SEARCH THE BLOG FOR STARS ALREADY FEATURED

OPEN PICTURES IN ANOTHER TAB AND CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO ENLARGE

Custom Search

Friday, March 28, 2008

Sola Sobowale's Journey into Showbiz



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.”

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

A Pictorial Glance at Fathia Balogun of Nollywood



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

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Ngozi Ezeonu - From a Hair Dresser to Nollywood


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



Dedicated to the memory of Teslim Olamilekan Suleiman (1992 - 2005) [Click Image to read about him]