How I stopped some actresses from doing cosmetic surgery  -Gloria Young

Veteran actress, Gloria Young, is of the opinion that women who undergo cosmetic surgery to achieve a curvy look do so to impress others.

In an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “They are trying to impress others. I don’t understand what they mean by ‘they are doing it for themselves’. If a woman loves herself, she will stick to what God gave to her and make the best out of it. Dress appropriately. I have actually stopped a few of my colleagues from ‘going under the knife’. It is totally wrong. It will become a habit which will be hard to stop. Also, it is money going down the drain which could be used for something else. There are many hungry people out there, yet these women are using that money to give themselves extra butt. That is their business anyway.”

Responding to a question on actresses who ‘work’ on their bodies to boost their careers, Young said, “I have always been a big person and it has never stopped me from working. I am still working on my weight because of my health. I may be getting more elderly women’s roles now but it is because I am not a small girl. In this day and age, people must realise that there are roles for everybody. But, we are in the glamour age where everyone wants to look slim.

“The camera has to like the actress, including the producers and directors. So, it may seem like they prefer slimmer people. However, one also needs to be talented to stay up there (in their career). It is not just about looks but also what one can deliver.”

Speaking on the criticisms that some entertainers have got for campaigning for politicians in the forthcoming elections, the actress said, “I really don’t want to talk about politics. I feel if I veer towards a particular side, I have a social responsibility to my fans. The only thing I can say to people who watch me and love my work is that they should get their permanent voter’s cards, and be sure of who they are voting for.”

Fatherhood doesn’t affect kind of musical career– Harrysong

Singer, Harrison Okiri, aka Harrysong, says that being a father and husband does not affect the kind of music he does.

 In an interview with Saturday Beats, he said, “My home (family) has nothing to do with the (music) business I do. It will also not affect the kind of music videos I make.”

Speaking on the assumption some people have that musicians contribute to the moral decadence in society with the kind of songs they sing, Harrysong said, “It depends on what inspires the musicians. I have a large followership of young people, so I try as much to be mindful of the things I say and do. These things are personal. So, I don’t judge.”

The singer, who recently complained about the mindless killings in the country, noted that the government ought to do more to put a stop to it. He said, “The solution to this problem is in the hands of our leaders. They have brainwashed youths from a particular part of the country that Nigeria belongs to them, and that is not true. They need to understand that there are other people that are here to make Nigeria great again.

“When #EndSARS protests happened, the government knew the people who championed the protests and their bank accounts were frozen. In the same vein they can also fish out the criminals behind the insecurity in the nation if they are committed to it. People in positions of authority should sensitise their followers to understand that we need peace and unity for the country to progress.”

Clarifying his statement that citizens should be allowed to carry guns, the ‘She Knows’ singer said, “I know it (the suggestion) could cause more havoc. I made the statement in anger because I know that these things (attacks on innocent citizens) have been happening consistently. There seems to be no solution. That is why we are advising and encouraging youths to get their permanent voter’s card to elect the leaders they desire to rule this country.”

Sharing his opinion about entertainers campaigning for politicians, the Altar Plate boss said, “It is their personal decisions. They should continue doing it if they feel it is good for them. If I feel any person is inspiring enough and will do well for the country, I will campaign for that person. One should not blame entertainers (who support politicians) because the system is messed up and the entertainers need money to survive.”