Entertainment

Erica Celebrates Hollywood-Style Birthday – The Making of a SuperModel

Published

5 years ago

March 12, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Hurray! Nigeria’s own Miss Classic is 27, and she is not keeping quiet about it. Consequently, a Hollywood style celebration has been planned to make the birthday of the single most influential individual, who featured in the ever popular Big Brother Naija, a memorable one.

She had a month earlier announced via a tweet that her birthday was going to be a grand one, creating euphoria among her fans, who are fondly called Elites.

Erica said this in a tweet after EyeCan, a singer and a great fan of hers who composed the song ‘AYFLE’ tweeted that he would be emotional performing the song for the first time at any event.

AYFLE is an acronym for ‘Are You Fine Like Erica’. The song was composed and dedicated to the reality TV star due to deep love for her.

In the history of the Big Brother Naija, followers of the reality TV show have come to agree that no single individual has received the attention the character, Erica had received and continues to receive. Even from those who claim not to like her style.

Right from the first day she entered the House, the 27 years old thriving enigma left no one in doubt that she had something up her sleeves. She was determined to make an impact, and by so doing further launch herself into the entertainment and social circle in the best of styles. There is no doubt she did just that.

Many of those that passed through schools with and sat at very close range with this wonder of the world, never realised that they were actually at a touching distance of one of the greats nature has bestowed on mankind.

A product of decency, grace, determination, hard work, absolute focus, charming personality, can do attitude, and with a skin glowing like the sun, Erica Ngozi Ugonma Nlewedim was born on March 13, 1994 to Oby Nwokolo and Eric Nlewedim Christian in Lagos. She is a native of Umuahia in Abia State. Erica is an only child who was raised in Lagos by her mother.

It is quite an understatement to say that Erica, popularly known as Star Girl is an actress, model and entrepreneur, she is all that, and more. She is a uniting factor, a joy merchant and a girl radiates happiness and warmth

Erica had her secondary school education at Victory Grammar School, Lagos and later moved to Command Secondary School, Ikeja, where she was groomed to follow her dreams, no matter how lofty and ambitious. Well bred and thoroughly read, Erica attended the prestigious Covenant University and obtained a degree in Business Administration.

It is on record that she discovered her modeling talent at a tender age, and went ahead to become brand ambassador to gigantic brands among which is Guinness and Glo.

In 2013 at the age of 19, she hit the ground running becoming the brand Ambassador for Natures Gentle Touch; a personal style brand that uses natural ingredients to solve hair and scalp challenges.

She followed it up in 2014 by participating in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MGBN) pageant where she won the MBGN Miss Photogenic award, in addition to stealing the hearts of the audience. Of course, it is believable that her smiles are infectious, spreading love and warmth to whomever is privileged to encounter her.

She gained ground afterwards, connecting to high profile brands and featuring in a Peak Milk TV advert alongside Nigerian pop Artiste, Falz.

In 2015, Erica kicked off her acting career, and gradually edged her way to becoming a screen goddess. In the first instance, she landed the lead role in Secrets and Scandals on her debut. She went ahead to also feature in the TV Series, Royal Castle for three consecutive seasons.

The year 2015 was more like a roller coaster for her as she crowned with a place in the movie, Poka Messiah, directed by Ernest Obi.

Her line up of performances in 2016 was legendary. She bestowed on the soap opera world like a colossus, featuring in thriller after thriller. Some of them were Once Upon a Night, where she played a supporting character, My Flatmates, The Paternity Deal, Being Farouk, Dead Rites, Fractured, Win or Lose, Made in heaven and a host of others. She also played a supporting role in the blockbuster movie, Hire a Woman.

In 2019, she took her acting career a notch higher, and got enrolled into the Met Film School, London, to study Acting for Film. The knowledge attained at the Film School is already being showcased, gathering accolades wherever she found herself, with her attendance at the Season Five of BBN (Lockdown) as the icing on the cake.

A supermodel of repute seeking the Naomi Campbell form of glory, Erica has worked with brands such as Glo, Jumia, and MyZotoApp. And not forgetting that she was the brand face for Zaron Cosmetics, Access Bank and Maltina.

Recently, the star girl, whose influence cut across the African continental, where her arrivals had raise dusts of love, had adding more wholesome endorsements, including the ever popular Legend and Star Radler liquor by the Nigerian Breweries products.

Erica had not in the least looked back, but keeps breaking barriers of rejection, stereotype mediocrity to success. She has continued to bag lucrative ambassadorial deals at regular intervals.

In February 2021, she bagged a new endorsement deal with a fast-growing fintech company, Kuda Microfinance Bank. There is no doubt that Erica has been the hottest celebrity whose impact is helping institutions to promote their brands.

Her influence has been helping companies cash in on the lucrative market. It must sell so long Erica or Stargirl endorses. Few days after her romance with Kuda Microfinance, the ebullient actress was unveiled as the new face of an international luxury jewellery brand, Swarovski.

Who would ever believe that this rare gift was disqualified from the 2020 Big Brother Naija reality show. She is the Queen and President of the Elites and has continued to secure endorsement deals in geometric progression.

One of her greatest promoters, Chief Dele Momodu, once announced that Erica was a girl to watch. This was way before she left the BBN House. Of course, the Momodu is a vessel to be taken seriously, and true to his prediction, Erica is today about the only BBN name in the mouth of fans, arguably though.

Erica is not just about endorsing deals, she is also carving a niche for herself. At the age of 24 in 2018, she founded Erica Nlewedim Foundation in 2018; a non-governmental organisation to cater for underprivileged children. Her foundation undertakes periodical visits to orphanages homes and make donations.

Also, In December 2019, Erica Nlewedim Foundation launched its Hunger Heroes Campaign which successfully fed 1000 less privileged individuals on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria.

She is the indisputable Chief Executive Officer of her Luxury hair brand, Beluxia Hair. Erica’s case is a case of who God has blessed, no one can curse.

Happy birthday Stargirl!

Entertainment

Tribute to Jimmy Cliff: Last Lion of Reggae Crossed the Rivers

Published

6 days ago

December 14, 2025

Eric

By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

The wind blows soft across the hills of Jamaica, and the world feels it — a tremor of sorrow, a sigh of history, as Jimmy Cliff, the last Lion of the Reggae Mountains, crossed the great river at eighty-one.
He was the troubadour who sang survival into existence. The freedom-fighter who turned melody into movement. The dreamer who taught the world that:
“You can get it if you really want, but you must try, try and try.”
And try he did — from Somerton to Kingston, from Kingston to the world.

THE JOURNEY — FROM SOMERTON TO THE SUMMIT

Born James Chambers, a young boy humming tunes to the morning breeze, Jimmy Cliff stepped into Kingston with nothing but ambition and spirit. He recorded “Hurricane Hattie” at sixteen, and the island took notice.
He rose like sunrise — slow, steady, unstoppable. Reggae, ska, rocksteady — he touched them all, carving a golden road across Jamaica’s musical skyline.

Then came the explosion that stamped his immortality.

“THE HARDER THEY COME” — A REVOLUTION ON SCREEN

With the 1972 classic The Harder They Come, Jimmy Cliff did more than act; he preached struggle and hope for the entire world.
His voice cried out: “The harder they come, the harder they fall.” Oppressed people everywhere heard their story.
In “Many Rivers to Cross,” he poured a lifetime of pain, faith, and yearning:
“Many rivers to cross, but I can’t seem to find my way over.”
Yet he always crossed — and showed humanity how.

THE MAN WHO SANG FOR HUMANITY

Jimmy Cliff lived with the soul of a pilgrim, a man who believed that peace could ride on melody. He travelled far, performed wide, raised children with pride, held philosophies that blended faith and freedom.

He sang of unity in “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” reminding humanity:
“There is a place where love is flowing freely.”
His life proved that music could make nations kinder and people braver.

AWARDS, HONOURS, AND ETERNAL RESPECT

Jimmy Cliff earned the world’s applause:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Grammy Awards

Jamaica’s Order of Merit

Worldwide tours and universal reverence
A catalogue woven into the soundtrack of global culture
But his deepest legacy lies in the millions who found hope in his voice, who stood tall because he sang:
“I can see clearly now, the rain is gone.”

THE LAST LION OF THE REGGAE GENERATION

With Marley gone, with Toots, Peter, Bunny, and Gregory gone, Jimmy Cliff stood as the final elder — the last lion roaring from reggae’s original pride.
He carried the flame when others dimmed. He carried the memory. He carried the movement. He carried the message.
And now he has crossed the last river — the one his own lyrics foresaw.

TRIBUTES FOR A TITAN

“Jimmy Cliff was a bridge between struggle and joy — a global treasure.” — Jamaican Prime Minister
“He sang the world into courage.” — Global Entertainment Guild
“Reggae has lost its last first-born. The music will never forget.” — International Music Legends Alliance

Though gone in body, the stage curtain remains open for the last lion who crossed all the many rivers after finally finding his way.

Jimmy Cliff is gone. But Jimmy Cliff can never die.His voice lives in street corners where youth gather, in radios crackling across African markets, in festivals, in freedom rallies, in every soul that ever felt hope rise from a song.

His own words now carry him across eternity:
“There’s a river that must be crossed, and I must cross it.”

He has crossed. The Lion rests. But his roar echoes forever.

One love. One legend. One Jimmy Cliff.

Entertainment

Globacom-Sponsored African Voices Changemakers Features BBN Host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

Published

3 weeks ago

November 30, 2025

Eric

Nigerian media personality and Big Brother Naija host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, is the guest on CNN International’s acclaimed magazine show, African Voices, this week. The 30-minute show, sponsored by telecommunications leader, Globacom, gives viewers an in-depth look at Ebuka’s journey and impact.

Born on July 14, 1982, Ebuka first entered the spotlight as a contestant on the inaugural edition of Big Brother Naija in 2006. Since then, he has become the show’s longest-serving host, captivating audiences with his charisma and style.

A Law graduate of the University of Abuja, Ebuka also holds a Master’s degree in Law from the Washington College of Law at American University, Washington, where he specialized in Intellectual Property. Beyond reality TV, he has anchored notable programs including Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television and the Glo Show.

The episode highlights Ebuka’s impressive fashion collaborations with designer Mai Atafo, the cultural stories behind his signature style, and his passionate advocacy for young boys across Nigeria.

The show which runs on Saturday on DSTV Channel 401 at 8:30 a.m. and 12.00 noon is repeated on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The repeats continue on Monday at 4 on the morning belt and at 6.45 p.m. the same day and at 6.45 p.m. on Tuesday. The edition will be repeated next weekend at the same time slots.

Entertainment

My Character in “Sinnners” Reflects Deep Ancestral Reverence, Connection – Starlet Wunmi Mosaku

Published

3 weeks ago

November 29, 2025

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

She received a British Academy of Film and Television Arts award (BAFTA) for playing a grieving matriarch in the heartbreaking drama “Damilola, Our Loved Boy.” She captivated audiences as Ruby Baptiste in the horror-drama series “Lovecraft Country” and was the sidekick to Idris Elba’s character in the fifth series of the BBC crime drama “Luther.”

Wunmi Mosaku’s latest role as a spiritual healer and Hoodoo conjurer is earning her rave reviews.

In “Sinners,” the supernatural horror film directed by Ryan Coogler, Mosaku, who is known for her roles in “Loki” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” and the film “His House” is much more than just the estranged wife of Elijah “Smoke” Moore (Michael B. Jordan).

“Annie is Smoke’s protection, his comforter. She’s his mother, his teacher, his friend and his lover,” says the Nigerian-born British actress whose performance has been widely praised for its emotional arc and authenticity. In playing Annie, she steeped herself in research ensuring she not only perfected the Southern American accent required but arduously rehearsed with Jordan as their on-screen relationship is central to the film’s core.

“We had a couple of weeks of rehearsal and shared our story, our lives, our hopes, our dreams, our fears, the things most precious to us. And so, we built a level of trust and openness and safety to really explore that love, that grief, the differences. I think that’s kind of the fastest way to get to trusting your scene partner and being free is just to open up, and that’s what we did.”

An original tale that takes place in a single day, “Sinners” follows identical twin brothers, Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), who return to their Mississippi hometown to open a juke joint. While they plan to start a new life, they soon find themselves battling a group of vampires who attack their establishment, forcing the survivors to learn how to fight and defeat them.

Her character’s expertise in Hoodoo proves crucial in helping her companions tackle the vampires. She provides spiritual and intellectual guidance for the group. It’s a role which also allowed Mosaku, who was born in Zaria, to explore her own heritage as a Hoodoo expert Dr. Yvonne Patricia Chireau, an authority on Africa based religions and spiritual traditions served as a consultant on the film.

“There is this reverence for our people, who we are and where we’re from, and I was excited by the depth and the quality of the writing when I read the script, and I learned so much from Annie. The onset conversations Michael and I had, and those I had with the community, truly inspired me. I hope the film reminds people to stay connected with their ancestors.”

With music, humor, drama, suspense and history, director Ryan Coogler (“Creed,” “Black Panther,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”), who also wrote the screenplay, has created a modern cinematic masterpiece.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is a U.S. based journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film