The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • How I dumped engineering for acting —John Dumelo

    How I dumped engineering for acting —John Dumelo

    Ghanaian actor John Dumelo caused a lot of stir some years back as people questioned his sexuality when he chose to be part of a Nigerian movie described to be gay titled Men in Love. He reacted to such intense criticisms at the time, saying he is not bothered with such stories because he is not gay.

    John further posited then that acting, first and foremost, is a craft, and as an actor, one must be willing to step out of his comfort zone by taking up different roles to enhance one’s craft. The suave actor who was spotted recently reveals more about his career, relationship and his foundation in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.

     

     

    WHAT are you here in Nigeria for?

    I am here in Nigeria for the premier of the movie titled Letter to my Mother. The movie is produced by Kafiu Danku who is also an actress herself. It is a catchy production and it will sure win over a lot of fans.

    What role did you play in the movie?

    I played the role of a loving man who was abroad for a while and then came back home to search for a woman to marry. When I got home, I showed the woman I was about to get married to my mum but she didn’t approve of the woman. I didn’t understand why my mum didn’t want me to marry the lady in question and there was a certain reason why she didn’t approve of the marriage. I later got to find out why my mum didn’t want me to marry the said lady as the movie unfolded.

    Why did you choose to be part of the movie?

    I read the script and I loved it because the director gave me the role and it was really challenging. I have never played such a role as an actor; I have played the role of a lover boy and a bad boy as well, but this role was quite different from what I had done in the past. I decided to give it a try and see where it takes me to. I also played the part of a mentally ill patient at some point in the movie and that part was really challenging.

    How did you get along with your other colleagues on the set of the movie?

    It was a great experience on the set; the director ensured everything went on well and Adjetey Anang also put up a sterling performance while we were together on set. It was a wonderful working experience and I am glad to be part of the movie.

    What was growing up like for you?

    Growing up was fun; I grew up in Accra, Ghana from a middle income family and I had a wonderful time growing up as a child. I grew up like every normal child and I recall very memorable times as a young boy growing up in Accra. I went to the university and I studied Engineering and later became an actor; I am also a businessman.

    Why did you settle for acting instead of practising as an engineer?

    I have an engineering firm back home; it is not like I have forfeited being an engineer altogether. Whenever I am not on set doing my thing as an actor, I spend my time as an engineer. That also keeps me going too; I have understanding parents who gave me their support when I told them I wanted to become an actor. They gave me all the support they could muster and that is why I am able to juggle between acting and engineering. It has been a rewarding affair thus far and I only look forward to more positive outcome.

    How influential were your parents towards your acting career?

    My parents were really influential towards my acting career; at first they were not comfortable but I was able to overtime convince them about my intentions and they eventually had no option but to support me. I had been able to satisfy them on one side by getting a degree in engineering and they in turn supported my ambition to become an actor. They are my number one fans now and they buy all the films that I have featured in. I just can’t stop thanking them; they have been my pillar all these years.

    Did you always want to become an actor?

    Yes, I had always wanted to become an actor; I took part in my first movie about 22 years ago as a little kid. It was a kiddie’s production back home in Ghana and ever since that production I have always had the burning desire to be a renowned actor.

    So what has the journey been like thus far?

    It has been great; it has been awesome and I have had a steady growth and there is more to come in terms of films and other major productions. There is also more to come in terms of impacting people’s lives positively. I also run the John Dumelo Foundation and we help people across the continent of Africa. It has been great thus far…

    Do you have the intention of veering into movie production in the near future?

    Yes of course! I do harbour such intentions because I also run a film school in Ghana and I must say I am seriously looking forward to venturing into movie productions very soon.

    Do you think actors need any form of training to become movie producers?

    Well, yes! The fact that you act or you have an experience in acting in most instances affords you the needed experience to become a movie producer. An actor can comfortably become a good or great producer; mind you, it is not every great footballer that becomes a great coach.

    Some of my colleagues have evolved into producers and some direct too because acting gives you the edge, because it exposes the rudiments of producing and directing to you when you are on set as an actor. The movie industry is one that makes you evolve. It is just like banking…

    When did you launch your Foundation?

    The John Dumelo Foundation was founded about five years ago and so far we have been involved in so many projects back home in Ghana. We’ve also gone outside Ghana; we’ve had projects in The Gambia and we recently also had a charity project in Sierra Leone. By and large, this year we hope to embark on projects in 13 different African countries.

    For me, it is a way of giving back to the society that afforded us the opportunity to display our innate talents. When you go to such countries you discover that you also have fans there because they support you and buy your movies. It is essential that you give back in some way in helping small communities build schools, supply medical facilities, exercise books and stationery. That’s my little way of giving back.

    Was there any particular experience that made you set up the Foundation?

    My main reason was about giving back to the society; as an actor or someone in the entertainment industry, it is the fans that make you. And there is no better way to say thank you than giving to people who are your fans and are in need. It is about helping people for me with the little that I have; it doesn’t hurt for me to say take this to help someone in need. Plans are far advanced for the construction of a new classroom block for the Aberdeen Community School in Aberdeen, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

    We hope it is completed in the next 18 months. It is part of my quest to give back to society. The construction would be preceded by cash and school stationery. The Foundation has thus far embarked on several charity projects, including the ongoing construction of a four-unit classroom block for the Bayire Basic Primary School, Bayire, in the Upper Western Region of Ghana. I also have the John Dumelo Scholarship Scheme where we pay school fees for undergraduates in Ghanaian universities. As I said earlier, it is just a way of giving back and I am happy when I give back to society.

    What is in the pipeline for you?

    I am in Nigeria at the moment for a screening; I am also trying to put finishing touches to one of my movies very soon and by the end of this year you will see more movies that I produced myself.

    How do you contain female admirers?

    I kiss all of them (general laughter); I try to be nice to all of them. They inspire me a great deal. I love all my fans both males and females and they should not believe all the rumours they hear. The rumours are there and everyone has one trailing him or her but they should not believe the rumours they hear about me

    Are you married?

    No, I am not.

    When do you think you will get married?

    Maybe in a year or two

    Why are you not married yet?

    I am dating, and as I said, I’ll be married in a year or two.

  • NET expands news frontier

    NET expands news frontier

    AN editorial alliance has been established between foremost Nigeria’s entertainment weekly, Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET) and London-based giant news agency, Bang Showbiz.

    The former is expected to develop new markets for BANG editorial services in Nigeria, while also leveraging on its affiliations with entertainment promoters in Africa. The partnership would require NET to establish new products, through incorporated skills and expertise.

    Founder of NET, Ayeni Adekunle, who signed the deal with the Bang’s global marketing director, Masato Kamo, on June 3, says the agreement, which will see both organisations exchange content, is a move that will expose Nigerian and African celebrities to a global audience, through Bang’s far-reaching wire.

    According to Kamo, “Nigeria has the highest distribution of Internet usage per capital in Africa and NET is an ideal partner positioned in a prestigious niche. We look forward to working together at both representing and expanding the coverage of African celebrities in our global news network.”

    Founded in 1997 by Rick Sky, a former entertainment editor with The Sun, Daily Mirror and Daily Star, Bang is a worldwide leader in entertainment news, supplying several organisations across the globe with breaking news in several languages. Bang currently reaches over 400 unique users every month.

  • Cinema culture and the elitists’ equation

    Cinema culture and the elitists’ equation

    AT the 100th edition of Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA) stampede, a mild drama that could be titled ‘the sides of the Thespians’ played itself out amongst the panelists who originally were supposed to be talking on the modalities for accessing and disbursing Jonathan’s grant/loan to the entertainment industry.

    While a school of thought led by the Ace Cinematographer cum Culturalist, Tunde Kelani was of the opinion that more cinemas should be built and cinema culture should be promoted, another school of thought led by a renowned filmmaker, Mamood Alli- Balogun believe that the cinema model is elitist in nature, hence DTH is key and should be encouraged while the marketing /distribution process should be fortified.

    Technically speaking, these two personalities spoke beautifully and convincingly in support of their models. Both models are acceptable to me and workable, especially with the population of the potential viewers across the nation and beyond. However, as much as I wouldn’t want to pitch my tent against either of the models, I would also advise that we should do a critical analysis of sustainable marketing and distribution models across the leading film producing nations.

    First, viewing the cinema model from a business angle alone will be an attempt to strangulate the beauty of film as encapsulated in Sembene Ousmane’s adage that, ‘his films were “the night school” of Africa. In films, audiences could see the source of their alienation and oppression revealed’. A cinema across the globe is the centre of modern urban leisure, and to a great extent a virile tool of stress management. Also, cinema is where social education is being administered in a serene ‘classroom’ (cinema), larger than life sized screen, real to life sound, quality picture, etc without the formality of an instructor or text books. This is not to say that we can’t learn socially via home videos, but researches established the fact that, reception and negotiation of film text are determined by where and who you watch the film with. Nothing diminishes a movie so much as shrinking the height of Omotola Jalade Ekeinde into a DVD miniature of Aki and Papaw. If you doubt this, try the two.

    Second, Connor Ryan in one of his write-ups made us to understand that , there are close to 13,000 theatre screens ( multiplexes and e-cinemas) in India for different categories of people, and an average of 15million Indians out of the1.2billion visit the theatre daily; which simply means, an average of one screen per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) identified 39,580 movie screens (38, 974 Indoor and 606 drive-in) in the United States of America. In nearby South Africa of 48 million people, the viewers are hosted to more than 400 screens, while Nigeria of 160 million people can only boast of 50 screens- equivalent of one screen per 3million Nigerians. Considering this simple arithmetic, it a clear indication that the industry is losing huge amount of money and denying the army of unemployed youths the potential employment opportunities.

    Be that as it may be, the argument of per capita income of the potential viewers can’t be over looked. But the way out is very simple. Private participation under BOT arrangement should be introduced to promote and sustain community cinemas at different local councils, and cottage cinemas at each ward to encourage competitive market. The Indians watch movies between 50 to 250 Rupees (#100- #2000). This is quite achievable in Nigeria, especially with the massive bandwagon effect that we have experienced in the patronage of GSM phones and eateries. This model will definitely reduce the exorbitant sharing formular in favour of the current cinema owners, and also contain the hydra headed surge of piracy to a commendable level as DTH will be the last resort.

    Primarily, the Nigerian audience would enjoy standard films, because filmmakers would need to up their games to meet up with the cinema standards. We are likely going to have critical audience who will not again be subjected to cultural mutilation, idiotic stereotypes, moral erosion, social immiseration, paranormal promotion and materialistic doctrines. Our films would now be issue- centred and bring to fore the realistic plane of understanding with respect to cultural memory and national identity.

    See you at the cinemas!

    -Adesemoye, a film content director, is a lecturer in the department of Mass Communication, Lagos State Polytechnic.

  • I would’ve married Funsho Adeolu—Allwell Ademola

    I would’ve married Funsho Adeolu—Allwell Ademola

    NOLLYWOOD plus-size actress, Allwell Ademola, who recently made her debut as producer of Adeda, made a shocking public confession during her movie premiere at the White House, Ikeja.

    While recognising the presence of some of her colleagues, the actress dropped a bombshell when it was Funsho Adeolu’s turn. Though seeking some kind of consent from Victoria Adeolu the actor’s wife who also graced the event, Allwell expressed how much she loves Funsho Adeolu.

    In her words, “Even though your wife is here, I would still say it; If you were not married, I would have married you. Funsho, I love you.”

    The actress is also armed with an enviable music talent until the day of her premiere when she crooned to everyone’s amazement. The event attracted a constellation of stars within the movie and music sector.

  • Star Trek crew ‘regroups’ in Enugu

    Star Trek crew ‘regroups’ in Enugu

    THE roadmap to Star Music’s Trek of 10 Nigerian cities has flashed its indicator light again, with the twinkling compass resting on the Coal City of Enugu, capital of Enugu State, where another enthralling musical concert will rule the air tonight.

    The journey is just 30 percent gone, having left a mark in Festac in Lagos, Lokoja in Kogi and Owerri in Imo States respectively in the last three weekends. Organizers of the show have been meticulous to give each zone the artistes they crave the most. Thus, MI, JMartins, Wande Coal, Mr. Raw and Phyno have been billed to perform at the fourth leg of the show, happening in Enugu today.

    With a huge publicity on the show still ongoing, brand owners, Nigerian Breweries Plc, may have set the mood for thousands of music fans in the eastern part of Nigeria, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, venue of the show may just be over bloated tonight.

    The star-studded line up will also include the Crystals, winners of the Star Quest live band music competition and other supporting acts from neighbouring universities.

    Phyno, whose near-excellent performance in Owerri on June 22 is still the talk of town says he has a surprise in stock for Enugu fans ”The ‘surprise’ is the surprise itself. I won’t say anything more than that.”

    Meanwhile rappers’ rapper M.I, who discovered a talented new rapper XBUSTA in Owerri says he’s ”really excited about the Enugu leg of the concert.”

    M.I and Phyno are joined by another crowd pooler, Wande Coal, who shocked Owerri fans last weekend, with a half hour of non-stop hits from his rich repertoire. The Mavin records act is expected to bring out his A game again, as he captures the heart of the east for the second weekend running.

    Much is also expected from homeboys Mr. Raw and JMartins for rich live music, backed by the bands their fans have come to love. ‘It’s a home coming really’, says Raw, who had his NYSC in Owerri many years ago. ‘It’s like going back home to entertain my brothers and sisters, and I’m really enjoying this eastern invasion…’

    The Enugu concert will run all night, with Gbenga Adeyinka as host. This year’s event’s destination is in Lagos on August 10, with a Grand Finale at the National Stadium, Surulere. the train will be stopping in five other cities, including Aba, Asaba, Nnewi, Abeokuta and Agege in weeks to come.

  • Juliet Ibrahim plans to relocate to Nigeria

    GHANAIAN actress, Juliet Ibrahim is planning on relocating to Nigeria. The actress who is known for frequenting Nigeria has decided to make the country her home. According to a close source, Juliet’s reason for relocating hinges on her believe that Nigeria is the home of showbiz.

    Asked where the actress intends to resides when she finally relocates to Nigeria. The source said, “Already she put up with her friends in Lekki whenever she’s in Nigeria, so certainly, she’s going to be staying in Lekki like most of her colleagues in Nollywood.”

    Juliet Ibrahim is one of the top Ghanaian actresses. The mother of one has become popular for her claim of being sexier than Kim Kadashian.

  • Shrine agog for political gibes, music vibes

    Shrine agog for political gibes, music vibes

    WITH devout pursuit of his late father’s legacy, Seun Kuti is expected to create a buzz at the New Africa Shrine again this Saturday. As usual, banters on the political developments in the country, questionable economic policies, and social decadents will get the audience roaring with laugher amidst the rhythm of conscious/afro-centric music.

    This show would be coming after weeks of the artiste’s touring of Europe and promoting Afrobeat globally, The all-night show, will see Seun treating fans to the best of his repertoire, as well as some hits created by his late father, the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

    There are indications that the artiste might also be sampling some of his recent recordings, which will form part of his up-coming album.

    “Expect some of those political commentaries on the state of the nation,” Seun, known to be a music activist like his late father says. The multi-instrumentalist gave a hint about his coming album: “the album launch is coming soon, so, we are concentrating on wrapping up the production; we are still recording.” He said a deal in on the table as a build up to the album release: “Each time we have a new album, we usual sign agreement with our international promoters. So, this time, we are yet to seal the deal, but I can only tell you that we have offers on the table; we will surely go for the right one. You know how it works in Europe and America; big labels are always interested in taking off artistes from the small ones. So, we are still on it, but will make things public as soon as it

    is sorted.”

  • Project Fame Stars in concert

    Project Fame Stars in concert

    NOSTALGIC feelings will occur among music buffs when past winners and contenders come together in what promoters call a mega concert.

    The enchanting performances of participants who were evicted is expected to, once again, thrill their ardent fans. The show holds in Lagos today, following an earlier show in Calabar, capital of Cross River State last weekend..

    This is the first time a music reality TV show in Nigeria would be gathering past stars for a concert. Tagged ‘All-Stars Concert’, the show is expected to live up to the hypes and buzz built around past winners and runners-up, who have become household names across the continent, including Iyanya, Chidinma, Praiz, Nicholoas, Kesse, Musulyn and Adetoun among others.

  • Who will mend Nonso Diobi’s heart?

    Who will mend Nonso Diobi’s heart?

    IT is evident that Nollywood lover boy, Nonso Diobi is emotionally battered. Few days ago, the actor took to twitter, with obvious words suggesting that he is emotionally traumatized.

    The tweet reads: “Lots of disappointments; why can’t people just keep to their promises or better not promise at all”. Almost immediately, the actor followed up with another tweet: “Ladies, until a man has actually done something to make you dislike or not trust him, don’t make him pay for the troubles another man caused.”

    Perhaps, Nonso who is mostly known for acting the lover boy roles in movies may not be the playboy he portrays.

    Question is, who is this lady giving Nonso sleepless nights?

  • Another feather to the general’s cap

    Another feather to the general’s cap

    All roads led to the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris for the turbaning of Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma as Jarmai Zazzau last Saturday. TONY AKOWE reports

    The singing of Yayi o, yayi, yayi Allah yayi, a Hausa gospel song at 9.51am ushered former Defence Minister, Lt. Gen Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, into the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris for his turbaning as the Jarmai Zazzau.

    Dressed in flowing white babaringa with red spots and a red cap to match, the retired general came with family, friends and associates, to receive one of the prestigious titles. The palace was filled to capacity with dignitaries from all walks of life, numbered among them were military officials, traditional rulers and members of the academia. The guests started arriving as early as 8.00am. The front of the palace, where traders usually stayed, was taken over by heavily armed security men. Guests were frisked before being allowed into the palace ground. Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, entered the arena quietly, former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s entry was heralded.

    Within and outside the palace, the TY Danjuma Foundation, mounted an exhibition. Praise singers who found their way were confined to a section. There was a large delegation from Taraba, the home state of the celebrator, led by Acting Governor Garba Umar

    The ceremony took off with the arrival of Kaduna State Governor, Mukthar Ramalan Yero and his Gombe State counterpart, Ibrahim Dankwambo at 10.12am. Gen. Bbabangida arrived at 9.27am, Gen. Gowon, 9.30am and House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, 9.32am. After the rendition of the national anthem and prayers, Danjuma was presented for turbaning by the Emir, assisted by senior members of the Zazzau Emirate Council. During the turbanning, the orator sang praises of the palace, while a palace flute played silently on the background to add colour to the ceremony.

    Explaining the conferment of the title on Gen Danjuma, Alhaji Idris said: “Jarmai is only given to a most deserving person whose duty since the ancient days is to serve as a commander of the reserve force on the battle field. If, for any reason, the enemies overcome Madawaki’s forces, Jarmai will take the lead and assist them achieve victory. In making the decision by Zazzau Emirate Council to confer the title of Jarmai on Danjuma, consideration was made on his contributions to the development of education, agriculture, economy, industry, national security and other peaceful coexistence.”

    Gen Babangida, who described Danjuma, as “My Oga on Top” and “My Oga in Service” was full of praise for the man, who he said, had a lot of influence on his career as a soldier. He said 50 years after the death of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the first and only premier of the Northern Nigeria, Danjuma has emerged as the bridge builder that the North needs and has done so much to unify the region. Gen. Babangida commended the Emir for producing two Yakubus (Danjuma and Gowon) who have played a prominent role in the nation’s unity.

    Yero said Gen. Danjuma’s selfless service to humanity has endeared him to millions of people across the country.

    He said: “Gen Danjuma has evolved into a colossus, dependable bridge builder and a rallying point for various interest groups in the country. Even while in the military, Gen. Danjuma was reputed as one of the officers that fought for the entrenchment of democracy. He later actively took part in stabilising democracy at the dawn of the present dispensation. Posterity will also appreciate the role Gen. Danjuma played in stabilising the present administration after the demise of the late President Umaru Yar’adua”.

    The rich Zaria grand durbar, which is usually the hallmark of such ceremonies, did not hold at Gen. Danjuma’s request.

    He said even though he wanted to retire into a quiet life, he could no longer do so because of added responsibilities. He said things said about him sounded more to him like grave side oration.

    He said: “I have taken many risks in my life for the sake of Nigeria and at the age of 75, I thought I have paid my dues. I just wanted to spend the rest of my life in quiet retirement, leaving the public arena for a new generation of leaders to improve on the modest achievements of my generation. It seems to me now that real retirement is only possible in the grave. Our lives and living are apparently inevitably tied eternally to responsibilities. This event was supposed to be a festive occasion featuring a durbar. But given the sad reality of our present situation in northern Nigeria, I pleaded for a simple but dignified ceremony devoid of pomp and ceremony. We are in a season of sorrow and mourning caused by decades of neglect of a sizeable segment of our society. Now, our people are dying in thousands in needless battles and conflicts.

    “It is most appropriate and gratifying that I am receiving this honour in Zaria where I spent some of my formative years. Zaria was one of the few northern cities that first opened her gates to pioneer missionaries in northern Nigeria, which is why Wusasa has become the second home of many northern Christian leaders.

    Zaria has, therefore, distinguished itself as a beacon of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and educational advancement. Nigeria and especially, northern Nigeria, urgently need to recapture the spirit of Zaria, the spirit of knowledge, tolerance, harmony, peace and prosperity.

    In attendance were Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda; Minsiter of State for Niger Delta, Darius Ishaku; Minister of State for Works Bashir Yuguda, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan; Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees Chief Tony Anenih; former Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana; former Aviation Minister Chief Tonye Graham-Douglas; Senate President David Mark represented by Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Chief Paul Unongo

    There were also Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume; former Lagos State governor, Brig-Gen Buba Marwa; former Borno State Governor, Col. Abdulmumini Aminu; former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Salihu Ibrahim; Gen. Zamani Lekwot; Senator Zego Aziz; Gen Joshua Dongonyaro; former Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Minister, AVM Hamza Abdullahi; Presidential Adviser, Senator Isaiah Balat; Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed former Katsina State Governor, Saidu Barda; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mallam Yayale Ahmed; Alhaji Maitama Sule; former Kebbi State Governor, Adamu Aliero; former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu; Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Effiong Osim and former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) boss, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, among others.