Category: Entertainment

BEYOND entertainment, filmmaking is a form of expression. But I see it occupying a unique place as one of the most potent tools of activism. This is so, because while expressions in books require that you attain some level of literacy, audio materials in whatever language appeal to MORE people, but even when you kill the voice in an audio-visual material, the motion picture appeals to MOST people. In other words, more people are accessible to the motion picture medium than other forms of communication.

Since freedom of expression is the nucleus of a free society and democracy that the world craves, the medium of film cannot be underestimated, not just because of its far-reaching advantage, but for its visual testimonial and subtle appeal.

I am inspired lately by the brief ban of a South African film entitled Of Good Report and others like it, which have been outlawed by the government of their countries of origin, but which have found asylum in notable film festivals in the world.

I say this against the backdrop of a similar case in Nigeria wherein the documentary, Fuelling Poverty by Ishaya Bako was banned, and the filmmaker, from threat he received, appeared to have ostracized himself alongside his work.

The film, a 30-minute documentary, portrays the massive poverty in Nigeria and advocates against corruption and greed in the country. Released in 2012 by the filmmaker, in partnership with the Open Society for West Africa (OSIWA), the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) prohibited the distribution and exhibition of the documentary in Nigeria, saying its contents are highly provocative and likely to incite or encourage public disorder and undermine national security.

The young filmmaker uses gripping voice of Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka in analysing the trend and a critical sound track by Afrobeat King Femi Kuti. He weaves his thoughts around the monumental Occupy Nigeria protest on the oil subsidy scam and the general culture of corruption and greed in Nigeria.

Although critics see the ban of the film as an evidence of Nigeria’s creeping departure from the democracy we loudly pronounce, and feel the filmmaker should stand his ground, Bako, it seems is so scared to make an appeal let alone a noise.

The letter, purportedly signed by the NFVCB’s Head of Legal Services, Effiong Inwang, warned the filmmaker against violating the order, saying “all relevant national security agencies are on the alert. A copy of this letter has been sent to the Director General, Department of State Services and the Inspector General of Police for their information.”

But unlike Bako, Jahmil XT Qubeka, the director of Of Good Report did not only push on with the screening of his film at the last Toronto International Film Festival and now, at the ongoing Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Calabar, he had claimed for damages allegedly caused by the Film and Publication Board (FPB) of South Africa’s assertion that the movie contained child pornography, slapping them with a 28million Rand suit.

Although Qubeka agreed that child pornography should be banned, he argued that Of Good Report is “making an indictment… For teenagers, this is a horror film. I want kids, particularly girls, to watch this and I want to scare them.”

The movie’s plot revolves around a small-town school where a predatory teacher, Parker Sithole (played by Mothusi Magano) begins an obsessive affair with a 16-year-old student Nolitha, played by 23-year-old actress Petronella Tshuma.

Reflecting on the effects of the ban, he said: “I’m not sad for me. This has turned me into a superstar. My life has changed in a week. I’ve been in Variety magazine… three times. What I am sad for is my nation because my nation was refused the right to see the film.”

But the ban was soon overturned by the Board’s appeal tribunal and Of Good Report was released in S/African cinemas on August 6, with a rating of 16VSN. Qubeka was also during the DIFF in June honoured with an award for artistic bravery, but he is still pained by initial decision of the FPB, saying that being associated with child pornography is “a death to one’s career”.

The principle of art is not all about the decorative crafts that we cherish. Perhaps that used to be the case before the renaissance of the 14th and 16th centuries. Today, it has a revolution of life ignited by activism; I see it as divinely-inspired creativity and in certain cases, an artist’s work becomes the object or subject of special pilgrimage and center of reverences.

At the 32nd edition of DIFF, an Indian filmmaker, Leena Manimekelai brought her film; The Dead Sea, which suffered similar fate in her country. The flick, a blend of fiction and documentary protests against injustice and ethnicity and was considered prodigal by the Indian government. Even when there was a prolong court case on the issue, the movie continued to find expression at film festivals.

I find a particular line most captivating in the movie and I thought I could share it with you; it reads: “I have always advocated that the people be armed, but now, I am convinced that not only the people, but the government should be disarmed”.

In the same vein, Iranian filmmaker, Jafar Panahi was indicted. He even suffered a worse situation; not only was his film outlawed by the government of his country, he was committed to six years prison term and 20 years ban from filmmaking by the Iranian government for attempted to explore the social situation in his homeland through a movie that appealed to the Iranian government as state offence.

Although convicted, Panahi has been celebrated world over for what he stands for. This included being invited to the International Jury of the Berlin Film Festival as a way of celebrating the artiste and protesting his incarceration.

Where is the Nollywood activist filmmaker?

AFTER 30 years of his demise, children, relatives, friends and loyalists of late Apala music maestro, Alhaji Haruna Ishola held an epoch making anniversary celebration in honour of their hero in appreciation of his socio-economic contribution to the development of not only the Yoruba race but Nigeria as a whole.

Held at the late music maestro’s ancient town of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, the event witnessed series of activities that formed the agenda for the celebration. The ceremony was kick-started with a ‘fidau’ prayer for the deceased as well as his children and relatives. The chief imam of Ijebu land presided over the prayer session.

Tributes, eulogies and exultation also poured in torrents for late Haruna Ishola from children, relatives and most especially, his ‘eternal fans and loyalists’ who all stormed the event in large numbers to honour their music icon.

Speaking on behalf of the children, the scion of the Haruna Ishola family, Alhaji Gani Haruna Ishola expressed his gratitude to his siblings as well as relatives and friends who all contributed to the success of the event. “I am and will be eternally grateful to my brothers and sisters as well as other people who have all supported us with their prayers and physical presence at today’s ceremony. This to me is a confirmation of their love and affection not only to late Haruna Ishola as a person but also to the children and the Haruna Ishola family as a whole.

According to Chief Rasheed Thanni, who describes himself as an ‘Apostle’ of late Haruna Ishola, “we are here today to honour and celebrate the life of one of Nigeria’s musical legend, a man who spread the gospel of peace, love, tolerance and social education through the philosophy of his music; Apala music. We are indeed privilege to be part of this celebration and I also want to reiterate that we should all imbibe the message of his music and not only the pleasure”.

The event which attracted political heavyweights, top Nigerian celebrities and musical icons was also attended by who-is-who of Ijebu-Igbo town as prominent sons and daughters of the town all came out to honour one of their illustrious sons that carved a niche not only for himself but also for his home town; Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.

Born in 1919, late Haruna Ishola, with dint of hardwork and determination to succeed rose steadily and through the ranks to become one of Nigeria’s as well as Africa’s most illustrious musician. With over 100 albums to his credit and countless musical hits, late Haruna Ishola is still regarded today as one of the best musical exports of Africa. Until his death in 1983, the man reputed for his infectious trademark smile built a business empire worthy of note. A recording studio, manufacturing and label outfit, the late Apala music legend also contributed to the socio-economic development of Nigeria through his series of philantrophic gestures and investments in music, education, religion and other social activities.

Presently, and after over 40 years of their release, his evergreen songs such as ‘Oroki Social Club’, ‘Ina Ran’, ‘Soyoyo’ amongst others are still the toast of radio stations, social gatherings and private listenership. Interestingly, Hip-Hop and R & B music acts have also ‘feasted’ on them through a substantial remix of his hit songs.

MUSIC mogul, Kenny Ogungbe, is currently bereaved following the demise of his mother, Mrs. Otunba Letticia Onojoke. Information has it that the late Onojoke died at age 80 on Tuesday evening in Abuja.

Her death was confirmed by Kenny when he stated; “Shockingly, My Dear Mother Passed On Yesterday Tuesday, Nov 12 2013. 11/12/13. Thanks For Your Prayers.”

Last year, Otunba Ogungbe featured alongside other mothers of celebrities in TV reality show, Supermom, where she shared her experience of raising her children with her later husband.

The late Ogungbe has been described as a devout Christian and a committed Methodist. She is survived by children and grandchildren including her first child, accomplished banker and entrepreneur, Chief Mrs. Moji Dokpesi, wife of High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, the Founder and Chairman, African Independent Television (AIT); broadcaster and music label executive, Kenny Ogungbe and his twin brother, Taiwo; popular TV personality, Idowu Ogungbe; label executive and artiste manager, Taiye Ogungbe, aka King Shaka and gospel music sensation, Kenny Saint Best.

MUSICIANS and entrepreneurs Dionne Warwick and Keith Sweat have been announced by Viacom International Media Networks and BET as the recipients of this year’s Soul Train Awards 2013 special recognition honourees.

In honour of her commitment and longstanding success, Gladys Knight, Ronald Isley, Eric Benet, Ruben Studdard, Kenny Lattimore, Bobby V and Candice Glover will take the stage in a special tribute performance. While Dionne Warwick gets the Legend Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Keith Sweat.

The concept for the Soul Train awards was conceived in Dionne Warwick’s basement, along with Don Cornelius, many years ago. Committed to providing artists with a platform to showcase their talent, Warwick and Cornelius put together an innovative show at a time where African American artists were not widely recognized for their contributions.

R&B crooner Keith Sweat has been affecting audiences for decades with his unique sound. In 1987, his hit I Want Her was the song that inaugurated the New Jack Swing era. In addition to his musical talent, his ability to identify new talent put him in a league of few. He founded Keia Records label that featured platinum selling group Silk and formed platinum super group LSG. To celebrate his achievements, Keith Sweat will perform a medley of his top hits and will welcome a special appearance by Faith Evans.

Joining the growing star-studded line-up for the night are presenters Janelle Monáe, Toni Braxton, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Wolf Blitzer, E News’ Alicia Quarles, Mack Wilds, Malinda Williams and Carl Anthony Payne, while David Foster is added to the performer roster.

Enisemo Temitope is better known as Teedot Unbeaten. A singer, songwriter, music producer, mixing engineer and musicologist, the budding artiste says  his passion for music has influenced some of his major decisions in life. The graduate of Music Technology speaks with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI on his preference for music to the sciences, among other issues.

WHEN did you pick interest in music?

I picked up a career in music in 2003 as a back up artiste for one of Nigeria foremost music producer and mixing engineer, Sheyman, from whom I also learnt the craft of music production.

What is the experience like for you as an upcoming artiste and producer?

Well the experience has been both of pain, pleasure, good and ugly. It has been challenging. Sometimes you feel like giving up when your efforts seem not to be yielding any results. But I have learnt so much about music and life. Music has taught me that passion comes first before profit and greatness is not cheap. But by and large the experience and sacrifice are worth it. If you ask me to choose my career again I will do music again and again.

Who are your mentors in the industry?

Really I don’t have any mentor but I have role models that I love the way they conduct their music affairs. As a musicologist, I have passion for all kinds of sound so my role models cut across different genres of music. I have lots of them both locally and globally. I have producers as role models and some of them include Cohbams, Don Jazzy, OJB, TY Mix, Timbaland, 9th Wonder. As an artist my mentors are Anthony Hamilton, R. Kelly, Lighthouse Family, Zeal and Timi. The list is endless.

What did you study in school?

I am a graduate of Music Technology from The Polytechnic, Ibadan so it is right to say that I am practicing my profession. I do this because of the passion that I have for music. I abandoned a career in Electrical/Electronic Engineering to pursue music. Although it was not an easy decision for me and my parents, but I had to follow my dreams.

What is it like working with aspiring acts like you?

Working with my ilk has really helped me develop myself in terms of human management and relationship. However, it is proper to note that it is sometimes stressful because the level of musicianship of most upcoming artistes is low. In that case, I have to do a lot of work shaping their musical ideals to something that is musically accepted and intellectually appreciated. But by and large, it has been a great honour working with raw musicians on the street. They are full of energy and can do anything to make sure that their hard work pays off.

How would you describe your promo single?

My single promo I pray for you is an inspirational song. Definitely it is a break from the norm of dance upbeat song. I would say it is a borne out my struggles and pains and my passion to inspire people. I like to describe it as an RnB song on a rhythmic hip-hop beat. It is a mixture of English, Yoruba and pidgin. It is a song you play on repeat all day long, because it is a prayer in an unusual way. It is a song that will definitely live beyond its composer.

Why did you choose to do gospel over secular music?

That is a big question. Honestly, I don’t always like this question because I don’t want my music to be caged. I say that in the sense that it will be restricted to certain social gathering or belief. I want my music to break boundaries. I don’t want people to listen to my music a tag it. I am an RnB musician and I do more of inspirational stuff.

So far, how have you financed your career?

Money is a big factor in Nigerian music industry, so far my project has been self-financed and it has not been easy. Presently, I am working with an independent music production company, Dreamout Music and I am working with some A-grade musicians which I believe will also help to boost my brand and production status. I have to work harder and smarter and, I believe, definitely success will come. I planned to release more singles and perform at big concerts and shows within and outside Nigeria. My management is really working hard to make this dream become a reality.

How were you able to convince your parents that this is the path you intend to toe?

It wasn’t an easy thing to do although my mum was and she still is in support of my career. It was difficult for them to accept the fact that I have to start music from the beginning after some years studying engineering.

As a male entertainer, how do you handle the females?

My biggest female fan is my mother and because of that, I have no problem relating with them. I relate well with them and so there is no cause for alarm.

Have you had chance to work with any famous artiste?

Really, not the big ones but I have worked on projects with most upcoming stars and the more established ones. Besides, I consider the upcoming artistes as the famous ones but I have had the privilege of working with Sheyman, Gbenga Oke, Adol, Jhyho and a host of others.