blogger, Food Photographer and many other things. I used to work a 9-5 in advertising too but I found it really hard to balance everything efficiently. I turned down a lot of opportunities during that time cos I was always tired as I was doing A LOT. Now that I no longer work a 9 -5, it is easier to manage everything efficiently. Yes, I do have a team, in term, of a band. I also get advice from my parents, mentors, more experienced people in my industry and the word of God.

Real Gentlehawk: What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from that?

Tuke: Hmmm, so I graduated from University with a 2.2. It wasn’t my greatest failure and I don't think I have any but I was pretty sad, depressed & disappointed when I realised that was my Final Grade. I learnt that everything happens for a reason as I might have been forced to work a graduate job in England if I had gotten a better grade. I know God wanted me to move back at the time I did for a reason and he didn’t want me working in certain industries too. Now I know that the 2.2 was God’s way of helping me eliminate distractions and putting me on the path to achieving purpose.

While in School, I used to say I studied Economics during the week and Music on the weekends. My interest and passion lay in Music and I think people should pay attention to what frustrates them and what fascinates them as that is where their purpose lies.

Real Gentlehawk: Tell me about your proudest achievement?

Tuke: Completing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award was my proudest moment and I wrote all about it on Instagram last month. 

Read posts from here: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHZzzmwD93Y/?taken-by=tukemorgan 

to here 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHhXdTGDvd0/?taken-by=tukemorgan 

for a comprehensive overview.

Real Gentlehawk: What keeps you motivated?

Tuke: My goals, My family, random e-mails from my readers & fans, the drive to succeed and leave a legacy, people’s achievements and listening to empowering and encouraging music and messages. Hanging out and talking to other people in my industry, hearing about their challenges and how they have overcome them also motivates me as I know it can only get better.

Real Gentlehawk: Have you met anyone interesting/famous on your journey?

Tuke: Yes, I have, this year, I've met two women I look up to & admire. 

Yolanda Brown who is one of the most accomplished Black Female Saxophonists, I was shocked that she knew who I was, she had seen my picture on the Internet. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIFZmybBlcZ/?taken-by=tukemorgan

Sharon Mundia, one of Kenya’s foremost Blogger. She came to Lagos for the AMVCA’s and it was one of my Blog reader’s that told me she was coming. I sent her an email and not only did we meet up, we went on a cafe tour, took pictures and collaborated on some Blog posts. 

http://www.tukesquest.com/2016/04/tuke-morgan-x-this-is-ess.html

http://www.tukesquest.com/2016/03/fun-times-with-sharon.html

http://www.thisisess.com/2016/03/white-dresses-and-art-galleries.html

I am heavily influenced by Nathaniel Bassey and I’m privileged to have met him a number of times. I worship with Redeemed Church of God and my dad is a Pastor, so I met Pastor Nath a couple of times when I was younger. I remember when I first started playing, he said something like one day, we’ll play together, that happened last year at a church in Lekki and it was Amazing. I consider him one of my mentors  and role models.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiLceuTKvao

I met Professor Yemi Osinbajo before my journey started/before he was VP but I have been privileged to play the Sax in his garden in recent times.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJGrFsQhpnH/?taken-by=tukemorgan

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJHq8b3hUeZ/?taken-by=tukemorgan

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJI7VmJhemi/?taken-by=tukemorgan

Real Gentlehawk: Do you have any specific goals for the rest of this year?

Tuke: Yes I do 😀😀😀

Real Gentlehawk: So what are you working on presently? Concerts, shows, new album…? 

Tuke: I’m learning French as the plan is to go global and I want to be able to communicate in Francophone countries. I’m attending workshops & watching online courses because it is important to keep learning. I’m rehearsing a lot and I’m creating great content. 

Real Gentlehawk: Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Tuke: There isn’t one person I can pinpoint to, it’s been different people for different spheres of my life.

Real Gentlehawk: I love to ask all my interviewees this particular question, What is your favorite book?

Tuke: The Bible.

Real Gentlehawk: What can you not do without?

Tuke: God, Internet, My Laptop, My Sax, My Camera, Music & My Family.

Real Gentlehawk: And advice to anyone hoping to do what you do?

Tuke: It depends on which thing, however, in General:

Pray for direction

Seek Counsel before you make life-changing decisions

Hone your craft

Keep Learning

Don’t ever think that you know everything or you have arrived

Don’t get complacent, be aware of the innovations/changes going on in your industry and adapt to them

Treat your customers & clients with respect

Be Punctual

Be Professional

Be Consistent

Real Gentlehawk: Any final word/advice.

Tuke: Proverbs 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

BE DILIGENT, All things are possible

Real Gentlehawk: Thank you so much for sharing you with us. It is a pleasure having you. Hope you will give us audience once again. 

Tuke: Thank you too. Yes I will! 

So you have heard it, be diligent, be consistent, be professional, treat people with respect, keep learning, don't give up and pray, pray! 

But before I go, if you have any question you would want us to ask any of our celeb, please feel free to send in your questions. You can send them through our:

Facebook platform: www.facebook.com/RealGentlehawk 

Twitter: @gentlehawk 

Blog:  http://gentlehawk-real4u.blogspot.com. 

Google+ : @gentlehawk

And don't forget if you enjoy what I do, please like my page and share. Much Appreciated!

Lastly I leave you with this words from "TONY GASKIN"

From your gal,

Real Gentlehawk,

Be kind, true and real 

CHASING YOUR DREAMS!

When the world turns its back, You don't give up!

Don't worry, I ain't Pumba, who turns its back. Lol 😄😄😄

Hey guys,

You see, lately I have been doing a lot of things that I love. Just picked up gardening too. It is very relaxing and fulfilling. The beauty that comes from ones labour is unfathomable. 

The thing is I wanted a dog but with all I have going on, I was advised against it. At least not for now. So anyway, this gardening stuff has been so helpful. Started about 6 months ago with a friend of mine who also has a garden. In fact she is a horticulturist. She's been doing it for a long time, so playfully I call her my consultant.

Anyway, my little garden is doing pretty well for a beginner, but after a while I noticed a specific plant withering. Didn't know why because I thought I was giving it the same attention I was giving others. The rest were blooming beautifully, just not this particular one.

Strangely , it is my favorite and therefore was heart broken. My friend, who is also my consultant told me to do a lot of things and if they don't work , I might have to uproot and replant that same specie again.Oh how it broke my heart, when she said that.

Anyway, to cut the long story short, I ended up doing exactly what I feared and that was uproot my favorite plant. But I am someone who doesn't give up easily on anything. Failure drives me nuts and so doing I keep trying and trying and trying again. I'm trying to figure out why I do that, still trying to....

I couldn't just let go of the plant and that, I told my consultant. Thinking I was just being stupid and stubborn, she let me be.

So I did what I know how to do best, NEVER GIVING UP, even when all hope look lost. I refuse to accept that the plant was totally dead. I decided to transfer it into a small pot, ensuring that all dead parts were removed. What I had left was a very tiny brownish looking plant. Throughout, I didn't give in to doubt but hoped that something miraculous would happen. And it did. 

Few days later, I noticed a little stem finding its way out from the soil, a new life had just started. The tiny brownish plant I had re-planted was beginning to look healthy. 

And till this very day,  that plant is the most beautiful plant in my garden, even my friend is surprised and jealous.

Moral of this story: Giving up isn't an option. Things may not be going the way you want doesn't mean it won't. Give it time. May all you need is to reorganize the way you are doing things. And starting over, doesn't mean you failed or you are a failure...NOPE!  On the contrary, it simply means you are smart and strong enough to know better.

Conviction goes a long way in chasing your dreams. You have to have personal conviction in order to chase your dreams, cos baby, you will meet people who will talk you down, people whom you love saying that you are crazy wasting your time chasing that dream. You've got to believe it, to want it! Even the universe won't have a choice than to fail in line to help you achieve your dream. 

Keeping at it set you apart from the rest! 

Trust me, you can do anything if you first believe. 

So get up and stay up, until your dreams become reality! The world is waiting.

Yours truly

Your gal, Real Gentlehawk! 

About “WILLOWY CHRONICLES”

Hey guys,

Here is a little something something from my next book!

If you have been following my blog and reading it, you will notice that I have posted a chapter of the book. That is how special y'all are to me.

Watch out for this amazing and thrilling story.

Below is just a summary of the book.

Susan is a young sophisticated yet simple business tycoon who didn’t have life easy. She discovered she had to fight for everything in life because life enjoys playing expensive jokes on her. 

And fighting for everything she did…her life, career and above all “Love”.

And that is the case, when she found herself in a whirlwind love triangle…

In love with two men, both disappeared one after the other but reappearing after many years to reclaim their love. 

But the truth is that just like the willow tree; beaten, bent and broken by the raging storm of life, she survived and was stronger because undeniably what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.

So who will be the man to win her heart…….is it RONALD or is it TONY!!!

Trust me on this one..you won't be disappointed!

I promise you a lot of emotions.

So watch out...coming soon!

Your gal, 

Real Gentlehawk.

Peace

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Okay guys, 

How are we all doing? Lots of things going on right now. The good, the bad and the ugly.

I had better point out the obvious just in case you fail to see or just not into it.

I'm sure a lot of you know what's up around the world...these famous terrorist attacks, killings every where, war, famine and all. Be it in Africa, Europe, America, Middle East, well...Now Asia has joined the endless list...which by the way is sicken.

And there is also the senseless killings of black people, senseless and baseless wars, Kidnapping, Child prostitution and pornography and all the other madness.

The terror and craziness these extremists on leach on the world, is freaky scary and worrisome, which makes you imagine what must have happened during world war 1 & 2 (I'm so sure whatever is depict is nothing compared to what really happened).

Have you noticed that even the so called 'head of nations' don't have any real answers to these terrors raging everywhere. Everyone seem to be confused and powerless. The more we speak of peace, the more the war rages. The more we speak of love, the more we see hate related crimes.

So this got me thinking, that if indeed the stories told about rapture is indeed true, then my friends, I believe it is high time we need to re-evaluate a lot of stuff. 

I'm sure for some of you, you don't know what the heck I'm talking about.

So for those of you who are clueless about what I'm talking about! Let me give you a quick run down. And please don't row those eyes at me, just open your mind. You need to just hear me out, I mean Seriously! Now we are talking theoretically here. "If" is the key word now, okay?

So, according to bible scholars, after rapture happens, a lot of things will kinda look the same but really it isn't. But prior to that event, people will become meaner, more selfish, harsher and lot of other crazy stuff (Which I believe is what we are now experiencing). 

Now after the so called Rapture, people will become worst. Why? According to bible scholars, this due to certain things that will also be raptured. If you really what to know, do your research. Anyways, it's known as "Grace". Seriously, you really need to research this stuff.

Okay guys, I have possibly lost a lot of you. I'm really trying hard not to use all theological jargons. 

Anyways, what got me worried is, if grace is still very much available now and people are inflicting this so much unfathomable pain and horror on each other, I refuse to think of what will happen after rapture? 

I don't want to think of the fact that every Hitler will have the power to unleash the dragon in them. Because evil is now the new normal. Wow, if this doesn't scares you, then nothing will.

The thing is, I love to read all kind of books and I enjoy watching movies...a lot. They take me to places , meet people/characters may never have the chance or means of meeting. They expose me to things that only my dream can and I love it. They also teach me lessons no one has the time to teach me. In view of this, I am going to use movies as illustration to buttress my points.

Movies like "Divergent" or "The Giver", shows how man always want to dominate through lies, half truth and constrains. Now imagine a world like those where we are cajoled into believing that evil is good and necessary, as long as it is for the good of the community. Individuality is not allowed, it is a group thing and anyone who questions authority is the enemy and most be esponged. 

Every nation is saying that ISIL and ISIS is bad and dehumanizing. That's because a few believe in that sick ideology. Now imagine, when majority believe in that kind of ideology as being right? And only a few refuse to be part of the sickness? 

Honestly I really don't want to think about it because it scares me from hell to heaven. 

Just a thought! 

Love and Peace 

Real Gentlehawk!

CELEBRITY GUEST - LUCKY CHILD, NIGERIAN COMEDIAN

Hey guys,

Today, I have decided to tune it up a little. You know, spice it up with a little comedy. So, today we get to meet one of Nigeria’s finest Comedian. 

He is so talented that every word that he speaks just gets you cracked up. He is genuinely funny and natural, very true and real. Today, I introduce to you, "LuckyChild".

Real Gentlehawk: Can you do us the honors of introducing yourself and what you do?

Lucky Child: My name is Lucky Iviahwo aka Luckychild. I am a graduate in computer science, a stand-up comedian,actor and a TV anchor.

Real Gentlehawk: What kind of kid were you?

Lucky Child: Growing up as a kid I was funny, playful, clever, brilliant and spoilt by my late loving Mum. She lavished money on me so much that I used to wash my hands with coca cola or any soft drink after meal.

Real Gentlehawk: Whoa! You are joking right? And I'm sorry about your mum, may her soul rest in peace.

Lucky child : Thank you. I'm proud of her.

Real Gentlehawk: How did you get discovered as a comedian? How and when did it all start?

Lucky Child: I got discovered as a comedian when I was in the University (O.O.U). I use to give funny remarks in class, church, hostel and anywhere I find myself. It happens unplanned, the words will just drop and everyone will go laughing. A roommate of mine then informed me of an audition taking place in Lagos to immortalize Fela. They called the event "FELABORATION" in 2006. So I decided to try for the audition from school. There was a huge crowd of talents for the audition. The audition was for both comedians and musicians. About a thousand plus people, so as a result, the audition ran for two days. 6 comedians and 13 musicians were selected and I was lucky to be one. That was my first big stage. 

At the main event, I had the honour to share the same stage with the late Lucky Dube during his performance. 

Then in 2008, a friend of mine while still in the university, told me of another comedy competition on-going in Lagos. He said he was confidence that if I attended, I would win. That event was "AY OPEN MIC". I left school to Lagos, bought the form, attended the audition which was conducted by Bunmi Davies and Jedi. There was about 26 comedians that came for the audition and they needed only 10 comedians for the competition. Luckily, I was picked yet again.

The day of the competition, I had an examination to write in school, but I left school to Lagos for the competition. It was really a coaster ride competition where the audience are the judges. They decides who stays or leaves the stage. Again, I was the last man standing. I beat other nine to it and became the winner of AY OPEN MIC COMEDY CHALLENGE in 2008. This gave me the opportunity to perform in AY LIVE.

Real Gentlehawk: Wow, it must have not been easy.

Lucky Child: It wasn't easy,but I thank God for the experience. It was tougher when it got to just three comedians remaining on stage. We cracked and cracked to a point the audience don't know who to screen out. But one more round saw other two comedian knocked out. I give God all the glory.

Real Gentlehawk: So what sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful comedian?

Lucky Child: The sacrifices I have made that have brought me thus far, are risking exam period for comedy competition, waking up in the middle of the night to create jokes that sprung up in my sleep, staying awake all night without food during an audition, the list goes on and on.

Real Gentlehawk: Can you talk about some of the challenges in Industry, you have or still facing?

Lucky Child: Yes oooo. There are bad belles in the industry ooooo. I have been sidelined in a lot of opportunities because I chose to do gospel and clean jokes. In the industry they have their gang, but God pass them!

Real Gentlehawk: How do you generate new ideas for your acts?

Lucky Child: I generate new ideas for my act by thinking and listening to the word of God. When a pastor is preaching I get inspiration very fast. I also get new ideas from current happenings in my environment and beyond.

Real Gentlehawk: What are you presently working on?

Lucky Child: Presently, I'm working on the season 2 of "THE REVELATION". It's an event for people who love clean jokes. It's a blend of comedy, music, inspirational talk and scripture combat. And I have other events still in the pipeline (but I no go talk am now, make dem no go burst the pipeline...heheehheee).

Real Gentlehawk: LOL. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful comedian?

Lucky Child: The top three skills to be a successful comedian are ability to be creative, audience interaction skill, build a stage persona (originality).

Real Gentlehawk: Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Lucky Child: My greatest inspiration is God. But for the comedians in Nigeria, the guy wey dey ginger my swagger, wey dey totori my shingbaka,  na  comedian – I go die. He is the man.

Real Gentlehawk: What book has inspired you the most?  What is your favorite book?

Lucky Child: The Holy Bible and Think Big by Ben Carson.

Real Gentlehawk: If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?

Lucky Child: It will be King Solomon because I will like to know how he managed his wisdom with 1000 women.

Real Gentlehawk: What motivates you?

Lucky Child: Everything motivates me. Right now you're motivating me.

Real Gentlehawk: OMG! Wow, I'm honored! So tell us what are your hobbies? 

Lucky Child: I am a hubby I think the question should be what are your wifees? lol. Well, my hobbies are reading, thinking, browsing, watching TV and loving my family.

Real Gentlehawk: 😄😄😄....What makes you happy?

Lucky Child: My son and my wife. Anytime I look at them there's this happiness that is innate.

Real Gentlehawk: Any last words to all your fans out there? 

Lucky Child: Yes oooooo. To my fans I love you. I promise to do what God has sent me to do at all times which is making you laugh for your well-being.

Real Gentlehawk: Thank you for chatting with me. You were quite entertaining! Hope to do this with you again. 

Lucky Child: Thank you! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!

So guys, I hope you enjoyed him as much as I enjoyed doing the interview for you. 

You can also read all our interviews through our Facebook platform: www.facebook.com/RealGentlehawk or via Twitter: @gentlehawk or via Blog: http://gentlehawk-real4u.blogspot.com.

So I leave with this wisdom words from Aristotle: 

Until next time, it's your Gal!

Real Gentlehawk 

Peace out!

 

CELEBRITY GUEST – OLAKUNLE OLADEHIN, BHEERHUGZ BRAND (MEDICAL DOCTOR CUM ENTREPRENEUR)

Hey guys, 

They say doctors are one of the busiest people on earth. Always on the move, never found lacking. If they aren't attending to patients or attending seminars, they are researching the next big thing. They are mostly satisfied with what they know how to do best, BEING A DOCTOR.

Well, not this Doc., young, intelligent, resilient and hardworking...and he is Nigerian.

So freaking excited! 

The first time I met him I was so intrigued that I started marketing for him without even knowing it.

He is someone I admire (believe me which is rare) and respect( which even more rare, don't blame me, take a good look around). Anyway, I am sure you guys can't wait too. So I will stop my chitchat and have you read his interview. 

Oh, his is name is Dr. Olakunle Oladehin, the brain behind the BHEERHUGZ BRAND!

If you didn't know, now you know…you can thank me later.

Real Gentlehawk: Can we meet you and what do you do?

Olakunle: I am Dr Olakunle Oladehin. I am a physician, a researcher, a family oriented man and lastly a young Nigerian entrepreneur. I live and schooled in Lagos, Nigeria, I have been in Lagos all my life. Everyone has a story, so do I. It was never easy.

Real Gentlehawk: What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business? 

Olakunle: Being the restless person that I am, I had to channel my spare time into something I had passion for. Something I was confident that passion will see me through no matter how hard things got. Change is a constant requirement in everything we do. You see, we cease to exist once we cease to change. My key driver for change has been "continuous improvement".

 

Real Gentlehawk: How did the idea for your business come about?

Olakunle: My passion for hospitality started while in medical school. As director of socials, I had the opportunity to play around with several ideas just as any teenager would. I fantasized about being an actor, owning a restaurant and still practicing my medical profession at the same time.

 

Real Gentlehawk: How do you build a successful customer base?

Olakunle: From the very onset, it was clear that having a successful restaurant would require that first timers coming back. It was also important that we understand and track our customers. So even when we do not see them, we still want to engage with them. Hence, we took full advantage of technology.

We created our loyalty Card platform (Hugz Fun Rewardz) which has really grown over the last 4 years and also improved in terms of user interface. Card holders get a lot of benefits and rewards, and more importantly, we also get to engage them even when they haven't visited in a while.

On the flip side, we also believe in giving back to the society. Supporting noble causes that elevate mankind. We recently gave out 100s of insecticide treated nets in our support to End Malaria scourge as well as support voluntary organizations as part of our corporate social responsibilities. 

 

Real Gentlehawk: Can you please describe your typical day?

Olakunle: I sleep mandatorily for 6 hours everyday. I dislike to talk on phone. Love to be the on social media and most importantly spend time with my family - which is the highlight.

 

Real Gentlehawk: What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

Olakunle: My greatest fear is failure. I however understand that failure sometimes is part of the game. Take calculated risk and leave the rest to God.

 

Real Gentlehawk: How do you define success?

Olakunle: Empowering people and creating more entrepreneurs.

 

Real Gentlehawk: Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Olakunle: My father, Samuel Olafemiwa Oladehin. A seasoned accountant who taught me 30 years ago that no matter what profession i did in life, i must know and embrace the principles of accounting. Being a man of God, He also taught me to have the fear God and always do good. His legacy lives on as he passed away in 2007.

 

Real Gentlehawk: I am sorry, may his soul rest in peace.

Olakunle: Thanks, I wish he was still around to see what he started.

Real Gentlehawk: What book has inspired you the most? (OR What is your favorite book?)

Olakunle: I am not one to pick up books.......though, I am writing my own book. Hope you will read it. LOL

 

Real Gentlehawk: Why not, if you send me a copy. So what have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?

Olakunle: I failed in almost everything at some point in life. I failed pathology in medical school, I have failed in relationships, in other business endeavors. Like I said earlier my greatest fear still is failure...... then again, failure is part of the journey. My  biggest lesson from failure is timing. Many factors contribute to failure, however, Timing is the biggest of all. 

 

Real Gentlehawk: What advice would you give to college students who want to become entrepreneurs?

Olakunle: No idea is stupid. You are better with something you have passion for. All you need is timing or let's say Perfect timing, if you understand what I'm trying to say...... Hit the rod when it is hot!!

Real Gentlehawk: Thank you so much for the interview.

Olakunle: It was a pleasure!

So you hear it from the horse’s mouth, keeping it true and real, will the the long run get you to that place. Keep pushing, loving and feeding your passion is all you need to be great. Giving up ain't an option! Try and try again. Failure is just a way of telling you, yep, I just learnt another way of not doing it that way.

Therefore, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes by Albert Einstein.

So peace out,

Your Gal,

Real Gentlehawk!

CELEBRITY GUEST - UFUOMA ( GOSPEL ARTIST)

Hey guys,

Welcome! Today I will be sharing with you my interview with another celeb. This time our celeb is one of Nigeria most talented Gospel Artist of our time.

Some of you may have heard of her or even had a chance to be ministered to by her. 

She is no one other than the Amazing Ufuoma.

Now, for those of you who haven't heard of the talented artist, don't worry we've got you covered.

So without further ado, here is the interview we had with Ufuoma. 

Real Gentlehawk: Please can you introduce yourself, especially to our readers  who doesn't really know you. Also can you tell us a bit about what growing up was like for you? 

Ufuoma: I was born in Lagos -  Nigeria but hail from Ughelli North in Delta state, south-south Nigeria. The fifth of twelve children. My growing up was pretty strict cos my dad was very strict. My father is late Pastor F.A. Onofeghara,  an Elder in RCCG and a Professor  at University of Port –harcourt, he thought us God’s word everyday and my mother is late Mrs B. D. Onofeghara who was a principal at UDSS University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. I am currently studying  B.A. English in Open university Nigeria.

I am a Gospel artist and a song writer. My debut four track E.P“Your Love” was recorded and mixed in Nigeria in 2015. Its been described as a blessing, with the hit track “ Your love”, a soft rock tune,  is ministering to people around the world. My latest work which is a new single “Yeshua”, will hit the airwaves on the 16th of July 2016 and am super excited about this single.

Real Gentlehawk:  Can you tell us how you came about doing what you do? How long have you been doing this? 

Ufuoma: I started singing early in church choirs especially in primary and secondary school. I was also brought up to love music by my music loving parents. In fact my dad wrote lots of songs for a group he formed called “The Redeemed Family Voices” and most time, he took me along for programs to minister.

I was inspired early by Yolanda Adams, I would watch all of her performances and try to sing like her. 

But as time passed i began to yearn for more because  I felt there was more to music and wanted more. So when my relationship with the Holy Spirit became more intimate and I discovered and understood that music is a tool one can use to tell a story and from this story - a person’s spirit can be delivered, lifted and even healed. And that was how a ministry was born, I heard the word expressly from the Holy Spirit to go and use this gift to bless lives, change men and women, He said, go and testify in worship and the rest is history .

I'm called to worship, music that minister to God and bless His people. My aggressive  singing style has ushered many, - in concerts, crusades and churches-, into the presence of God.

Real Gentlehawk: Do you play any instrument? If no, if you had a choice to choose, which?

Ufuoma: I play the keyboard for myself when I want to write music. I also learning to play the guitar.

Real Gentlehawk:  Any favorite musician/artist? 

Ufuoma:  Oh yes! Though I love different genre of music and different artists, so there are a lot of artists I look up to. Artists such as Jill Scot, Sinach, Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Plumb, Adele, Bob Marley, Whitney Houston and Ella Fitzgerald. All these artists have helped me be a better artist. And oh, by the way, I'm a Jazz lover.

Real Gentlehawk: Any embarrassing moment in your career so far?

Ufuoma: Hahaha! Yes o, the embarrassing moment that I will always remember was when I was to take the lead of a song. Asu Ekiye, was the music director, by the way, I actually forced myself into the program. After all the rehearsals, on the day of the concert when I was given the mic and after playing the intro, my voice ceased, I just couldn't bring out any sound. When it finally came out, it cracked and sounded horrible. It was so embarrassing that I wish the floor could just open and swallow me. Horrible! *laughs*

Real Gentlehawk: What is a perfect day like for you?

Ufuoma: A perfect day for me is to wake up at home, to hubby and my beautiful children. Can't trade that.

Real Gentlehawk: How will your friends describe you.

Ufuoma: Well I don't have so many friends cos I'm so poor at staying in touch but I've repented (meaning I'm trying to change). They will say, I love to say my mind and I hate to be taken for granted. Top most they will say I hate pride and love humility...

Real Gentlehawk: Can you talk about people or books you have read that have inspired you to embark on your career path / profession?

Ufuoma: I would say two people, Spiritually - the Holy spirit changed my life, He is my best and closest friend and buddy. Musically - Yolanda Adams affected, I started expressing myself a lot better after watching her. My best book is the bible, yes it truly is. And also Joseph Prince and Joyce Meyers books, I love them. I love all their books I've read so far. They have helped my mind and taught me about grace and God’s love and how to follow God’s plan for my life.

Real Gentlehawk: So what advice will you give to your younger self?

Ufuoma: Pursue your dream early, stop procrastinating. Do it now, don't allow people define you. Follow what you are passionate about.

Real Gentlehawk:  Any last words/advice?

Ufuoma: My last word of advice is to check yourself, where do people appreciate you the most, think about it. When you get to know, stay there cos that's your strength. Develop it, study it, don't look down on it, stir it. Forget negative people, and always have people that believe in you, around you. Don't ever give up.

So there you have it, another wonderful Nigerian doing her thing, influencing and impacting lives by just being true and real! 

Yet another time when I get to hijack a celebrity for you guys, remain real and true to yourself.

Don't be a cheaper version of your original.

I will like to hear from you, so send me your comments, suggestions or even let me know which celeb you want interviewed and what questions you want asked. And we will move mountains to try to get them for you.

Peace out!

Real Gentlehawk