Handsome Chima Okoroji, the youthful brain behind Nollywood hit movies such as: Coming to Africa, Blind Fury, Tears of a Mother, Dying to Live, Joy of a Mother, D-8 and a host of others, is poised to make another daring move in the nation’s motion picture industry.
Okoroji is currently on locations lensing his long-awaited soap-opera-Lost Soul with some established and up and coming thespians from Nigeria and other West African countries.
According to the soft spoken filmmaker, Lost Soul is a youth-oriented project that was inspired by the many daunting challenges facing them in a society that is fast neglecting them. “At the end of the day, what we want to achieve with Lost Soul is to help the youths in our society regain and reclaim their rightful positions in the scheme of things. The older generation has dealt our youths a heavy blow and will continue to do so, until we fight back by claiming what is ours. By the time this soap hits the airwaves, it will expose the many challenges and sins of our youths. The dirty things the society has pushed them into doing, just to survive. With this project, the orientation of an average Nigeria youth would begin to change for the better. Imagine IBB, saying that the youths cannot be trusted with leadership positions, that is an insult on us. How old was Gowon when he ruled us and completely changed the face of Nigeria?”
On when the soap would hit the air, embittered Okoroji, lamented the dearth of funds for the project. “It boils down to what I was saying earlier about youths’ like me not being encouraged or supported by the society or government. This is a self sponsored project and I have spent several millions of my own money prosecuting this laudable project. All efforts to get corporate bodies to be part of this project, has failed woefully. In fact, as I’m talking to you, we’ve called off shoot, because of paucity of funds. So, as soon as proper funding comes our way, we would complete the soap and put it on air for Nigerians and the rest of the world to watch and applaud. It’s painful that a lot of youths with good ideas and projects to execute cannot find support from corporate bodies and well meaning individuals. Our youths are daily suffering and smiling’’.
Meanwhile, the twisted story of Lost Soul, revolves around a young graduate who left school and couldn’t secure a a paying job several years after leaving the university. He eventually fell in ‘lust’ with a married woman, because of her fat purse and comfortable life style “It’s a complicated and twisted storyline about how our harsh and unfair society drives youths into unhealthy ideas and behaviours’’.
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Monday, May 10, 2010
The Woman of Calabar rocks the airwaves
TV buffs are currently having a swell time watching and applauding The Woman of Calabar, which recently hit the airwaves, courtesy of Kaymouzo media productions. The Woman of Calabar, is the TV adaption of the highly successful play written by renowned playwright, Elechi Amadi. It finally hit the big screens in Lagos and Rivers States stations respectively with a bang. The 30–minute serial, which occupies the 5.30pm belt on Galaxy TV, Lagos, on Mondays and prime time, every Thursday on RSTV, was adapted and produced by pretty Victoria Ajayi, the head honcho of Kaymouzo media productions (KMP) and directed by Jide Alli. The 13-episode drama, seethes with romance and ethnic bigotry essentially. It further highlights the erroneous beliefs and misconceptions about efik maidens.
Parading popular faces like; Tina Mbah, Ngozi Nwosu, Toyin Osinaike, Ombogogo Ombo and promising acts such as: Emnanuel Ozzi and Ify Omalicha, the story revolves around the over-protective Debo Akrika, who would not allow her only son, Eme to marry a Calabar girl. Mrs Akrika’s anxieties are not unconnected with the age-long myth that Calabar women often cast spell on their men in order to keep them. Worse still, the sad memory of Debo’s brother who suffered a cruel fate allegedly in the hands of his lover, incidentally, an Efik woman, lingers.
Meanwhile, two botched attempts by Debo to separate the love-birds set the stage for a final face off between Adia and her would-be-mother-in-law. Filled with suspense and display of wits, the eventual confrontation between Debo and Adia culminates in a great revelation that fosters quick resolution of the conflict. The resolution however, reaffirms the imperative of love and unity in a multi-ethnic, multi-racial society like Nigeria.
Parading popular faces like; Tina Mbah, Ngozi Nwosu, Toyin Osinaike, Ombogogo Ombo and promising acts such as: Emnanuel Ozzi and Ify Omalicha, the story revolves around the over-protective Debo Akrika, who would not allow her only son, Eme to marry a Calabar girl. Mrs Akrika’s anxieties are not unconnected with the age-long myth that Calabar women often cast spell on their men in order to keep them. Worse still, the sad memory of Debo’s brother who suffered a cruel fate allegedly in the hands of his lover, incidentally, an Efik woman, lingers.
Meanwhile, two botched attempts by Debo to separate the love-birds set the stage for a final face off between Adia and her would-be-mother-in-law. Filled with suspense and display of wits, the eventual confrontation between Debo and Adia culminates in a great revelation that fosters quick resolution of the conflict. The resolution however, reaffirms the imperative of love and unity in a multi-ethnic, multi-racial society like Nigeria.
When will Genevieve Nnaji stop posing?
Sincerely, the way and manner our so called stars respond and react to simple questions thrown at them could be so annoying, amateurish and grossly unprofessional.
Most of these stars that are media creations are usually the first to accuse entertainment journalists of writing false and unconfirmed stories about their private lives. Meanwhile, they are quick to bungle their chances, whenever you reach out to them for clarifications, which will further help to balance the ‘usual’ unconfirmed stories about them.
A good example is the on-going Genevieve Nnaji and D’banj’s love story.
The Koko Master a couple of weeks ago granted an interview to a respected soft sell magazine and openly declared that he is currently enjoying a sizzling romance with Miss Nnaji. In fact, love struck D’banj said they are madly in love with each other and that he decided to make it public because he was tired of playing hide and seek with Genevieve, his Juliet. In his words: “Genevieve is more than my girlfriend, she is my baby… Right now, Genevieve is the only woman in my life…We want to be together and we don’t want to hide it anymore…”
The following week a very senior female editor from the same magazine went after Genevieve, to ascertain her side of the story. And surprisingly, the dodgy actress neither confirmed nor denied the story. Instead of a simple yes or no, Genevieve kept playing the artful dodger, thus cheapening her status and embarrassing D’banj, who had earlier told the world they are hot as an item. What an insult to the Koko Master turned lover boy. Hear Genevieve’s response on the public interview D’banj granted over their love story: “I can only say that I would like to keep my private life private and I really don’t have anything to say… D’banj is an adult and he has said something… let’s just leave it at that…”
Till date, observers are yet to fathom what Genevieve was trying to avoid or achieve by refusing to say a simple yes or no, to a harmless question.
By dodging the question, she has further created rooms for more speculations and insinuations in the minds of her fans and even the media.
Most of the so-called stars in Nollywood claim to follow Hollywood trends, but end up disgracing and rubbishing those they are supposed to be emulating.
In Hollywood standards, serious and professional stars, always come out bold to either accept or deny speculative or unconfirmed stories, especially those bordering on their private lives. This is one of the qualities of a star that people look up to as a role model. Most stars over there do it themselves or through their publicists, thus helping to clear the air over innuendos or imaginary tales being bandied around, especially in the media. Who knows, maybe, with the above quote from Genevieve, she does not want to be associated with D’banj or even seen hanging out with him publicly. Poor D’banj.
Her dazed fans still can’t fathom why she is not proud of admitting publicly that they are dating, despite the way and manner D’banj wholeheartedly told the whole world about their love story.
Genevieve, please stop disgracing and downgrading D’banj and quickly accept or deny whether the two of you are dating or not. Act like a true Nollywood star now and stop posing (forming).
Most of these stars that are media creations are usually the first to accuse entertainment journalists of writing false and unconfirmed stories about their private lives. Meanwhile, they are quick to bungle their chances, whenever you reach out to them for clarifications, which will further help to balance the ‘usual’ unconfirmed stories about them.
A good example is the on-going Genevieve Nnaji and D’banj’s love story.
The Koko Master a couple of weeks ago granted an interview to a respected soft sell magazine and openly declared that he is currently enjoying a sizzling romance with Miss Nnaji. In fact, love struck D’banj said they are madly in love with each other and that he decided to make it public because he was tired of playing hide and seek with Genevieve, his Juliet. In his words: “Genevieve is more than my girlfriend, she is my baby… Right now, Genevieve is the only woman in my life…We want to be together and we don’t want to hide it anymore…”
The following week a very senior female editor from the same magazine went after Genevieve, to ascertain her side of the story. And surprisingly, the dodgy actress neither confirmed nor denied the story. Instead of a simple yes or no, Genevieve kept playing the artful dodger, thus cheapening her status and embarrassing D’banj, who had earlier told the world they are hot as an item. What an insult to the Koko Master turned lover boy. Hear Genevieve’s response on the public interview D’banj granted over their love story: “I can only say that I would like to keep my private life private and I really don’t have anything to say… D’banj is an adult and he has said something… let’s just leave it at that…”
Till date, observers are yet to fathom what Genevieve was trying to avoid or achieve by refusing to say a simple yes or no, to a harmless question.
By dodging the question, she has further created rooms for more speculations and insinuations in the minds of her fans and even the media.
Most of the so-called stars in Nollywood claim to follow Hollywood trends, but end up disgracing and rubbishing those they are supposed to be emulating.
In Hollywood standards, serious and professional stars, always come out bold to either accept or deny speculative or unconfirmed stories, especially those bordering on their private lives. This is one of the qualities of a star that people look up to as a role model. Most stars over there do it themselves or through their publicists, thus helping to clear the air over innuendos or imaginary tales being bandied around, especially in the media. Who knows, maybe, with the above quote from Genevieve, she does not want to be associated with D’banj or even seen hanging out with him publicly. Poor D’banj.
Her dazed fans still can’t fathom why she is not proud of admitting publicly that they are dating, despite the way and manner D’banj wholeheartedly told the whole world about their love story.
Genevieve, please stop disgracing and downgrading D’banj and quickly accept or deny whether the two of you are dating or not. Act like a true Nollywood star now and stop posing (forming).
Monday, April 12, 2010
AMAA 2010: Nigeria leads the rest of Africa
Nigeria’s Nollywood, which suffered a devastating blow at last year’s annual African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), in the hands of other African movie makers, gloriously bounced back to the front rows at this year’s grand gathering tagged: African Dreams. In fact, a total of 53 countries slugged it out in the 24 available categories, thus making the recently held sixth edition, a tension-soaked event.
The glamourous and unarguably, the biggest award and reward system for film stars and practitioners on the African continent, held over the weekend in Yenogoa, the capital of oil rich Bayelsa State. Amazingly, some Nigerian filmmakers and stars went home with most of the biggest and most prized awards in different major categories.
Nigerian-born emerging filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, was the star of the long and memorable night. The Figurine, his latest movie, carted home five awards, the highest for the night. The Figurine won in the following categories: Heart of Africa award for best film from Nigeria, best visual effect, best performance by an actor in a leading role, which went to star actor, Ramsey Noah, best cinematography and finally, the keenly contested award for best picture.
Interestingly, another movie that made Nollywood proud at the awards night, which was beautifully anchored by the duo of Basorge Tariah and Rita Dominic with support from a Kenyan colleague, was The Child. The Amstel Malta powered movie grabbed two awards in the categories of best editing and makeup, respectively. Also, top producer, Vivian Ejike’s Silent Scandal, got a joint award in the most promising actress category with Imani, a Ugandan flick. Chelsea Eze, the joint winner, was however absent at the event.
Femi Odugbemi’s work, Bariga Boys, as well as Fulani from Ifeanyi Onyeabor, further helped to raise the bar of the Nigerian motion picture industry, with plaques in the best documentary and art direction categories separately.
Even outside our shores, The Tenant, a heart wrenching movie painstakingly shot by Nigerian filmmakers living in Canada, won in the best screenplay category, while Soul Diaspora, another good film shot by a group of Nigerians residing in the US, smiled home with a trophy in the best film by an African filmmaker in Diaspora category.
The fast evolving Ghana film industry (Gollywood), was also not left out at this year’s AMAA. Three of their quality films collectively carted home a total of seven awards, in various categories.
While, The Perfect Picture clinched awards in the categories of best actress, best supporting actor and best director, another Ghanaian flick, I Sing of a Well, was victorious in the categories of best sound, costume and special jury prize.
They rounded off their memorable night with another diadem in the best original soundtrack category, courtesy of the movie, A sting in a Tale.
Surprisingly, the Kenyans, who were the stars of last year’s awards, only managed to grab two trophies, in the 26 shortlisted feature films that made it to the grand finale.
Togetherness Supreme, Kenyans only movie that made it to the finals, won awards in the categories of: best child and most promising actor categories.
Countries like: Malawi, Egypt and South Africa, also got an award each in the categories of best supporting role, animation and short film in that order.
Aside the awards presentations, musical performances from some notable acts like : Omawunmi, J- Martins, the Bayelsa cultural troupe alongside some foreign acts, further helped to add verve and vim to the event, which was well- attended.
The night climaxed with the coming on stage of the two notable Hollywood stars specially invited by the organizers, Glynn Turman and CCH Pounder. While on stage, both black US stars, paid glowing tributes to AMAA, for bringing them home to motherland, adding that it was good to be home and congregating with their black brothers and sisters.
In her extempore address, elated but visibly tired Peace Anyiam Osigwe, the CEO AMAA, immensely thanked Bayelsa State, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and all those that had hugely supported AMAA, since inception six years ago. She also urged African filmmakers to continue telling the true African stories in their productions as well as turning their dreams into realities for the world to watch and applaud. “I want African filmmakers to continue telling our own stories, because nobody can tell it better than us. We must also strive to always turn our dreams into realities; AMAA is a good example of a dream that was later turned into reality...”
Governor Sylva Timipre of Bayelsa State, who was accompanied to the awards by his wife and several top government officials, was full of praises to the organizers of AMAA, for continually placing Bayelsa on the global map, in the last six years. He further pledged his State’s continued support for AMAA. Timipre, who was swathed in all black traditional attire with a matching bowler hat, concluded by urging all to return to the riverine State next year, for another scintillating and bumper edition of AMAA.
The event, which many described as another plus for Nollywood and indeed, the African continent, also honoured King Boama Darko Ampaw, from Ghana, with a Lifetime Achievement Award, for his immense contributions to the growth of the African film and cinema industries, in the last 40 years.
All these notwithstanding, some practitioners and guests also queried the rationale behind giving three actresses with different roles in the same movie, the award for best actress. “I’ve never seen or heard that before, how can you lump three actresses together and give them a joint award?” queried a dazed guest at the event.
AMAA 2010 winners at a glance:
-Best Documentary, Bariga Boys (Nigeria), Femi Odugbemi.
-Best Short Film- The Abyss Boys (South Africa), Jan Hendrik Beetge .
-Best Animation- Hanayns shoe (Egypt).
-Best Film by an African Filmmaker in Diaspora, Soul Diaspora (US/Nigeria).
-Best Film in Africa Language –Imani (Uganda).
-Heart of Africa Award for best Film from Nigeria, Figurine- Kunle Afolayan ( Nigeria).
-AMAA Achievement in Sound- I Sing of a Well (Ghana).
-AMAA Achievement in Art Direction- Fulani (Nigeria), Ifeanyi Onyeabor.
-AMAA Achievement in Editing-The Child (Nigeria).
AMAA Achievement in Costume – I Sing of a Well (Ghana).
AMAA Achievement in Visual Effects-Figurine (Nigeria), Soji Ogunaike.
Best Original Soundtrack – A sting in a Tale (Ghana).
Best Performance by a Child – Togetherness Supreme, (Kenya).
Most Promising Actress – Silent Scandal and Imani (Nigeria and Uganda), Chelsea Eze and Rehama Nanfuka.
Most Promising Actor-Togetherness Supreme (Kenya), Wilson Maina.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role-Perfect Picture (Ghana), Adjatey Anang.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role- Seasons of a Life (Malawi), Tapiwa Gwaza.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role,
Perfect Picture (Ghana), Jackie Appiah, Lydia Forson and Naa Ashoku Mensa-Doku.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role – Figurine (Nigeria) Ramsey Noah.
Best Screenplay – The Tenant – (Nigeria).
AMAA Achievement in Cinematography, Figurine, (Nigeria), Yinka Edwards.
Best Picture – Figure (Nigeria).
Best Director – The Perfect Picture (Ghana) Shirley Frimpong Manso.
Special Jury Prize- I Sing of a Well (Ghana).
Life Time Achievement Award – King Ampaw (Ghana).
Monday, March 29, 2010
Dry Waters for world premiere
Nollywood practitioners, stakeholders, associates as well as dignitaries from both the public and private sectors are set to storm the forthcoming world premiere of Dry Waters.
The anticipated evening of fun, relaxation and networking holds on Saturday, April 17, 2010, at the upscale Terrakulture, Victoria Island, Lagos; amid cheers and banters.
Elaborating more on the premiere, which is already serenading Nollywood, the producer cum financier of Dry Waters, Miss Chinasa Joy Onyechere, disclosed that she and her team have already stepped up plans and preparations for the D-day.
Onyechere, who’s the current Treasurer of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), further promised to make the event grand and memorable for all the specially invited guests coming, adding that the premiere would further reposition Kech Production Studios, her outfit, within and outside Nollywood.
Directed by Kelvin Ibanichuka, the suspense- filled two-hour movie, also boasts of some leading names plying their trade in Nollywood. Among them are: Monalisa Chinda, Kenneth Okonkwo, Paul Obazele, Chidi Ihezie- Okafor, Remy Ohajianya and a host of others.
Screen-played by Adim Williams, Dry Waters is thematically woven around critical family issues and how such issues could affect the larger society, if not properly handled from the foundation stages. “I have produced and funded over a dozen films in Nollywood, but decided to premiere this one elaborately, because it’s a story very dear to my heart. Dry Waters, was painstakingly shot over a period of six months, We intend to immediately begin the cinema showings after the world premiere, so that movie buffs can come out to watch and applaud what we are offering them. We look forward to welcoming and entertaining all at the premiere …” Onyechere declared.
Surprisingly, Nollywood, which was on the verge of collapsing last year, due to several internal and external crises is fast opening up to world class premieres, such as this one. The premieres are also gradually helping to revive and reposition the industry for greater challenges and prospects.
Meanwhile, it is pertinent to note that the premiere of Dry Waters, is following in the footsteps of Jungle Ride, which held a couple of weeks ago, at the posh Silverbird Galleria.
The anticipated evening of fun, relaxation and networking holds on Saturday, April 17, 2010, at the upscale Terrakulture, Victoria Island, Lagos; amid cheers and banters.
Elaborating more on the premiere, which is already serenading Nollywood, the producer cum financier of Dry Waters, Miss Chinasa Joy Onyechere, disclosed that she and her team have already stepped up plans and preparations for the D-day.
Onyechere, who’s the current Treasurer of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), further promised to make the event grand and memorable for all the specially invited guests coming, adding that the premiere would further reposition Kech Production Studios, her outfit, within and outside Nollywood.
Directed by Kelvin Ibanichuka, the suspense- filled two-hour movie, also boasts of some leading names plying their trade in Nollywood. Among them are: Monalisa Chinda, Kenneth Okonkwo, Paul Obazele, Chidi Ihezie- Okafor, Remy Ohajianya and a host of others.
Screen-played by Adim Williams, Dry Waters is thematically woven around critical family issues and how such issues could affect the larger society, if not properly handled from the foundation stages. “I have produced and funded over a dozen films in Nollywood, but decided to premiere this one elaborately, because it’s a story very dear to my heart. Dry Waters, was painstakingly shot over a period of six months, We intend to immediately begin the cinema showings after the world premiere, so that movie buffs can come out to watch and applaud what we are offering them. We look forward to welcoming and entertaining all at the premiere …” Onyechere declared.
Surprisingly, Nollywood, which was on the verge of collapsing last year, due to several internal and external crises is fast opening up to world class premieres, such as this one. The premieres are also gradually helping to revive and reposition the industry for greater challenges and prospects.
Meanwhile, it is pertinent to note that the premiere of Dry Waters, is following in the footsteps of Jungle Ride, which held a couple of weeks ago, at the posh Silverbird Galleria.
Street Champz raises the bar in reality shows
Street Champz, a brand new talent hunt cum reality TV show that will proactively advance creative entertainment and generously reward talents in the categories of music, drama, comedy and entertainment variety act, has berthed with so many mouth-watering prizes and benefits for interested Nigerians. Interestingly, Kevin Pam, the Jos, Plateau State born emerging entertainer/celebrity, who won the fourth season of the popular reality TV show-Big Brother Africa; is the face of the project. Hugely powered by Street Champz UK, a United Kingdom based entertainment and artiste Management Company founded by some Nigerian born but UK based entertainment personalities. Mr. Pam also doubles as the project’s Public Relations Officer.
While speaking at the unveiling ceremony Mr. Pam, also known as Jostified disclosed that he signed up to work on the project because it aligns with his ambition of giving up and coming entertainers the opportunities to showcase their talents. He further described the Street Champz project as different and unique, adding that the show represents a determination on the part of some well meaning and reputable Nigerians to improve the lot of the talents that abound in Nigeria. “Nigerian is blessed with talents. We have not even discovered one percent of the talents that we have in this country”. He also posited that Street Champz as a unique project has been designed to bring a new experience to the viewing public in Nigeria, the moment it goes on air soon.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the project’s management team, Prince Emman-Stanford Amgbaduba maintained that Street Champz was founded to discover raw talents in entertainment and arts from the streets. Prince Amgbaduba further stated that the board of Street Champz was propelled to introduce the project because of the need to nurture, promote and manage such talents to their full potentials and stardom as well as providing the unique platform. Street Champz, he maintained provides the platform for the talents to contest in four categories that include; music, drama, comedy and variety act. ‘This is why the project is unique. We are looking at talents in four different areas and not just in an area, which is the trend. Our recurring theme in this project shall be excellence at all levels at all time and to achieve this, we are bringing in foreign experts and companies to partner with us on this project. We have also signed on the best of
Nollywood and the entertainment industry in the country to be judges, consultants, mentors, presenters and project managers for this project. Some of our judges include: Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Alex Usifo and Oritz Williki”.
Veteran musician and entertainer, Oritz Wiliki who attended the unveiling ceremony commended the organizers for bringing in a new dimension in talent hunt shows to Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the project and Chairman of the UK chapter of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Mr. Chucks Mordi stated that winners in each category of the reality show would receive five million naira in cash, an SUV and a two-year career development programme in the United Kingdom. While, the runner up in each category will receive one million naira in cash, in addition to a two year career development contract, while the second runner up in each category will each receive seven hundred and fifty thousand in cash and a two year career development contract. Mordi further explained that the career development angle became necessary in order to avoid the issue of dumping the winning talents soon after the project, as it has become the practice with most reality shows. “A career development scheme that will expose the talents to the industry through mentorship and grooming. Apart from ensuring that they receive their
winnings, the artiste management arm of the company will work with the winners to ensure that the winners produce at least two professional works during this period” he submitted. The Administrative and Finance Director of the project, Mr. Olaniyi Ogun maintained that as a global entertainment and artiste management company, they have put in place a high performance business modules that will further expose the talents after the show.
Shedding more light on the level of technical input, Mr. Kingsley Kerry, the Technical Director of Street Champz assured that they will deliver a reality show of international standard whose recurring theme will be excellence at all levels and all times. “We shall be deploying the latest in technology as never seen before. We have contracted experts in lighting and graphic designs. It will interest you to know that the foreign experts that have been contracted are the same ones behind X-factor, one of Britain’s hottest talent shows.” Soft spoken Kerry who has been working in both television and film for over a decade disclosed that the company has contracted Bold Faces presenter, Tricia Eseigbe Kerry and Veronica Edafe among other presenters to anchor the show, which will begin soon with a nationwide audition where 39 finalists will emerge from the boot camp for the live broadcast of the competition. The boot camp as Kerry explained will be the
sifting point for all winners recruited from the States and from each category.
Tricia Esiegbe Kerry who was present at the ceremony said she was glad to be part of the project, adding that the organizers are definitely going to change the concept of reality shows in Nigeria.
While speaking at the unveiling ceremony Mr. Pam, also known as Jostified disclosed that he signed up to work on the project because it aligns with his ambition of giving up and coming entertainers the opportunities to showcase their talents. He further described the Street Champz project as different and unique, adding that the show represents a determination on the part of some well meaning and reputable Nigerians to improve the lot of the talents that abound in Nigeria. “Nigerian is blessed with talents. We have not even discovered one percent of the talents that we have in this country”. He also posited that Street Champz as a unique project has been designed to bring a new experience to the viewing public in Nigeria, the moment it goes on air soon.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the project’s management team, Prince Emman-Stanford Amgbaduba maintained that Street Champz was founded to discover raw talents in entertainment and arts from the streets. Prince Amgbaduba further stated that the board of Street Champz was propelled to introduce the project because of the need to nurture, promote and manage such talents to their full potentials and stardom as well as providing the unique platform. Street Champz, he maintained provides the platform for the talents to contest in four categories that include; music, drama, comedy and variety act. ‘This is why the project is unique. We are looking at talents in four different areas and not just in an area, which is the trend. Our recurring theme in this project shall be excellence at all levels at all time and to achieve this, we are bringing in foreign experts and companies to partner with us on this project. We have also signed on the best of
Nollywood and the entertainment industry in the country to be judges, consultants, mentors, presenters and project managers for this project. Some of our judges include: Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Alex Usifo and Oritz Williki”.
Veteran musician and entertainer, Oritz Wiliki who attended the unveiling ceremony commended the organizers for bringing in a new dimension in talent hunt shows to Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the project and Chairman of the UK chapter of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Mr. Chucks Mordi stated that winners in each category of the reality show would receive five million naira in cash, an SUV and a two-year career development programme in the United Kingdom. While, the runner up in each category will receive one million naira in cash, in addition to a two year career development contract, while the second runner up in each category will each receive seven hundred and fifty thousand in cash and a two year career development contract. Mordi further explained that the career development angle became necessary in order to avoid the issue of dumping the winning talents soon after the project, as it has become the practice with most reality shows. “A career development scheme that will expose the talents to the industry through mentorship and grooming. Apart from ensuring that they receive their
winnings, the artiste management arm of the company will work with the winners to ensure that the winners produce at least two professional works during this period” he submitted. The Administrative and Finance Director of the project, Mr. Olaniyi Ogun maintained that as a global entertainment and artiste management company, they have put in place a high performance business modules that will further expose the talents after the show.
Shedding more light on the level of technical input, Mr. Kingsley Kerry, the Technical Director of Street Champz assured that they will deliver a reality show of international standard whose recurring theme will be excellence at all levels and all times. “We shall be deploying the latest in technology as never seen before. We have contracted experts in lighting and graphic designs. It will interest you to know that the foreign experts that have been contracted are the same ones behind X-factor, one of Britain’s hottest talent shows.” Soft spoken Kerry who has been working in both television and film for over a decade disclosed that the company has contracted Bold Faces presenter, Tricia Eseigbe Kerry and Veronica Edafe among other presenters to anchor the show, which will begin soon with a nationwide audition where 39 finalists will emerge from the boot camp for the live broadcast of the competition. The boot camp as Kerry explained will be the
sifting point for all winners recruited from the States and from each category.
Tricia Esiegbe Kerry who was present at the ceremony said she was glad to be part of the project, adding that the organizers are definitely going to change the concept of reality shows in Nigeria.
Mahansa returns with Da Statement
Although, Chukwudi Ugwu better known as Mahansa studied Estate Management at the Enugu State University of Technology; but his body and soul have always been with music. A passion he has spent two decades practicing within and outside our shores.
For Ugwu, Mahansa means a swan bird when translated; and music to him should be rendered without inhibitions, just like the birds in the air caress and criss cross the open skies without hindrances.
With two existing albums to his credit, his latest effort entitled: Da Statement, is currently enjoying massive rotation on the airwaves. And he hopes to embark on a global tour with the very deep work with 15 tracks, soon.
According to the Ngwo, Enugu State born artiste, “I have been in and out of music during my days in the university because of my academics and I have performed at Shell Club, Rotary Club, among other places mainly because of the nature of my music.
I created a kind of music genre, which I called Afrociori. It’s a fusion of African, Occidental and Oriental cultural musical elements. I can travel to Brazil and add their musical pattern to my songs. Song is universal. My kind of music is not the popular kind. It is deep. The messages are mainly about serious issues like corruption, epidemics, hunger, among others. My previous two albums, “Entrapment” and “This Pain Must Go”, were products I did to support Rotary Club International in its polio eradication programme. They are there to attest to the kind of messages in my songs.”
The widely traveled crooner who has performed in many parts of the world like: Jo’burg, India and several other places, however, lamented that his major challenge is funding and the right platform for his kind of music to evolve.
Commenting on music in Nigeria, Mahansa said, “It is time for people to open their ears to new things. They should listen to something more reflective and stand on serious issues. We need to know where we are in the scheme of things.
Everybody operates at his or her own level. Some musicians here are making money, getting commercial breakthroughs but they don’t have depth. We do music that would last overtime, music that would outlive us. These are the things I stand for as a very deep musician.”
For Ugwu, Mahansa means a swan bird when translated; and music to him should be rendered without inhibitions, just like the birds in the air caress and criss cross the open skies without hindrances.
With two existing albums to his credit, his latest effort entitled: Da Statement, is currently enjoying massive rotation on the airwaves. And he hopes to embark on a global tour with the very deep work with 15 tracks, soon.
According to the Ngwo, Enugu State born artiste, “I have been in and out of music during my days in the university because of my academics and I have performed at Shell Club, Rotary Club, among other places mainly because of the nature of my music.
I created a kind of music genre, which I called Afrociori. It’s a fusion of African, Occidental and Oriental cultural musical elements. I can travel to Brazil and add their musical pattern to my songs. Song is universal. My kind of music is not the popular kind. It is deep. The messages are mainly about serious issues like corruption, epidemics, hunger, among others. My previous two albums, “Entrapment” and “This Pain Must Go”, were products I did to support Rotary Club International in its polio eradication programme. They are there to attest to the kind of messages in my songs.”
The widely traveled crooner who has performed in many parts of the world like: Jo’burg, India and several other places, however, lamented that his major challenge is funding and the right platform for his kind of music to evolve.
Commenting on music in Nigeria, Mahansa said, “It is time for people to open their ears to new things. They should listen to something more reflective and stand on serious issues. We need to know where we are in the scheme of things.
Everybody operates at his or her own level. Some musicians here are making money, getting commercial breakthroughs but they don’t have depth. We do music that would last overtime, music that would outlive us. These are the things I stand for as a very deep musician.”
Worship for Change reaches out
Fountain of Praise, a Christian oriented organization that is heavily involved in Christian worship, music production, concerts, music workshops, entertainment, philanthropy and social entrepreneurship recently empowered orphans and specially challenged children and organizations catering for their daily needs.
It formally presented cheques and gift items to lucky beneficiaries from the proceeds of its 2009 edition of Worship for Change concert, an annual gospel music fiesta that began in 2006. The very colourful event was witnessed by the media and some dignitaries drawn from different walks of life.
While making the presentations to the six beneficiaries drawn from the Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Society for the Safety of the Insane and the Destitute, Jakin NGO, Temitayo Awosika Health Foundation and the Ikorodu and Badagry sickle cell clubs respectively, Pastor Wale Adenuga , said he was optimistic the gifts would help the inmates of the above homes live more fulfilling lives.
Speaking further, Adenuga, who’s the head honcho of Fountain of Praise maintained that their goal was basically to use their influence in partnership with individuals and organizations, who believe strongly in their vision of empowering orphans and specially challenged children to live more fulfilling lives in the society.
“Hopelessness does not reside far from each of us. We see it in the eyes of both the young and old. While we cannot solve every problem, we have got to do something about the ones we can,” Adenuga explained.
Amazingly, since inception in 2006, they had organized five star-studded and well attended concerts and also raised almost N10million collectively from these events.
Past beneficiaries include: Downs Syndrome Association of Nigeria, Hearts of Gold Children Hospice, Arrows of God Orphanage, Patrick’s Speech and Language Centre and Hepzibah Orphanage.
For the current beneficiaries, a cheque of N550,000, was presented to the Leprosy Mission Nigeria, while the Society for the Safety of the Insane and the Destitute and JAKIN NGO, got cheques of N450,000 and half a million respectively. The Temitayo Awosika Health Foundation got a surprise N443, 000, worth of drugs. The life changing organization also used the sums of N167,000 and N212,000, respectively to buy drugs for the Ikorodu and Badagry Sickle cell Clubs.
The dazed beneficiaries separately thanked the organization immensely, for remembering and donating generously to their needs.
It formally presented cheques and gift items to lucky beneficiaries from the proceeds of its 2009 edition of Worship for Change concert, an annual gospel music fiesta that began in 2006. The very colourful event was witnessed by the media and some dignitaries drawn from different walks of life.
While making the presentations to the six beneficiaries drawn from the Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Society for the Safety of the Insane and the Destitute, Jakin NGO, Temitayo Awosika Health Foundation and the Ikorodu and Badagry sickle cell clubs respectively, Pastor Wale Adenuga , said he was optimistic the gifts would help the inmates of the above homes live more fulfilling lives.
Speaking further, Adenuga, who’s the head honcho of Fountain of Praise maintained that their goal was basically to use their influence in partnership with individuals and organizations, who believe strongly in their vision of empowering orphans and specially challenged children to live more fulfilling lives in the society.
“Hopelessness does not reside far from each of us. We see it in the eyes of both the young and old. While we cannot solve every problem, we have got to do something about the ones we can,” Adenuga explained.
Amazingly, since inception in 2006, they had organized five star-studded and well attended concerts and also raised almost N10million collectively from these events.
Past beneficiaries include: Downs Syndrome Association of Nigeria, Hearts of Gold Children Hospice, Arrows of God Orphanage, Patrick’s Speech and Language Centre and Hepzibah Orphanage.
For the current beneficiaries, a cheque of N550,000, was presented to the Leprosy Mission Nigeria, while the Society for the Safety of the Insane and the Destitute and JAKIN NGO, got cheques of N450,000 and half a million respectively. The Temitayo Awosika Health Foundation got a surprise N443, 000, worth of drugs. The life changing organization also used the sums of N167,000 and N212,000, respectively to buy drugs for the Ikorodu and Badagry Sickle cell Clubs.
The dazed beneficiaries separately thanked the organization immensely, for remembering and donating generously to their needs.
Home in Exile now showing @ the Cinemas
Home in Exile, the big budget film directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen has berthed at the Cinemas nationwide, after a very colourful and well-attended premiere. Speaking on the success of the premiere and why he decided to storm cinemas with the film, Imasuen, with over 100 Nollywood movies to his credit, as a director, said the premiere was a pointer to the fact that Nollywood has fully bounced back. He further explained that by hitting the cinemas, movie buffs will have the opportunity of watching and applauding a true Nigerian story based on hard work and perseverance.
“Home in Exile, was shot last year and premiered first at the Odeon Cinema, London. The world premiere was graced by both Nollywood and Hollywood stars. We just had another well attended and star-studded premiere in Nigeria recently. The essence of the premiere was to allow Nigerians see this movie and know that there is no place like home. It’s our own little way of helping to rebrand and reposition the battered image of Nigeria. Parents and their children, especially those living abroad, have a lot to learn from this interesting movie”, he posited.
Speaking further, Imasuen declared that the film is now showing at major upscale cinemas nationwide. “We are already showing at Silverbird and Genesis Deluxe Cinemas nationwide and the response from the movie loving public has been exceptional. This is a new era and we are following global best practices inherent in the film world. We want to change a lot of bad practices in Nollywood with Home in Exile and that we have already started this 2010. We are redefining standards in Nollywood that I can assure you”.
Produced by Lancewealth Image in collaboration with JJ Barry Entertainment, Home in Exile, a heart wrenching story of the excruciating pains and untold hardship and harassments that Nigerians living abroad go through as well as the challenges they face at home, aptly tells the true Nigerian story. Notable Nollywood stars in the movie include: Justus Esiri, Desmond Elliot, Uche Jombo, Chimwetalu Agu and several others.
“Home in Exile, was shot last year and premiered first at the Odeon Cinema, London. The world premiere was graced by both Nollywood and Hollywood stars. We just had another well attended and star-studded premiere in Nigeria recently. The essence of the premiere was to allow Nigerians see this movie and know that there is no place like home. It’s our own little way of helping to rebrand and reposition the battered image of Nigeria. Parents and their children, especially those living abroad, have a lot to learn from this interesting movie”, he posited.
Speaking further, Imasuen declared that the film is now showing at major upscale cinemas nationwide. “We are already showing at Silverbird and Genesis Deluxe Cinemas nationwide and the response from the movie loving public has been exceptional. This is a new era and we are following global best practices inherent in the film world. We want to change a lot of bad practices in Nollywood with Home in Exile and that we have already started this 2010. We are redefining standards in Nollywood that I can assure you”.
Produced by Lancewealth Image in collaboration with JJ Barry Entertainment, Home in Exile, a heart wrenching story of the excruciating pains and untold hardship and harassments that Nigerians living abroad go through as well as the challenges they face at home, aptly tells the true Nigerian story. Notable Nollywood stars in the movie include: Justus Esiri, Desmond Elliot, Uche Jombo, Chimwetalu Agu and several others.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Nigerian born Sophie Okonedo thrills in South African movie, Skin
Sophie Okonedo, the Nigerian born international film star is currently making waves in South Africa with her latest feature length film, Skin.
Okonedo, 41, alongside the heart-wrenching movie, have been enjoying rave reviews from critics and pundits since the film hit South African cinemas over the weekend.
The biopic film vividly captures the traumatic and agonizing story of Sandra Laing, which was beautiful interpreted by Okonedo on various locations in South Africa.
According to Anthony Fabian, the director of Skin, Okonedo was chosen for the role ahead of other equally good stars because she truly fits into the character of Laing, with her colour and curly black hair.
“The Story of Sandra Laing is a true life incident that was so bizarre. The child of a white Afrikaner couple, Laing was born with a dark skin and curly hair, the result of a polygenic inheritance, or a throwback to distant black ancestry. Kicked out of her all white boarding school, she was reclassified coloured and then, after a widely publicised court battle, she was reclassified white again. While struggling to fit in with African society, Laing, the teenager eloped with a black man, thus leaving behind her white family and troubled identity.”
Laing eventually began what Fabian, painfully described as a “journey into colour.”
Speaking recently on Skin, in an interview with the Mail and Guardian newspapers of South Africa, Fabian, argued that what makes the story so powerful and unique was the bizarreness of the genetic element, adding that it highlights the irrationality of racism.
Surprisingly, Fabian first heard of the touching story in 2000, when Laing was being interviewed on BBC4.
Soon afterwards, Fabian met Laing and was deeply moved and concerned after hearing her story and interacting with her at close range.
Apart from Okonedo, whose father is a Nigerian and mother, a Jewish settler in London, the rest of the cast are South Africans. Even, the crew was mostly South Africans too.
Sensational Skin, which is Hollywood bound in the next couple of weeks, covers more than 30 years and, in telling Laing’s personal story, it also tells the greater story about apartheid.
With Okonedo, the Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee on board, Skin has consistently received positive reviews within and outside South Africa and might even open the floodgates for more international awards for the sassy star, including the elusive Oscar.
Aside Skin, Okonedo, a single mother of one, had also starred in several other globally acclaimed hit films like: Hotel Rwanda, The Jackal, Dirty Pretty Things, Sweet Revenge, Tsunami and a host of others.
Sophie Okonedo, the Nigerian born international film star is currently making waves in South Africa with her latest feature length film, Skin.
Okonedo, 41, alongside the heart-wrenching movie, have been enjoying rave reviews from critics and pundits since the film hit South African cinemas over the weekend.
The biopic film vividly captures the traumatic and agonizing story of Sandra Laing, which was beautiful interpreted by Okonedo on various locations in South Africa.
According to Anthony Fabian, the director of Skin, Okonedo was chosen for the role ahead of other equally good stars because she truly fits into the character of Laing, with her colour and curly black hair.
“The Story of Sandra Laing is a true life incident that was so bizarre. The child of a white Afrikaner couple, Laing was born with a dark skin and curly hair, the result of a polygenic inheritance, or a throwback to distant black ancestry. Kicked out of her all white boarding school, she was reclassified coloured and then, after a widely publicised court battle, she was reclassified white again. While struggling to fit in with African society, Laing, the teenager eloped with a black man, thus leaving behind her white family and troubled identity.”
Laing eventually began what Fabian, painfully described as a “journey into colour.”
Speaking recently on Skin, in an interview with the Mail and Guardian newspapers of South Africa, Fabian, argued that what makes the story so powerful and unique was the bizarreness of the genetic element, adding that it highlights the irrationality of racism.
Surprisingly, Fabian first heard of the touching story in 2000, when Laing was being interviewed on BBC4.
Soon afterwards, Fabian met Laing and was deeply moved and concerned after hearing her story and interacting with her at close range.
Apart from Okonedo, whose father is a Nigerian and mother, a Jewish settler in London, the rest of the cast are South Africans. Even, the crew was mostly South Africans too.
Sensational Skin, which is Hollywood bound in the next couple of weeks, covers more than 30 years and, in telling Laing’s personal story, it also tells the greater story about apartheid.
With Okonedo, the Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee on board, Skin has consistently received positive reviews within and outside South Africa and might even open the floodgates for more international awards for the sassy star, including the elusive Oscar.
Aside Skin, Okonedo, a single mother of one, had also starred in several other globally acclaimed hit films like: Hotel Rwanda, The Jackal, Dirty Pretty Things, Sweet Revenge, Tsunami and a host of others.
Nigerian outfit, Godfather, rules South Africa’s showbiz scene
Godfather Productions, which is owned by Nigerian born Mike Uchenna Ogoke, is unarguably the best and biggest entertainment company owned by a single individual, in the whole of Johannesburg, South Africa.
In a chat with us at Woodmead, Sandton, Johannesburg, Ogoke, who has lived in
South Africa for 14 years and is happily married to a pretty South African woman, for over a decade now, said he single handedly took entertainment to the next level in Mandela’s country.
As a reputable and well-sought-after entertainment guru, Ogoke has directed over 160 music videos for both Nigerian and South African leading musicians.
Although, his first music video for a Nigerian artiste living in South Africa, was in 2005, when he masterfully directed the work of Stella Igwe. However, his big break came a few years later when he directed the monster hit music video, “Do Me”, for P-Square, ever since, he has not looked back.
His intimidating credit list include: Faze, Tuface, D’banj, X-Project, Styl Plus, Bigiano, Nigga Raw, Weird Mc, Sasha, Inyanya and Tony Tetuila.
Other popular acts on his hit list are: KC Presh, Azadus, MI, Naeto C, J-Martins, John Ogar and a host of others.
Ogoke, equally directed the costliest video in the annals of South African music for HHP, the country’s leading Hip-Hop singer. The work gulped a whopping 100,000 Dollars.
Ogoke, who is highly respected in South Africa, also consults and works for Channel O, MTV and other blue chip companies over there.
Currently the in-house music video director for P-Square, aside “Do Me”, he equally directed other hit numbers like: Danger, Ifunanya, Roll It, No One Like You and several other of their videos. Ogoke and his crew equally did the lovely videos of D’banj’s, Booty Call, Wanna Be Close to You and Fall in Love.
As a thorough-bred-professional, Ogoke, whose work does not come cheap, shoots on both digital and celluloid formats, depending on the one an artiste can afford.
He came to Nigerian for the very first time last year with his full crew, to lense ten music videos at a stretch, for X-project, on the invitation of Sam Kargbo, the group’s label owner. He’s also setting up a multi million Naira music/movie studio in Nigeria; and hopes to declare it open in the next couple of months.
Ogoke, who likes investing heavily in hi-tech equipment, as a parting shot, disclosed to us that several Nigerian acts still owe his outfit, over 100,000 Dollars, for the quality jobs, he did for them. He however, refused to mention the names of the debtors.
Mr. Ibu, the most popular Nollywood film in South Africa
Our dear Nollywood has no doubt become a global phenomenon. Despite the several criticisms and bashings from some armchair critics, Nollywood keeps breaking new grounds outside our shores.
While in South Africa, all the places Showbiz Bits visited, movie buffs kept asking questions about Nollywood. The bulk of these movie buffs, were constantly demanding for the copies of Mr. Ibu, a comic Nollywood film starring John Okafor and some other popular names.
They happily squealed that the hilarious movie makes them laugh a lot, after which they tend to forget their sorrows and troubled moments. Whoa!
In fact, a South African couple painfully narrated to us, how some hoodlums broke into their home and carted away the Mr. Ibu DVD, they bought the very month it was released. “Ever since, it’s been difficult getting another original copy of the exhilarating flick," they said.
Moreover, the trio of John Okafor aka Mr. Ibu, alongside Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze, better known as Aki and Pawpaw, are unarguably the most popular and well-loved Nollywood stars in South Africa.
During our brief visit, several of their fans and admirers, mostly females, kept asking about them. One even confessed that she would not mind sharing a bed with the famous trio and possibly having babies for them separately. Can you beat that?
Adaora thrills on SABC
One of the most cheering news we unearthed while in South Africa, was that a yet-to-be-released Nollywood epic, Adaora, was the first Nigerian movie to be aired on SABC; the apex broadcast station in Zuma’s country.
Adaora, starring big names like: Stephanie Okereke, Zack Orji, Rachael Oniga alongside some popular South African stars was shot over there, by Godfather productions in 2002.
Upon completion, SABC immediately bought the movie’s right for three-years and serialised it on air for 36 months, to the admiration of movie loving South Africans.
The movie also won several awards in South Africa, while on air and equally enjoyed rave reviews from major print and electronic media over there.
Commenting on why such a successful movie is yet to be released in Nigeria, Ogoke, who produced and directed it for Godfather productions, disclosed that plans are on to release it in Nigeria this 2010.
The movie was also aired in some neighboring Southern African countries, thus further helping to spread the message of Nollywood around African and the rest of the world.
A world premiere is expected to help usher in the release of the movie in Nigeria soon.
P-Square, Tuface, D’banj, Naeto C reign supreme
Aside being in love with the Nigerian movie scene, which is globally known as Nollywood, the entertainment loving people of South Africa are also in love with our music and music stars.
In Johannesburg, the locals do not joke with the songs of P-Square, Tuface, D’banj and Naeto C. In fact, for most of them, P-Square’s “Do Me” is a daily anthem, while Danger, the duo’s latest release, is fast catching up with the locals and wannabes.
Even their radio and TV stations are not left out in this love and frenzy for Nigerian music.
And we gathered that each time these stars come to South African to shoot their videos, a large number of the indigenes usually troop out to catch a glimpse of them while on set.
And as a proof that they are daily becoming too famous in South Africa, the labels managing these acts have equally set up corporate offices over there. Storm Records, Mo’Hits and North Side records, now have offices in Johannesburg.
Interestingly, Godfather productions, is the one helping these labels to network and monitor activities in South Africa.
The recent opening of Storm’s office over there was hugely attended by both Nigerian and their South African counterparts.
So, when next you visit this beautiful country, which is ready to host the FIFA World Cup between June and July, 2010, and see any of their indigenes singing some popular Naija hit numbers, do not be dazed.
They are fast catching the bug and buzz of Naija entertainment scene
Godfather Productions, which is owned by Nigerian born Mike Uchenna Ogoke, is unarguably the best and biggest entertainment company owned by a single individual, in the whole of Johannesburg, South Africa.
In a chat with us at Woodmead, Sandton, Johannesburg, Ogoke, who has lived in
South Africa for 14 years and is happily married to a pretty South African woman, for over a decade now, said he single handedly took entertainment to the next level in Mandela’s country.
As a reputable and well-sought-after entertainment guru, Ogoke has directed over 160 music videos for both Nigerian and South African leading musicians.
Although, his first music video for a Nigerian artiste living in South Africa, was in 2005, when he masterfully directed the work of Stella Igwe. However, his big break came a few years later when he directed the monster hit music video, “Do Me”, for P-Square, ever since, he has not looked back.
His intimidating credit list include: Faze, Tuface, D’banj, X-Project, Styl Plus, Bigiano, Nigga Raw, Weird Mc, Sasha, Inyanya and Tony Tetuila.
Other popular acts on his hit list are: KC Presh, Azadus, MI, Naeto C, J-Martins, John Ogar and a host of others.
Ogoke, equally directed the costliest video in the annals of South African music for HHP, the country’s leading Hip-Hop singer. The work gulped a whopping 100,000 Dollars.
Ogoke, who is highly respected in South Africa, also consults and works for Channel O, MTV and other blue chip companies over there.
Currently the in-house music video director for P-Square, aside “Do Me”, he equally directed other hit numbers like: Danger, Ifunanya, Roll It, No One Like You and several other of their videos. Ogoke and his crew equally did the lovely videos of D’banj’s, Booty Call, Wanna Be Close to You and Fall in Love.
As a thorough-bred-professional, Ogoke, whose work does not come cheap, shoots on both digital and celluloid formats, depending on the one an artiste can afford.
He came to Nigerian for the very first time last year with his full crew, to lense ten music videos at a stretch, for X-project, on the invitation of Sam Kargbo, the group’s label owner. He’s also setting up a multi million Naira music/movie studio in Nigeria; and hopes to declare it open in the next couple of months.
Ogoke, who likes investing heavily in hi-tech equipment, as a parting shot, disclosed to us that several Nigerian acts still owe his outfit, over 100,000 Dollars, for the quality jobs, he did for them. He however, refused to mention the names of the debtors.
Mr. Ibu, the most popular Nollywood film in South Africa
Our dear Nollywood has no doubt become a global phenomenon. Despite the several criticisms and bashings from some armchair critics, Nollywood keeps breaking new grounds outside our shores.
While in South Africa, all the places Showbiz Bits visited, movie buffs kept asking questions about Nollywood. The bulk of these movie buffs, were constantly demanding for the copies of Mr. Ibu, a comic Nollywood film starring John Okafor and some other popular names.
They happily squealed that the hilarious movie makes them laugh a lot, after which they tend to forget their sorrows and troubled moments. Whoa!
In fact, a South African couple painfully narrated to us, how some hoodlums broke into their home and carted away the Mr. Ibu DVD, they bought the very month it was released. “Ever since, it’s been difficult getting another original copy of the exhilarating flick," they said.
Moreover, the trio of John Okafor aka Mr. Ibu, alongside Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze, better known as Aki and Pawpaw, are unarguably the most popular and well-loved Nollywood stars in South Africa.
During our brief visit, several of their fans and admirers, mostly females, kept asking about them. One even confessed that she would not mind sharing a bed with the famous trio and possibly having babies for them separately. Can you beat that?
Adaora thrills on SABC
One of the most cheering news we unearthed while in South Africa, was that a yet-to-be-released Nollywood epic, Adaora, was the first Nigerian movie to be aired on SABC; the apex broadcast station in Zuma’s country.
Adaora, starring big names like: Stephanie Okereke, Zack Orji, Rachael Oniga alongside some popular South African stars was shot over there, by Godfather productions in 2002.
Upon completion, SABC immediately bought the movie’s right for three-years and serialised it on air for 36 months, to the admiration of movie loving South Africans.
The movie also won several awards in South Africa, while on air and equally enjoyed rave reviews from major print and electronic media over there.
Commenting on why such a successful movie is yet to be released in Nigeria, Ogoke, who produced and directed it for Godfather productions, disclosed that plans are on to release it in Nigeria this 2010.
The movie was also aired in some neighboring Southern African countries, thus further helping to spread the message of Nollywood around African and the rest of the world.
A world premiere is expected to help usher in the release of the movie in Nigeria soon.
P-Square, Tuface, D’banj, Naeto C reign supreme
Aside being in love with the Nigerian movie scene, which is globally known as Nollywood, the entertainment loving people of South Africa are also in love with our music and music stars.
In Johannesburg, the locals do not joke with the songs of P-Square, Tuface, D’banj and Naeto C. In fact, for most of them, P-Square’s “Do Me” is a daily anthem, while Danger, the duo’s latest release, is fast catching up with the locals and wannabes.
Even their radio and TV stations are not left out in this love and frenzy for Nigerian music.
And we gathered that each time these stars come to South African to shoot their videos, a large number of the indigenes usually troop out to catch a glimpse of them while on set.
And as a proof that they are daily becoming too famous in South Africa, the labels managing these acts have equally set up corporate offices over there. Storm Records, Mo’Hits and North Side records, now have offices in Johannesburg.
Interestingly, Godfather productions, is the one helping these labels to network and monitor activities in South Africa.
The recent opening of Storm’s office over there was hugely attended by both Nigerian and their South African counterparts.
So, when next you visit this beautiful country, which is ready to host the FIFA World Cup between June and July, 2010, and see any of their indigenes singing some popular Naija hit numbers, do not be dazed.
They are fast catching the bug and buzz of Naija entertainment scene
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Asa set to rock @ Naira.Com’s concert
This definitely cheering news for the teeming fans of Nigerian born international songbird, Asa. Naira.com, a transactional portal powered by Chams.net is sensationally poised to bring the delectable crooner home for her first show this 2010.
According to the organizers, the event is fittingly tagged: Asa on the Green, and its being packaged in collaboration with Quirk & Glee. It holds at the upscale and fast growing entertainment fun spot, Coral Reef, located at 10A Ikoya Avenue, off McPherson road, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, January 22, 2010.
For those willing to attend the anticipated evening of good music laced with fun, relaxation and networking, tickets for the show can be purchased online at www.naira.com, at affordable prices.
Interestingly, early birds will get autographed and original copies of Asa’s Live in Paris CD/DVD, alongside free tickets.
”The night will begin with a cocktail reception from 7 to 8pm, after which soul singers, Bez and Dipo, who represent the future of Nigerian soul and R n B would kick start the event proper,” hinted one of the organizers.
Naira.com, which was launched in December 2009, is a one-stop transactional portal where you can buy an endless variety of items as well as concert bookings or air tickets. You can also order food and pay for airtime and other
services rendered.
According to the organizers, the event is fittingly tagged: Asa on the Green, and its being packaged in collaboration with Quirk & Glee. It holds at the upscale and fast growing entertainment fun spot, Coral Reef, located at 10A Ikoya Avenue, off McPherson road, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, January 22, 2010.
For those willing to attend the anticipated evening of good music laced with fun, relaxation and networking, tickets for the show can be purchased online at www.naira.com, at affordable prices.
Interestingly, early birds will get autographed and original copies of Asa’s Live in Paris CD/DVD, alongside free tickets.
”The night will begin with a cocktail reception from 7 to 8pm, after which soul singers, Bez and Dipo, who represent the future of Nigerian soul and R n B would kick start the event proper,” hinted one of the organizers.
Naira.com, which was launched in December 2009, is a one-stop transactional portal where you can buy an endless variety of items as well as concert bookings or air tickets. You can also order food and pay for airtime and other
services rendered.
Viewers await You Can’t Spell Jack on TV
Nigerian viewers are eagerly awaiting the arrival of You Can’t Spell Jack (YCSJ), the newest game show on TV this 2010, with so much excitement and happiness. As one of the big things happening on TV this New Year, a lucky and intelligent participant can win N30 million, on the show. Unlike most game shows in Nigeria today, YCSJ is wholly conceived and produced by Nigerians. Precisely, the arresting TV game show was conceived and developed by Eloka Anyafulu, the Chief Executive of Ski-Hi Production Company Nig Ltd, and is being produced by Nollywood icon and multiple award winning journalist, Zik Zulu Okafor, the Managing Director of Zulu Films.
However, You Can’t Spell Jack would have remained a mere grand idea but for the intervention of fast growing micro finance organization, Satelite Micro Finance Bank Limited, under the headship of a seasoned banker, Tony Ubogu.
According to the MD/CEO of Satelite Micro Finance Bank, his organization was attracted and convinced to invest in the game show because it is a wholly Nigerian brand founded on professionalism and excellence, ideals that his organization shares.
Ubogu, a founding management staff of Bank PHB, adds that the idea that YSCJ can change the life of people with even small incomes by turning them into millionaires appealed to his organization because they thrive on little earnings that grow over time just like they started with only a branch in Ikota, near Victoria Garden City (VGC) Lagos and in 18 months have increased to eight branches.
According to the creator of YCSJ, Eloka, he was inspired to develop the game show because of his desire to encourage learning among Nigerians, especially the youths and also because of the dearth of wholly Nigerian TV game shows in our local television stations. The show he adds is all about spelling and aimed at helping to test and task our intellectual capacity while making people millionaires as a participant stands a chance to win N30 million.
The former president of the Association of Movie Producers, Zik Zulu Okafor added that there are other fantastic monetary prizes to be won by participants. “The purpose, for us, is to produce a most exciting and professional programme while at the same time making people millionaires”.
YCSJ is a family oriented TV game show designed for families to sit together, watch and have fun as they participate in the game. It is both entertaining and educative.
Ubogu assures prospective participants and viewers that Satelite Micro Finance Bank Ltd is financially equipped and well positioned to meet all the financial obligations of YCSJ. He states matter of factly, that his organization is a responsible corporate citizen that will always play by the rules. He stressed further that his firm believes strongly in empowering ordinary people and helping small businesses to grow, even as he is convinced that YCSJ will empower many Nigerians. “That’s why we embraced this partnership. That’s why we are happy to do this business because we know we will realize our philosophy of helping people and little businesses to take a leap”, Ubogu concluded.
You Can’t Spell Jack is an incredible TV game show, full of suspense and ecstatic moments.
The programme is scheduled to make its debut on NTA network and Silverbird television in April (Second quarter), 2010.
However, You Can’t Spell Jack would have remained a mere grand idea but for the intervention of fast growing micro finance organization, Satelite Micro Finance Bank Limited, under the headship of a seasoned banker, Tony Ubogu.
According to the MD/CEO of Satelite Micro Finance Bank, his organization was attracted and convinced to invest in the game show because it is a wholly Nigerian brand founded on professionalism and excellence, ideals that his organization shares.
Ubogu, a founding management staff of Bank PHB, adds that the idea that YSCJ can change the life of people with even small incomes by turning them into millionaires appealed to his organization because they thrive on little earnings that grow over time just like they started with only a branch in Ikota, near Victoria Garden City (VGC) Lagos and in 18 months have increased to eight branches.
According to the creator of YCSJ, Eloka, he was inspired to develop the game show because of his desire to encourage learning among Nigerians, especially the youths and also because of the dearth of wholly Nigerian TV game shows in our local television stations. The show he adds is all about spelling and aimed at helping to test and task our intellectual capacity while making people millionaires as a participant stands a chance to win N30 million.
The former president of the Association of Movie Producers, Zik Zulu Okafor added that there are other fantastic monetary prizes to be won by participants. “The purpose, for us, is to produce a most exciting and professional programme while at the same time making people millionaires”.
YCSJ is a family oriented TV game show designed for families to sit together, watch and have fun as they participate in the game. It is both entertaining and educative.
Ubogu assures prospective participants and viewers that Satelite Micro Finance Bank Ltd is financially equipped and well positioned to meet all the financial obligations of YCSJ. He states matter of factly, that his organization is a responsible corporate citizen that will always play by the rules. He stressed further that his firm believes strongly in empowering ordinary people and helping small businesses to grow, even as he is convinced that YCSJ will empower many Nigerians. “That’s why we embraced this partnership. That’s why we are happy to do this business because we know we will realize our philosophy of helping people and little businesses to take a leap”, Ubogu concluded.
You Can’t Spell Jack is an incredible TV game show, full of suspense and ecstatic moments.
The programme is scheduled to make its debut on NTA network and Silverbird television in April (Second quarter), 2010.
Silent Scandals rocks shelves
Effervescent female filmmaker and the honcho of Purple Pine Productions, Vivian Ejike, has hit the national and international movie scenes with her long awaited blockbuster-Silent Scandals.
The heart-wrenching flick, according to cerebral Miss Ejike, was recently released on VCD and DVD in Nigeria, US and the rest of Africa, and its currently topping the charts.
While leading us into the synopsis of the big budget movie, Ejike revealed thus: “Jessy, a pretty, young and very successful but uptight lady struggles with life as a career woman and single mother to a wild and free-spirited teenage daughter. Just as she learns to enjoy the new but fragile peace with her daughter who finally sobers up, a dark shadow rears its ugly head, threatening to destroy everything in its path. Jessy suddenly finds herself locked in the battle of her life...a silent battle against her daughter... for a common purpose. She must fight with everything she has, to protect the things that matter most to her.”
Speaking further, pretty Ejike, disclosed that Silent Scandals, was painstakingly shot with hi-tech production equipment and thoroughly manned by tested professionals from within and outside Nigeria.
The movie, which was directed by a Nigerian filmmaker based in Los Angeles, US, also featured a live Fashion Show by award winning designer, Zizi Cardow and her leggy models.
Aside writing, producing and financing the movie, Miss Ejike, with over 13 years experience in Nollywood, also screen played the fast selling flick.
Silent Scandals; is being distributed and marketed globally by Nollywood Distributions Company Limited, in collaboration with other major video outlets and marts globally. It stars the best of Nollywood and Gollywood [Ghana movie industry] like: Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michel, Uche Jombo, Ebele Okaro and a host of others. It was shot in choice locations in and around Lagos metropolis.
Fans and movie buffs should be ready for the thrill of their lives as Vivian Ejike is poised to rewrite the story of movie making in Nigeria. In less than two weeks of release, Silent Scandals, has sold over 100,000 copies and its still selling”, Ejike gushes.
The heart-wrenching flick, according to cerebral Miss Ejike, was recently released on VCD and DVD in Nigeria, US and the rest of Africa, and its currently topping the charts.
While leading us into the synopsis of the big budget movie, Ejike revealed thus: “Jessy, a pretty, young and very successful but uptight lady struggles with life as a career woman and single mother to a wild and free-spirited teenage daughter. Just as she learns to enjoy the new but fragile peace with her daughter who finally sobers up, a dark shadow rears its ugly head, threatening to destroy everything in its path. Jessy suddenly finds herself locked in the battle of her life...a silent battle against her daughter... for a common purpose. She must fight with everything she has, to protect the things that matter most to her.”
Speaking further, pretty Ejike, disclosed that Silent Scandals, was painstakingly shot with hi-tech production equipment and thoroughly manned by tested professionals from within and outside Nigeria.
The movie, which was directed by a Nigerian filmmaker based in Los Angeles, US, also featured a live Fashion Show by award winning designer, Zizi Cardow and her leggy models.
Aside writing, producing and financing the movie, Miss Ejike, with over 13 years experience in Nollywood, also screen played the fast selling flick.
Silent Scandals; is being distributed and marketed globally by Nollywood Distributions Company Limited, in collaboration with other major video outlets and marts globally. It stars the best of Nollywood and Gollywood [Ghana movie industry] like: Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michel, Uche Jombo, Ebele Okaro and a host of others. It was shot in choice locations in and around Lagos metropolis.
Fans and movie buffs should be ready for the thrill of their lives as Vivian Ejike is poised to rewrite the story of movie making in Nigeria. In less than two weeks of release, Silent Scandals, has sold over 100,000 copies and its still selling”, Ejike gushes.
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