Turkey-based Nigerian entertainer Wemimo Iyiola Samson, popularly known as LinoMrLion, has shed more light on the reasons celebrity marriages crash.
In a recent interview with The Sun, LinoMrLion who is happily married and enjoying his union spoke to us on baby mama trend, his plans for fans his ‘Ember’ months, racism abroad and lots more.
Excerpts;
How would you rate this outgoing year, 2021?
I won’t say 2021 is outgoing yet, because many feats can still be achieved between now and the next four months. Nevertheless, 2021 has been filled with ups and downs, lows and highs, so I will rate it high to the glory of God.
What would you say is your major achievement this year?
If I start counting, my achievements will occupy a whole of a notebook. Major among them was my successful collaborations both at home and abroad. I traveled down to Nigeria earlier in the month to feature some comic actors in my skits, and to the glory of God, they never disappointed. That for me is a major booster as far as my career.
How did you pull through with the coronavirus pandemic?
Not easy though. There was a time we were totally locked downed here in Turkey, sometimes its partial lockdown. With God on my side, I and my crew were able to work indoors for the entertainment of my fans. One way or the other, doors kept opening for me. That is worth celebrating by the end of this year.
What were your major loses?
I won’t be able to point at one. The reason being that the gains overshadowed the losses. So, I will say, losses came, but gains were more and that made the losses insignificant, not major.
How did your journey into entertainment begin?
It dated to as early as 2000 when I was purely into music. Then, I bear the name “Wemskills”. As boys, we moved from studio to studio, clubs to clubs to perform for them either free or receiving little in return. My friend, “X-one” was instrumental to this. Before you know it, I found myself in Turkey, X-one is in the U.S., and few others scattered all over the world. So far, it has been good so far. I have ventured and I still venture into many sphere of entertainment with ease.
What would you say is your major breakthrough in showbiz?
If I ask you to mention one or two music I have made, you may not be able to mention any. But in comedy, you sure have an idea of my output. So, my major breakthrough in the showbiz is my limelight into comedy. My comedy skits still stand out in showbiz. 98% of them are shot in foreign land, but we still manage to localize our content. Although, I aspire to reach the level of the top acts in the industry, but the one I am doing now is well-received and judged by my fans.
Running showbiz business in diaspora could be quite challenging, how do you cope?
That’s very correct. But don’t forget that when there is a ‘will’, there will be a ‘way’. The ‘will’ to entertain my fans both at home and abroad sometimes make me look beyond any challenge by finding a way out of it. Also, I ensure that we work within the regulatory framework of the country where the skits are being shot.
If you have a chance what would you like to change in the Nigerian entertainment industry?
The industry is in a remarkable state for now. All the sectors are doing just fine as the case may be. Talking about what I would like to change… The level of collaboration across board needs intensification. A memorandum of understanding should be signed among stakeholders in the industry with one thing in mind, accessible and affordable synergization of efforts.
You have an upcoming show in Turkey, can you tell us more about it?
This is one of our many shows here in Turkey. This time around, I am working in collaboration with ICE CUBE ENTERTAINMENT with the venue in Istanbul. The show is code-named, “Wet and wild pool festival”. It promises to be exciting and worth everyone’s time and resources. The fee for tables are affordable. I hope to see you all there.
Why the choice of Nkechi Blessing for Guest Appearance? What’s special about her?
Nkechi Blessing has been part of the family for some time now. I am very sure you must have seen her in some of our skits. May be you have not also noticed the comedy aspect of her even in home videos. Nkechi is definitely the right person at this right right time for such a big occasion as put together by us.
Have you ever encountered any racism situation? How did you deal with it?
One or twice. I just laugh it off. One thing is to be mocked, another thing is to let it get to you. During my secondary school days, I do call a guy ‘blacky’, another ‘monkey’, another ‘Badagry coconut head’. Did that make them fight? Not at all, we all laugh about it. So, if you abuse me racially, I will just laugh at you, by that you inevitably become my friend. I am a black boy with a white wife. By and large, SAY NO TO RACISM.
Does the fact that celebrity relationships/marriages crash on regular basis scare you?
Not at all. Celebrities are humans, so their marital lives are no exemptions. What I notice is that most of them jump into marriage and rush out of it without little or no counselling. We have seen some work and there is no reason why celebrity marriages should not work. Both parties must be ready to toe the line of counselling and sacrifice that characterize regular marriages.
Are you afraid of marriage?
I am already into one and I am really enjoying it. There is nothing to be afraid of in marriage.
Do you have a baby mama at the moment? If not, why not?
Not at all. I am a loyal husband.
Do you have a celebrity crush? Who?
Yes, I do. Genevieve oh (Laughs). I love her swag and acting skills.
What are you plans for your fans as we hit the ‘Mber’ months?
The “Mbers” will be moments to remember for my fans. We have many skits awaiting the making and uploads for them, as well as live shows for them. And my series “COL ” Season 2 will be out soon by God willing, we are looking at expanding our shows beyond the shores of Turkey. My fans shall be fully hinted on every of our moves.