Veteran journalist Femi Akintunde-Johnson has revealed how he coined the popular “RMD” moniker for actor Richard Mofe-Damijo.
In an exclusive interview with QEDNG publisher Olumide Iyanda, Akintunde-Johnson also recounted his first encounter with Shina Peters and the origin of Onyeka Onwenu’s title, “Elegant Stallion.”
Reflecting on one of his memorable stories while working at Punch newspaper, he shared how a friend and journalist Jude Arijaje, invited him to an event where Shina Peters was performing.
“I and Jude were close, and he was always talking about this big gig spot. One day, I said, ‘Okay, let’s go.’ This was either late ’88 or early ’89. We got there, and Shina Peters was on stage. The music was electric. During a break, I tried to interview him, but the bouncers threw me out,” he recalled.
Undeterred, he returned to his office and wrote a glowing piece about Peters’ performance, predicting his rise.
However, he also used his gossip column, Basketmouth, to criticise the bouncers, the singer and “everyone that threw him out”.
“On Monday, the first person in my office was Shina Peters. He was shocked that someone could praise his music despite being thrown out by his people,” he said.
On the origin of the name “Elegant Stallion” for Onyeka Onwenu, Akintunde-Johnson credited journalist Azuka Jebose, who initially wanted to call her “Elegant Mare” after witnessing her performance in Zimbabwe.
“I suggested making it an oxymoron—combining ‘Stallion,’ which is masculine, with ‘Elegant,’ which is feminine. Azuka loved it and the name stuck,” he explained.
As for “RMD,” Akintunde-Johnson said the name was born out of journalistic creativity and a bit of mischief.
He wanted to write about the actor’s marriage to his now late wife May Ellen-Ezekiel, popularly known as MEE.
“I was close to his family. His wife was known as MEE. When they were dating, we all hoped the relationship would lead to marriage. About a week before their wedding, I got the gist and was excited to break it in my Saturday Highlight column.
“I wanted a catchy three-letter headline, and his name—Richard Mofe-Damijo—was quite long. So, I shortened it to RMD. My headline was ‘MEE weds RMD.’ That was how it stuck,” he revealed.
Femi Akintunde-Johnson, known as FAJ, is a respected journalist, author and media executive.
He started his career in the late 1980s, editing entertainment sections for Punch and Climax magazine. He later co-founded and edited several notable publications, including Fame, National Encomium and Treasure People & Life.
A graduate of the University of Jos, he has also lectured at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and founded the Basic Skills Academy.
FAJ is credited with launching major Nigerian entertainment awards such as the Fame Music Awards (FMA), The Movie Awards (THEMA), The REEL Awards and Awards for Musical Excellence in Nigeria (AMEN).
