Nollywood Photo Blog

Pictorial Glance at Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah of Nollywood

2009-09-11T18:16:00.002+02:00

Pictorial Glance at Mike Ezeruonye of Nollywood

2009-09-08T13:08:00.001+02:00

Pictorial Glance at Tonto Dike of Nollywood

2009-08-31T19:15:00.002+02:00

Pictorial Glance at Muma Gee of Nollywood

2009-08-03T17:51:00.003+02:00

Delectable vocalist, song writer, producer and actress, Chief Gift Owame popularly known as Muma Gee, is one of the famous female musicians in the Nigerian entertainment industry. She released her debut 'Kade' in 2006 but before then, Muma Gee has been nurturing her dream of becoming an international artiste.

This controversial fashionista who dresses to express her feelings, recently delved into the clothing line known as MGee Confidence because of her flair for fashion. Her line of clothing is not the usual. Hers is strictly under wears for men. In this interview, Muma Gee talks about her eclectic dress sense, her N.G.O. and what she would have been if she were not a singer.

Most of us know you as Muma Gee. What is your real name and where are you from?

My name is Chief Gift Owame. I’m a native of Odiabidi, an Epkeye tribe in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State. I am from a family of six and I’m the fourth child. My father wanted me to be a medical doctor but I chose music because of my passion for music. Music is what I know would make me happy in life and I have always known that I have talent in music that God created me with so, delving into it is to live my dream. Also, I realize that the society has given me a lot hence, I decided through my NGO (Muma Gee Kare Foundation) to do some humanitarian service, with the little I have, to give back to the society.

How long have you been in music?

I have been in music for more than ten years now but I have not really practiced it professionally. My first album was released in 2006. That is not because I didn’t want to release but because my kind of music is a different genre of music; a new one and I’m pioneering it. We have been doing a lot of research since 1998; doing recording, shooting of videos and sending to people to critic and back to the studio to work on it or to do another track. I have been doing a lot of this for so many years. In between these years, I took four years out to study Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt; a course which involves music, drama and literature - not so much of music but, it goes with music. I chose music as a profession since 2004; not like other professions that you wake up in the morning, go to work and back and front. Music is your life - you eat it, bathe it, sleep in it and all that. It’s so indulging.

Who influenced your choice?

My mum. My mum influenced me tremendously. She sings a lot and she sings in the church choir till date. Music is something that runs in my family but I’m the only one doing it professionally. Though, initially they disapproved of it now, I have their full support of my family.

Which of your songs brought you to the limelight?

I have done a couple of songs so, I wouldn’t really know which of them now but, there was this particular video I did that was directed by Sam Dede. That was a niche for me and it really gave me that exposure. Also, 'Kade' was really nice. I have a new one now titled ‘Amebo’. Though, the video is not out yet; we are still working on it. There’s another one that is meant to be out later this year. Presently, I’m working on an event that I tagged “An evening with Muma Gee”. (It's a) Kind of peace conference, where the youth will have the opportunity to talk to me on some of the issues like what we are having in the Niger Delta now. Coming from the Niger Delta myself, it's a thing of much concern to me. I want to use my music during the meeting as a vehicle to drive my message across.

What are the challenges you face as a female artiste, in the music industry?

Well, I would say we are not given equal opportunity; the societal influence as well considering our culture. You know, culture relegates women to the background so, we grew up with that and still have that notion. But, civilization is taking over gradually though, the instinct is already in us; it’s inborn so, it’s difficult to change.

Even most of us, women, still relegate ourselves to do certain duties because we believe women are not meant to do a lot of things - all in the name of being women. So, that alone is a kind of pulling force, dragging us behind in the society; especially in the entertainment world. Most people see women in showbiz as wayward; useless in the society. And, that is why most of us took it as a challenge to go to school. That notion (initially) slowed me down but thank God, I had a starting point. I might look small but I’m rated as A-list in the entertainment industry and I’m working had to stay there.

How do you handle male fans?

My male fans are there. I love them and they have no negative influence. Though sometimes, you get funny calls, funny text messages and I just delete them. No problem. I just move on because it’s a field that I have chosen.

If you had not been a singer, what would you have been?

If I weren’t a musician, probably I would have been a full time housewife (laughs heartily). Maybe, I would have been a doctor because, initially, I wanted to be a doctor but that wouldn’t have worked out because I can’t stand the sight of a hospital. Probably, I would have delved into fashion which, of course, I’m into now because I love colours and the inspiration keeps coming and getting higher and higher as the day goes by.

So, categorically I would have been anything God wants me to be. We all, here on earth, are for a purpose and that purpose can only be achieved if we add our own effort to ensure that that purpose works. As for me, I still don’t know God’s purpose for me; I’m still working on it.

How was growing up like?

Growing up was strict, very strict. I will stop there because there are some children that are still experiencing such things in the society right now. In my family, there was nothing like party and all that; no going out and no keeping of friends. It really affected me because up till this moment, I still can’t keep friends. I try to keep regular kind of relationships because I know there are a lot of people that want to be close to me and I would have loved to be close to as well but, I can’t because of my kind of upbringing.

My upbringing did not give room for that. After school, it's home work on home work so, there was really no time for me to keep friends that I would have loved to keep. I remember when I was growing up, I was in charge of all the domestic work because my older sister was so much older than me that I even called her 'aunty'. She was so busy with other things so, basically I was the only girl in the midst of the boys, handling the domestic affairs of the home.

Ironically, that has really helped me in managing my home. I run my home as if I were a married woman. If you look around, you will see how well organized my office is and that is true of the biblical saying: “honour your father and mother so that your days will be long”; not being long on earth and be foolish but to be wise. So, growing up for me was tough but to my own advantage. For instance, my mother was a very industrious woman and that has influenced me too in delving into fashion as business because of the entrepreneurship skills I had acquired over the years

Talking about fashion brings me to the next question. You wore a very controversial outfit to the Nigerian Music Award (NMA)? What was the concept behind that dress?

Oh my God, that dress! The truth about that dress is that, first and foremost, I was crowned the African Queen of the NMA. As a queen, I needed to appear in a royal regalia to befit my personality and that was the expression in that dress. There were loads of material put together into that dress and it was really heavy so, for me to pull my self and move with the dress freely, I had to slit it from the mid-section to bottom on one side; showing my leg. People thought that I was just trying to expose myself sexually but, that wasn’t the case. I slit my dress sometimes, (depending) on how heavy the dress is and sometimes the character that I want to portray. Basically, I would say the NMA dress was very dramatic, so heavy, energy-consuming and very expensive too.

As a fashion-conscious person and now a fashion designer, how would you define the word: fashion?

Fashion is brings happiness; a means of building self confidence; a means of livelihood for a lot of people. Fashion means a lot and the list is endless. Fashion means a lot of things to me because even to the under wears that I put on my body is made to suit my body so, fashion is me and I’m fashion. I am a musician but a very fashionable one, highly fashionable one because fashion is the interpretation of who you are on the inside. Fashion is basically who you are on the outside and on the inside. I love colours a lot, I play around with colours all the time. Playing around with colours is my joy and my passion. Fashion to me goes beyond just being fashionable. You must have a passion for it.

How would you describe your kind of style?

My style is abstract word. Give it any interpretation you wish to (and) you are welcome. Depending on the perspective you are seeing it from, what interpretation you give to it, it’s acceptable by me because, sometimes I can’t really define what I wear fashion-wise. Sometime ago, some people had a critic on me and they said “fashion police said that you combine colours and all that”.

Africans are beautiful and their colours clash. So, if you say you are fashionable but can not update yourself with the colour clash at the moment, then you need to rethink. I could choose to wear a black skirt with a red top and the accessory to match, it's my own expression. You could give it any interpretation you want, it’s okay by me. As long as it gives me joy and comfort no problem; that is me. I don’t use my fashion inclination to criticize or assess people negatively but, if you assess me negatively, that is your business.

What are your fashion accessories?

I love my shoes though, shoes are borrowed culture from the white man and that is what I have accepted but for the clothing, sorry I have my African fabrics. I love beads and that is basically what I wear most of the time. Some beads you see me wear are plastic while some are made from elephant tusk. Some are from wood and bone which are the ivory beads, if well polished. I travel round the word to get my beads. Sometimes I go to Egypt to get my beads or when I go to Italy or Paris to buy shoes. I could buy between 50-100 pairs of shoes because I love shoes a lot.

Which of those items would you say is your most priced?

My coral beads. I don’t joke with coral beads and I have one worth some money. So, my most priced fashion item, I would say is my coral beads.

What would you say constituted a high moment in your life?

Music-wise was when I performed live with Mariam Makeba at Korean Royal Festival Hall in London a long time ago but it’s still the most cherished moment of my life. I was really happy because, Mariam Makeba happens to be one of me role models. Playing on the same stage with her was the greatest moment of my life.

Have you had any dull moment?

My dull moments come when I’m doing a show and the equipment are not working. You have a maximum capacity audience watching and you are on stage performing, suddenly the equipment just stop working. Oh my God, that is the worst moment for an artiste.

What is your beauty routine?

I have a gym here as you can see so, I wake up in the morning and go to the gym. I use the gym basically to stay healthy and okay. I don’t have a particular beauty routine for my skin. What you see today is natural. The only cream I use on my skin is idachin (palm kernel oil)

When and why did you decide to delve into making of under wears for men?

MGee Confidence started in December 2007. We are just seven months in the business and you can’t believe how far we have gone. We make under wear for men as well as shorts and boxers.

Why men only?

We decided to narrow it down to men because, we don’t really have many companies manufacturing under wears for men so I decided to do just that and we have not been disappointed at all. The acceptance has been great and the patronage is wonderful. I also see opportunity to provide jobs. So MGee Confidence clothing line is not only to provide under wears for men but to provide jobs for youths too.

Q: But when are you going to think about getting married?

A: I think about marriage all the time.

But marriage starts with getting into a relationship.

Not in all cases because I have had men coming to ask for my hand in marriage. They send their rings, they come and I say to them: no premarital sex. And they say they don’t mind. And I put forward my finger, they fix the ring and I say to them listen, I am an artiste I only wear costume rings; I can’t wear this ring on my finger. They agree, they understand. And at the end of the day, I say let’s see what goes on. And he goes no, no, no until I find one fault. And I conclude that this person is not qualified to be my husband. And I’d say: I don’t think I am the right candidate for you. And then I go into another one, you know; just like that. I have a lot of rings and sometimes I don’t return them. Very soon I am going to open a ring shop.

Q: So, how do you cope with these pressures from men?

A: They don’t see me all the time unless on appointment. We can censor some of those troubles. But sometimes, I don’t know how they get my numbers. And they call and al that. The best thing to do is to change the line. So I change my phone. I try to be serious at all times. And God knows I am not preaching about it; I am a serious-minded person. When you see a serious-minded person you may not be able to just come and mess around. Unless you have something very important to discuss with me.

Q: Why are you so much in love with the white colour?

A: White signifies purity. It is pure. Sometimes, your colleagues say they are fashion police. And there was a time I read in the papers that I was arrested by fashion police. When we had a preview of Amebo, we had about 20 journalists in the house. One of them asked because the fashion police had been disturbing me lately because of my colour riot and all that. And I said to them Africa is beautiful, Africa is colourful. I wear the reflection of my mind. Why I am wearing green now is because I feel green is fertility, reproduction, productivity and all that.

But people do not recognize that fact of life.

I like to wear what makes me feel good. I don’t wear those things to impress people; I wear them to give me the confidence that I require to be me at a particular occasion. So when I combine colours, they actually depict my mood,

I mean being sensitive to criticism, pain and displeasure.

I am sensitive in the sense that I love life. And I love to enjoy myself. Don’t get me wrong. By enjoying I don’t mean drinking alcohol and smoking. I go clubbing.

And when I am in a club I sit down and watch people. I eat food. And when my food is well garnished and well designed, that is my enjoyment. So I like to be happy all the time. And if you are going to make me sad, I will avoid you. When I am on stage I am a crazy person-wild and tough. I become superhuman when I am on stage.

St. Genevieve Nnaji of Nollywood at a Photo Glance

2009-07-06T16:57:00.008+02:00

Genevieve Genevieve Nnaji was born on May 3, 1979 in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria, but grew up in Lagos the commercial capital of Nigeria. She was brought up in a relatively middle class environment, the fourth of eight children. Her father worked as an engineer and her mother a teacher. She attended the Methodist Girls College Yaba, before heading onto the University of Lagos where she was admitted to a degree in Creative Arts. While at university Genevieve began auditioning for acting jobs amongst the myriad of Nollywood projects one finds going on simultaneously in Lagos. As fortune would have it in 1998, she landed a role as an extra in Ralph Nwadike’s “Most Wanted”. This role signalled the beginning of her rise to stardom.

Such was her success that she was forced to put on hold her studies to concentrate on her budding film career.Now with over 60 films to her credit Genevieve is not just one of the hardest working actresses in Nollywood but also arguably the most successful, winning several accolades including the 2005 African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actress. Not content with dominating the silver screen, Genevieve has also made her mark as a model and in 2004 was named the face for Lux soap in a highly lucrative sponsorship deal. That year also saw her release her debut album titled "No More". Her latest project is "30 Days" directed by a relatively new but ambitious Nollywood director Mildred Okwo in which she plays the lead role of Chinora Onu who becomes inadvertently entangled in a political mystery, a role Genevieve has described as the most demanding of her career. What does the future hold for Genevieve, well the Nigerian Film Industry continues to grow from strength to strength and Genevieve is definitely pivotal to this, and although she has hinted about returning to complete her studies I think we will see her light up the screens for a few more years.

Already Featured Nollywood Stars

2009-06-15T11:13:00.004+02:00

It is getting close to 2 years now when this blog was gave birth to, and to God be the Glory, it has been a rewarding experience.

But because the blog URL was recently changed, it is only imperative that I make this post. This is to make it easier for search engine to easily capture some of the already featured stars.

Feel free to click on any of the Stars to view their stories.

Kanayo O Kanayo - KOK

Iniebong Edobong (Ini Edo)

Photo Glance at Rita Dominic of Nollywood

2009-05-22T17:10:00.004+02:00

Rita Uchenna Nkem Dominic Nwaturucha popularly called Rita Dominic by her adoring fans, is an irresistible beauty to behold any day. Born in 1975, in Mbaise, Imo State, Rita is one of the most celebrated Nollywood actors .

As a talented child, she was a consummate lover of music, who entered and won severally in dance competitions and expressed herself vocally through the art of traditional music.

Rita developed a strong passion for the arts and in realization of her lifetime ambition, as she grew up, the fast rising actress opted to study Theatre Arts at the University of Port-Harcourt. It was a decision that later launched her into the mainstream acting in Nigeria.

And of course, having finally begun her promising career in television programmes such as Children’s Variety and Junior Opinion, Rita is today rated as the most sought after actress in Nollywood. Her anglic face and sexy poses often command ethereal influence among notable movie directors within and outside the shores of Nigeria.

While she debuted in her first movie, A time to Kill in 1998, Rita Dominic is a rare name to behold whenever a mention of Nollywood is made anywhere around the world.

Below is an excerpt of interview she recently granted in Malawi where she is the guest of Multichoice, Malawi

Q. Why do you think Nollywood films have had such an impact in Africa?

Rita: Most Nollywood films are dramas which laymen can relate to and learn from.

Q. Earlier today [yesterday] you visited the Kamuzu Banda Mausoleum, why did you go there?

Rita: Kamuzu Banda was a great leader and I had heard so much about him. I wanted to learn from Kamuzu and hope that the future generation can learn from him as a leader as well.

Q. Give us your brief background

Rita: I started entertaining at the age of six as a singer and dancer. I graduated from the University of Port Harcourt with a BA (Honours) Degree in Theatre Arts in 1999. My parents are late and I am the last born of four children.

Q. Of the movies you have starred in, which is your favourite?

Rita: I have starred in over 60 films and to this question I always respond that every movie I star in, I always hold it dear to my heart. All my movies are very special to me.

Q. Are you amazed at the pace which the Nigerian movie industry is growing?

Rita: Yes I am surprised. But with hard work and determination it is no wonder that we are growing

Q. How do you spend you normal day?

Rita: I watch a lot of movies and I also love books. I also work out a lot - I follow the Tae Bo exercise regime which is a mixture of taekwondo and boxing. Some of you might have noticed that I have lost weight.

Q. How do you define yourself as an actress considering the many movies you have starred in, and where do you see yourself in the immediate future?

Rita: I describe myself as a versatile actress. I act in almost every part as long as I find it challenging. In the future I hope to do more quality movies.

Q. Do you know anything about the Malawian film industry?

Rita: While here I will meet with local artists and know what plans they have for the industry. Where I can help, I will help.

Q. How can you as an artist contribute to curbing the HIV/Aids pandemic?

Rita: I feel we have to create more awareness about the disease. As actors we have to tell stories related to Aids and this will help create awareness. As an actress I feel this is one way we’ll be able to contribute.

Q. Here in Malawi, we are championing the 50/50 gender campaign. As a woman how do you feel we can achieve this?

Rita: The important issue is women empowerment. If women are educated and are professionals they will go out there and help their countries.

Q. In some of your movies you have portrayed yourself as a loose woman, what impact do you think such an image will have on the Aids pandemic?

Rita: Can you please define what you mean by loose woman.

Q. I mean a woman who jumps from one bed to another

Rita: At the end of the day if you leave a careless life you’ll suffer the consequences. For example in one of my films where I played such a character, the woman died a very painful death.

Q. Are you married, how do you mix family and work?

Rita: I am not married and I don’t have children so there is no mixing family and work.

Q. What about a boyfriend?

Rita: That’s for me to know and for you to guess.

Q. What is your impression of Malawi?

Rita: Malawi as a country is beautiful, amazing. Coming here has proved why it’s the Warm Heart of the continent. The people are so nice and down to earth.

Q. Where do you see the African film industry in 10 years?

Rita: Hollywood watch your back in ten years

Tell us a little more about yourself.

My name is Rita Dominic Waturuocha. Why I adopted Dominic was because it’s my father’s first name and when I first came into the industry, Waturuocha wasn’t easy for producers to pronounce. I’m from Imo state. We are four children and I’m the last child with two older sisters and an older brother. They all live in England. I am a happy-go- lucky kind of person. I studied Theatre Arts in University of Port Harcourt. Moved to England after the first two years of being in Nollywood, came back after another two years and found Nollywood has grown bigger than what it was. I did a few movies again and that was how I got stuck, never live in England again. Right now I’m looking for that one movie that will give me the right satisfaction as an actor.

Atlanta Girl - Grace Amah of Nollywood

2009-05-04T01:18:00.004+02:00

I am from Ebonyi State, but born and bred in Lagos. I speak Yoruba very well. Some people want to call me a Lagosian and I answer when they do.

Do you see any difference between those who studied Creative Arts and those who did not.

Is there really? There are lots of us in the industry who do not read anything close to Drama or Creative Arts or Theatre Arts and they are just as good as those of us who are formally trained. I will rather say that when the talent is in you, you excel better rather than just trying to be good doing it. There are some actors and actresses that you don’t even need to go the extra mile to get the best out of them. Some others have become so good in their acting because they have been doing it over a long period of time so they know where to correct the lapses, when they see the lapses, they know.
Whole families are glued to their television sets watching One Bad Apple and you as Segun’s jilted fiancée.

What other home-videos have you appeared in apart from Day of Atonement?

There are many of them. Elastic limit, Cinderella, Atlanta, Love Paradise I can quickly remember these for now.

So, what is your character in Day of Atonement.

The character I play in the movie is that of the sister to Mike, the room-mate of James.

We are from a family that lack financially. But I am always there for my brother, helping with the little I can provide for him so that he can face his studies as an undergraduate. I am eventually put under a lot of stress in providing for him and one thing leads to another. It is quite a gripping and a movie full of passion.

What should an actor do to get into character?

The first thing to do of course is to read the script. I try to imagine myself being that character. I try to see how I can make it real. There was a movie, Pastor and the Harlot, in which I played a wayward character and those who watched the movie and my friends were like saying: Hey! You are sure you had not done this type of thing before! God knows I have never been a prostitute before, nor will I ever be! But that is just what it takes. You visualize, imagine and make the character real.

How come acting? Why not something else?

In fact, I was earlier on studying to become a lawyer at Ibadan. I was reading law. Along the line I just felt it was better for me to transfer to Unilag to face something else. My parents were initially not in support but I was determined because in secondary school, I confided in a friend of mine that I wanted to be an actress in life. Fortunately for me while awaiting my JAMB results, I had done some appearances. I have so built on that experience so I can now blend . Besides, I really found commuting between Ibadan and Lagos very stressful.

Earlier...?

I went to secondary school in Lagos. Stadium High School, Surulere. I told you I am omo Eko proper (laughing).

Media “lies” and hype..
I don’t like the impressions at all, because they could be negative. Why? A parent cannot have a child, hear such impressions and encourage the child to go into the movie industry. But on the other hand, it does not bother me. Why it does not bother me is because I know myself. Yet, you cannot be content with that, because it is only those who are close to you that will know you are not the kind of person people talk negatively about.
As far as the media is concerned, I have never lost any sleep over it. Why? Because I feel it is their job, they are only doing their job. Initially, the media was not favorable to me but I am beginning to get good mention and reviews now. Nor can I really blame people for their opinions. There are some of us out there that go out of the way to mess around and when people now insinuate, can you really blame them? After all, people say there is no smoke without fire.

Are you rich?

(Laughs).... I am still working hard to earn the big money. I see it coming soon in the industry where actors and actresses will be earning good money.

So, in what way will you say, acting a Christian movie is different from acting in any other movie?

Acting is acting. It all depends on the character you are given. If you are given a script to play Jesus Christ, you read and visualize what it takes to be Christ while He was on earth.

While visualizing that, you need to be spiritually motivated. The important thing is to come out with a fantastic role. If I am asked to play Mary Magdalene or Mary the mother of Jesus, I will do so and achieve their character. In fact, I will want their role to affect me. But I will not play a gangster or a prostitute and let the character affect me in real life. I guess it is better to let positive roles affect you. But a role is a role to play. I have seen people acting roles of rich men and women in a movie and wanting to carry on in that manner, even in real life. If you take it too far, it begins to affect you.

Philosophy?

I believe in everything that is good. My upbringing has been such that I see things from a different perspective. Yes, I believe in God obviously. I am into acting but I do not want any role I play to make me a bad person. I am me. I am a calm person. I want to do something that is right. I believe in hardwork too. I want to see myself where God wants me to be. He knows what is good for me because whatever I want for myself may not be what He wants for me.

Who are your mentors or the role models locally and internationally?

Joke Silva inspires me, so does RMD, Liz Benson . Liz remains the number one motivation. Internationally, I will mention Denzel Washington and Martin Lauren. It is not an exhaustive list, though.

Pa Kasumu - Kayode Odumosu of Nollywood

2009-05-03T20:05:00.004+02:00

Francis Olukayode Olugbenga Odumosu was born on the 16th of March 1953 in Agbeni area of Ibadan, Oyo State, though, he is from Ogun State by origin. His father is from Odogbolu (Ijebu) while his mother is from Ake (Abeokuta/Egba), that is why he refers to himself as “Ijegba”.(The combination of Ijebu and Egba).

Pa Kasumu started his career at age 15; taking up challenging roles on stage under the tutelage of Elder Chief Ayinla Olumegbon whom he knew through his area Uncle then (Mr.Afolabi), popularly called “Brother Simbat”. He got baptized through a stage play titled “Iyawo Orun (1968). And ever since then, he has grown from strength to strength, but no without facing some serious challenges.

When asked about how many works he has featured considering the years he has put in, he has this to say” Well, I thank God for sparing my life to witness today. I since lost count of my work, but I can assure you that they are well over 400 movies.

On Nollywood evolution, Pa Kasumu said “Maybe, if will have chicken out or abandon the Industry, many people will not meet what they are meeting today (Nollywood), for we have suffered a lot, as we tried to preserve the profession we cherished with passion, even without money and societal acceptance. Indeed, we worked with our lives, for the love and the passion we have for the profession, then, privileges and fame is not attached to the profession like now, and money was not just there. But thank God, today, it is a different ball game; we are now been appreciated and accepted globally”.

A Pictorial Glance at Ashley Nwosu of Nollywood

2009-03-26T13:09:00.003+01:00

Versatile actor and a pioneer artiste of the Nollywood phenomenon, Ashley Nwosu has another side of him, which the public is yet to know.

At the recent launch of Ogologolonga, a musical album by gospel musician, Ayo Agbaje, the actor stunned many of his fans including his wife and son, when he vacated his table to join the singer and his cultural dancers on stage. Nwosu, who was obviously carried away by the song could not restrain himself from singing.

“Yes I have a very big passion for music,” an excited Nwosu told http://nigeriafilms.com shortly after his brief performance.

He explained further, “I would say acting was a second talent because when I was 10 years old, I used to entertain people in my community through music.”

The actor, who shot into limelight in the early 1990s in Day of Reckoning, said something new is happening in his life. He reveals this and others to us:

Love for music
I have a very strong passion for music. In fact I would say acting was my second talent because when I was 10 years old, I used to sing for people in my community. I was involved in millinery where I cut and dry materials. But in the evening when people got tired, they would return and I would entertain them. I used to do exactly what Ekom Obong Okere, the Nigerian native Xylonophone prodigy does to people in Cross River. Throughout my youthful days, I was always composing songs and I often received inspiration in my dreams all of which I used to remember clearly the next day. Unfortunately, I lost my song book, an exercise book which contained over 200 songs during the Biafran war.

Favourite musicians
I grew up listening to foreign music such as Isaac Newton, Kool and the Gang, Kenny Rogers, Don Williams among others. However, my favourite was Barry White and up till now, I have about ten of his albums with me. Back home, I enjoy and draw inspirations from artistes such as Victor Uwaifo, Nduka Osadebe, Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and Sonny Okosuns. Till date, I still enjoy their music in spite of the growing pop culture among young musicians of today.

Going into music
I still nurse the ambition to go into music. At the moment, I am preoccupied with a new movie, which will soon be premiered in Lagos and Abia, my state of origin. Once I am done with this, I will throw myself into music. This time around, it will strictly be Christian music.

Why gospel
I can't explain this, but one way or the other, the impression continues to dawn on me that I have to join the choir and showcase what I can do. Occasionally on my own, I sing fantastic songs but I don't know why I have not recorded them. I sing for myself, and I enjoy doing this quite a lot and the inspiration just keeps coming. After the premiership of the movie, I hope to have pulled enough funds to go into music.

My new movie
It is a Christian movie that addresses various aspects of human life. It featured stars such as Olu Jacobs, Nonso Diobi, Alex Usifo, Emeka Enyiocha, Queen Okoye, myself and a group of 18 elders in Enugu State. So, it is a very big movie. I deal with two things in the movie one of which is the challenge youths go through. The movie is about the battle a pastor encounters with evil forces and it also exposes the extent, which men of God go to become successful in the ministry.

Something is happening in my life
Something new is happening in my life. Although, I have always been a Christian, the level, which I have gone now is higher. I have never in my life envisaged this. I attend a local parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Absence from movies
There is no big problem about that. The fact remains that throughout last year, we had a conflict between Censors board and marketers, which affected the number of movies shot last year. It is not as if I have not been shooting movies, but most of the ones I shot, I discovered, were taken outside the country before they were returned here. This time around, with this new censor's board arrangements, this ugly development would be stopped. When an artist shoots a movie, he loses contact with the marketer. They just abandon one and feel one is not entitled to know what happens afterwards. I feel it should be a mutual relationship where actors are encouraged to shoot their own movies. There is need for cooperation from both sides.

Era of movie premieres
This is a positive development for the movie industry. It will give investors such as corporate bodies and government the guarantee that through premiership alone, good profit can be recouped. For instance, I plan to have a Hausa translation for my movie and get a northern government to partner with me. With this trend, Nollywood will become an investor's delight. The standard of production will also be raised and our movies will become globally accepted when there is enough funds.

The new marketing framework
The implementation of minimum capital requirement for marketers by the censor's board is very important. As an insurance person, pooling of resources is very critical to the existence of the insurance industry. Otherwise, just one major case of accident or disaster is enough to make an insurance company crumble. Essentially, I think the new drive by the Censor's board is for security of investor's fund. I can remember when I went to England, an Irish man challenged Nollywood that we needed to be more organized.

He told me that our movies were selling in the West Indies like hot cake. So what stops our marketers coming together to go and see how we can establish direct business deals with people over there through the Nigerian envoy. If the policy is pursued aggressively and unregistered marketers are driven out of business, investors will smile. Recently, I learnt that somebody loaded 40 feet of containers with Nollywood films in VHS format and was moving it to countries like Mozambique and Angola because that is what they are still using there. Now, how do our marketers react to this? Instead, we still depend on the Idumota clique.

How l started acting
I started with NTA in 1988/1989, and I am among the people who started Soap operas and Tele movies. I also acted in the movie, Glamour Girls (Part 1) in 1992, after that I ventured into other businesses but the urge for acting was strong. So, I returned and featured in Day of Reckoning, First Lady, Old Soldier, The Rise of and Fall of a Prophet (which was very tasking for me) among others. I have now lost count of the numbers of films, which I have acted in but I think it should be over a hundred.

About my NGO
I want to premiere it here in Lagos and I have started talking to Dansa Juice as well as to Abia State government for the premiere in Abia State. All these efforts will culminate in the setting up of an NGO with the Abia State government, which I propose to call MyThird Eye. I have noticed that a lot of government functionaries do work but because of lack of monitoring units, they have a problem that is why I call it My Third Eye. I hope to meet the Governor on this project. Whose project will involve going to hospitals, motherless babies home, communities among others. I will then give them feedback because most of the people in the ministry might not have time to report the correct state of affairs. I hope to achieve this before the end of this year.

Pictorial Glance at Franca Brown of Nollywood

2009-01-21T15:00:00.002+01:00

Everywhere the now rested soap opera, Behind The clouds was aired on the network service of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Nigerians will never forget Franca Obianuju Brown, who played the role of Mama Nosa. Unlike what most people thought that she began her acting career with Behind the Clouds, the ageless actress revealed to Klieglights that she had featured in another Soap prior to Behind the Clouds.

"I did not start my acting career with Behind the Clouds. I started with Behind the Bukka an NTA Jos production. It was actually my stepping stone to playing the role I got in Behind the Clouds. In the earlier soap I acted as Ngozi a police officer's wife and I was the one giving my husband trouble in the house. I wanted him to do anything to get money so I could look good," she said.

The former banker, whose stay in the industry is older than many imagine speaks on her acting career and the wifely role she normally plays.

"I don't know why directors give me that role; maybe because I have a matronly look but I can play other roles too. Every thing depends on the director and the role he feels I can fit into. Whichever role I'm given I know I can carry it well because I'm an actress. I started acting in the industry as a very kind woman, good wife and good mother, but at a point, the producers decided to give me wicked roles," she said.

Continuing, she said she does not have any favourite film but recalled one outstanding role;

"I don't have a favourite but there is one film that is very touching to me and that is Women At Large. In the film I have to change my usual character and was chasing after younger men. That was not really me, because I don't go after younger men, I go out with my age mates."

Countering the notion that she no longer act and explaining about her fewer screen appearance she said: "I still act. I'm an actress for life, once I get a role I act but I have also diverted into other areas such as directing, production and scriptwriting. I have started doing my own film so definitely my appearance in other movies will be limited."

The famous actress whose filmography includes Valentino, Clash of Destiny, Discord, Cross of Agony, Human Cargo, My Goodwill, My Sweat, Never Let Go, Only Angel, Pains Of Love, Problem Child, Sawam, Sunrise, Tears and Sorrows, Leap of Faith and Endless Passion among others, spoke on the gains of her long stay in the industry.

"I have gained a lot from my long stay in the industry. We all started in this industry as apprentices, but for some of us who actually went back to school to read film production, I have gained and I have also given a lot. A lot of people have gained from me from apprentice, like when I'm directing I see a lot of people who I ask to assist me asking me questions. People have asked me how they could become an actress and I keep tutoring them so I believe that I have given a lot to the industry, she said.

In retrospect she admits having no regret for any mistakes in the past. According to her, "I don't have any regret whatsoever. Life is about you making some mistakes and improving on your mistakes so I do not regret any role I have acted. But one thing I always do is to critique myself when I watch my film. I will always tell myself, 'Franka, you need to improve on this, you need to improve on that.'"

Her advice to up and coming artistes is that "they should acquire the skill, go to school, refresh their skill and come out with a great act instead of criticising others."

She also has a word for those who criticise the Nigerian home movie industry: "They should know that a lot of us gather our resources together to do this thing, it is not magic, we get fund from mostly brothers and sisters so when they compare us to the outside world they should know that the outside world have functional film funds unlike here. When you talk of banks, it is just a few of us that have been able to get funds from banks. Majority of us have tried in our own way to get funding from our own little way. So, just like the proverbial lizard that fell from the iroko tree with no one to praise him, will praise himself. Nigerian home movie have come a long way and anyone who is there to criticise and not critic is doing us harm."

The screen legend also spoke on her production outfit. "Rubby Diamonds Pictures started from the 1990s and I would say that we are more than 15 years old now."

Quantifying her success for the past 15 years or so, she said:

"God has been my help, He said He will provide my needs according to His riches by Christ Jesus so I cannot really rate my success. But all I can say is you watch out and you will see me enlarging my coast and I believe my coast is being enlarged everyday."

Commenting on the journey so far she said, "I'm fulfilled because I enjoy what I'm doing. Despite the fact that I have not started seeing the reward in terms of funds but I'm so happy I'm in this industry. There is nothing like doing what you love doing, I wouldn't have fitted any where else."

Franka might not be seen at every party or event but she doesn't miss any meeting of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), the directors or scriptwriters' guilds. Last week the ace actress cum producer was bereaved but this did not deter her from attending the AMP meeting and taking part in the preparation for the association's week. Commenting on her commitment to the industry she said: "If I was not acting I don't think there is any other thing I would have loved to do. That is why whatever concerns the industry concerns Franka Brown personally. You can see how involved I'm for the AMP week, we have deliberated on a lot of issues and I'm so excited, I believe this AMP week will be a boom for producers."

For many who are confused about Franka's marital status, the middle-aged actress is definitely single, but is she searching? Her reply is; "I believe that question should be directed to God and not me because it is God that ordains marriage."

culled from Naijarules

I dread November

2008-11-18T09:53:00.002+01:00

Today, my son, will be exactly 3 years that you left me. A day hardly passed by, without remembering you, your memory still lives on. I dedicated this blog to you, and true to my aim, it has received a wide acceptance.
Today, as if your sibling sense your death anniversary, he was awake all night with bout of malaria, and crying uncontrollably. I missed you so much my son. Continue to rest in perfect peace. Adieu.

Getting Personal with Olu Jacobs of Nollywood

2008-11-06T11:48:00.004+01:00

Jacob is no stranger to Nigerian movies. His charisma and manner of delivery of lines are legendary – drawing him admiration from fans.

His infectious baritone and interpretation of roles are a director’s delight. Having been in the industry for over 37 years, he is now a bridge between the old and the new, a motivator to the youths. Jacobs attended a drama school in England called The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. “After I finished, I worked with various repertoire theatres in Britain and I’m a member of National Theatre of Great Britain. I worked with some of the television stations in London and at a stage, I decided to come back home because I felt I have reached a certain level in my field and that my country had the potential of being so great too. So, I came back to Nigeria in early 80s and we started Third Eye”. Like many of his colleagues, his family was not happy with young Jacobs when he chose to study Dramatic Arts. But even at the age when actors were seen as never do wells of the society, he knew what he wanted and stuck to it. “ I left Nigeria in 1964. Then, there was nobody in Nigeria to look up to, all the people I looked at were people outside the country. The entertainment profession was not professional as such in Nigeria then and the only professional company we had was Ogunde and he inspired me a lot. Before then, my brothers used to take me to cinemas and I used to enjoy myself a lot. I was also taking part in school plays and drama. But when I said I was going to study drama, my parents did not like it and my dad said, ‘no’. When I got to England I wrote him a lengthy letter and said, sorry, I was going to study Drama. And because I had already started, he gave in. when I came back, there was no home movies in the country, it was stressful and the fees of artist was very low. NTA was only beginning to increase the fees of artists and people were only getting interested in acting. Meanwhile, my own company was doing stage plays and documentaries. Gradually, series on television started properly before we entered the home movies. It was stressful then.”

The Ogun state-born actor would not say how much he was paid for his first role but said it was very low and not encouraging at all.
“The first movie I did was produced by AA production and it was called Vigilante. We were paid very little for it and starred RMD and Mama D.

We had problems then looking for locations because people were not used to giving out their homes to people. They were very suspicious and we had to write letters to the Association of Landlords telling them what we were doing, where and when we would do it, for them to be aware.

Jacobs also disclosed how his friends tried to discourage him from acting because they believed acting was not a profession and should only be taken as a hobby. “People enjoyed it then but did not respect it. They enjoyed it, yes, but you have to get another job, they would tell you it’s not a job. But all my life, I’ve done nothing else except acting and productions. It is a profession, that is what I want people to understand. I had a friend who actually wanted me to help run a company, then. I asked him if he wanted me to be happy and he said, yes.

I told him to invest in a company for us to do productions. But, unfortunately, the company did not see the light of the day. I also had few friends that believed in me and gradually the society started catching up with the fact that it is an honorable profession and not for dropouts. But when I want to do something, nobody stops me and that was why I went to England to learn how to do it properly and help my country.

EARLY YEARS

“Before I left secondary school I'd made up my mind to study the performing arts. I grew up in Kano and I saw Ogunde's troupe the first time they visited Kano. I pestered my father to the point that he agreed to take me to the performance. It was very vivid and it affected me. Everybody member of the audience was happy. People were laughing and it was coming from the soul and it was genuine. I decided that I was also going to make people happy. My father objected to the idea but my mother supported me. I lost him when I left for England and unfortunately, he never saw me on stage professionally. My early years were busy. We were eight and we had cousins and house helps. It was a very boisterous household and our father had control of things. He was working with SCOA as the regional manager in Kano. I like to contribute to people's lives. We were encouraged by our parents to be involved in people's lives. I grew up a devote Catholic. I was an altar boy before my voice broke. I used to polish all the brass in church. It was something I found very fulfilling. Our father was strict, very in control of things initially but later he made up for his strictness with humor. He was a master dancer and enjoyed the accolades that people heaped on him for his proficiency. He taught us to be upright and to help people. I was a member of The Boys Scouts. None of my other siblings went into acting however. But they gave me the support when I was starting and saw every play that I did.

SCHOOL YEARS
After I left Secondary I went to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts London(RADA) which was and still is the Premiere school for the performing arts in the UK. School was fun but after l left school things became rather difficult. I was caught in Catch 22 situation. I couldn't get a job unless I had an agent and no agent would accept me unless I belonged to the union and I couldn't become a member of the union unless I had a job and of course if you were not a member of the union you could not work. It was a no-win situation until a friend told me about an audition at the BBC Studios, so I went. I think I was the first person to arrive that morning . I got there and met the assistant director who was still putting things in place. He gave me a piece of paper to write my name and my agents number. I used my friends agent, a lady. Immediately I left the audition I called her up. I told her I'd just got a job with the BBC and that officially she was my agent. She burst into laughter but accepted to play along with me. They rang her up and held negotiations with her and that was how I broke in. unfortunately I can't remember the title of the production

ENGLAND YEARS
There were a bit hectic times because there was an unwritten law on racial discrimination. Several times I was confronted with racism openly. The film the British Council shows in this regions about life in England is absolutely misleading. I can tell you that there is no place like home. I remember in trying to secure accommodation I went to places were I was categorically told that blacks were not allowed. I went to a house and knocked on the door and a lady said “can't you see? No blacks.” I had to sit myself down and decide what to do. I locked my door and removed the phone and reflected. I had to make up my mind that if I was going to function in that society I had to learn and be useful to my people. I squared my shoulders and decided to bear the discrimination. I registered with a sports club, a horse riding club. I already had access to horses having grown up in Kano. I had a positive attitude concerning all that was happening around me which was how I grew. As I also grew in the industry I attended less auditions and started getting more appointments. I got to the point where I was headlining shows getting jobs where I was promoting white actors. If I were white there was no way they could touch me. I would have probably been the greatest now. The journey back home started in 1980.

INTERNATIONAL CAREER
I almost lost a job. Roman Polanski the great Polish and Hollywood Director wanted me to play in his movie Pirates. That was also the time the NTA wanted me to come and develop Second Chance. I told Peter Igho I had to go back to London. I got to London on Sunday went to the French Embassy picked up my passport, went to Paris and met with Roman but that wasn't my first. My first International movie was Ashanti which came before Dogs of War. But Pirates was the most challenging. It was shot in Rome, Seychelles, Malta, Tunisia and Morocco The experience of Seychelles was beautiful. There was one whole week when I was the only actor working. It was stressful but the kind of experience that one cherishes.

MY WIFE
My wife is my jewel. Most people think that we met in England but that wasn't the case. We were rehearsing the play to celebrate Nigeria's independence and we were having a production meeting when she walked in. I took a look at her and told them, “Gentlemen behold my wife”. That was how we met and started. She'd gone to another prestigious school in England Weber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts.

LOSING YOUR BABY
It was like the ground opened and was removed from under someone's feet. She went in for a routine surgery to straighten her bow legs. Three hours later nothing. They called us and said the operation was fine but she went into a kind of coma and stayed in coma for four days and on the fifth day she died. I was performing in the stage play Ovarehwhen Nogbaisi by Ahmed Yerima of The National Troupe then. I still performed on that night before telling the stage manager. She had come to watch the play before going in for the surgery. We saw her go but we never saw her come out. This was in 1996 and after about a year or two years we decided that we should try for another baby. And he would be nine this September his name is Olugbenga. He has an elder brother Olusoji who is in Cameroon University Oklahoma in U.S.A.

ON NOLLYWOOD
Nollywood is something that must and will remain and grow. It is the beginning of a greater movement. For the first time in the history of the black man we have our own things to relate to. We are not living a life that has been designed for us by somebody else. We are not telling stories that have been given to us by Caucasians but our own stories, based on our culture and tradition. We now have our own “gods” and not the White Man's God. It is gratifying that the entire continent of Africa has been re-colonized by Nigeria. We have been invited by different countries in Africa to kick start their own film industries. It is most exciting. What we have not done is to put ourselves on a proper footing. The artistry and techniques that run a film industry was not developed. We need the right infrastructure. We need a government that should understand the power and influence of culture. In this regard, the government has not done well. We need money. The marketing and distribution side is vital to the industry. We are running under our own steam. It is imperative that when a movie is coming out, it comes out everywhere at the same time. You know must people think that Nollywood is a thing for now but I was here before the beginning and I am an eternal optimist. The fire that is burning inside me is still as hot as it was when I started. We must have a proper structure to build for our children. Our leaders did not have anything to sell this to us it started with us so it is our own thing, something that is originally and genuinely Nigerian. Our youths now have Nigerian stars Instead of foreign stars to look up to. There is a lot of work to be done but we are not afraid of the work.

INTERVIEW

Q: What problems are you facing in the industry?

We are working with virtually nothing in place. This is unlike the situation abroad where everything has been put in place for actors and actresses to act conveniently. I must confess to you, this is making us to lose a lot of money because a producer must have spent all the money and when such film is eventually released, the producer will be faced with another problem of pirates, who are ready to reap from where they did not sow.

Q: As a versatile actor that acts in English and Yoruba films, which one will you regard as more rewarding?

A: I enjoy working in English movies because of the good use of the language. Making good use of the language is what brings joy to me whenever I am acting in an English movie. But Yoruba is my language and I cannot run away from it. Although I speak Hausa a lot, the language I prefer most is English because I am used to it. I have problem with Yoruba because for a while now, I have not been speaking it, although I am trying to adapt to the language because it is my language.

Q: How will you assess ANTP and AGN?

A: In ANTP, they are giving practitioners the best opportunity to showcase their talent, but in AGN, once you believe you are good, you can just come in anytime, but I want to believe the two bodies are doing fine. In ANTP, there is a lot of discipline and it is well organised because they deal basically in culture and they have come of age, but in AGN, because they are still young, a lot of things need to be adjusted.

Q: You are married to star actress Joke Silva, what really attracted you to her?
A: In 1981, when I came home from England, I was invited by the management of the National Theatre to help direct a film. So, we were having a meeting in an office, when the door was suddenly opened and a beautiful lady came in. Instantly, I was bitten by a love bug and I said ‘ladies and gentlemen, this is the lady I’m going to marry.’ She looked at me closely and just concentrated on what she came to do and after that she left and I did everything to make sure she became my wife.

Q: Since you are both acting, how do you manage the family?

A: We manage the family very well because we are able to understand each other. For instance, when I travel, she will be at home and when she travels, I stay back to keep the family happy. The children understand the kind of job we do. Thank God, there is no problem at all.

Q: As a veteran actor, should we now say you are fulfilled?

A: No, my fulfilment is still coming. I will only be fulfilled if the industry is at the right place, where it is expected to be. I can’t say I am fulfilled when a lot of things are still lacking in the industry, when we cannot say we proudly have a studio of our own, when actors and actresses are still suffering. I will only be fulfilled when the government comes to our support and give us what we need to survive in the movie industry.

Q: Should we now say acting is a dream come true?

A: I don’t know what you are actually saying but all I believe is that I have always aspired to be an actor since when I was seven, because then, I used to watch Hubert Ogunde acting. What came to my mind then was that I could do more than the man, so this led me into acting in school, as I was always confident of whatever role I was given to act. So it was then that I knew I was going to be there and nothing would stop me from being there.

Q: What joy has acting brought into your life?

A: I feel on top of the world when people see me and say they appreciate what I am doing. In fact, I derive a lot of joy when I see that what I have done has made people to be happy.

Q: How will you assess Nigerian awards?

A: Nigerian awards are based on sentiment and money. People in Nigeria are not giving awards on merit but purposely because of what they stand to gain from it. A lot of people have contributed greatly to the development of this country in one way or the other. These are people I believe should have been given awards, but here in Nigeria, the reverse is the case. This is one of the reasons that I said I am not fulfilled yet. But thank God, we are getting there gradually.

Q: What advice will you give the younger ones?

A; Though one is really depressed, we still need to encourage the younger ones. What I will say is that they should be steadfast and always believe they will get there. They should also take this job as a professional job like those in the banking industry. They should also try to protect their name because it matters most in whatever they are doing and they should please seek the elders’ advice because they need to learn from those at the forefront.

The Model in Lilian Bach of Nollywood

2008-10-31T09:32:00.005+01:00

For her profile, check her web site on this link

Q: How are you different from the Lilian Bach we see in movies?
I’m very sure the Lilian Bach you’re seeing is different from the one you see in movies. This is because, I’m only interpreting the roles assigned me. However, I’m simple and down-to-earth. I don’t have any air of pretence about men, I do my job as an actress and interpret my roles to the best of my abilities. I play different roles in movies, like a wayward lady, funny housewife, a devoted housewife, a schoolgirl, etc. I’ve actually played many characters, but the real me is simple and God-fearing.

Q: Have you at anytime played a role that accurately depicts the real you?
I can’t remember, because I have played so many roles. So it is difficult for me to say. May be when I get home and search through the movies I have acted, I will be able to know the ones I acted something close to what I am in real life. But for now, it is very difficult for me to say.

Q: People believe it’s your beauty, more than anything else, that gave you the Nollywood breakthrough.

People can say what they like. The’re entitled to their opinions. I was in India some weeks back and was watching CNN. They were interviewing a lady who is one of the reigning stars of Bollywood. She just did a movie with Jackie Chan and the journalist asked her: ‘people say it is your sexy look that got you to the top’. I was really impressed with the answer the lady gave. She said Jackie Chan used his muscles to get to where he is, so if her sexy looks got her to the top, what is wrong with that? If people see that I have a light complexion and therefore I’m fit for a particular role, what is the problem about it? Even if you have the physique and you can’t interpret the role properly, you won’t be given any role. So, for them to have given me roles means I have the qualities and I give God the glory.

Q: So, what will you say actually brought you to limelight?
I don’t know because I started as a model, so I’ve always been in the limelight. I started modelling when it was no big deal here, when it was just gradually gaining ground, just as some people began acting before home videos gained ground. I’ve always been in the limelight, but I’m a quiet person, I’m not a noise-maker, I’m a silent achiever, so I can’t say this is what brought me to limelight.

Q: What makes you different from other actresses?

Yeah, we have a lot of actresses, and the sky is so big for every bird to fly without having accidents in the air. That’s the way I see it. What makes me different is that I guess I have my own ways and I’m sure my fans, directors and producers who have been using me for jobs in Nollywood know what makes me different or may be when it comes to some certain roles, they know I can handle them better. I really don’t know that special thing about me, but it’s left to those who’ve been using me to say that thing is special about this girl. I just know I’m one of the talented people in Nollywood. Each of us has what distinguishes her from the other. I just know I have been able to play different roles, I’ve not been sterotyped to play one particular role, I’ve found myself playing all kinds of roles.

Q: What kind of roles do you enjoy playing most?

Acting itself is just like playing, and you’re been paid. I enjoy every role given to me, so I can’t say this is the one I enjoy playing most. I’m still looking forward to more challenging roles which I have not played. I want to play the role of a blind woman, I want to play the role of an old woman, it is possible with good make up. Those are the kind of roles I’m looking forward to.

Q: Tell us about your experience in Nollywood?

It has not been easy, I must tell you. The way to the top is not always easy. I’ve been discouraged many times, but the love of the job keeps pulling me back. It’s been so good and at the same time, there have been ups and downs along the line. For example, when I started in 1997, you won’t believe I wasn’t paid for the first two movies I did. I just said ‘is this how the so-called Nollywood is’?. At times, you see or hear some things that could discourage you, or actually discourage you. But then, I’ve learnt that you just have to turn deaf ears if you want to remain in the acting world. You pretend that you’re not hearing anything at all. Is it what your colleagues who are not happy about you say or what you read about yourself in the papers that are not true? I believe if others are surviving such criticism, I too can survive it.

Q: How do you really feel when actors are smooching you on set?

They are not smooching for fun, they are acting their roles. There is nothing to it at all. If you’re given a role to play, you just have to play it perfectly, to convince your viewers. So I don’t see anything wrong in people smooching themselves on set, according to you. As far as you are doing your job, and not just smooching out of set. They are smooching because the role demands them to smooch. As for me, I interpret my role and character. If the role says smooch, we have a way to smooch so it is not something indecent and that’s where it ends.

Q: But an actress once said some actors go the extra-mile in interpreting the role?
I have never experienced such a thing. I guess it has to do with whoever is playing with whoever. A professional is always a professional. I’m not saying that there are no people that go the extra-mile to interpret their roles, but I’ve never experienced it because when I’m doing my job, I’m strictly doing my job. If I want to do romance or play funny, it won’t be when I’m doing my work.

Q: Don’t you sometimes get carried away when touched in a sensitive part of your body by an actor?

What sensitive part are you talking about? I haven’t seen people going beyond kissing in movies. Anyway, different things turn different people on, but as for me, when I’m working, my brain is telling me I’m working. I don’t get carried away by anything. I think it has to do with the structure of your mind and brain. Some people are not disciplined and they are careless and useless when it comes to simple touch or whatever it is. That is when they can get carried away, but I’m a disciplined person. May be some people have been admiring each other before and when they meet on set, they see it as an opportunity to express whatever feelings they have for each other.

Q: What is the reason behind your recent trip to India?

I went for Indian Broadcast 2005. It’s about some exhibitions. I think it’s something that holds every year. We were supposed to be greater in number for the trip, but some people backed out for one reason or the other. For me, I love anything I will gain from. It was an official trip really, a lot of people came from all over the world to exhibit the latest technology in film making. We saw the latest cameras, different kinds of recording equipment and all that. That’s what I went for: to see how the industry is developing out there. I learned from the trip that there is another ‘acting industry’ in South India called Tollywood. I was surprised because I’d never heard of Tollywood before and I heard they have the biggest studio in the whole world, which is even bigger than Hollywood. Due to insufficient time, because I spent five days, we couldn’t visit Tollywood to see things for ourselves. I also learnt about a HDB camera that people are going for now. You can actually transfer to 3-5 ML converter for cinema viewing, so I came back with a lot of brochures of the latest cameras. I saw a lot of new equipment that we’ve not been using here in Nigeria.

Q: How do you see the quality of films we have in Nollywood compared to Hollywood and Bollywood?

To be honest, in terms of quality, we haven’t arrived yet. But we have good stories. Quality is our problem now. We can as well do better if we try to use some of those equipment. I even discovered that some of those equipment are not expensive, it’s what people can come together to buy, an individual can even purchase some of these equipment. It’s just that standard and quality that we have not achieved. Afterall, the actors in Hollywood and Bollywood are human like us, so I don’t see what they’re doing that we cannot do. We are even better than some of them in terms of acting, directing or producing. What is killing us is the penchant for cutting corners and that won’t do us any good. When you spend money on a production, it’s always better than when you cut corners. The major barrier we have is to stop producing wishy washy films, we should try to use these latest cameras and all that, so that people will stop complaining about our works. Another problem is that Nollywood is not united. A house divided against itself will never stand. Anyway, may be these things are happening because we are just growing. It’s high time we stopped crawling, we need to walk, and for us to walk, we have to do away with the ugly things. We know what is right for the industry to grow. No more wishy washy films, use the right cameras, no more cutting corners, if the budget of a production says N5 million, go ahead and do it. Some are actually afraid of piracy but I can tell you these things can be curbed if we are united.

Q: What is your interest in music?

I’m a singer, I have an album that I have cooked up for about four years now which I’m yet to release. I don’t want to be referred to as having joined the bandwagon. I’m a very patient person, I like to take my time on whatever I’m doing. People were just fortunate to see one or two tracks out of the six tracks, and that is the Makossa track that talks about marriage. But I’ve got some superb tracks, like hip hop and other genres in the album, which people have not heard. It’s a Christian gospel music because that’s my calling. As time goes on, I will make up my mind on when to release it, I’m not in a hurry or under any pressure because I’m not doing it to make money but to win souls for God.

Q: You’re still single, I’ve heard you saying once that it’s because you’ve not met Mr. Right. Have there not been pressures from your family?

I’m not from that kind of family, nobody is putting any pressure on anybody, so I thank God for that. In my family, my mother respects everybody’s opinion and feelings about life. I will let you know when it is time. I’ve not changed from the Lilian Bach I used to be. I appreciate the media in terms of their encouragement and good publicity. Without you journalists, some people will never know us. Some of the new movies I did are not yet out, so you guys should just watch out.

Getting to Know More of Chiege Alisigwe of Nollywood

2008-10-29T11:28:00.005+01:00

CHIEGE Alisigwe Ebbe could have been an acclaimed athlete. But perhaps she was not destined to be one. Fate had something else in stock for her: she became an actress, a tube goddess, one of the beauties that make Nollywood tick.

In early days at school, the Orlu Imo-State born Chiege was athletic champion for many years and would have gladly represented Enugu State at an earlier edition of the National Sports Festival, but for the politics of state of origin, which deprived her of that opportunity. That ended her dream of being a top athlete.

She gave acting a serious thought after her studies at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, where she studied Fine and Applied Arts. An encounter with a family friend who was then a recognisable face in the movie industry provided the break. She had expressed the desire to do some serious acting to the family friend who informed her of an audition exercise at the Hotel Presidential in Enugu.

After her first role as Agu's wife in 'Igbodo' she soon got a lead role in the epic movie 'Oganigwe'.

She has since featured in over 60 home videos. Some producers have thought that Chiege would not last in the industry when she came in. They had thought she was a flash in the pan that would run out in no time.

But almost six years after, she is still waxing stronger in Nollywood, determined, she says, to prove that she is into acting good.

Chiege used to be married with a baby. She says her husband saw her on the screen, and that was how the attraction started. "He was so persistent until I decided one day to honour his date. But much later I discovered that his dad and mine were very good friends when they were young," she recalls her encounter with the love of her life.

She says she married early because she believes that there is respect in being married. "I know some people always ask why I married. I wanted it early because I believe when you are married you are more respected. I don't believe that a woman should remain single for the better part of her youth. Marriage attracts respect and it doesn't make you a lesser actress."
On Nollywood she says: "We must begin to get people to specialise. I am an advocate for specialisation. Produce only if you are a producer, direct only if you are a director. People should be able to specialise, that way they would become masters of their arts."

Some Chiege movies includes End of Dream, End of Money, Once a Soldier, Message, Traditional Marriage, My Portfolio, Sadist, Under Fire etc

Nigeria movies
The Nigerian movie industry has come a long way. We have tried to hue water out of stone. It has grown so much. There are several things that are not going well but I must tell you, it is so far, so good. It is not what it used to be but we have moved forward in some areas.

Future
I think there is a great future for the industry here in Nigeria. We started small but with God and with interest in its growth, the Nigerian home video industry will grow from where it is now.

How do you feel being one of the few getting roles?
I feel very great and thankful to God for being there. Everyone is slugging it out to survive, both big and small artistes. So it is the grace of God not even your hard work or your beautiful face that keeps you there.

First role
My first acting role came in 1998. I was introduced into Nollywood by a family friend named Kelvin Ugwu, a broadcaster and actor. I did my first audition in the movie Igodo where I got the role of Agu's wife. I did Oganigwe, My love and others.

Dreams
I won't say I dreamt about being in the movies before the opportunity came. I just came out of secondary school. I attended Queens School Enugu and was a member of the Dramatic Society. I was not just dreaming because it is part of me and I knew I would be there some day. I left secondary school in 1996 waiting for my JAMB result, so 1998, I went into the industry. Kelvin had said to me: “Now that you are waiting for JAMB, why not come to try your luck?” I thank God it has been lead roles all the way.

Riches/wealth
I consider myself a very comfortable person. I don't talk about riches because it is God that gives them. I wonder when people talk about riches. It is not any one's making to be rich or poor. It is only God that decides this.

Challenges
The challenge there was knowing that you are a new comer in the arena coming to slug it out with the known faces. There was a little bit of anxiety when I was auditioned to feature in Igodo but I have always believed in my ability to act. It was determination and solid belief that I have the ability that made me excel.

Talent
I have always believed that talent is the basis for any grasping of knowledge. I learnt so much from our Dramatic Society but I have also learnt so much from Nigerian notable directors who have directed my acting in their films. I have learnt quite a lot and continue to learn. I can't say I got all from the drama group but the rudiments were the basic foundation.

Background
I come from Umueshigwe, Orlu, in Imo State, but I grew up in Enugu where I had my Primary and Secondary school education and went ahead to study Fine and Applied Arts at the Institute of Management and Technology also in Enugu.

I completed my Youth service in 2006.

Movies
The most challenging movie for me was Under Fire. I played a typical village girl who couldn't speak English. My director helped me a lot. Tchidi Chikere did plenty to help me realise this and people are commending me for that role till date.

Sexual Harassment
I have never encountered this. I go all out to do what I am expected to do. I do not mix pleasure with business. So I am serious minded. I won't talk about that because I have never come across that. However, I have heard that it exists especially from the new actors.

Lesbianism /Homosexuality
I have heard about it but I have never been approached for such. I believe that no one could even come around me to propose that. I was a day student in secondary school so the idea of inculcating lesbianism into me did not arise. I am yet to see the lesbian who would woo me when there are several handsome men out on the streets.

Marketers/Producers
I have a working relationship with them. It is only a working relationship I said. If you want me in your movie, you invite me, we negotiate and then I work. After that, we move on. We have a strictly business relationship.

Love
I was once married and I have a baby girl. The marriage crashed. The marriage did not work out. The marriage was consummated in 2002. For me, it is past tense and I won't talk much about it. We were incompatible and it didn't work.

Kind of man
I love a God-fearing, determined and hard working man. He must be respectful and humble. Men who are full of themselves bore me stiff. I detest being around them. He could be good looking as people say, but I don't mind that. I find it hard to discuss about men in the good looking adjective because it does not follow. He must just be a man, and this doesn't mean being a monster.

Wrong choice
I won't say I made a wrong choice of a husband. May be I was naive when the affair was contracted. May be it was a wrong choice. I won't call it a mistake but I call it experience which I have learnt from. The marriage, lasted for only three months you won't believe it. I had concieved the baby in my womb before we fell apart, three months later so I had the baby and have taken care of her all by myself since she was born. When I am working, she stays with my sister and as soon as I am back from location, I take her. She lives with me and I love her so much. In fact, she is my jewel.

Single mum
It is not easy but I cope. My baby is my jewel and I am very happy I have her. It's a blessing and not a stress as people want to say. Her name is Munachimsoaga.

Marry again?
Yes, if the time is right and the guy is right. Why not? I am young and can't live my entire life alone without a man. But the time and the guy have to be right. I can't afford to make the mistake I made earlier so I am watchful and very careful the way I fall this time around.

Hobbies
I love to spend time with my daughter and listen to music. I love music.

Philosophy
I do not regret any thing, I just move on. Just see everything as experience and it goes on and on. You must be strong in whatever you do.

A Pictorial Glance at Prince Jide Kosoko of Nollywood

2008-10-19T20:48:00.002+02:00

NAME: Prince Jide Kosoko.

ADDRESS: Abule Oja, Yaba, Lagos–State, Nigeria.

DATE OF BIRTH: 12th January, 1954.

MARITAL STATUS: Married with Children.

STATE OF ORIGIN: Lagos–Island, Lagos - State.

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Yoruba, English and Pigeon English

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

i). Yaba Methodist primary school.

ii) Bona College/Methodist Boys High School

iii) Yaba College of Technology – Business Administration

iv) Lagos School of Drama – Dip. Theatre - Arts

Tell us a little about your childhood, growing up, parents, brothers and sisters?
A direct descendant of King Kosoko of Lagos Island grew up in Ebute–Metta /Yaba area of Lagos – State. My father, Prince Lasisi Kosoko and Mother Awawu Adeyanju Alake. I am the only living child of my late parents…… with very large extended royal family.

What was the first paying job ever that you had?
I was first paid for a job in my life as an actor. Later worked at various companies alongside acting. Voluntarily resigned as the General Manager of Steve Industrial company Limited Apapa.

How much were you paid per month and what were the responsibilities?
N13,500 in 1986 as the General Manager of the multi-million Naira cosmestic/candle and palm oil manufacturing Company.

What other jobs did you do outside Acting?
Acting scripts writing, directing, film producing, editing, and administrative consultant.

What made you go into the Acting career and when did you start Acting (year)?
I started precisely in the year 1964 at the age of 10 years. Late Chief Hubert Ogunde lived in same community with me then and I was so close to his family. I admired his overwhelming appreciation by his fans.

Who were your Idols/Models (Actors) in those days?
Late Chief Hubert Ogunde of blessed memory.

What was your first role in Theatre, TV or Movies?
The role of Alabi in a television production titled Makanjuola by the Ife Lodun travelling theatre. My first television appearance was on NTV barbeach – Lagos.

What was your major break-through role and in what film, series or play?
Combination of film and video;
Taxi driver (1983) arrival to Ade love
Comedy series by Ojo Ladipo
Various Felluloid film productions from 1977 - 1989.

What were the constraints you had to face and overcome as an up-and-coming Actor (young actor)?
Serious family objection both from my mother and father. My father believed that as a royal prince, I should rather be entertained than me entertaining people.

How many films have you been involved with as an Actor to date?
Too numerous to mention among them are taxi driver, Ojiji, Asiri nla, Omo onikan, Omolade, Glamour girls, end time, etc.

As a DYNAMIC, OUTSTANDING, 'A'-List Actor, how have you managed to adapt to the different range of roles you have played in your career?
As far as I am concerned, it's a gift to have this ability. I have played numerous different roles such as the part of a king, deaf and dumb, palm wine tapper, millionaire, drunkard, womaniser, crook etc.

What is the most awkward or strangest role you have had to take/play in your career and why?
I do not find any role awkward but a challenge.

What film have you been most proud to be involved with so far, and why?
End time – because of its World-wide acceptance.

As an 'A'-List Actor yourself, what other 'A'-List Actors or Actresses have worked or collaborated with?
Almost all of them, I cannot remember any that have not worked with me.

Did you at anytime want to quit your Acting career for something else or for a reason, and why (if any)?
Not at all.

What is the motivation for you or what keeps you interested in this career every morning you wake up?
I am just happy doing the job I know how to do best; determination to break new ground as a leader in the Industry.

How important are our Nigerian roots, morals, values, knowledge and sense of wisdom to you and your works?
Since my work entails creating wisdom, I ensure that I use my work to project the good culture of my tribe and my country; I educate; entertain and inform my viewers on the need to preserve our rich cultural values respect one another, I promote culture of respect.

On the stories, scripts, or screen play of your films, and its impact on the Nigerian/African cultural values (home and abroad), how do you manage to harness, keep and pass them across in your films?
As a producer, I ensure that I pick subjects that are not only entertaining but also educative, and the ability to highlight current issues of interest to the generality of my viewers. As an actor, I endeavour to interpret my roles to the best of my ability in accordance with directors' view.

What projects are you working on at the moment and with whom?
The Historical play of Lagos in the 18th century (all about the feud between King Akintoye and King Kosoko of Lagos). I am involving the British Council, Ghanaian and Nigerian Governments.

Where do you see yourself in this career in the next five years?
Still waxing strong and contributing my quota to the continuous growth of my noble profession. I also have the ambition of being the next President of Association of Nigeria Theatre – Arts practitioners (the largest Actors organisation here).

Where do you see the Nigerian movies industry in the next couple of years?
Penetrating the world market. Our actors and actresses are up to the task. Technically we are improving.

When you are not working (Acting, producing, directing or making a film), what do you do or how do you pass the time?

I love playing in-door games like script writing, draft, monopoly scrabble and I also play table- tennis.
What kind of music do you listen to and who is your favourite musician?

Juju music – King Sunny Ade.

Is there an International Actor (American, British, Australian, African, etc.) you will want to work with if the opportunity presented itself?
Eddie Murphy

What message do you have for your international fans in America, United kingdom, Europe, Africa and its Diaspora?
I promise to keep them happy at all times.

For any reason at all, how would you personally want your fans to remember you?
As a creator of wisdom, and grandmaster of all re-action

ON THE MARBLE

There is no gainsaying the fact that the Yoruba film industry, represented by the ANTP, pioneered what is called films in this country today. It started in 1976. The first commercially successful film in this country is called Ajani Ogun, by Dr. Ola Balogun, Duro Ladipo and Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade Love). There had been films before it, but they were not successful, so to say. We started with celluloid, but because Nigeria does not have the capacity for post-production unless one goes abroad, we went back to home video, which we equally pioneered. The first home video film was done by Muyideen Alade Ayomire. It was titled Ekun and produced in 1986.

But a lot of people believe that Living in Bondage by NEK Productions is the pioneer…

That is not correct. Living in Bondage was done in 1993; the same year I did Asiri Nla. I don’t want us to dwell on that. Even before Living in Bondage, NEK participated in the production of some Yoruba films. If people want to talk about stepping up, using special effects, Living in Bondage was a step up technologically. There is no doubt about that. I remember that Asiri Nla, which I produced in 1993, sold well over 160,000 copies without publicity. You know what that means?

Coat of Many Colours of Francis Duru of Nollywood

2008-10-16T10:17:00.001+02:00

Francis Duru shot into limelight with some of the earliest home video flicks like Rattle Snake, Missing Mask and Mama Sunday, etc and it would not be out of place to describe him as a pioneer Nollywood actor. Francis took a sabbatical from acting by relocating to Abuja as a businessman, contractor and events consultant, but later returned to his first love with movies like Price of Destiny and Cold War. The Imo state born actor is an awardee of UN ambassador of Peace. Coat of Many Colours is one of his earliest movies and this blog derives the topic of this work from it. Here is Francis Duru at a glance.

Hobbies:

Music, Sports, Poetry, Charity ,reading.

Schools Attended:

University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
St. Thomas Aquinas Osu Mbano, Imo State Nigeria.
Sacred Heart College Mankon, Bamenda, Cameroun.
St. Joseph Primary School, Bamenia North West Province Cameroun

Stage Plays
Lion And The Jewel, If (Banji), Guinea Byrd (Dr. Byrd), Sizwe Bamsi is Dead

Movies:

Missing Mask, Rattle Snake, Cross Roads, Dust to Dust, Coat of Many Colours, Sgt Okoro, Set Up, House on Fire, Sins of the Flesh, Desperate Romance, Cold War, Blood Money, Immoral Act, Laraba, Mama Sunday, No way Out, Personal Assignment, The Dream , Wanted At All Cost and War For War

INTERVIEW

How did the Journey started?
The whole thing about acting for me started in 1989 when I mistakenly followed my friend to an audition where Paul Worika was in-charge. I had the opportunity of reading and some one said why don’t you just do it. Since I was just waiting for JME, I had time to do it and from then all things fell in place. I later got admitted to the University of Port Harcourt.

What are the happenings with you in recent time?
I’m doing well, production, shooting, doing my own things, doing my best in the business. I have been working.

How does it feel, being in Abuja where it is believed that production activities are very low?
Film business is not about the distance or location but the product. Irrespective of my location, I get called for jobs and it doesn’t matter where, transportation to location does not affect production. I move from here to Lagos, Port- Harcourt, Anambra, Owerri, etc. The most important thing is the product. A good product is highly demanded in the market, so for me, like I always say, the only thing I miss Lagos for is that other parts of entertainment are hidden away from me.

At what stage does an actor stop to lobby for a job? It is believed that since Lagos is the hot spot, an actor is more likely to get movie roles there than other locations. What do you think?

Yeah! It is true, but for me the word lobbying is what I am not used to and as a matter of fact, I have not been comfortable with. The fact that people believe that it is part and parcel of the business should not apply to all. I believe that if you deliver a good job, they will come for you. My own kind of lobbying is moving into the next business by doing so well, the one that I have at hand. So, it is about what impact I can have on the production.

So, what would you say that you are missing not being resident in Lagos?
The only aspect that I miss about Lagos is the aspect of recognition on this job through awards. There are lots of awards taking place and you don’t know how people got nominated for them in the first place. Take it or leave it, this aspect in an actor’s life helps to bring his project to limelight. It helps shows that there is some one some where who is also contributing his quota to the industry. I know that in most cases it is a clique thing but this is one aspect that I miss about Lagos. But lobbying for jobs has never been part of it. I’ve been fine; doing jobs in and out of Abuja. As I speak with you, I’m in Jos, Plateau state shooting a movie.

So, would you say Nollywood marketers and producers alike are so professionally driven enough to seek a good actor irrespective of distance, some people think they are nonchalant about this and would rather make do with whoever is on ground?
Yeah! They do that, to be candid. It is a bad-bad situation and I tell you that right now, emphasis is being placed on people who can deliver. It is true that once in a while they get nonchalant but that desire is growing now to put up the best. I get my job consequently because the person knows I can deliver. I don’t just do a job because the person is my friend or not, and that also applies to other actors. It has gotten to the point where they go for whoever they want, not just who they see.

What other things do you do apart from acting, I know for one that you are a MC?
I do shows, event and so on. I also combine acting with business. I consult for people, organizations. I am an event person generally, master of ceremonies, social services. Even when general supplies come, I do, at least, using the goodwill that comes along with entertainment to achieve other feats in life.

When is Francis Duru going to write his own movie, if only to proof a point?
I beg my brother, this whole thing about proofing a point is not part and parcel of me. Movie making is all about impulse. And the major problem we are faced with is the absence of a worthy distribution network. I’m working on my own movie but it is not easy like you think. You can’t proof a point when you are not sure that where you are putting your money would yield returns. But you make a point when at the end of the day the product finds a larger market. Distribution to me remains very, very important. It remains a motivational force for anything I want to do.

You were seen in a movie (Total War) recently that looks like Laviva, could it be that Laviva was given another title?
No, that movie is Total War, and they are two different movies. It’s just that they have one common setting; Liberia backgroung. One is just a Liberia setting while the other shifts settings between Liberia and Nigeria. They are two different stories, two different scripts and two different directors. The casts are also different. In Laviva, I played the role of an ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) soldier, and in Total War, I played a Liberian rebel turned pastor.

So what has happened to the movie, Laviva?
Yeah, Laviva is still there but I think the people who are actually responsible for the marketing are in better position to answer that question. I don’t really know much about Laviva, except that I am aware that it is being screened at some international film festivals..

Tell us about UN Ambassador awards you bagged recently
Yeah! It was the UN Ambassador of Peace award. It was given to me, the former governor of River State, the Inspector General of Police and Clem Ohameze, in recognition of what we have been doing to influence positively, the life of the youths.

How do you feel being so recognized?
Yes, I feel good and really honoured given that type of award, it isn’t easy, you know, to receive that kind of award from an international organization, with the diplomatic community too, endorsing that. It’s a big feather to me, it makes so much sense. It makes me feel that, fine, I may not have picked the indigenous awards, but there are people out there who are looking at me from a different perspective. We are in a time when we have a lot of unsung heroes who have contributed so much to the industry. Now, it s a great challenge and as an ambassador I know I have to contribute my own quota to global peace and make the world a better place. I didn’t know how they did it, how I got nominated, I just got the call that I should report where I was given the award.

On a lighter mood, tell us about your family?
Well, I have two lovely kids and my wife has been a very strong pillar. And like I say to people, I put family first in every thing that I do. My wife, my kids, my sisters, my entire household in Abuja has been a very strong pillar. We are a happy family, we strongly identify with God, and we believe so much in Jesus who is our force and we have much faith in him.

When Nollywood Photoblogger added another year

2008-10-11T19:17:00.003+02:00

This blogger added another year today. I give thanks to God for sparing my live and for keeping alive. I give thanks and praises to Him for all he had done for me, and for giving me the inspirations to start this blog. I will continue to believe in you God.
I also use this opportunity to thank those who find time to visit this blog, your visits is what spur me on to update it regularly, while your comments is the tonic I need to know that you really appreciates what am doing. I thank you all.

I have never been kissed on set - Monalisa Chinda of Nollywood

2008-10-07T18:40:00.003+02:00

Monalisa Chinda needs little or no introduction. She is a household name in the movie industry, having featured in over 30 home videos. Despite her popularity, Monalisa turns out not to be a celebrity like most other actresses, as she prefers to keep a low profile. She had her first child early this year, which explains her absence on the screen. In this interview culled from http://www.nigeriafilms.com, she reveal all.

How is life and work treating you?
I am happy and work is alright. The challenges are there but I am more comfortable now. Initially it was a bit of struggle for me.

How do you joggle between motherhood and your acting career?
For now, I take my daughter along with me to locations, until she is probably eight months or one year old.

Do you enjoy acting?
Yes I am enjoying it because it is what I love to do best, I love acting.

For how long have you been acting?
Professionally I have been acting for four straight years. Although I have been acting since 1992 and I have featured in some movies as an amateur. But professionally, I started acting in 2004.

Which was your very first movie?
My first home video was shot in 1996 and the title of the movie is 'Pregnant Virgin'

How did you feel, acting alongside professionals the first time?
Being a graduate of Theatre Arts, I was very comfortable with it because I was already used to facing audience while performing live, so this was even much easier for me because when the camera is running and you make a mistake, there is room to make amends because you will be given the time to do some corrections but this is not the case in live and stage performances. The stage is more difficult because any mistake you make, you can not undo, you will have to stay there or you improvise. It was okay, I enjoyed it.

Can you recollect one good thing that acting career has done for you?
Apart from the fact that acting is my God given talent, it has opened doors for me, although initially, I thought it was not going to be, because I was a little bit skeptical about being in the public but I think being in the public has made things a little easier for me. I don't have to go to the banks and queue, I do not have to go to airport and queue. I am always given a VIP treatment. It is good especially when people walk up to me and pay me compliments. The flattery, the…it is just so exciting.

You said you were skeptical about going public, why?
You know when you are a little shy and not prepared for what is going to come out after being famous but then I have a solid man behind me that has and still grooming me.

Who is that man?
Who else, it is my husband. God has used him immensely in my life.

Was it after you met him that you went into acting?
Yes I have met him before I started acting professionally.

How supportive were your parents?
Naturally back then, parents never liked their children being in anything entertainment. They were usually like, 'ah, you want to go and entertain when there is medicine to read, there is the Lawyer for you to become, there is the corporate world for you, then you want to go and entertain people, hellooo' it was of course frowned at back then. But with time, my parents began to realize that acting is my God given talent. Actually, they are a little bit liberal but sometimes, they give advice. They will say,'why don't you do this or do that, why don't you try and be a business person or try to be a lawyer' but when they saw that I was very passionate about acting, they allowed me be, but at the beginning, they were not too happy but when it started producing result, they are seeing my performance on stage, sometimes I beg them to come and watch me perform on stage, they were very excited about it and they said 'go ahead girl' and that was it.

What was your father's reaction when he watched your first performance?
The truth is that my father is a very liberal person; in fact, do anything that gives you joy. It is just my mother that is a bit strict. When my father saw me on stage the first time, he was telling my mom, 'you see, I told you this girl is very good, just let her be' so he was really excited about me.

How do you align your person to fit into your character?
Well, yes you have to. I watch enough foreign movies and sometimes I assess my own performance, I also do a lot of research. For instance, if I have to play the role of someone who is on drugs, you have to help yourself by watching somebody who is an addict. If you want to play the role of a pediatrician or Anatomist, you have to help yourself by researching to know how these people operate. I go on the internet, I go on television, I watch a lot of television programmes, I am a television eye and I read books as well, that is how I conduct my research.

Have you been able to produce a movie of your own yet?
When I grow up, I will be a producer (Laughs).

Do you think the Nigerian movie industry is up to standard?
I have a lot to say on that. Basically, I will really like us to be more professional in everything. Technically, we are a little backward but now that the corporate world is beginning to take part in what we do, we are improving little by little but we need more improvement. Also in the other areas of entertainment, we have to really improve. We like what we see on television, I mean when we watch actors and the camera movements in foreign movie. We have the resources but we are just a little lazy but I think we are getting there, just give us a little bit of time, we will get there.

So if you have the chance to effect a change in the industry, what will be the first thing you will change?
The first thing I will do is set. We get a lot of embarrassments when we have to go and shoot in people's house, that is so absurd when you have to go knocking on people's door, you have to beg and they treat you like trash, I don't like it and I know that a lot of us don't like it but we just have to manage, what do we do, we don't have a choice for now. But I think they are going to get a us a vast land for us to build our sets. That is one of the things I will like to change given the opportunity before other things fall in place.

Have you ever had any embarrassing moment for playing a particular character in a movie?
I have not been faced with such; rather I am being encouraged to continue the good works.

How would you describe yourself?
I am a very simple person, simple things are beautiful, can't you see? hello (laughs). I am a very simple, very emotional and I am a very straight forward person too. I like honest people, honesty is my watch word. Don't cheat people, don't discriminate, that is just me.

What was growing up like for you?
It was really interesting. Being the first child of my parents, I think I was a little bit over pampered. I was given most of the things I needed not wanted. I grew up being very comfortable. I thank God for my parents, it was really exciting and the fact that my mother was a strong woman in church, she sowed the seed in us a lot, so I grew up in a very Christian home.

Where did you grow up?
My early life was in Port Harcourt.Do you have any memorable experience?One was when I have my daughter, baby Tamar - Dejo Richards. That was really memorable.

When did you meet your husband?
I met my husband in 2002 briefly. It was like hello meet my friend Segun and whenever we meet, hello hi and that was about it. I did not even know that the man has already started planning how to 'catch' me. Since then, he has been mapping out strategies to 'catch' me, it took him two years before he succeeded in 2004. He will call me and end the call four hours after.

And you were picking the callWhy shouldn't I?
Everybody loves men that are after them. Then in 2004 we met again and he started again from where he stopped and the hello hi now turned to, you see let's go up for a drink and within that year, we got married.

So how is marriage?
Marriage has been exciting. It is bitter sweet, you know what I mean.

How supportive is he to your career?
He has been very supportive, he is unique, and he is different. Because for somebody to tell me, 'why don't you just go back to do what you like doing best, it was because of him that I got back into acting, that is the truth. People don't like hearing it but that is the truth. I was a little skeptical in the past; I did not know that acting was going to be a career for me. I wanted to be in a corporate world, I wanted to work in a bank, I wanted to just be a consultant to something, somewhere or wherever but I did not know that I was going to be an actress, so when I was planning to go into other things, he just sat me down and say 'my dear, go and act, that is what God called you for' and since he sowed that seed, he has been wonderful.

Is he very romantic?
Romance is far from his dictionary but he is just a realistic person. He won't like that anyway but that is the truth. He is a very, very realistic person.

how does he feel when you play those sexy roles?
No I have never been kissed on set. He knew all these things before he said I should go and do what you are called for. I mean, being a responsible person, you should know what to do. In the early days he used to help with the script and to help build my character and all that. He is indifferent but as a wife, I know my limitations and I don't cross the bounds. My husband knows me; he knows what I can do and what I cannot do.

What if you are under pressure to choose between your home and your career?
I will choose being at home because, for a man to come to telling a wife to choose between staying at home and your career, it means the wife is not doing what she is supposed to do, it means she is not striking a balance between being a career woman and being in the house to take care of the home front, that's what it means. I don't think any man that is sensible will know that everywhere is organised at home, he has his food when he wants to eat and the woman strive to strike a balance with her home and career and then he tells her 'you know what, stop, don't go out there again and come back eleven o'clock' there must be a balance. And if that balance is not there and my husband says 'this is getting too much, you have to sit at home', I will have to sit at home until I convince him that I can actually be a career woman and still take care of the home but it has not come to that yet. I try as much as I can to strike a balance.

What is one good thing that being married has done to you?
It has made more responsible, it has made me wiser, it has made me stronger and it has made me realized that marriage is something everybody will wish to be in. it gives you a sense of security and belonging especially in this fierce society that we live in Africa. It has been great and fantastic.

What is your perception of the reality of sexual harassment in the industry?
There is sexual harassment everywhere.

Have you ever been sexually harassed?No, I have never been sexually harassed, to the glory of God.

Do you have a role model?
Naturally I should have and I do have a role model. I have two people as a role model. One of them is Joke Silva and the second person is Reverend Dele George of the little saints Orphanage home. These are the two women I aspire to be like, not necessarily copying them but if possible, to be better than them. To give back to the society better than what they have been able to give back.

How do you feel when you watch yourself on set?
I feel great, I feel oh God so I did this like this and sometimes, I feel like oh I should have done this better, oh why do I have to. I like seeing myself, so I can upgrade in the next one and can be better off.

Are you a designer freak?
Yes and no. yes I love designer things and I wear them and no because I won't go out of my way to have designer things if I don't have the money.

What about jewelry?
I love jewelry. As an actress, you can not do without that to compliment your looks.

I started Acting by Chance - Maureen Solomon of Nollywood

2008-09-12T09:52:00.002+02:00

Background:

Maureen Solomon is an Igbo girl. I’m a simple girl from Isochi in Abia State. I come from a family of seven that is, including my parents. I’m the second and second girl.

Beginning

I started acting in 2001 till date. I wouldn’t say I started by mistake, it was by chance. Actually, I bumped into an audition. I went there to look for my sister who was attending the audition but when I got there, I was asked to be part of the audition and I got the role.

Most of the things that happen in my life do so when I’m not prepared, just like acting, and I’m stuck with it because I just love it.

Movies shot

Now, I don’t know but I’ve done quite a number of movies.

Shot into limelight

I owe my shot into limelight to two movies because the first movie that people really got to know me for was "Not without my Daughter", we shot the movie in Jos. It was done by Lucky Joe, then the one that really got me popular was "Women Affair" by Annex Merchandise. So I owe my shot into limelight to these two movies.

Challenges

Not really much. Just trying to cope with the industry, to be myself and then outside people normally place us where we are not. It takes a lot to be yourself outside. That’s about the challenges for now.

Comfortability

Well, right now am not lacking anything, so it’s okay for now.

Embarrassing Moments

None except when people see you on the road and begin to shout your name, it’s not that embarrassing, it’s something you have to live with.

Nolllywood

I really pray for it to grow more than where it is now. It’s really going wide, years before now nobody envisaged that it was going to be like this and definitely it’s going to go higher.

Male fans

I try. Most of the times some of them are stubborn, some polite, some nice. But I try to be plain to them, whatever they want, I just tell them my mind.

Heartbreak

Well, I have never broken any body’s heart and mine has never been broken. We part as friends when the need to part arises.

Most challenging roles

Most of the roles I play are challenging because first, it’s not my character. I’m still expecting the most challenging although there was this movie I took part in and it was my first time of playing an elder sister to someone that you know is older than you. At first, it was like I could or could not carry it and besides, that was my third lead role so I wasn’t sure of myself but after some scenes, I picked up and it was okay.

Artistes admired

Well, for the female artistes, I love Stella Damascus - Aboderin. She’s one actress I know that is there. She has depth. She is good. Genevieve, Eucharia Anunobi-Ekwu are also good. Then for the elderly ones, I like Ngozi Ezeonu and Shola Sobowale, these two women are just too good.

Then for the guys, I love Richard Mofe Damijo, Ramsey Noah, Emeka Ike, but in all of them Stella is just my number one.

Hobbies

I like locking myself inside the room watching movies. I don’t go out. I don’t hang out, I’m too lazy to hang out.

Advice

For the girls, have a focus of what you want to do first, not just being a star. If you feel being a star is your sole target then when you come in, many things are going to go under water but if you’re focused and you know where you’re coming from and where you’re going to somethings would not just come and take you like that. They should be careful and know what they want.

Sexual Harassment

I hear that everyday but no, it has never happened to me. But before one gets harassed, definitely you must have shown the red light or green light. For me, I just get to location, do my job and leave.

Act Nude

No girl, I will not. I’m an Igbo girl and I will not act nude for any amount of money. I know the family I come from and I know what I want in life. I can’t do it.

Stardom

I’ve really been trying. Sometimes I just don’t know what to do. I’m trying so hard not to make everyone unhappy, especially when they go like oh! Maureen and all that. The whole thing is just being yourself. If you are yourself, anybody that wants to get pissed off at you, then, that is the person’s problem but if they like you, then they like you and there are no two ways about it.

Fees

It’s good but I still hope it gets better.

Me and my guy

Oh yes, I love him and he loves me. I don’t know about wedding bells, but we are praying for it. He loves me for who I am and I love him for who he is. God, he’s himself, he’s not fake, he’s honest and most importantly, he loves me and I mean I can’t ask for more and I count myself lucky to have him.

culled from http://odili.net/news/source/2006/mar/4/514.html

Tony Umez of Nollywood at Photo Glance

2008-09-10T18:02:00.004+02:00

A Masters Degree holder in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos in 1992, Umez had to do some private tutoring to make a living since he couldn’t find a job in his line of business due to an embargo on jobs by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Anambra State native is a husband of 12 years and father of 3 beautiful young daughters. Tony met his wife Patsy Ogochukwu in 1994 on the movie set of a minor production set by a member of their church where incidentally they were playing a married couple. After a 5-year courtship, the couple married traditionally in 1999 and in church in 2002. You can be his Facebook friend on this link - http://www.new.facebook.com/people/Tony_Umez/754133052

Ebele Okaro - The Mama of Nollywood

2008-09-09T17:35:00.004+02:00

THE unpretentiously friendly old girl of Santa Maria Primary School, Enugu and Queen of the Holy Rosary in Nsukka has unarguably emerged one of the industry's finest, always leaving a memorable impression each time she features in a movie.

An acting auntie to a number of young actresses,she is well married into the popular Onyiuke family. For her, acting has been a matter of childhood past time which has effortlessly become a ladder unto stardom. Ebele cut her acting teeth in primary school, did some more acting in secondary school before she gained admission to the University of Calabar to study Education. But Ebele's passion for make-believe resisted all attempts to make her not to train as a theatre artiste. To prove that her 'passion was thicker than a mere wish' Ebele, whom a critic once said possesses a textbook and clinical acting finishing, eventually pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts.

Star of a number of television programmes and home movies including 'Moving Fingers', 'Hostages', 'Third Eye', 'Eziza', 'Evil Thing' and '30 Days' starring the deep actress Joke Silva, Ebele, a crusader for professionalism served out her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Lagos. That provided the platform for Ebele - who was born in London but brought up in Enugu - to do some more acting.

Along the line,there was a lull,so Ebele, star of 'Days of Rage', 'Shallow Waters' and 'Red Light', tried her hands on other things. She worked at an embassy in Lagos and then a bank which later went down. She returned to acting again, this time on full time basis and since then she has not looked elsewhere. Today, not only is Ebele popular, but she has also warmed herself into the hearts of most movie goers and her rating indicates that she is one of the most featured actresses on the home video scene.

Speaking further on her march into Theatre Arts,she said:"Actually that is my main passion - theatre arts. May be because I come from a family that has that kind of background. My mum was into television production and my father though an engineer also had passion for stuffs like singing, drama but just in the house o! But my mum did hers beyond the house. I guess it all started from there. And really I could have read theatre arts from the start. But there was a reason for my choosing education first before I now went in to read theatre arts. But you find out too that education has a little bit of drama in it. Because I remember when I went for my teacher training programme, a lot of students will leave their classes and come to my class because of the way I dramatized what I taught. Somehow education and drama has a lot in common and may be, I was just following my mother's steps. Not intentionally but somehow it worked out like that.

Childhood
I have always been into acting, right from when I can remember myself. When we were in primary school we had periods, when we were always dramatizing. My self and my friends. Even at home, I will always come out to demonstrate when friends come around to see my mother. Just a little way of making money. Because the visitors get so impressed that they will end up giving you things. But it was all so funny. So somehow I have always been into it.

The break
When I was at the University of Calabar studying theatre arts, one of my lecturers that really appreciated what I was doing introduced me to a lot of people who were involved in productions. I was introduced to a producer in NTA Calabar and two of us from school then joined their drama group and we used to do some weekly stuff together on television. So when I came out from school and because I was in the drama department in the NYSC camp, they specifically asked us where we wanted to be posted to and I opted for NTA Lagos and I ended up in NTA. When I resumed there, I didn't find it easy breaking in because they already had their actors and had a whole lot of others on the waiting list. Uunfortunately, one day they had an audition and I happened to be there. I guess it was just for formality because they already had a cast in mind. But fortunately for me, I got them impressed after I read and that landed me a lead role. The lady they took it from wasn't too happy and anytime we went on set she won't talk to me. Later, I met Rosemary Ingbi and somehow we became friends. With time, we all got used to ourselves and that was it. And I think I enjoyed myself at the NTA especially working with experienced people like Chika Onu and Cordelia Eke. There was also Antar Laniyan who played my husband in 'Moving Fingers'. But I enjoyed myself . It's just that I wish they paid more.

From NTA to the office

When I left NTA, I went to work for Australian High Commission but I was still coming out to shoot movies and that was when I shot 'Hostages' with Tade Ogidan. So somehow I have always been in the line. And because I was formerly in the system, I will hear of auditions and attend. But then with responsibilities I moved on from the Australian Commission to Royal Merchant Bank and while there, I didn't have time. In the embassy I could still go and work after close of work but in the bank it was difficult. So I couldn't really cope and because the money we got as actors was really small, I had responsibilities and so I had to stick to banking.

But even in the bank, my colleagues were all like look Ebele the day this bank goes down we know you will run back to your acting and we will laugh over it. And really one other thing that informed my decision to work outside of acting was the fact that there wasn't much happening. That was when Tade Ogidan shot 'Hostages' and that was one of the first major works apart from 'Living in Bondage' and others. Probably if there was a vibrant industry then, I would have stayed on. It was while at the bank that Nollywood started picking up. So suddenly the bank went down. I tried working in another bank but I wasn't really happy. But once in a while I will steal out to do some work. It was while in the bank that I shot 'Evil Thing' and later Don Pedro Obaseki's 'Eziza'. But it was hectic and tight. It was later that I finally decided on returning to main stream acting. So that's how I came back again.

Memorable Works
Yes, 'Eziza' will count as one of my most challenging works considering the circumstances. I mean, now people are being paid very well. I don't want to talk about 'Eziza' and payment. The movie was shot in Benin. Finances were very tight and so you also expect that other aspects of production like movements and welfare will be tight too. And to know that we shot the movie in the bush. Real bush. There were some places where I was the only lady on set. There was one place I totally refused to go into. I think it was a shrine and I was told they had a python in there and I said if this python comes he will go for me because I am the fattest among you all. So it was challenging. Apart from the environment and the circumstances, the role too. I had to carry a lot of babies. It was really stressful and tough. And it was during the raining season. It kept raining and we kept working because we had to finish and leave Benin. But I totally enjoyed it. In fact those are the kind of roles someone will always recall and say hey, I did something nice here. The story too was good. You know at that initial time, we had tight stories. It was one off kind of thing. Not this rush for three parts and even four parts. It's more of money making thing now than actually promoting the arts.

I enjoyed 'Evil Thing', 'Faces on Fire' where I played a priestess. I had to use part of the songs my father taught us to interprete that role because I had to chant. It was hectic. We had to even pray and pray on a set we were to use as shrine before we rolled camera because it turned out so scary for even the fellow that built the set. But I enjoyed it. There is also 'Family Battle' and then 'Rings on Fire' which I saw recently and had to actually shed tears because of the story. It was so deep. Then there is 'Concubine' an epic that has not been released. It was directed by Andy Amenechi. There is also 'Egg of Life', and then 'Ola'. Then there is 'Tumuni Song' which Dove Media produced. I love the role I played in the movie. I got a lot of compliments and I felt like them after watching the movie.

Gains of acting

It has put food on my table to an extent, but not as much as it could. I don't think I deserve what I am earning now. I think I deserve more than what I am getting now. But honestly I don't know how to play politics and I don't know how to go around begging people. I can only say yes and no. And I think some of them take advantage of the fact that I am soft. There are situation where even friends are shooting and they call you only for you to realise later that they indeed had a fat budget. I don't begrudge anyone because for me it is not all about the money. But the passion for the job. But then if your passion for the job can earn you money why not. I expect people to know what I am worth. But it is a bit difficult because we don't have agents and managers who would do the negotiation. So the considerations here most times is just to hop on location because you like the story or do the job because you need the money or may be you have not worked for a long time and your fans want to see you.

The risk
Well, we do a lot of travelling. The risk involved. Having also to leave your family and having to spend so much on call cards because once you are not around your home, your mind would not be at rest. You have to keep calling to make sure every body and every thing is all right. But I am lucky that I have an understanding husband and a mummy too. Most times when I am in Enugu to shoot, I stay with her and if I have to be on location, she gets them to prepare and bring meals to me so that I can be a bit comfortable. I am sensitive about what I eat outside home. If I don't feel comfortable with what I have been served, I simply don't eat because I don't want to fall ill on set. That's the worst thing you can do to yourself.

Fans must be fans
Yes, I have had fans walk up to me to complain or commend me about roles I have played on set. And because I cannot judge myself, I try to be down to earth. Am just myself. First of all I am a friendly person. When I see people walk up to me in recognition, I wave even before they say anything. Then some people walk up to you and complain about a role you played. I remember my role in 'Third Eye'. I played a character that poisoned someone and a man was so pissed off with me. In fact he begged me not to play such kind of roles again because I look to him as if I am nice in real life. Some people call me to say that they want me to be their mummy because of how well they say I play the character of a mother in movies. So it's here and there but basically I think people appreciate what you are doing. And that is basically what I gain from this job.

Nollywood
Nollywood is a baby. It's still a baby if you ask me. We have a long way to go but we are trying. The only thing is that sometimes you find out that, may be because we are churning out too many movies, we have not taking time to stop and correct aspects we would or should have corrected. Every body is in the rush to hit the market. If only we can sit back and carry out some review and may be concentrate on just a few jobs in stead of flooding the market with works. If we put the money together and concentrate, I think we will have better jobs. And I wish too that all these companies sponsoring foreign soaps will put down their monies for us to do movies. It will help a great deal. We will have better jobs. But again we must be ready to invest in training and personal development. There are quite a number of people here who are not trained. Even those that are trained need to go for periodic refresher courses to update their knowledge about the profession.

Growing Up
Growing up was lovely. I was born in London but I grew up in Enugu. I came to serve in Lagos and since then I have been in Lagos. Growing up was fun. I had happy parents and somehow, it rubbed off on all of us. Sometimes I see my friends when they are with their fathers, they are so scared. But when we were growing up we could roll on the floor with my father. That was the kind of person that he is. He was even more playful than my mum. We would joke and do hide and seek. That's the kind of person he was. I think that rub off. We are all very friendly people in my family. I have a sister who is a lawyer. I have a brother who is in the industry, on and off. My sister Chichi is more into presentation even though she is a very good actress. My mum used to act. She was in the cast of the television adaptation of Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart'. So it is in the family.

Staying power

First, it is the grace of God. Then, the passion for the job and thirdly, the family encouragement. There are also the gains of the profession like the money and the fact people say that you are good and that you should keep it up. But I think that acting is just a part of me. I think I will keep acting until I die. And I also want to help younger people who want to act. There are quite a number of young girls who want to act but who are faced with so many challenges. People find them attractive and they want to sleep with them or want them to part with money before they can be given a chance to exhibit their God-given talent. And it happens in every industry. Iam not saying that it is peculiar to movies alone. So if I can, I want to help such people. I want to be able to bring them in and protect them to a certain level. If they now want to do it, then it is entirely their business but they should not be forced into it. I was lucky. I never had that problem. Not that people did not make moves, but I was hardened and that's probably because I was good in what I was doing and so I had no reason to be desperate. Nobody told me 'give me this and give me that'. So my staying power has been God, the passion and my fans. I love it when people tell me that they love what I am doing.

Role Models
I do have role models. I love Whopi Goldberg. She is natural. She doesn't care how she looks and what she wears. She is her self. That's the kind of person I like. People who don't do things to impress alone. I am not out there to impress any body. I just want to be myself and I want people to like me for what I am and not what they want me to be. It is too much wahala actually trying to be what you are not. So Whopi is my role model. I admire Liz Benson a lot. She is one of the best. She has the ability to play different roles. That's what I admire in her. Then the younger ones. I think I admire Genevieve Nnaji a lot. She is good. I knew she was going to make it and I do admire her as one of the younger actresses. I also like Bimbo Akintola, I like Stella Damascus Aboderin. I also admire Uche Jombo. She is one person I would love to work with. I have not done much work with her but she is someone you will love working with. She is a give and take actress. She has the right attitude to work. Another person I love working with is Kanayo Kanayo and then Joke Silva. Then there is Uncle Olu. And for directors, there a number of them but I like Andy Amenechi. He is very good. But Whopi is my role model

Career Ambition
I will like to be involved in productions. But I will act in my productions. I don't want to stop acting but I want to be able to combine it with producing. But my greatest ambition is to do a Hollywood movie. Even if it is to play in three scenes.

I like being happy. I like good people. Honest people. I like working hard for my money. I have always worked for everything I have had. I also like being nice to people. If I had money I would like to help a lot of people. I would like to leave a positive impact on people lives, no matter how small. Those are the kind of things I would like to do. I like Rice and then I like White Soup with fresh chicken. I like African music a lot.

After watching Big Brother Nigeria, I fell in love with music by our younger artistes. I love slow music....blues and oldies. I love dancing and I always try to learn the latest steps. I hate lies. Trying to be what you are not. Back biting. Jealousy and al that. I don't like such things. I don't like publicity. And truly I run away from the press. You never know what you would say and what they will write and some how they too have left me. And I am not really the going out type. I stay in my little home and do things by the side. I like to dress well but I don't have that kind of money to throw around on fashion. I buy them if I can afford them but I don't go over the top to buy them. My own is that does it fit me. Does it look nice on me? I am just not extravagant.

Enter Mr. Onyiuke

My husband walked into my house and that was it. Honestly I don't know what the attraction was for him then but I know then that he said I had a good figure. I think he came with his cousin to see my flatmate and that was it. I was struck by his beautiful voice. And he was very kind too. From the very first day I saw him I noticed that he was a very kind person. Even though that his kindness em can cause trouble o, sometimes. My husband's own is too much. And he doesn't have a problem with my acting. He doesn't. I had made a name and that explains why I still keep the Ebele Okaro name and I added Onyiuke to it. I asked him and he said he doesn't have any problem with it.

RECENT PRESS INTERVIEW

Ebele Okaro Onyuike has been in acting long before the movie industry got the Nollywood tag. The theatre arts graduate of the University of Calabar, has, however, remained consistent in her career, which has spanned over 20 years. In this interview with Reporter Patrick Uwalaka, she confessed that the arts run deep in her family.

How did you get into acting?
It has always been a part of me, right from primary school through my secondary school and up till my university days. I also come from a family of entertainers. My parents were entertainers so it is something that runs in the family.

What are the achievements you have had in Nollywood?
I don’t know if I have achieved anything since I started acting other than make many people happy. I have done one or two works that people have come to appreciate. I have inspired the young who look up to people like me and I wish I could do more because I have so much to contribute.

What are the challenges you have encountered while rising to the top?
I wouldn’t want to blow my trumpet; I only know that I am still working hard to get to the top. In any case, there have been a lot of challenges. First of all, there are certain roles that they give you which are not really you and having to leave your family to travel long distances for a movie role; being on the set of a movie and thinking about how they are coping. Sometimes the challenges come from the people you work with who might not have the same background in terms of discipline. You see, some people are just there to have fun and are not concentrating on what they are doing; they get carried away with stardom; they are not ready to sit down and make the best of what is on ground and that tends to affect the production. Challenges also come from scripts that are not well written.

And the role you are expected to play might be quite physical, even when you are in pain or you are not feeling well, you are still expected to smile and carry out your role in the movie.

Apart from the fee, what are those things that have really kept you going on?
First of all, it is God, second is self-discipline and the last one is my love for the arts and what I do.

What was life like before you ventured into acting?
Actually, like I said before, I have been acting from my primary school days. I have always done one form of television production or the other. During my secondary school days, I also did television and stage acting and in my university days, I studied theatre arts . I did my youth service with the NTA; so that has been my life. Except if you are referring to what people term Nollywood then I would say I had a hiatus which saw me work in a bank but had to quit for full time acting. Acting has been my life even before Nollywood came into being.

Which do you prefer, epics, romance or comedy?
I love all of them because they are challenging in different ways. Someone said he sees me in a lot of epics playing the wife of a king. To be honest with you, I am not crazy about playing the role of a queen every now and then, because you find out that when you play that kind of role over time, it becomes a stock character. I play it well but I would still prefer roles that are challenging and will show other sides of you.

What are those happy moments that you would want to relive again as an actress?
Moments I spend with fellow actors and crew members when we are like one family. These are people who are not related to you but there is this bond that holds us together because we have a common goal, we all strive to achieve.

One of the best moments is when we are together in the bush roasting either yam or plantain and eating it with so much love and happiness, those kind of treasured moments are worth preserving forever.

How many movies have you done in Nollywood?
Please save me from the agony of counting; I don’t know, you see the way movies are released in Nigeria, sometimes you don’t even know the titles of these movies and it’s someone that will tell you, oh! I saw you in that movie and all that. I know I have done quite a lot and you should know it is not really the number that matters, but how well the few you have done were able to impact lives.

Do you have any memorable day on set?
Yes, I have a couple but I think one will be on the set of Ola (The Morning Sun: I interpreted my lines so well that the director, Andy Amenechi, told everyone on set to give me a standing ovation and I felt so happy.

Would you say you have given your best in Nollywood?
Yes, I have to an extent especially with my initial productions like Ajani, Evil Pain. Those are the movies for which I feel I have really given my best and I know I still have so much to give to Nollywood in years to come.

Have you produced any movie?
I have not but very soon my works will start coming out. I am just taking my time.

Where did your love for African fabrics come from?
I don’t know; I just love African fabrics. I love Africa as a continent and all the core values, which Africa stands for; and most importantly, I think it fits me better, except when I have to wear my jeans, which must go with a top made from African fabrics.

Have you ever had bad press?
No; I have not. I run away from anything that will make me a topic for journalists to write about.

How do you run away from controversies in Nollywood?
I am not a loud person and I have not gotten myself into any thing that will make headlines. When I finish my work, I go home to take care of my family; I don’t go out often. I like my quiet lifestyle and I will continue to live my life that way.

What Nollywood movie gave you your break?
I really don’t know. I have been there for so long that I can’t even remember when I played my first major Nollywood movie role. I think my first major job in Nollywood apart from Ezzia and Evil Thing was Egg of Life and then it has been like that ever since.

Are you from the well-known Onyuike family?
I don’t know which one is the well-known Onyuike family, but I am married into the Onyuike family.

People say you are a workaholic, do you find time to unwind at all?
I try to rest when I can and that’s why when I finish a job, I try to stay at home with my family. The little opportunity I have, I use it to rest my tired self with my family around me.

What is your philosophy of life?
To be good to people, be nice to people because you never know who might help you in life as this world is a small place.

So what does friendship mean to you?
It’s being kind, sharing, honest and its all about trust.

Nollywood is said to be on a journey. Where do you hope to see it in a few year’s time?
We are going very far. The trend now is that Hollywood is coming down to Africa to do movies and those are the new movies that are selling, the likes of Blood Diamonds, Hotel Rwanda; the time will come when Nigerian stars will feature in top rated Hollywood films shot in Africa and indeed Nigeria.

As a stakeholder, do you think the government of the day has done enough to uplift the industry?
No, they have not; we expect them to do more. Get involved with equipment, which will be used to shoot high quality films in Nollywood and uplift the standard in Nigeria.

Presenting Gabriel Afolayan of Nollywood

2008-07-31T16:08:00.003+02:00

Gabriel Afolayan, one of the children of late theatre icon, Ade Afolayan popularly known as Ade Love is an upcoming act and a final year student of Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan. The Kwara State born actor and musician reveals in this chat why girls are measure of achievements.

Relationship with other children
Basically, it’s been fun all the way. We are one as far as I’m concerned because we all answer the same surname, Afolayan. I relate with my brothers and sisters very well. After all, I have Kunle Afolayan and Moji Olayiwola (nee Afolayan) as brother and sister and we relate nicely, encouraging each other.

Acting, family business ?
I can say yes and no. Yes, in the sense that my father was an actor my brother is one and my sister too. My interest in making a change without my dad’s name really moved me into it. That my siblings are in the industry means nothing as I have got my own life to live although dad’s goodwill works but the passion drove me into it. I don’t work with my dad’s name as I see myself as myself.

So you are making yourself by yourself?
That’s it. Talent is the keyword to this thing called acting. What my dad’s got in him can be transferred to any of his kids but because some are talented just as he was they started acting. For me I have got the talent and I trained myself. Talent without training is useless. Talent is a one way kind of thing but training makes you expand. I don’t know anyone in the industry and I tell people every time that I know no one but it all depends on my talent.

Filmography ?
Sincerely, I started acting in 1990. My first work was in a commission film produced by Baba Sala, whom we used to live together in the same area, but which little I have forgotten. I was in Diamond with Baba Sala, in 1994, Behind the Siege (2004) Madam Dearest (2005), Ife Ewe (2006), Super Story ‘Because you Loved Me’ (2007), Akorede, Itusile, Harmony Estate (soap open) 2007. And a Lagos lottery advert (2005).

But your actions in Madam Dearest brought you into limelight?
It is true at least I’ve been on two to three productions before then, but it happened that Uncle Tade Ogidan organised auditions to get a perfect match for the role. I was picked for the role in U.I and was called up to Lagos for another audition, from which I was finally picked for the role. He never knew who I was until we were on with the production. I did not know him at all and neither did he.

What was it like working with OGD?
It is quite an awesome experience working with Uncle Tade as I was able to set a pace and interpret lines to the standard it’s supposed to be. As I said earlier, I was called up through the audition. It was after that I started my homework to make it work out well. I made researches about Ghana, Nigeria, Republic of Benin, in other to create a real scene. Ever since, it’s been good for me as an actor.

But your face ought to have been prominent on posters?
I get a lot of invitations from various producers but I have discovered that they all believe I am good at crying because of my action in Madam Dearest so all their scripts showcases hysterical scenes which I don’t like anyway. I love to change roles. Ife Ewe, for instance, created Bada, a bad boy. What I just do is to make sure I prepare for my role very well before any movie.

You talked about music? Anything cooking
Yes, the love for music prompted me into it and I started as a back up in the choir way back in the 90s until I became professional in 1995. I play the guitar and I’m still learning. I love listening to all kinds of music. My own style, however, is African Soul, and I’m sure my single’s dropping, by God’s grace, December. I am just like taking after Will Smith who combines both stuff.

Remuneration, highest and lowest fee, so far?
Basically, it depends. I have a manager who manages me and I charge per scene at an affordable price but my lowest and highest sign on fees are strictly confidential. I got good pay from Madam Dearest, Ife Ewe and others.

Dating Tolu Babalola?
People just can’t help being funny. Tolu is my younger sister, she used to be in my department before she left for Manchester, U.K and also, we were together on set of Madam Dearest. Dating is too far from it.

Role models and views about the music and movie industry
I don’t have a role model except for reputable Indian actors like Amitabh Bachan, whom I respect so much. In the music industry I respect all those who sing well and are good. My view about the movie industry is that we are far from it but dedication, hard work, perseverance and God we will get there. It might just take a period of time but the music industry is near getting there at the pace with which the industry is going.

Handsome dude, where are the girls?
As you can see, I am a cool guy. It is undisputable that I’m handsome but I manage girls the way I’m supposed to. To me, girls are measure of achievements because girls calling you and complementing and appreciating you are a sure way of joy. I am single as I have said earlier, because I have had series of failed relationships and the coast is clear for competition.

How do you unwind?
I listen to music and socialize and mingle with my colleagues. I don’t smoke or take alcohol.

Upcoming projects
I’m organising a reality show where audience can be and will be the judge and I’m also working on some stuffs in the music and movie industry. I write good songs and score movie sound track so expect something great from Dosu, the actor.

Recent attack on celebrities
You can never be good to everyone but whatever you do always remember the law of Karma. As far as I’m concerned, I’m not troublesome or a gate crasher of sort as I pick my companions. I fear no evil as I believe in Psalm 23 and 91.

Last note
My fans, I love you and God bless us.

Culled from Tribune Newspaper

From Banking to Nollywood -- Yomi Fash-Lanso

2008-06-19T13:50:00.001+02:00

Mr Oluyomi Fash Lanso

ADDRESS: - Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos State.

DATE OF BIRTH: June 7, 1968.

MARITAL STATUS: Married

STATE OF ORIGIN: - Ogun State

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Yoruba, English and Pigeon English

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND -

1). U.A.M.C (Eleja), Apapa Road, Ebute-Metta
2). Jubril Martins Memorial Grammar School Iponri
3). University Of Lagos Akoka.

Tell us a little about your childhood, growing up, parents, brothers and sisters?

My growing up was fantastic because I have a good childhood upbringing. Playing dirty at times, with my age mates was one of the interesting fun I can remember. My family consist of my parents, 3 boys and a girl. Being the last child, I was really dotted on. My brothers introduced me to the cinema house and movies. I became a film freak, and despite my father objection to film watching became an ardent disciple thereby becoming interested in film and motion picture as a whole.

What was the first paying job ever that you had?

I worked in a Bank as a Banking officer.

How much were you paid per month and what were the responsibilities?

N2,500.00. I was only taking care of myself, mother and supporting my siblings.

What other jobs did you do outside Acting?

I invest in honest, viable and profitable businesses. I am what so others will call a business tycoon.

What made you go into the Acting career and when did you start Acting (year)?

The world of ‘film making’ got me hook, line and sinker, coupled with inner talent that was struggling within me then. I went through vigorous self teaching research on what acting was all about, via film watching, review magazines, flipping through articles that bother on film acting or film making, and when opportuned, visited film sets/locations. I started acting professionally in February 1995.

Who were your Idols/Models (Actors) in those days?

Whow! They are so many of them from different continents. My Nigerian influences were Moses Olaiya, Ade Love,, Hubert Ogunde, Lere Paimo, and Jab Adu. I also liked watching Jim Kelly, Jim Brown, Franco Nero, John Wayne, Leon Green, Fred Willianson (American actors); Fu Sheng, Cheng Sei, Carer Wong, Jackie Chan, Lo Lei, David Chang, Chen Kua Tai, Chen Kua Chun (chinese actors); Amitabh Bachan, Dhamendra, Pran, Vinod Khanna. Vinod Mehra, Ferozkahy, and Sunil Dutt (india actors).

What was your first role in Theatre, TV or Movies?

My first role was lawyer Tunde Smart, in the movie titled Bekunpe.

What was your major break-through role and in what film, series or play? My first major breakthrough role was as ‘Akintunde’, in the film Omolade.

What were the constraints you had to face and overcome as an up-and-coming young Actor ?

The first was not been able to negotiate my fee because the producer sees you as somebody he or she is trying to helping. They see the talent but no justification for negotiation.

How many films have you been involved with as an Actor to date?

15 FILMS OMOLADE (1995), TWISTED CONNECTION (1997), ORO MA SOKO (2002), ALE ARIWO (2003), OPA AGEMO (2004) and the very recent one TENI NI TENI (2004-08-12).

As a DYNAMIC, OUTSTANDING, 'A'-List Actor, how have you managed to adapt to the different range of roles you have played in your career?

By doing my homework, a lot of research and studying people of different occupation and lifestyle I meet closely. Most importantly, I demystify myself before taking a role.

What is the most awkward or strangest role you have had to take/play in your career and why?

Playing a disabled persons role in Kunle Alajeseku. I wanted to be in the disabled peoples world and feel what they feel every time. The pain and agony they go through silently in my opinion can never be measured. I know because I have had a glimpse and believe me they deserve our care, attention and love.

What film have you been most proud to be involved with so far, and why?

JOMBO. I was proud to take the lead role in the film Jombo because it gave me the avenue to play a bad guy in a really sadistic way, far from how some actors have played the role in the past.

As an 'A'-List Actor yourself, what other 'A'-List Actors or Actresses have worked or collaborated with?
Dele Odule, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Adebayo Salami, Jide Kosoko, Sunday Omobolanle, Taiwo Hassan, Yinka Quadri, Funso Adeolu, Antar Laniyan, Yemi Solade, Saheed Balogun, Omotola Jolade Ekeinde, Faithia Balogun, Poyemi Ayeola, Babatunde Omidina and Sola Sobowale.

Did you at anytime want to quit your Acting career for something else or for a reason, and why (if any)?

I thought of quitting when I was ban from acting by my association (A.N.T.P) for having the effrontery to query the executive committee of non-chalant attitude towards artist welfare, and questioning the reason for the association (A,N,T,P) collecting money from producers before he or she could role camera without any support from the association. I basically felt that the executives in the association ‘ruled’ and didn’t ‘Lead’. The issue of members taking work permit before acting was also inclusive.

What is the motivation for you or what keeps you interested in this career every morning you wake up?

Firsly, because I enjoy what I am doing and its challenging. Secondly, because I strongly believe that better and brighter days are coming soon.

How important are our Nigerian roots, morals, values, knowledge and sense of wisdom to you and your works? Everything that has to do with my roots and culture is very important to me because it is what tells the outside world that I have an identity, and I try as much as possible to show that unique identity and wisdom to the outside world through films.

On the stories, scripts, or screen play of your films, and its impact on the Nigerian/African cultural values (home and abroad), how do you manage to harness, keep and pass them across in your films?

Basically, the three element of entertainment are to inform, educate and entertain, which we so much keep in our works (films) that anyone from any race would not want to learn. The way we dress, the way we speak and the way we relate to our fellow human creature is important to me.

What projects are you working on at the moment and with whom?

JOMBO II, with Binta Ayo Magaji. Another with Dimeji Ijaduade, and another with Bolaji Amosan (Mr Latin) friends with alpha vision.

Where do you see yourself in this career in the next five years?

Highest height with God’s support.

Where do you see the Nigerian movies industry in the next couple of years?

If all various fractured associations could come together under one umbrella then the sky will be a stepping stone not the limit to our peak. fractured When you are not working (Acting, producing, directing or making a film), what do you do or how do you pass the time?

I do a lot of thing, for example visiting places, hanging out with my friends, playing games, visiting the gym, writing, watching films and praying.

What kind of music do you listen to and who is your favourite musician?

Various forms of Music that suits my mood at the time, from High Life, Juju, Fuji, Gospel, R&B to Jazz. Some of the Artists I listen to are Yinka Ayefele, Lionel Richie, R Kelly and Remilekun Amos.

Is there an International Actor (American, British, Australian, African, etc.) you will want to work with if the opportunity presented itself?

MORRIS CHESNUT, DENZEL WASHINGTON, SHEMAR MOORE, MARTIN LAWRENCE, JAMIE FOX, SAMUEL L JACKSON.

What message do you have for your international fans in America, Europe, Africa and its Diaspora?

They should all keep spreading the good news now in the film industry, the emergence of Nollywood, and to stay tight with one another. Remember no matter where we go (Nigerians, Africans, Afro- Americans, Jamaicans, etc), we are brothers. I love you all.

For any reason at all, how would you personally want your fans to remember you?

I just want them to remember me for my good works, what more can a Man want!

From Banking to Nollywood -- Blessing Effiom-Egbe

2008-06-16T13:40:00.000+02:00

Blessing Effiom is a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar. Apart from being a Model, She is also an actress and a producer.
After the collage picture is an interview she granted Nigeria Daily Independent Newspaper. Please enjoy....

Tell us something about your life as a model and how it all started for you?

Life as a model was fast and fun, short-lived but got to a reasonable and fulfilling stage. I started out in Nigeria in 2001 with the Silverbird International Fashion show, shortly after, I was chosen to do the Ghana celebration 2001 and right after that I won the ECOFEST best model competition and things took-off from there.

How did your foray into Nollywood begin?

After graduating from the University of Calabar in 2001, where I studied theater arts, banking was the first job that came calling but I obviously didn't last six months in the industry. Full time modelling took over and then subsequently, a film role here and there, it wasn't until I furthered my studies in film making in South Africa that I decided to indulge fully in the business, writing, producing and starring in my works.

Which movie gave you your break?

As a writer/ producer, it would be Before the Vow, as an actress, I wouldn't really know.

How long have you been in the movie industry?

Off and on, five years.

What are the challenges you have faced since you took to acting?

Switching from modelling to acting may seem easy as they are all interwoven but the reality is different. In modelling, you are kind of robotic. Whereas, in acting, the key word is relaxation and complete involvement, so I would say that has been my major challenge.

What was your first professional fee?

It was N8, 000 in the movie Bleeding Heart, where I did four scenes as a barmaid to Ngozi Nwosu.

What separates you from other actresses in the industry?

My ways, my lifestyle, my person, my entire morphology.

What has been the high point of your career as an entertainer?

In modelling, apart from earning the top dollar jobs, it would be me representing Nigeria at the top model competition in Lebanon in 2003 and then working with Tyra Banks for the America next top model competition. Sound cheesy, but at the time, I thought these incidences were the highest points of my career. In the moviedom, I'm yet to get to the peak, but for now, my movie The Rivals winning the Best International Drama at the New York festival will suffice.

What do you look out for when you accepts movie scripts?

As a scriptwriter, I'm taught to always have interesting and inviting things in my story that would make any actor want to play the role. So, for me, that is what I look out for in a script; substance if it's a serious story and if it is not then I'll go for the fun content any day.

You seem to operate on a low profile, why is this so?

I've always been one to operate that way, it's just the way I am, I don't think there's anything to it really, but I have my loud moments and definitely my crazy moments.

What is your unique selling point?

Just being open and plain and telling it like it is, transparent in my business and social dealings and somewhat time perfect.

Outside entertainment, what else does Blessing do that takes most of her time?

Before now, travelling and exploring life took the cake, but in the past year, settling down, pregnancy and now nursing has taken over.

Do you have any regrets going into entertainment?

No, but I do have regrets working with a replicating company called Ecomax Technologies.

They made a silly and unprofessional blunder of running a Yoruba film titled, Taiwo Taiwo over The Rivals, a movie which I produced with Omoni Oboli. Having gone through so much and spent so much money, the company had to ruin it by their mistake. We are in the process of sorting that out now and will make it known to the public what happens. But the good copies are now in circulation so people can buy copies now. Other than this I have no regrets coming into the industry.

Give us a peek into your private life?

I have always and I'm still enjoying a relaxed and happy private life and I am not about to make it chaotic by giving you a peek into it so you can hound me.

What was growing up like for you?

Interesting. I grew up in the barracks in Port Harcourt, enjoyed the simplicity of life where everyone had a close-knit life and family was key. There were no problems of fear and insecurity and uncertainty of the government and economy. Life was good.

Recount some childhood experiences you cherish.

At about four years of age, I used to be the dance champion in all parties so much so that I had a little showcase at the governors' party then.

What informed your decision to do what you are doing at the moment?

Destiny and plenty of brainstorming and planning.

Who is the man in your life?

My hubby.

When did you meet him and what is the latest on your state of health, you know what I mean?

We met, we got married, I got pregnant and now we have a baby.

Informed from your experience in the movie industry, where do you think we are heading?

To the rocks if we are not careful.

What is your philosophy of life?

Plan, plan and more plan.

What does friendship mean to you?

Trust, truth and dependence.

What should a person do to win your trust?

Be truthful and transparent.

All about Ibinabo Fiberesima of Nollywood

2008-06-12T14:33:00.006+02:00

Born to an Okirika father and an Irish mother, Ibinabo lived with her grandmother for the greater part of her childhood and adolescent years. The second child in a family of six, she studied English Language and Literature at the University of Ibadan from where she graduated in 1994. Apparently destined for greatness in showbiz and entertainment, she didn't work with her degree for one day as she got 'The Pyramid' night club as birthday and graduation present from her ex-boyfriend. "I got the night club the month I came out of school, so I just started doing business. I preferred a night club because I am a karaoke freak, I love karaoke, I love to sing."
Below is a self authored biography of the talented actress culled by this blog from her wesite.

Ibinabo Fiberesima is a lady of many parts. Beauty queen, actress, pageant organizer, former club owner, and – above all, a very level headed multiple business owner. An excerpts of an interview she granted recently is reproduced below which was culled from www.naijarules.com. Please read on.

KHAMILEON: Welcome to NAIJARULES (AN ON LINE MAGAZINE)

IBINABO: Thanks

KHAMILEON: Because of your looks there have been many theories about your background. Please tell us a bit about yourself.

IBINABO: I am mixed. My dad is Nigerian and my mum is Irish.

KHAMILEON: There was a rumor that you contested in some beauty pageant in the past, can you tell us more about that.

IBINABO: Yes, when I was younger I did the Most beautiful girl in Nigeria, I was second runner up, I then did Miss Nigeria and I was first runner up and finally I did Miss Wonderland and emerged the queen.

KHAMILEON: You caught everybody’s attention in the movie “CAMOUFLAGE” Apart from your performance there, you were also the very first to put on Bikini on screen (Nigerian movie). What was your experience in making that movie, and did you get any criticism from the public?

IBINABO: Amazing not one critic spoke, well to my knowing, it was the first time and I should hope I complimented the bikini or it complimented me. Whichever, it was a lot of fun doing that movie, coz it was a girl thing and the excitement was amazing. We shot in Yaba Tech, and most of the girls that we used their rooms, were actually telling us how it was really done. I enjoyed playing that role a lot

KHAMILEON: Have you always wanted to be an actress, or it’s something you stumbled into?

IBINABO: Honestly, I stumbled into it and I am having the time of my life. No regrets

KHAMILEON: Which was your first movie, and what was the experience like?

IBINABO: “MOST WANTED”. It was a real shock to me. It took me forever to get into character; I did not have a clue what was up, but then my friend Regina Askia Williams helped me out a lot and Ayo Adesanya, so it became easy after a while.

KHAMILEON: All of a sudden you disappeared after doing some movies, and you just only resurfaced. What happened, why did you disappear?

IBINABO: Well woman wahala, or do I blame the Men. I started having children, and wanted to bond with my children. I did that and now I am back.

KHAMILEON: Since your return last year, how many have you done so far?

IBINABO: I have done 7 to date.

KHAMILEON: You have worked with so many actors, which of them do you like working with the most and why?

IBINABO: I enjoy working with Ramsey Noah a lot, because he is my friend. And we always have a good laugh. Also I have met a lot of new faces and they have all warmed up to me. Zack Orji, Peter Bruno, Enebeli Elebuwa too, is someone I enjoy working with. Alex Osifo, Frances Duru. I respect him a lot too.

KHAMILEON: And you have also worked with so many actresses, which of them do you like working with the most and why?

IBINABO: Actresses, Augusta Ikifha, (My sister in law in “Mortal Sin”) Genevieve Nnaji in “Camouflage”, Lolo Dora in “Burning Bible”, Tina my mum in “Jackie Philips” and a lot more StephNora in “Ladies Night”.

KHAMILEON: The Nigerian movie Industry is growing big everyday, and more people are into Nigerian movies now. So it’s no surprise that people (Especially in the Diaspora) wont settle for just any movie, still so many movies are below standard. Some of the things I hear from fans are… 1, Over-recycled stories 2, Actors/Actresses looks fake on screen 3, Stories without good plots. 4, poor scripts or the directors are not doing their jobs. To you, what is the cause of these problems?

IBINABO: I would say everyone is trying to cash in quickly, which is a typical Nigerian thing. Sometimes I read some scripts and I wonder why anybody will sit down and not think before writing. Its sad but it will take a while b4 we catch up. But we will.

KHAMILEON: Generally in the arts, the fans play a very vital role in the survival of artists. If the fans stop buying your products you are out of business. In Nigeria are Actors/Actresses in touch with their fans? Do they care about what the fans has to say? I mean what would you do if your fan says. “I don’t like the way you act, you need to take an acting class to improve,” would you take it and give it a good thought or would you get annoyed.

IBINABO: Personally, I will take it to heart. There is a site I go to, to read about Nigerian films, reviews, what they think of the artist and all, it has really helped me a lot in my career. I remember what they have complained about and work on it to make me a better person. Not that I would change what I am doing because of bad belle oh.

KHAMILEON: Though talent is what’s most important in the arts, but a little beauty won’t hurt anybody. Now I have noticed that once some of our actresses’ start making some money, they start over-feeding and stuffing themselves up. Apart from looking good I think they should also be concerned about their health. Don’t you people talk about stuff like that and ways to deal with it?

IBINABO: It’s really up to the artist I think. I want to look good whenever. You feel me?

KHAMILEON: I saw pictures of you at a beauty pageant in one of these Eastern countries. Apart from acting what else do you do?

IBINABO: I organize Beauty Pageants. I took the Miss Nigeria to Japan for the Miss International pageant and Miss Earth pageants in Manila also the Miss Intercontinental in China. My company holds all three licensees for Nigeria. Put it this way I am the National Director for these pageants in Nigeria. I will be hosting Miss Africa 2004 in Nigeria come August.

KHAMILEON: There is also the rumor that you once owned the “PYRAMID NIGHT CLUB IN LAGOS.” Is there any truth to it and what happened to the club?

IBINABO: Yes it is not a rumor. Owned it and closed it. Capice?

KHAMILEON: You are based in London, but you are mostly in Nigeria shooting movies.

IBINABO: I travel a lot.

KHAMILEON: There are so many good Actors/Actresses and Directors in Nigeria. I want you to name five actors that you admire the most.

IBINABO: Frances Duru
Clem Ohameze
Enebeli Elebuwa
Ramsey Noah
Nkem Owoh

KHAMILEON: I also want you to name Five Actresses you admire the most in Nigeria

IBINABO: Myself
Liz Benson
Omotola Jolade-Ekinde
Genevieve Nnaji
Rita Dominic

KHAMILEON: Finally I want you to name Five Directors that you admire the most in Nigeria

IBINABO: Zeb Ejiro
Ndubuisi Oko
Theodore Anyanji
Chico Ejiro
Adim Williams

KHAMILEON: Do you watch Nigerian Movies? If yes name your top five favorite

IBINABO: “Pastor’s wife”
“Osoufia in London”
“Dream Lover”
“Out of love”
“Mortal sin”

KHAMILEON: There must be some Actors/Actress that you have not worked with before that you would like to work with, can you name some of them?

IBINABO: Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde
Rita Dominic
Bimbo Akintola
Genevieve Nnaji (again)
Eucharia Anunobi
Shan George

KHAMILEON: To my knowledge, apart from the KISS SCENE with LIZ BENSON (“DAPO JUNIOR”), BATH SCENE with EUCHARIA (“GLAMOUR GIRLS 2” ) and a few others, most of the romantic scenes in Nigerian movies are still too fake. Now if we decide to do a LOVE STORY together, with “A LOVE SCENE” I want to take it to the next level, almost like what you see in Hollywood. Would you be bold enough to take up that challenge or it’s something too big for you? (OF CAUSE THAT PART WOULD BE SLASHED OFF THE NIGERIAN RELEASE BECAUSE OF THE CENSORS BOARD).

IBINABO: I am Game, as long as I will be in the scene with a reputable person

KHAMILEON: Talking about censorship, what do you think about the Nigerian Censorship Board?

IBINABO: No comment.

KHAMILEON: There is also the rumor that you sing too, is there any truth to that? If yes do you plan to record an album someday?

IBINABO: I do. I would love to soon I hope.

KHAMILEON: KHAMILEON’S video clip for “INDIAN LOVE SONG” is receiving good airplay in Nigeria and London (Ben Tv). Lots of people are going crazy over his “VIDEO GIRL” (even girls) but he is insisting it’s you he wanted to play his “LOVE INTEREST” on that Video clip. So what happened? Why where you not on that Video?

IBINABO: I was traveling a lot at the time of shoot, so I will make it up to him.

KHAMILEON: Ok, back to the movies There is also this rumor that some stars are letting their success get into their head and they treat their fans bad. Are you like that?

IBINABO: Who! ME? Hell, NO! I love my fans to bits. Will always do. I will soon have my fan site up and running,. They keep me going.

KHAMILEON: Are you a romantic person?

IBINABO: Very, maybe too much of a romantic

KHAMILEON: What qualities do you look for in a guy?

IBINABO: Honesty.

KHAMILEON: Describe an ideal romantic date with a guy

IBINABO: Candle light dinner with a nice bottle of red wine.

KHAMILEON: What do you think can be done to help the young film Industry?

IBINABO: Focus

KHAMILEON: Finally what message do you have for your fans?

IBINABO: Love you all and thanks for always being there for me. I won’t disappoint you. Promise.

KHAMILEON: Whenever I set up a date, I will invite you to come and chat with your fans will you do that?

IBINABO: I would love to. It would be nice to know them personally.

KHAMILEON: It’s been nice chatting with you and I hope to have you on again.

IBINABO: Anytime. I enjoyed this. Thanks

How Mega Fortunes Pushed Pat Attah to Nollywood Limelight

2008-06-10T17:30:00.002+02:00

This blog today features Patrick Uchenna Attah. The Anambra State-born actor has equally ventured into music. Hear him. "I’m a big fan of Bob Marley. Aside God, he is my only role model. I had always wanted to be a successful musician.

Here is an excerpts of an interview he granted to Daily Sun Newspaper in 2005. Enjoy.....

Starting
It was in the early 1990s. Then, I didn’t have acting in mind. What I really wanted to do was music. I later settled for acting as an alternative. Ramsey Noah brought me in.

Coming into limelight
Well, it was quite an experience. But prior to that time, I had acted on TV in Rivers State. Mega Fortunes gave me the needed push because it was on NTA Network. It was my first major job and it was quite challenging. I really enjoyed every bit of it.

Growing up
I grew up in many places. As a matter of fact, I’m from a family of six and I happened to be the last child. My father was a former Federal Pay Officer. Being a civil servant, my father was always on transfer from one state to another. So, I grew up in different parts of the country. Well, it was quite an experience for me.

Changing locations
I will say that it is an added advantage to me. And it has also affected the way I see and relate with people regardless of tribe, background or religion.

Education
I had my primary and secondary schooling in different states. Later, I was admitted to the University of Port Harcourt, but I could not complete the course for certain reasons. I don’t like discussing the circumstances that led to my leaving University of Port Harcourt. I later ended up at the Nigerian Institute of Sports where I did a course in Basic Sports Management. I still have the plans to return to school, but not too soon. I do my things one after the other.

Nollywood debut
It was Glamour Girls by Nek Videos in 1994. I’ve come a long way in the industry. I’ve put in 14 years in the movie industry.

Coping with female fans
The fact is that, most of the time I speak with them on phone. I hardly see them face-to–face. I’m also an introvert, if I don’t have any business to attend to outside, I hardly go out. I like staying indoor doing one thing or the other. I also write, compose songs and design websites for my clients.

Most challenging role
I won’t describe any role as the most challenging. I see all my roles as very challenging. But my role as a mad man in Boomerang was very tasking and demanding. Aside playing a madman in the movies, I had to speak like a stark illiterate.

Acting as fun
Acting? I enjoy being on set because that is what I have chosen to do all my life. The only thing I don’t enjoy about acting is changing of costumes on sets. It’s quite stressful. I get tired easily when asked to change my costume.

Likely alternative profession
Well, if I’m not acting, I would have been a footballer or a volleyballer.

How comfortable
Oh, I pay my bills; that is how comfortable Pat Attah is. I won’t say I’m a millionaire, but I’m very, very comfortable.

Love life
I want you to know that every young man needs a lady in his life. Pat Attah has a lady in his life presently, but I wouldn’t disclose her identity now for security reasons. But she is not an actress.

Marriage
Marriage is a lifelong commitment and a man has to prepare adequately for it. Definitely, I will get married as soon as I’m ready. In marriage if you rush in, you will rush out. I will get married, but I’m not in a hurry or under any pressure to do that. But don’t be surprised if it happens this year.

Managing my career
Let me say that one cannot eat his cake and have it. Being famous has really spurred me to do better so that those who look up to me as a role model will not be disappointed. They also appreciate what I’m doing and that is why they recognise me whenever they see me.

Playboy syndrome
No! I’m not a playboy. People get that idea about me because of my roles in home videos. The truth is that I’m a one man, one woman kind of person. I don’t believe in double dating. In fact, I detest men who double date. People should stop judging me with my playboy movies. I’m not one.

Assessment of Nollywood
We are still growing; it is still a baby industry. Sincerely speaking, we are not doing badly. There are rooms for improvement. We can do better than what we are doing presently. Do you know that aside from petroleum, Nollywood is the second highest foreign exchange earner for this country. We have also created employment for the masses of this country. The government should start assisting us, they should come to our aid now.

Improving Nigerian film industry
If I have my way, I want better and improved welfare packages for artistes. Aside the few big names that earn big monies in quote, others take home peanuts. And when you pay peanuts, you get monkeys as results. We should try and pay all stakeholders in Nollywood very well, so that we can bring out the best in them.

Artiste Fee
I’ve collected over half a million in some movies. I’m eagerly looking forward to the day I will collect one million and above. I have over fifty movies to my credit.

Influence of Nollywood
Nobody except God. He is my role model and inspiration. But in the music world, the late Bob Marley is my only role model. I appreciate the acting skills of my colleagues, both locally and internationally. I do criticize myself whenever I watch the bad roles I had played.

Projecting into the future
I can’t say precisely where I will be in the next 10 years, but I know that I would have moved real forward. It is left to God to decide. I’m sure that I would have done a couple of hit movies in Hollywood by the special grace of God.

Music career
I have a lot of plans. I have also done a number of recordings, but I had to suspend everything because music comes by inspirations. I stopped when the inspiration stopped coming. I’m praying to God to continue to inspire me so that I can go back to the studios to complete work on my album. Before the end of 2005, my debut album will be out. It’s a fusion of reggae and R&B.

Passion
I love pets a lot. In my house here, I have a monkey, parrots, dogs, and a live aquarium. I’ve ordered for a chimpanzee and a wild cat like cheetah. They are processing the licence for these animals. I love animals because they are very loyal and will never betray you. I love them with a passion because they can die for you while protecting you. They are my best friends.

Updates on Doris Simeon-Ademinokan

2008-05-28T18:00:00.003+02:00

Doris Simeon who was featured by this blog has finally open up on so many issues. The interview which was culled from Bytcs is quite revealing. Here is an excerpts of the Interview granted by Doris Simeon.

MY HUBBY LIKES ME TO TAKE CHARGE...

Six weeks after delivery Doris Simon, who won indigenious actress of the year at the just concluded AMAA Awards spoke with us in the comfort of her home.

I’m surprised you are not that fat after delivery. How come?
Well, I thank God; I don’t know why it’s like that.

It seems you worked till the last day of your delivery.
Not really, actually I went on break two months to my delivery.

How were you able to work with your big tummy?
I would say it was because I didn’t have a big tummy. It wasn’t that obvious.

How was it like in the labour room?
It was very sweet. People outside would understand what I mean by that. It was nice.

How does it feel to have a baby boy at last?
I’m so happy, extremely happy. There was a day I went to a friend’s house, she was marking her child’s birthday, I was there and was wishing I had my own child too. I love children around me, I love to see them play and dance. So, when I had my baby I was so happy, at least I have my own baby.

How long did it take you to get pregnant?
I didn’t wait for too long. I got married early December and gave birth in April.

You must have been pregnant before marriage, was that deliberate?
Well, it just came, you know as a normal thing, when you are going out with a guy you go over to his house to sleep sometimes and you know.

Why did you chose him?
I don’t know. That means they were so many and I chose him out of the lot, (laughter) I really don’t know. We met on a set and I got to like him. It was not that we met and started dating, it started by our working together and from one thing to the other we became friends and got closer and closer and here we are.

On which set did you two meet?
On his set, Omo Jayejaye in 2005.

So, what made you say yes?
We were working together and from there I got to know him and felt he is somebody I could live the rest of my life with.

Was marriage on your mind when you started dating?
No.

What was on your mind then?
We really did not know it would get to this extent, it just happened. Friendship was what was on my mind. I really did not know we would go this far, we worked together and we were good friends. When we met it was like we could do things together and since we have passion for this job we became more like business partners. Now, it has gone beyond that.

How did he ‘toast’ you?
When you see him, you should ask him.

Why did you choose someone who is already in the movie industry?
He knows and understands the job. He knows what we face and I thought since we know what we do, it is better for us to be together.

Why did you get married early, most of your colleagues are yet to settle down?
I am not too young.

But you are not yet 30?
It doesn’t matter. I’m in my twenties and it doesn’t really matter. At my age I should have given birth to my sixth child and see me with my first child.

What do you mean give birth to your sixth child?
I should be resting by now, after all Omotola gave birth to five children before 30.

When are we going to get to see you on location again, this is the sixth week since you gave birth?
I’m working on my second movie now. Very soon we shall go on set.

Everybody seems to be talking about your movie, Onitemi. How come?
When we were actually working on the set, I wasn’t happy because I doubted if I had done a good job. So many things were going through my head, I was like God, help me. I started comparing the movies with other films out there, especially Funke Akindele’s films and some other good movies out there. Though it was my first movie, I wish it was better, but when the movie was released everybody started calling me and commended me for a job well done.

How many copies were sold?
Actually, I don’t know but the marketers will know much about that; how many copies they sold and how much they made.

Which movie is the most challenging one you had?
None really. I don’t think I’ve ever been in any challenging movie like that

What of Modupe Temi?
Modupe Temi was a challenging movie but not the most challenging.

Your new movie, what’s it going to look like?
It’s going to be action packed, thriller, I think that’s what it will be like.

Who are the people you are planning to work with?
I’m planning to work with some English artistes who can speak Yoruba whose identity I won’t disclose now.

It seems you have been working with Saheed Balogun, is there any relationship?
Saheed Balogun is a very close friend to my husband, may be that’s why.

You once told me your boyfriend use to say you’re good in bed. was that same boyfriend now your husband?
Well, I’ll say that was a long time ago before I met my husband, he was my ex- boy friend.

What really happened?
I’ll say I don’t really know what happened, it’s the devil.

Will you say it was none of your own fault?
Well, part of my fault and part of his fault.

When you met your husband, were you not that scared whether he could be those kinds of people…?
Initially, I was somehow scared, but when we started going out I got to know him the more. He’s a cool headed guy, God fearing, friendly and very playful. These are what I really love about in my guy. Except for sometime that I go to work and I come back very late, whenever I was on a location he comes with me too, except he’s not in Lagos.

Do you feel lonely when he doesn’t come home?
Well, I feel lonely, but we talk on phone to ease the loneliness,but I don’t really feel bad about it.

Do you miss him in bed?
(Laughs), why are you asking that? I think the bed thing is one of the roles in marriage so that your husband will not look outside or have an affair with someone else out there.

Do you think your husband will not look outside?
Yes, because I trust him.

Sometimes trust is not enough.

Well, God is involved and with God by my side, but I know he’s a God fearing man and loves respect.
What are those things you do to him that keeps him?
I cook good food for him, even, if I don’t like it. I make sure I take good care of him, we exchange love pleasantries like I love you, I love you. As an Urhobo man, he likes his woman to be good in bed and I make sure I satisfy him and make him happy.

Are you good in bed?
Ah! Sam. You have asked me such question before now(laughs)

This is 2008, so, what makes you think your husband think you are good in bed?
Because he’s happy with it, he doesn’t complain.

Does being good in bed have anything to do with the part of country you come from?
I don’t really know but I think it’s everywhere.

Does your husband easily gets tired before you on bed?
I don’t know (laughs).

How many do you intend to have after David?
Well, in my mind, I wish my second child would be a set of twins and that would be the end of it, but my husband wants like four children.

Which one would you do, three or four?
Well, if by chance I give birth to twins as my second born, that will be the last child I would have.

Do you think your second movie would make the same landmark impact like the first one?
I pray it does. I’m looking forward to a time when I will shoot a movie not only, in Nigeria alone but also across the African countries and Western world.

How possible would that be?
Well, with God on my side.

About the award of a thing, what was your expectation about it before it finally came?
I can say it was God, I thank God for it. That very day, it was only two stations that showed it; AIT and NTA.

I just turned on the television set and behold to my surprise it just happened like that. I saw my husband on the television, but I thought he won an award and went there to collect it not until people started calling me and congratulating me. My husband later called me.

When a woman gives birth to a child there is usually conflict between father and child about the person who sucks the breast. Is that the case with David and his father too?
Why must that cause a fight? (Laughs) I’ll manage the two of them. David sucks the breast while the father will eat his “eba.” He will have to be patient.

How has life been treating you in marriage?
Well, fine. It is a good thing being married than being single, because there’s much difference between a married and an unmarried person.

Who takes charge in bed between you and your husband, who stays on top you or your husband?
Ah! That’s a very big question; well sometimes I think I do.

You mean you take total charge and he doesn’t feel inferior?
No, how would he feel inferior? He likes it that way and he enjoys it because he doesn’t complain (laughs).

Jim Iyke of Nollywood - An Actor, Model, Businessman and a Film maker

2008-05-11T14:01:00.005+02:00

Jim Iyke Esomugha hails from Enugu Agidi Village of Anambra State but was born in Gabon Libreville to the family of Mr. & Mrs Stephen Esomugha. The only male child of a family of 7, Jim Iyke graduated from University of Jos. Jim Iyke is an Actor, model, businessman and film maker, is the founder, initiator and driving force of Jim lyke Foundation for Children with special Disabilities. Jim lyke is one of Nigerian’s most popular actors with a history of over 120 movies in his film graph. Renowned for more than acting skills, he is martial arts specialist and is celebrated for pioneering a lot of first in the home video industry. He is the first actor to produce a mainstream big budget movie abroad. As a businessman, Jim has considerable interest in Real Estate and resource management.

This blog present to you JIM IYKE of Nollywood.

The World Apart of Ini Edo of Nollywood

2008-05-09T18:44:00.002+02:00

Ini Edo, second from a family of 4 (three girls and a boy) hailed from Akwa Ibom State from a mother who is a teacher and a father who is an elder in the church. She graduated from University of Calabar after a secondary school education at New Era International Nursery School. World Apart (which is the title of the movie she felt is really challenging to her) aptly described this pictorial glance of this talented actress as this blog feature your darling INIEBONG EDOEBONG of Nollywood. Come along!!!

Here is a recent interview she granted Punch Newspaper in January this year. Please read on.

Akwa Ibom State-born Ini Edo started her acting in 2000 while studying for a diploma in Theatre Arts at the University of Uyo. The Nollywood actress tells ADAEZE AMOS about her real self Do you wear those skimpy dresses you wear in your movies in real life?

I don’t wear skimpy dresses when I’m going out, even if it’s a party. I prefer trousers. I can’t remember the last time I wore a skimpy skirt to a party. I would rather wear a pair of jeans trousers. I’m not very good at wearing short skirts and being conscious of the way I sit, I prefer to wear something that I would feel comfortable in. Yes I wear skimpy skirts in movies, but it’s only because of the characters that I play. I hardly wear skimpy skirts in real life.

Who do you want to be like in the movie world?

I see myself as Ini Edo. Everyone can only be themselves. I intend to create my own pattern and be myself.

Was the ban placed on some top actresses responsible for your quick rise in the industry?

Before the ban, I was already shooting movies. In fact, I had the opportunity of working with most of the banned actresses. And during the ban, I had already started doing movies. People were already calling me to do movies for them. When you stay where you are and people start looking for you to come and do movies for them, that means that you have been accepted. What I’m saying is that Ini Edo had already started making her name before the ban.

You are dating Mike Ezuruonye...

No, I’m not dating Mike Ezuruonye. I think the rumour came about because Mike and I were doing too many movies together at some point. How can I be dating him when I have a relationship already? It’s absurd.

What does your dream man look like?

My dream man must be comfortable and God fearing.

How did you discover your acting talent?

As a child, I always knew I had this talent in me. This was why I always grabbed the opportunity to act in church drama. While in school, someone invited me for an audition. I went there, performed well and later got the role. But my parents did not really like it. They insisted I complete my education before going into acting. I had to beg and convince them before they allowed me to feature in my first movie called Thick Madam in 2003.

What determines the roles you play?

This depends on a lot of things – the story, remuneration and the people I am going to work with. I do not act for the fun of it, but because I love it and I enjoy it. The storyline must be very strong. It must not be just any kind of story. I do not like everyday stories with flat characters.

Who inspires you?

I get inspired when I watch young girls like me making it in the industry. If I have a good story to work on, it gives me a lot of inspiration. God and my love for acting also inspire me.

What was it like on your first time out?

I was not nervous because I started with stage performance. It was not really a new thing to me. At first, I felt a little bit intimidated by the presence of known stars, but, as time went on, I got used to it.

Who and who contributed to your growth in the industry?

A lot of people contributed to my growth in the industry. Ikenna Igwe encouraged me to take up a career in acting. There was a movie they produced sometime ago. My course mates invited him over, and he gave me a role.

Which is your most challenging role so far?

The most challenging role for me so far was played in a movie entitled Worlds Apart. That was the first time I was given such a lead role. I really had to come out of my own character to learn a new language, putting up an attitude that was out of my own lifestyle.

Have you been sexually harassed for roles before?

I have not been harassed by anybody, though people talk about harassment. I have never experienced it. It might be because I never came into the industry through the back door. I have overheard people talking about sexual harassment but, truly speaking, I have never experienced it. Besides, I believe that anything that you don’t get through the right source can never last for you. I worked hard to get to where I am today.

How do you feel when you act roles where you are kissed and fondled?

If you decide to take it, then you must act it. There are certain scenes that you may not like, but because it is your job, you have to do them. But honestly, no personal feelings are attached to the job. It is just pure professionalism.

How has acting affected your life?

Acting has affected my life positively and negatively. The negative aspect is that it does not give me room to attend to my family and friends. It takes a lot of my time. The positive aspect is the fame I have.

Will it hinder you from getting married at when due?

Acting will never be a hindrance to me. I will get married the moment I am ready for it. I am a woman and when I find the right man, I will marry him.

What do you think of Nollywood?

In Nollywood, there is too much of envy, but I guess it is everywhere in the showbiz world.

What is your educational background?

I graduated last year from University of Uyo. I now have a degree in Theatre Arts.

Toyin Aimaku of Nollywood

2008-05-08T18:20:00.001+02:00

Toyin Aimaku is one Nollywood actress rising gradually to the top of the movie industry, especially in the Yoruba genre. This blog present the pictorial glance at Toyin Aimaku. Please enjoy.

Here is an interview she granted Daily Independent last year, which was culled from Naijarules.com. Please read on.

You seem to have made a significant impact within a short time in the industry, how come?
This is probably my time; you will get to where God planned for you when the time comes. Actually, I wanted to be a psychotherapist, I never loved acting, but I met someone who introduced me to Bukky Wright and she brought me into limelight. This is what God wants me to do.

How was it like with Bukky Wright?
I was with her for a year, but now I’m on my own. I came into the industry through her and I went practically everywhere with her.

Are you a star now?
I am and I’ll always be in Jesus name.

In what way has acting paid off for you?
Am I not looking good? I’m looking good, I’ve got money to buy a small car and do whatever I want to do for myself.

If you were not an actress what would you have been?
I’d probably have been a lawyer or psychotherapist.

I thought you read marketing in school?
I read marketing because I knew I was going to be an actress. I used to be in the University of Ibadan, but I later went to Ogun State University (OOU), and then Osun State Polytechnic where I read marketing.

How come you kept changing schools?
I read marketing at Osun State Polytechnic and philosophy at OOU. I couldn’t cope at the University of Ibadan because I was studying medicine. So I changed school and went to OOU to study philosophy but before then, I had gone back to Osun State Polytechnic where I obtained my OND, before doing my HND. So I have two degrees.

How has life been as an actress?
It has been fun but there is nothing that is easy in life. Let me just say I thank God because it has been fun, encouraging and profitable. I just thank God for my life.

What did you learn from Bukky Wright?
She is a wonderful person, she taught me not to do all movies that I must learn to pick my scripts. And she taught me to be expensive and that I should not run after people because of money and production management. I learnt a lot from her.

What are the movies you did recently?
I did Morayo and some other ones whose titles I can’t remember.

So how expensive are you?
What I meant was not just accepting all movies because of money. So that is what I mean by saying Bukky taught me to be expensive.

Is it true actresses sleep their way to the top?
It’s a lie; let me tell you sexual harassment happens everywhere, even in the bank. And if a man is wooing you, it does not mean that he is harassing you. He might just like you. I have fellow actors and marketers who like me. If I’m not being ‘toasted’ (wooed) I will feel like I’m not beautiful. I like it when guys walk up to me to ask me out, that means I’m beautiful and well created.

How many of your admirers in the industry have you said ‘yes’ to?
I don’t have a boyfriend in the industry. I’ve never dated anybody and I will not date anybody in the industry because I have somebody I’ve been dating for years or do you want to teach me how to double date.

If you’ve not dated them, then how many of them have you slept with?
I’ve never slept with anyone and I’ll not sleep with anyone because I have what it takes to be an actress. You can ask them.

How far do you think you can hold on with this resolution, because I know some principled people that have fallen in the face of pressure?
If I want to do something there is nobody that can tell me not to do it and if I don’t want to do something there is nobody that can tell me to do it. That is what I want to do and I’ve always told myself that I’ll not sleep with or date anybody where I work, that is because I respect myself and I want people to respect me.

Who is the guy you are dating?
I don’t want to talk about him.

Is it true that you said you can give up acting for him?
Yes, because he is my husband. I can give up acting for anyone that loves me, provided I love him. If he wants me to quit acting, I will because there is no woman who doesn’t want to have a husband and raise a family. And thank God, he stays in London at present.

How come you actresses are always dating people in diaspora?
Maybe they appreciate us more.

So we are not appreciative enough because we stay here?
I’m not saying that but I think they appreciate us better.

For how long have you been dating?
It would be about six years.

Where did you meet?
I met him at Ibadan.

How is he feeling now that you are an actress?
He loves it, he is proud of me.

You once said acting makes you live fake lifestyles, can you shed more light on that?
What I meant by that is, I like to play a lot, but right now you can’t just expect me to do that anymore because a lot of people are looking up to me.

So what has that cost you?
It hasn’t cost me so much.

So you’ve also joined the league of movie producers?
I just have to produce to make money.

How much have you made from the movie?
That is a secret I can’t tell you.

What was your first movie?
Dugbe Dubge Nbo

What do you think the future holds for you?
The future is the starting point. I see myself in the likes of Joke Silva, Angelina Jolie, Bukky Ajayi.

But you guys are doing things that those people you mentioned don’t do?
It is because they have gotten to the stage where they can’t do it anymore. I still have youthful exuberance, fine I’m going to get married soon, but that does not mean I’ll not do those things because I’m still young, so you can’t compare the kind of life I’ll live to that of my elder colleagues. If you look back to when they were still young, they did some things like what we are doing now.

So how old are you?
I can’t tell you my age.

How soon will you get married?
I think this year.

Why the rush?
I’m not rushing because I’ve been dating the guy for six years. It is time for us to settle down.

How did you maintain a relationship for six years?
We had a misunderstanding along the line and we broke up but we later made up. And during that period of break up, I dated about two other guys. Right now we love each other and there is no more fight and we are getting married soon.

What does sex mean to you?
It doesn’t mean anything; please don’t ask me about sex.

What was your impression of sex when you were growing up?
For me, I can’t have sex with someone I don’t love. To have sex with you I must really love you because it is something that must be enjoyed by the two parties.

Why do you like attracting attention with your dresses?
I’m an actress, I’m into showbiz so I need to ‘show’. It is show business, so we need to show others what we’ve got. That is my mode of dressing. You have to dress for people to notice you.

But anytime you dress like that it makes some men get eager to have a piece of what you flaunt?
I am sorry for them, it is only meant for one person and that person is my love.

Pictorial Glance at Peju Omobolanle of Nollywood

2008-05-03T16:08:00.004+02:00

Peju Omobolanle nee Ogunmola is a Nollywood actress in Yoruba Genre, and she is the wife of Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as Aluwe. Here is a pictorial glance of this talented actress.

WHERE IS VICTORIA IYAMA OF NOLLYWOOD

2008-04-23T14:32:00.006+02:00

Does anyone knows the whereabout of the talented nollywood actress Victoria Iyama? Unconfirmed gists was that she is in UK, married with children. Her fans keep mailing me to feature her in my blogs and that perhaps this may prompt out more information concerning her whereabouts. Her fans are worried that they have not been seeing her in flicks nowadays. If Miss Iyama is reading this or her close relations, kindly prevail on her to calm the nerves of her numerous fans.
So, in our efforts to photoblog some of our nollywood stars who are missing in action, we commence with VICTORIA IYAMA.

Celebrating Saheed Balogun aka Walata of Nollywood

2008-04-22T15:01:00.003+02:00

Name : Saidi Kolawole Alabi Balogun

Date of Birth: 5th February 1967, Kwara State, Nigeria

What motivated you to want to act?

My father was more or less an actor, though not for commercial purposes. He used to make people laugh. So, I took it up from there and decided to do it professionally.

Your dad more or less showed you the direction, but who else, in terms of actors would you say motivated you?

For the young ones I would say Ramsey Nouah, my very good friend Odeola Olaniyan. And for the older generation I have people like Jide Kosoko, Olu Jacobs, Oga Bello (Adebayo Salami), and Sam Loco Efe.

What was your growing up like, because you just said, you were not surprised that your son was stubborn?

Yeah, my father loved me so much like I love my boy. He allowed me to do the things I wanted to do and that is why I am doing the same to my son. I am trying to give him enough freedom to do as he chooses. As far as my father was concerned, once you were brilliant, educational wise, and very honest, then there was no problem

What have you really gained being an actor?

I have gained a lot of things. People get to know you and respect you for your job. Well, one of such is when I run into the Police check point. They don’t ask you who you are because they already know and treat you with respect. So, if someone calls you an armed robber, they will think properly before they charge you, because they know what you do and wonder whether you are capable of doing what you have been accused of.

As one of the popular crossover actors, how would you rate both sections of the industry in terms of technicalities and professionalism?

You see, I respect both sides. What Mr A has got, Mr B doesn’t have and vice versa. Both parties are trying to make ends meet. There is a Yoruba adage that says, “A o ni rin ki ori ma mi,” which translates, You can’t stop the head from shaking when you walk." You see. the English language movie is broadened, but the Yoruba movie is basically for the Yoruba and if well-subtitle can then be generalised. Same for the Ibo and Hausa movies, but, you see, we are all coming up. That is all I will say.

Will I be right if I say you started out as an English movie actor, because the first time I saw you on screen was in a soap opera that you played the caricature role of a Hausa Mallam.

No, I had done a lot in Ilorin, Kwara State Arts and Culture with Dr. Stella Oyedepo but my breakthrough to was that Soap, Winds of Destiny, followed by After the Storm on the network. So, after that, you go for auditions, maybe roles don’t come and sometimes they have a better person. The Yoruba came in and, as you know, that is my root. They taught me a lot of things so I had to stick to them. But once in a while my very good friend, Charles Novia, my senior in secondary school, Chico Ejiro, a lot of people do come to invite me for English language movies.

Have you had any friction whenever you have to shoot a Yoruba film and English movie simultaneously?

Let me tell you one truth, each time I have an English production, the Yoruba producers are professionals and I love them for that, they understand you and let you be, because they know you are going to a world that is not basically yours. I once had a Yoruba production running at the same time as I got and English movie role. And after the day for the shoot had been fixed, I called the Yoruba producer to explain myself and he was like, “Ah don’t worry. I will postpone mine till next week. Go for your English production. You know it is not your terrain and I won’t want you to mess up. Let them know that we are professionals” you see, that is the kind of understanding I am talking about. So for me there has not been any conflict.

I loved your role in Omo Alhaja. But which of your many movies will you say is dearest to your heart?

The one that is dearest and I won’t lie to you, you have just mentioned one, Omo Alhaja because I suffered and laboured too much. Well Omo Alhaja is a revolutionary film to the Yoruba movie industry. I just wanted to come out with something new. You know, we the young artistes, myself, Tony Tetuila, Father U Turn and many other young talented artistes, we just wanted to turn things around. We wanted to change that Yoruba orientation. We brought in Sandra Achums. And another movie is Gbewiri. This is a film I have been shooting for three years. Each time I shoot another idea comes up. It has been highly tasking. Those two films are just too hard to be forgotten, even though everyone of my movie is dear to my heart.

But I thought you said you are still working on Gbewiri?

Yeah, for three years now I have been shooting that film. I shot about twelve scenes and packed it aside to re-shoot again. All my money, time and devotion have been going into it and as man is nothing without God, God has really been helping me.

You sang Atlanta, were you into singing before you took up acting?

Yes, I was singing before I came into acting, but, you see, let me correct one impression: all those actors and actresses that are now singing knew how to sing before. Ramsey is a very good friend of mine; he sings R & B so well. But, you see, he allowed himself to be choked with this acting thing. So, if he wants to do it now, people will say it is now that he wants to sing. But I didn’t get carried away. As much as I was neck deep into acting I was still singing because I knew I had the talent. Even Omotola can sing very well too, but because they got carried away with acting they just could not. So, they want to do it now that they are less busy, people feel that they are looking for a way out.

The Actors Guild president Ejike Asiegbu has said they would fight for royalties. You are a member of the Yoruba end of the association. What is your association doing to address the issue?

Somebody told you that he is going to fight for royalty but he has not finished fighting for his brothers that were banned to be unbanned. He couldn’t face the same people that were banned. Ejike is a good friend of mine and I am not afraid to say anything. You want to fight for royalty with those people that banned your colleagues; that they are your members or not, that doesn’t matter. You didn’t fight for them. Till date, we have not seen anything in the papers to say that you are trying to see that it could be settled. I believe that for royalty to come, it would not be in the movie industry alone, but the whole entertainment indusry in Nigeria. Do you know how we operate? We have the so-called Arewa, Yoruba, Ohaneze and the English producers; four segments in all, which should not be. And all this segments operate on individual levels.

But is the Yoruba segment doing anything to ensure that its members get royalties?

We are trying, but it is not working. You see, sometime last year, marketers couldn’t think of banning Yoruba artistes but it is gradually happening these days. They are working their ways through it because they see themselves as capitalists. They are putting their money into productions, thank God for that. But except we have a voice that is not selfish from both the marketers and producers end…

Can’t you be the voice?

I can. If God says I am going to be the voice, I will be. We don’t decide for God. I am still looking forward to the day that we will have a head of the marketers or producers that not selfish. A head that will tell his members to stop churning out rubbish so that the people can respect your work. Even some producers collect money from a marketer and delay his job that he had said would be ready in three months, only for it to take three years. Obviously, the marketer won’t be happy with you. So, it is time that both parties sat down and discuss like professionals.

You are married, handsome and popular, how have you been able to manage your female fans?

You know, my own marriage is the type that has promo every other week. It is the only marriage that is being advertised on billboards like Coca-cola. Each time you switch on your T.V set and you see my wife, that moment you will remember me. So, that marriage has publicity everyday and women like guarantee. If I was not married now, I can have up to six hundred girlfriends, with each thinking that she might be the lucky one.

Women can be unpredictable, despite the fact that you are married. I still believe that they come, so how do you manage their advances?

Hmm, they come, but I have not been that lucky to meet the adamant ones that will say they want to stay.

You were once said to be dating a lady that was instrumental to your success but whom you eventually dumped. What is your present relationship with the woman?

She had a baby for me and, if you must know, she was pushed to saying all she said that time.

Pushed by whom?

Friends and journalists made money out of that story. But Nollywood magazine is like my company’s paper because we artistes own it, so I can talk (freely). But you see, those soft sell magazines turn things upside down. They can push you because they know that if there is no scandal in their papers about a particular person, nobody will buy. So, she has apologised.

In the media?

No, to me personally. If I say she should go to the media, that means I am trying to make money for them. I am too big for that. I just let go. We had a baby and that was all. The media over blew the issue.

What is your relationship with the woman now?

My daughter is being taken care of and the woman is happily married, too.

How often do you see your daughter?

I see her whenever I want. We are close.

And what is her relationship with your wife?

Fine. She loves my wife so much because sometimes when she sees any of her movies, she chips in one criticism or the other. You got to meet this girl. She is a lovely girl. Her name is Zainab Balogun as in ZB, Zenith Bank (laughs).

Celebrity marriages are known not to last. What has been your own magic?

We learn from others. The papers were writing their usual nonsense, that my wife was dating this person and that I was sleeping around. But we knew all this would happen. We learnt a lot from the people in the past. Have you ever heard Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva fighting? No! They wrote a lot of rubbish about them in the papers, but they don’t care. If you want to succeed, you don’t care. We have to pay a price for stardom. Those are the types of price that we pay and we don’t care what they write.

But have you had any regrets being a star?

No! There are certain things that have happened, some abnormalities. There was one day I was surrounded by some area boys numbering about thirty demanding that I must pay the sum of ten thousand before I would be allowed to pass. But, I said to them “If I have that kind of money I won’t be driving a Mercedes Benz 190, rather I will be riding a Hummer Jeep.” Everybody sees us like we are very rich and I pray we get to that level.

With your stardom and the popular demand for you and your wife, sometimes two of you might have to be away on different locations somewhere. With all these movement up and down, how do you run your home?

One thing I can say is that we are very selective. Like today now you can see that she is not around. We try to work things out. When she is not there, I am. If I go for five days, although might miss me physically but he is seeing me on television. So he doesn’t really feel it. At least he can see his dad on TV. That is one thing God did for us.

He will grow up to need your company and you will improve to be higher in demand. How then will you manage it?

When we are in Lagos, no matter where we are, we sleep at home. So, he is always there. We take him to school. We are always together. We don’t sleep outside.

What about when a night scene has to be taken and you can’t make it home?

It happens in few cases because I am a producer myself and I know what it takes. But, most of the time, I am home. If you give me a major role, I give you a condition to it. We know when to start and when to close. This holiday I am making it a must to be home most of the time. His school is presently on vacation, so I am on holiday myself it is me and him, father and son and mother, too.

Saidi Balogun seems to be the lead character in almost everyone of his movies.So also are many other artistes in most of their productions. Why is the trend that way?

Everything has to do with time, money and the director. For example, have you seen Eeku Ida? Tunji Bamishigbin handled it and was co-produced by Liz Benson, its a Yoruba film. Enough time was devoted to the film and the outcome was a success. So also Efunsetan Aniwura. These films were good because there was time and when there is time, you’ve got to put in money. I was still shooting a movie when the promo was being aired on the TV. So, what are we saying? And one funny thing is that, a producer sees a character in a movie killing somebody and he goes, “Ah that guy is good at that role. So give him that killing role and the same producer is shooting for four days. And these producer/director have to put food on the table for their families.

There have been low sales record for films. As an actor, how do you feel when a movie you featured in does not sell? Do you think the industry is dying?

The industry is not dying. We are in the best of times. Time when you do things and people are complaining and you have to rethink, reshape and refocus.

What are the lessons you have learnt in marriage?

Sweet, nice. It makes me to be a man and it prepares me for the future.

And what is your advice to would be couples?

They have to be disciplined, determined and focused.

A word to your fans?

They should please keep praying and keep buying our movies. I promise to continue to do my best and may God be with you all. On behalf of my lovely wife, son, my daughters, and myself I say thank you very much for your love and God bless you.

Pictorial Glance at Doris Simeon of Nollywood

2008-04-21T15:17:00.003+02:00

Doris Simeon, the actress and pretty wife of the fast rising producer and director Daniel Ademinokan is feature by this blog. Enjoy the pictures of the recently pregnant actress whose recent flick ONITEMI is still making waves and is a nominee for an award in AMAA 2008.

Two in one Pictures of Nollywood Stars

2008-04-13T19:49:00.002+02:00

Pictorial Glance at Clem Ohameze of Nollywood

2008-04-07T13:18:00.006+02:00

Clem at a glance

He has diploma in Mass Communication, and a degree in Sociology from the University of Port-Harcourt.
He joined the Nollywood in 1996.
He used to be a Businessman before acting
Clem hails from Imo State, Nigeria
He is married and has a child.

Sola Sobowale's Journey into Showbiz

2008-03-28T17:25:00.003+01:00

The journey to showbiz started when she opted out of College of Education to follow her dream by going to Ibadan then the hub of entertainment in Nigeria. Initially enrolled as a Secretary in training at Sight & Sound, Ibadan, Tunji Oyelana, (Sura Di Tailor) who married her elder sister, Kikelomo got her enrolled in the University of Ibadan’s Department of Music.

When she didn’t get her fulfilment rocking the microphone, she eventually opted for the thespian art. From rested Village Headmaster, to Lola Fani Kayode’s Mirror In The Sun and a couple of stage productions including Femi Osofisan’s Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again, it was a steady rise for her. She also scored more credits in a long list of Yoruba movies- Asewo To Re Mecca and Eri Okan.

But like she admitted, never has her acting career enjoyed rave reviews, acclaim and boost, as it has received in Super story’s Oh Father, Oh Daughter. It meant different thing to different people. “There are instances women have walked up to me and told me that my role in Super story has helped them to restore their marriages, especially relationships that have been disturbed or threatened by the second woman. I am happy the role has touched lives and changed many homes for better.”

Married to former corporate executive director of EKO Hospital, Dotun Sobowale, who has since relocated abroad.

If Sola had hearkened to the voice of her father, Pa Olagookun, 77, who hails from Ifon, Ondo State, she would have been in the classroom as a tutor. Though her foray into acting has fetched her fame and money, Pa Olagookun had said in an interview with this writer that it was never his career choice for his daughter. “I didn’t like her going into acting much. I wanted her to be an academician. She was a very brilliant child. She was very robust, active and intelligent. One of the attributes she had was sticking to whatever she wanted to do. She was very pertinacious.”
hough he would have stuck to bringing his dream to reality for his beautiful daughter, the influence of his brother-in-law changed his position. There were some overriding influences. “Tunji Oyelana, my son-in-law and then a lecturer at the University of Ibadan, was a great influence. I think she was really influenced by him and I think she had encouragement from him and with that I couldn’t object.”

With over two decades in the the spian art, Pa Olagookun assessed her daughter. “I’m very happy to see where acting has taken her and I thank God for the progress she’s making.”

A Pictorial Glance at Fathia Balogun of Nollywood

2008-03-26T17:26:00.001+01:00

NAME: Faithia Akorede Adunni Balogun

ADDRESS: Ikorodu, Lagos State.

DATE OF BIRTH: February 5, 1969.

MARITAL STATUS: Married with children.

STATE OF ORIGIN: Ukpara Water Side LGA, Delta State.

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Urhobo, English, Yoruba and Pidgin English.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Olufunmilola Nursery School, Ikeja, Lagos State.
Maryland Primary School, Maryland, Lagos State.
Maryland Comprehensive High School, Lagos.
Kwara State Polythechnic, Kwara State

Tell us a little about your childhood, growing up, parents, brothers and sisters?

I was born into a polygamous home and a family of nine (9). I family was very much middle class with a fair balance in my parents wealth. I had a Catholic background and grew up in Ikeja where I did a lot of my early education.
Parents: Mr & Mrs Williams
Brothers: Ken Williams, Anderson Williams, Charles Williams
Sisters: Joseline Williams, Stella Willams.

What was the first paying job ever that you had?

General receptionist at Chips Bit & Bit, a Computer Company on Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

How much were you paid per month and what were the responsibilities?

N5,000.

What other jobs did you do outside Acting?

None
What made you go into the Acting career and when did you start Acting?

I don’t know whether to call it fate or coincidence! Alhaji Fatai Teniola introduced me into the Industry by casting me. It all started in the early 90’s.

Who were your Idols/Models (Actors) in those days?
There are lots of them, some of which I have been opportuned to work with.

What was your first role in Theatre, TV or Movies?
“A Secretary” in a Movie “Ta lo pa Chief”

What was your major break-through role and in what film, series or play?

I thank God for every movie I have starred, I can’t say which are precisely.

What were the constraints you had to face and overcome as an up-and-coming Actor (young actor)?

The task of growing up (experience-wise) and handling the fame of becoming a recognisable star were some of the hurdles I had to cross back then. In spite of all I am still standing and I thank the Almighty God.

What is the most awkward or strangest role you have had to take/play in your career and why?

I don’t think I have had any irritating role, because every role is meant to show exactly how it happens in the real world and positively influence the viewers. We are just acting.

What films have you been most proud to be involved with so far, and why?

In a Nation wide Television Programme "Super Story - face of deceit”. Because I had to play the role of an aged woman (42 years precisely) and you know what, it was very interesting. I had a great time.

Did you at anytime want to quit your Acting career for something else or for a reason, and why (if any)?

No.

What is the motivation for you or what keeps you interested in this career every morning you wake up?
I think I just love the job I do because any time I am on set, I am always very happy.
How important are our Nigerian roots, morals, values, knowledge and sense of wisdom to you and your works?

Its importance cannot be stressed enough. I strongly believe this is what gives our Nigerian films the edge over most other industries at the moment. This niche is extremely important for our viewers who are at home and abroad, to inculcate, remind and record our ways and values.

On the stories, scripts, or screen play of your films, and its impact on the Nigerian/African cultural values (home and abroad), how do you manage to harness, keep and pass them across in your films?

A well thought-out script, with proper revision where and when necessary is a key. Furthermore, we live the life and still have knowledgeable people (elders) within our communities, and sometimes borrow this wisdom to keep us a step ahead.

Where do you see yourself in this career in the next five years?

In an elevated stage more than what God had done now.
Where do you see the Nigerian movies industry in the next couple of years?

I see us competing with other top movie making continents, countries and industries.

When you are not working (Acting, producing, directing or making a film), what do you do or how do you pass the time?

I relax by way of sleeping, watch films and rehearse scripts I have written or that I am contracted to do.

What kind of music do you listen to and who is your favourite musician?

High life and Juju – King Sunny Ade
Jazzy blues

Is there an International Actor (American, British, Australian, African, etc.) you will want to work with if the opportunity presented itself?

Sharon Stone, Whoopi Goldberg.

What other messages do you have for your international fans in America, United kingdom, Europe, Africa and its Diaspora?

I request for more prayers from them. They should also bear in mind, I am privileged to be in a position to entertain them, and without them and God, I am nobody.

For any reason at all, how would you personally want your fans to remember you?

I will like to be remembered by my good works. I am giving my best to them at all time

Ngozi Ezeonu - From a Hair Dresser to Nollywood

2008-03-18T17:10:00.008+01:00

Did you study Theatre Arts?

No. I have a diploma in journalism from the Nigeria Institute of Journalism.

When did you start acting?

I started acting professionally in 1993 and it’s been tough, but we thank God.

What are the challenges you face in your career as an actress?

Well, every job comes with its own challenges, but we are getting by.

Are there some roles you won’t forget in a hurry?

Yes! There is a job I would not forget in a hurry entitled Forbidden. I played a barren woman. Ironically, I was pregnant (then). I was five months gone and I was playing a barren woman. So, it was not an easy thing to shoot and that was in 1995. For me to be pregnant, you know my first pregnancy actually and I shot two-part movie at the same time. It wasn’t easy.

When you cry in your movie, what do you remember that makes the tears flow easily?

Well, actually, when you give me a script, I research. Then I try as much as possible to characterise. I put myself into that character I’m playing. If it’s going to be the woman that the husband usually maltreats, I build myself into that character. And when I’m playing and I’m to shed tears, they comes naturally.

How have you been able to combine the home front with your career?

It’s just the grace of God, actually. God has been so kind. Like I always say, he planned my life even before I was born. My family has been very supportive. It’s not too difficult combining the two. Most times, I’m out of Lagos on location. But before I do, I try as much as possible to arrange my home. I put my home in order. Nobody will lack anything till I get back. When I get back, I try as much as possible to fill the gap. Whatever they missed when I was away, I make up.

How many children do you have?

I have three children: one girl and two boys.

Do you still cook and do house chores now that you are a star?

I am not a star (laughs). I’m just me. I cook. I do house chores. I pound yam for my husband, and make fufu if need be. I’m an Anambra woman so I cook, I cook, I pound yam, I pound fufu if you want me to. I honestly do a lot of home chores.

How does your husband see what you are doing?

He is comfortable with it because I was acting before he met me. So, it’s not a problem.

Are there some roles you can’t play no matter how much is at stake?

Oh definitely, yes. I can’t play nude no matter the amount that is at stake. I don’t know how to play romantic scenes on television. So that is it.

Does that mean you have not accepted any role that borders on romance?

No! I may not be able to do it well. Although some people say that, as an actress, one ought to be perfect in any role. To me, it is a personal thing. Inasmuch as I know that I’m supposed to be versatile as an actress, I still remember where I come from. I don’t follow trends. I do my things my own way. Fine, if you can’t give me those one I know I can do well, let’s leave it.

Is it because of your marriage? Your husband?

No. Even before I got married, I never played any romantic role. No, I never did. It’s a matter of principle. It is true kissing on set doesn’t make you less a Christian, but I don’t do it just because I have decided not to do it. Mine is a matter of principle, believe me.

What are the things going on in Nollywood that you frown upon?

Greed is one of them. People are greedy. Another thing is dishonesty. We don’t tell ourselves the truth. People copy other people’s stories. These days we shoot movies without knowing the title. Then when it comes out, somebody somewhere will say, Ha! I saw you in some movies.’ You will be wondering what happened in the movie because you don’t actually know the title. It’s because they steal each other’s titles. That is why they hide the titles, even to us that are shooting it. It’s one of the things I don’t like in the industry. And that is called piracy. The stakeholders or the risk bearers are not getting their money. They make the movies with plenty money and, at the end of the day, somebody somewhere is reaping from where they did not sow. It is very bad, that is what is really bringing us down. Instead of us to go up, we are going down. But apart from the factors I have just mentioned, I also would want you to know that Nollywood is still teething. It’s still a baby, you know. So we have to go through the normal process. We will pass this teething period definitely by God’s grace and we will move on.

How come you don’t wear skimpy dresses like some other actresses?

You, how would you feel if you saw me wearing something like that? Does it mean that stars wear skimpy things (outfits)? I told you I don’t follow the trend. I’m my kind of person. I like to cover up all the time.

How come you have not had bad press since 1993 when you started acting?

I told you something earlier: I don’t see myself as a star. At my age, if I start doing things like that, people will think I’m crazy. First and foremost, as I said, I don’t see myself as a star and I don’t act as one. I am the home girl that I am. I always remember where I come from, and I know where I am heading for. It’s important in my life. So, I have been able to keep bad press at bay just by the grace of God. I don’t do things anyhow. I respect myself a lot. I don’t do things that I wouldn’t want people to hear. That is the answer (laughs).

How do you cope with your fans?

I appreciate them a lot because there wouldn’t have been any Ngozi Ezeonu without my fans. I cope very well with them. They encourage me. If you call yourself a star,’ you must always be in the mood to say hello to your fans. Without these people, nobody will buy your films. And the stardom will just go. So, no matter the mood, I try as much as possible to appreciate them.

What about the fact that you don’t have any privacy?

I don’t feel bad about that. I see myself as some people’s role model. This is because you being a star means you have a lot of responsibilities. There are certain things you can’t do any more because people look up to you, especially children. Also, you have to really respect yourself. My being a Nollywood star does not stop me from buying roasted plantain beside the road or buying some fairly used clothes maybe for my children if I will have to. But the difference is that they may sell it to me at a high cost.

Who is your role model?

My mother is my role model. Although she didn’t go to school, she reads. She reads her Bible. And she is very strong.

MORE INTERVIEW WITH NGOZI EZEONU NEE NWANETO

Tell us a little about your childhood, growing up, parents, brothers and sisters?

Parents - Mr and Mrs D.O. Ikpelue. I have 5 brothers and one sister (7 all together).Normal Nigerian home. Above average.

What was the first paying job ever that you had?

Hair dressing. I practised journalism for a short while too.

How much were you paid per month and what were the responsibilities?

I was self-employed and comfortable.

What other jobs did you do outside Acting?

None.

What made you go into the Acting career and when did you start Acting (year)?

The Interest. I started acting professionally in 1993.

Who were your Idols/Models (Actors) in those days?

None.

What was your first role in theatre, TV or Movies?

Supporting lead in Nneka, the pretty serpent, an Igbo Movie.

What was your major break-through role and in what film, series or play?

Thelma in Glamour girls (1), back in 1993.

What were the constraints you had to face and overcome as an up-and -coming Actor (young actor)?

I was Lucky - None.

How many films have you been involved with as an Actor to date?

I have done quite a lot at least 50 movies. Glamour Girls, Nneka, the pretty serpent, August Meeting (1) and (2), Christ in me, In the beginning (1) and (2), Innocent tears (1) and (2), etc.

AS a DYNAMIC,OUTSTANDING,'A'-List Actor, how have you managed to adapt to the different range of roles you have played in your career?

*Versatility and Interpretation.

What is the most awkward or strangest role you have had to take /play in your career and why?

My role in "Love in High Places". No reason at all.

What films have you been most proud to be involved with so far, and why?

Glamour girls, My best friend, and My faithful friend.

As an 'A'-List Actor, yourself, what other 'A'-List Actors or Actresses have worked or collaborated with?

*Pete Edochie, Liz Benson, Sola Fosudo, Sola Shobowale, Clarion Chukwurah, Justus Esiri, Eucharia Anunobi-Ekwu, etc.

Did you at anytime want to quit your Acting career for something else or for any reason, and why(if any)?

Never.

What is the motivation for you or what keeps you interested in this career every morning you wake up?

The Job satisfaction I get.

How important are our Nigerian roots, moral, values, knowledge and sense of wisdom to you and your works?

They are very important, they form the bedrock of any job I take part in.

On the stories, scripts, or screen play of your films, and its impact on the Nigerian/African culture values (home and abroad), how do you manage to harness, keep and pass them across in your films?

*Like I mentioned earlier, I consider the impact my films will have on the public. I hold morals and our cultural values close to my heart. I also use my films as a medium to evangelise.

Are you also a producer, Director and film-maker, which seems to the natural progression for our actors/actresses?

I am concentrating on just Acting for now.

What project are you working on at the moment and with whom?

I just finished a job with Sola Fosudo in Enugu for Twins Production (The Agents for Naijacommunity.com in Eastern Nigeria).

Where do you see yourself in this career in the next five years?

I will be five steps higher in the next five years, by the grace of God.

Where do you see the Nigerian movies industry in the next couple of years?

It definitely must have passed the teething stage.

When you are not working (Acting, or making a film), what do you do or how do you pass the time?

I stay with my family and play wife and mother.

What kind of music do you listen to and who is your favourite musician?

I listen to all kinds of music depending on my mood. I Like Whitney Houston a lot.

Is there an international Actor (American, British, Australian, African, etc.) you will want to work with if the opportunity presented itself?

I will want to work with Whoopi Goldberg if I have the opportunity.

What message do you have for your international fans in America, United Kingdom, Europe, Africa and its Diaspora?

I appreciate all of you. I promise not to disappoint you all, God bless you.

For any reason at all, how would you personally want your fans to remember you?

As one who did not lose her sanity and kept her feet on the ground

Stephanie Okereke - A Model and an Actress

2008-03-14T18:09:00.008+01:00

Stephanie Okereke is a Nigerian born superstar with an infectious personality. Spend five minutes with Stephanie and she will have you laughing and feeling like you are talking to a friend you have known forever. As the sixth child in a family of eight Stephanie has been entertaining her family from birth Now she is entertaining the world.

Ms Okereke sprung onto the Nollywood scene in 1997 with Compromise II” and then featured in “Waterloo” A year later she was accepted into the English and Literary Studies Program at the
University of Calabar. She decided to pursue school while she put acting on hold, A year later Nollywood came calling again and Stephanie could not resist she fed her desire to act with Teco Benson’s Terror.

Stephanie has big dreams and she let the world in on her modeling talent with her second place finish in the 2002 The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria” beauty pageant Despite her hectic schedule, Stephanie graduated with her degree from Calabar and started to stake her claim in the movie world. Emotional Crack put Stephanie on the map and was nominated for eight awards. Stephanie was delighted to have her efforts blessed with two awards. (Best Actress — English and Reel Awards Best Actress of the Year 2003), Stephanie has also stared in quite a few films including Private Sin, Final Solution, Pretender and Adora (Shot in South Africa).

In April of 2004, Emotional Crack was premiered at the African Film Festiva held in the United States. Stephanie also joined her Nollywood colleagues to speak out in a collective voice to help stop the piracy of Nigerian movies
Next, Stephanie made her first foray into Hollywood by auditioning for a role in the Good Shepard. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for Stephanie and see what happens. In the meantime Stephanie has a role on Mnet’s soap Snitch. We have just started to hear from this rising star who is also a talented singer and a model. Stephanie is always striving to improve her craft so needless to say the best from Stephanie is yet to come.

INTERVIEW WITH STEPHANIE OKEREKE

You have disappeared from public view for some time now, but it looks like you are still bubbling. How has life been with you all this while?

Even if I don’t achieve anything this year, the fact that I am alive, that I can walk without any walking stick or crutches is enough reason for me to be happy. I am bubbling, and I have every right to bubble.

You traveled to the US. What did you go there for?

I traveled for medical care, did some studying at the New York Film Academy. I learnt a couple of things and did a film before coming back home.

What kind of film?

It is a mixture of Nigerian and American movie.

Who wrote the script?

I actually wrote, directed and produced the movie.

What is the title?

I called it Through the Glass. I think it is still a working title.

Is the movie based on personal experience?

No. I don’t think it has anything to do with my life. It is a romantic comedy. I was just having fun in school and I got the inspiration to write the story. I have a lot of talent in me. I am just exploring them.

Did you feature in it?

Yes, I did. I am first and foremost an actress.

Now that you are back home, what plans are you making to get back to work? Or are the scripts already pouring in?

I am just taking it easy, basically. The idea is for me to do quality work. I think it is high time we moved up from where we are now. Film-making, no matter how you look at it, is universal. We actually need to upgrade what we are doing.

What really happened between you and Chikelue, your footballer husband?

This is one subject that I really don’t want to talk about. I consider it dead right now. Maybe I should just clarify a few things I heard when I traveled. We are no longer together.

You are no longer together as husband and wife or as friends?

Both.

We hear you were married before…

I learnt that he said I was married before I met him. I am not here to say negative things about him, because he was someone I shared so many things with. I am not here to run him down. But it was malicious of him to say I is married before. It is totally outrageous.

So you were never married before you met him?

There is no way I would be married and nobody would know about it. Come to think of it, how old was I then? I think it was just a defense on his part, because he was the one who was married before. It was a form of defense so that when the story comes out, it would seem as if he had defended himself.

How did you make his club in China drop him?
I didn’t know I had such powers, to call his club and tell the coach not to take him. He went there for trials, so how would a single phone call stop him from getting what he wanted? He tried to make me look like a totally bad person. I had to say this (the marriage) wasn’t good for me any longer and I did not want to be in it.

Did you try to make up with him?

I really would not want to talk more on this. It is gone. There is no making up. We have filed for divorce.

But he stood by you when you had an accident.

I want to clarify that issue. Yes, he stood by me when I had an accident, but it was his responsibility to take care of somebody he claimed he loved and was his woman. It is not as if I don’t appreciate the fact that he stood by me, but he was supposed to be there. If he weren’t there, people would start talking.

But he was like a wolf in sheep’s clothing because he knew what he was getting by being at my side. It is not as if I don’t appreciate that he was there, but that does not justify any of the things that happened in our relationship.

We also learnt you were in a rehabilitation centre in Ogun State over drug.

That is ridiculous. I don’t know what journalism has turned into; that people could write something that is totally false. They wanted to paint me as a broken-hearted girl who couldn’t take it any longer; that her relationship broke up and she decided to get into drugs.

The story has no truth. What was the reason behind this? Were they trying to make me have a bad reputation? I don’t know what they wanted with the story; but I tell you, it is totally false. It is not true. I have been out of this country for about five months. I have never been to a psychiatric hospital. I am sure the writer knows what he did was ridiculous.

But have you ever, at least, played with drugs?

I have not even smoked a cigarette, except in movies. I don’t smoke and I don’t drink, so why would I do drugs? I don’t even know what cocaine looks like, except in films where it looks white.

But they say in every rumour, there is always a bit of truth.

No way. In this case, there is no figment of truth. I was in the (United) States. I was not in Ogun State. There is nothing like truth in that rumour.

Do you intend to do anything about the publication then?

What I intend doing is between me and the publishers of the story. I heard the writer is very remorseful. He has tried to apologise and he is willing to re-write the story.

Are you in a relationship now?

I am not. I am very, very single now. I am not in a hurry.

Back to your ex, how come you married a footballer? Was it because you were desperate to marry a star?

You don’t plan things like that. Things just happen the way they happen.

Could one then say it was your fault that you broke up with your ex-husband?

It was never my fault. It was just due to irreconcilable differences. I am not saying this because he is not here. It wasn’t my fault. It was just that we just couldn’t stay together.

How come you locked him up?

I didn’t lock him up. I don’t know where you got that gist from, but I tell you, I didn’t do that.

Did he use to beat you?

No. I don’t want to talk about what he used to do and what he didn’t use to do. It was just that we couldn’t stay together.

But we hear you were dating some other guys while you were still together.

I had an accident in 2005. I was recovering all this while. I wonder which leg I was using to go after other guys. I have never been a promiscuous person. All of a sudden, I turned into a promiscuous person when I was married?

Look, I was bedridden. I was recovering from an accident. I wasn’t even working at that time. I got fully recovered in 2007. I wonder when I had the time to do all of that.

Maybe the accident was what changed your attitude to life.

I believe it was God that saved me from the accident. I am a Christian and I am born again. I am still alive because of the grace of God and what He wants to do in my life.

I am closer to God. I should be closer to Him. He was the one that saved me. He gave me all the visions that I have now. For some people, just a little thing would happen to them and they die. But I am alive. I had a major accident. I had my face ripped off and I had a broken leg. But everything came back together. What am I supposed to do if not to give glory to Him?

Is it not sad that you have a lot of scandals following you?

It is because I never had any scandals following me before people dwelt on the so-called scandals that came up. There hadn’t really been anything to write about me. It is part of the business.

You seem to think that all these happened because somebody wanted to smear your reputation.

I think so. I am a very responsible person, and I hope to do a lot of positive and responsible things in the future. I don’t want my reputation to be messed up.

Did the scandals get to you?

They didn’t get to me. At first, I laughed them off. Later on, I felt it was not funny at all. I just feel this is malicious. What was he thinking? It was just the thoughts behind those write-ups that got me angry.

Do you have regrets?

In life, you meet different kinds of anguish; you go through a lot, but you should not allow them to get you down. Just keep moving and hold on to God. Don’t allow anybody to pull you down. If you have a vision, just work at it.

As young as you are, your marriage has already crashed after just a few years…

I am not sad. I am actually happy that as a young person, I could leave the union I was not happy in. A lot of people are into relationships they don’t even know how they would come out of. But I could actually stand and say this is not good for me, and I walked out of it. With that, I don’t have any regret.

So you believe that if a marriage is not working, a woman should just walk away from it?

No, I don’t believe in that. There is a whole lot of controversy in that. You need to do things the right way.

Don’t you think the fact that your marriage did not work out could affect you in the future?

I don’t think so. If you are having fears for me, please don’t bother. I am a wonderful person, and I think I deserve better things. I treat people nicely; I should expect nice things to come to me as well.