City Flame | 4 May 2008 09:45 CET

SHORT ENTERTAINERS STANDING TALL

They may look almost invisible in a crowd but they stand real tall in their various fields of endeavour. These entertainers have carved a niche for themselves in the ever growing showbiz industry

•Olu Maintain: Born Olumide Edward Adegbulu, he stands tall, no doubt, in his 5ft. 6in. frame. The former member of the Ibadan-based group, Maintain, went solo in 2007. His hard work paid off when he released his first single, Yahooze, which became an instant hit. When he released the full album, Reloaded, which was his first, it was sure the 30-something-year old artiste has found his calling. His new single entitled Tomato, is currently rocking the air waves. Olu is known for his D&G, satin shirts and other fashion pieces. He also wears designs from Needles and Stitches.

•Lord of Ajasa: This 5ft. 2in. artiste came into the music industry with his unique style of rap. He was formerly a member of the group, Coded Tunes, which also had Nice, Ruggedman, Spacoman, Jahbless, 2 Phat and ID Cabasa as members too. His real name is Olusegun Osaniyi and he shot to limelight with his first single Ori gbo, which was included in his first album. Another hit track on the album is O ti ya, which rocked the air waves. He has also done collaboration with Olu Maintain, Ruggedman, Nice and upcoming artiste, Danny Young. He currently has a single from his coming album titled Isa lo ba de.

•D' Lectura: Born in Delta State, Emmanuel Madu Adigwe, is one of the fast rising comedians in Nigeria. Now in his early 30s, he recently successfully organised the second edition of his show tagged Laughter 101. The comedian, who stands tall in his 5ft 6in. frame, got into the comedy business 11 years ago, but started professionally four years back. He came into limelight even before he started comedy professionally, with the Coca-Cola re-branding show in 2001, held in four major universities—University of Calabar, University of Lagos, University of Ilorin and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Emmanuel started off with the name Yoyo, but had to change to D' Lectura, to fit the image he wanted to portray.

•Konga: While he was still assisting his mother in her petty trading in Jankara Market, Lawal Adekunle Olumo, didn't know he would one day become a star. This 4ft 8 inches tall artiste found his way to stardom when he was discovered by Asha (Bimbo Fapohunda), in his reality show, Rock The Mic. He released his first album, Konga H2O, with the single, Baby Konga, an instant hit across the country. The 24-year old artiste recently released a single, Party Dey Here, featuring 2face, from his yet to be released album, Money Making Machine. The video of this single was reportedly shot in London.

•Azadus: Real name, Olalekan Fadeyi, was formerly with the group, Def O'dan. A few years ago, his name was virtually on every lip as his first single, You Is The One, made waves when it was released on Kennis Music label. He had a follow up success with his two other albums which had tracks like Madame, Hands in the air and Make sense. The 5ft. 2in. tall artiste has a single entitled, Jump up out, on his fourth album, Unmasked, being handled by Bangenies Facilities, a corporate firm he is working with. The album is due for release in a couple of weeks.

•Julius Agwu: Popularly known as Okombo Mr. Versatile, the comedian cum musician and dancer is an entertainer in every sense of it. He shot into limelight when he released his first single, a remix of Awilo Longomba's song, in 2000/2001. Before then, the Theatre Arts graduate of University of Port Harcourt, featured in a comedy series, Paradise Park, where he played Ejiro, a tout in a motor garage. The 5ft 3in. tall comedian definitely stands tall in his chosen profession. He was the first comedian ever to package a comedy show, Crack Ya Ribs, which has become one of the most popular in the country. Julius, in a matter of weeks, will be getting married to his heartthrob, Ibiere Belela Mac Clayton.

•Koffi: Idowu Nuel is also one short comedian who is standing tall in the comedy business. The 5ft 4 inches tall artiste studied Chemistry at the University of Lagos, but he became known when he featured in a campus comedy, Twilight Zone. Since then, he has gone from acting to comedy and last year, he added singing to his profile when he released his first album, Our lost ones, a 17 tracker. He recently joined the league of married comedians.

•Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze: This pint size duo need no introduction. They have featured in so many movies. They both got their break in the movie industry acting as Aki and Pawpaw. Since then, they have appeared in various films together and individually. Both men have definitely achieved what a lot of men taller than them haven't.

•Grace Amah: Petite is the word to describe this pretty actress. She has not only featured in award winning movies, but also in musical videos. She was also a one-time face of Royallux. Talk about little women doing mighty things!

—Lois Okereke

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