Getting to Know More of Chiege Alisigwe of Nollywood

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.

I'm reading: Getting to Know More of Chiege Alisigwe of Nollywood

A Pictorial Glance at Prince Jide Kosoko of Nollywood

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?

I'm reading: A Pictorial Glance at Prince Jide Kosoko of Nollywood

Coat of Many Colours of Francis Duru of Nollywood

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.

I'm reading: Coat of Many Colours of Francis Duru of Nollywood