Pictorial Glance at Clem Ohameze of Nollywood

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.

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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.”

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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

I'm reading: A Pictorial Glance at Fathia Balogun of Nollywood