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Tag: Actor

  • Silent stories of a deaf actor

    Silent stories of a deaf actor

    Ever witnessed a play by a group of deaf actors? This was the spectacle recently at a live drama performance in Lagos by Magic Finger Entertainment, a group of deaf actors and actresses doing the hitherto unthinkable. Just how do they manage to achieve this feat? Yetunde Oladeinde caught up with the team leader and originator, Richard Ezekiel, an energetic, never-say-die  actor who sees no barriers. Through an interpreter Ezekiel spoke of his silent world, challenges, memorable moments and early life.

    For me, every day is interesting. The first thing I do when I wake up is to replenish, go for a walk and then go straight to my laptop to check and reply emails. There I confirm appointments, which include rehearsal appointments; I also chat, do indoor planning and research. At other times, I just read stuff and engage in occasional creative writing.

    One basic challenge I have with the computer however is the abbreviations and special codes.

    On the road, it is a different thing entirely because I have had to master how conductors pronounce different destinations especially in Lagos. Most times our conductors call bus-stops as if they have hot moimoi (bean cake) in their mouths. This also poses a challenge when one wants to flag down an okada (bike), or board a vehicle during rush hours; and when I am on board, what I do is type out where I am going on my phone to a passenger. Sometimes, you get understanding people to help, but most times it is vice versa. But in spite of everything, life has been fun and very challenging. But then Challenge is a bus-stop in Ibadan, where I was born and bred.

    My advent into acting

    My flair for acting is purely in-born. As a kid, my dad didn’t provide television at home even though he could afford it. So my brother and I used to sneak into our neighbour’s living room to watch TV, and always got serious lashing if we got caught. Luckily the primary school I attended, God’s Grace Nursery and Primary School and my secondary school, Monatan High School both in Ibadan gave me opportunities to act during end of the year parties. I later joined the school literary and debating society.

    My mum also sings cultural songs a lot and that encouraged us to be active in church drama and choir. When I lost my hearing and switched to Methodist Grammar School Deaf Unit later in 2001, I was in social science and my subjects were limited. So I had to focus on learning sign language and adapting to the deaf culture. It was not easy at first; it took me a decade to finally accept that this is who I am and there are certain things in life that we can’t change. But if you are determined, then you can manage the situation properly.

    After secondary school, I always visited my friends who were then freshers at the University of Ibadan. They lived in Kuti Hall, which was so close to the Theatre Arts Department; so, often, when they went to class and I couldn’t follow them, the department of Theatre Arts was where I was attracted to. There I read several write ups on the notice board and also used the opportunity to scout for auditions that I could attend.

    Initially, it was tough but in the long run, I auditioned for a stage production and it was successful. Luckily an interpreter friend of mine Friday Azanor, was also casted in the production, which comprised mostly students of the department. I was in rehearsal and when it was my turn to block, Friday will interpret for me and I was given a role as a best friend of the lead character and as a deaf.

    During one of the rehearsals, Dr. Remi Ademola Adedokun was there to criticise the work as they normally did; thereafter he asked about my background and invited me to his office.

    For weeks, I was scared and thought I had broken some school rules and was afraid I’d be humiliated. I became sick with fear that I was going to be cut off from something that made me happy and left for home. But Friday kept telling me they were asking after me, so I went back and met Dr. Adedokun whom I came to understand was the HOD. He asked me ‘Why don’t you apply for Diploma through UI DLC?’

    Like a hormone-driven adolescent, I rushed to get the form and enrolled for the 2006/2007 session as the only deaf student in the Theatre Arts Department, University of Ibadan and without an interpreter. I still hold that record till today. However, this was one of the most challenging years of my life, as I had to lip-read and take notes. All my classmates and lecturers were aware of my deafness, but that didn’t earn me any preferential treatment or sympathy.

    My lecturer and mentor, Dr. Tunde Awosanmi, who also casted me in most of his productions always asked me why I was in the department when I knew I couldn’t cope. Whenever I told him I couldn’t do something, he would challenge me to get it done or carry-over the course. And since all eyes were on me both by the deaf students who believed I would be booted out of the department in time and my colleagues, who always wondered how I coped, I always ended up doing things even I didn’t believe I could do and got applauded. Now, anytime I look back at the situation and how everyone in the department took me like a brother and encouraged me to challenge myself, I’m just full of gratitude.

    I am also the only deaf person in the drama department of TREM (Vision House) in Utako, Abuja, where I also acted and have an amazing group.

    I have acted in so many stage plays that I have even lost count. I even played the lead role in Shakespeare’s play more than once and got a standing ovation. Since then, there has been no going back and I just keep pushing and doing what’s expected of me; and the more I do the thing I love, the more I realised I can do better, and the more I unleash my potentials. In trying to surpass my own expectation, success for me becomes a habit and old habits die hard.

    Tell us about Magic Finger Entertainment?

    Magic Finger Entertainment Productions was approved in July 2014 as a registered company and endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation same year. And since then there has been no going back. Entrepreneurs with no special needs will tell you things are not easy, you can then imagine what entrepreneur with Special needs like me would be going through.

    I choose the name Magic Finger because of how deaf people move our hands when communicating. Our Sign Language is a beautiful art and very fascinating. Hearing people who understand sign language will attest to this. I also think the name fits because it is a deaf-owned business and our focus is also to put the deaf individual in a better light where entertainment is concerned by encouraging and working with those interested in showcasing their special talents to the world.

    Rough road to fruition

    I always wanted to own my business and be financially independent, because I don’t believe everyone must wake up, wear suit and tie and go to a job expecting salary. My dad owned a catering business, he included our names to fill key positions even when all we did was just to count money, clear the table and wash plates. Then during my years at the University of Ibadan, I decided to add Theatre Management in my final year as a major, I was also opportune to go with student troupes who were already managing their own entertainment company successfully. Along the line I got little theatre contracts here and there, but my clients always asked if I was registered with the CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission). I told my dad about it, but the process he reeled out put me off. After school, I went to Abuja for the first time in 2010 and joined Silent Afro-Mime Troupe owned by another deaf man. There I learnt on the job for a few months and then returned to Ibadan with intention to further my education. Unfortunately, that didn’t click and I got stuck in Ibadan.

    During that interval, I was contacted by the president of Speech Pathologist and Audiologist Association of Nigeria through a friend in the Special Education Department to prepare drama interludes for their upcoming conference. There and then, I decided to start focusing on alternative communicating form of entertainment, something to put people with special needs, most especially the deaf in good light, as against all the stereotypes out there. I discovered there was almost no entertainment outfit in the country doing anything like that.

    Before Magic Finger Group, we had operated by different other names. Last year after working for a few months in a hotel in Abuja as a House Keeper, I was able to raise some money and decided it was time to get registered. I met a lawyer who guided me through the registration process. He was very amazed to meet a deaf person who wanted to do business registration.

    Deafness not a barrier?

    I would say that being deaf is not a barrier to creativity. In fact, Sign Language has proven that. If you don’t understand me, visit a deaf church and watch the choir sing in Sign Language. You will understand exactly where choreography evolved from. Magic Finger is using Sign Language to command attention through the aid of the whole body and majorly the hand to ‘magically’ express and dispense information to the anxious audience in an entertaining way.

     

    Major projects we have undertaken

    I have been directly and indirectly involved in a lot of projects, especially stage productions. I have also done lots of ‘waka pass’ roles. I recently played a role in a yet-to-be-released movie produced by Peculiar Communications. I am still working hard on my skills and learning on the job with every production. I am trying to expand my horizon in the field of entertainment to be able to one day say ‘I am a producer;’ and also to be able to thrive and bloom with my knowledge in the Arts.

    Major challenges faced

    You may be surprised if I tell you that my number one challenge is money. We wake up every day and go about our business because we want to make money to fulfill our needs and pay our bills.

    I have escaped being hit by cars and bikes without headlights at nights. I have been insulted when I went to follow-up on proposals and the secretary not knowing my mission, took me for a beggar and  offered me 10 naira. I have had people laugh and made jest of me because of my situation, but if I keep thinking about that, I would still remain in my shell. I’ve got lots of plans and things I want to do, but money is a big issue – to eat, to move, to cloth, to go to hospital, to be in a relationship and to be responsible. Money is not everything but it is part of everything.

    In a few weeks, I’d be going on internship with a deaf theatre company in Europe, Sweden to be precise, where I hope to learn and work for a month. I am presently running around for sponsorship to make that a reality for me and my interpreter. Whatever I learn will be impacted on other deaf people when I return. My admission after five years of trying to further through Distant Education is also there and that means money too.

    One other problem is that of harassment by law enforcement agencies and security operatives, who’ll deny you of entrance into important places just because you are deaf. To them, once you have a disability, then you have come to ask for financial assistance. I have missed a lot of appointments because I had to spend time in police stations and police vehicles trying to explain myself.

    Memorable moments on the job

    My first major stage performance outside Ibadan was when I was cast in Wole Soyinka’s KONGIS HARVEST as directed by Dr. Tunde Awosanmi and we went to perform at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. That night, the hall was jam-packed with who is who in Abeokuta since it was a command performance for Prof. Wole Soyinka’s birthday celebration. After the performance, Yemi Shodimu shook hands with all of us; as he was trying to tell me something, one of the casts quickly informed him that I am a deaf and he instantly became speechless and was just staring at me.

    A few years later, we took the same performance to Yar’Adua centre in Abuja and it was filled with beautiful memories. On our way back, it was late and we had to park our buses inside Federal College of Education at Okene. Because we couldn’t find a place to sleep, we decided to start a gyration that ultimately woke up all the students. That night was mad fun!

    There was also the production of IBOJI OKU, the Yoruba adaptation of Solomon Iguanres THE GRAVE ENCOUNTER, directed by Abraham Oladipupo. I was casted roles with very long speech that a lot of my casts started doubting if I was indeed a deaf. I wanted to give up that rehearsal because at every moment, someone would correct my pronunciation and I got really tired; but the director wouldn’t have any of that. I must say my time at University of Ibadan really taught me a lot about discipline, timing, focus and staying true to the course, as the show must go on!

    I was also fortunate to attend a dance workshop organised by Mr. Qudus Onikeeku of QDance Centre, where we had the dance maestro, Ijodee in attendance. You can imagine what I learnt in two weeks with these dance professionals. There was also an occasion in my final year at the university when my group adopted one of my short film scripts for shooting in our project work, and on set, the director had to come to me occasionally to ask for understanding of some scenes and in the end we got good grades. Life at UI contributed a lot to what I am today and where I am going. I am proud to be an alumnus of Recte Sapere Fons.

    Life as a deaf activist

    I moderate Deaf World, a WhatsApp forum and also serve a ‘gateman’ for another forum that discusses matters relating to deaf advancement in Africa. I am a Special Adviser to the Excos of Ikotun Deaf Development Association in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos. Currently, I am also PRO for Deaf Resources Centre, Nigeria. I was among those who pioneered NUDSA (National union of deaf Students Association in University of Ibadan, and I am an entertainment consultant and youth leader for NNAD (Nigerian National Association of the Deaf) at national level. It’s not really easy doing all these but I am always pushing myself to the limits for whatever cause I believe in.

    My other fancies

    I read a lot. I also try to be creative by writing; I have a few uncompleted works from prose to drama and screenplay that I have been working on for years. I am a composer too and I look forward to having a collabo with any singer someday by giving them my work. All I do in the music video is sing along using sign language and dance because having had the opportunity of living in the two worlds, the deaf and hearing, I don’t believe music is music until I see deaf people grooving successfully to its beats and lyrics. This can be achieved by a hard danceable beat and sign language in music videos and I look forward to experimenting with it someday. Note that I used to be a juvenile choir leader in church; I lost my hearing prior to my transfer to the main choir. I strongly believe it is normal to be different. I spend time online too looking to network with people on the international level most especially deaf entertainment practitioners. I also read a lot about business management, African History, entertainment and politics. And occasionally when I have the chance, I engage in sport. I play soccer, walk soccer and I swim as a hobby.

    My family, my pillar of support

    They have been very supportive to the best of their capabilities. Being a first child comes with its own challenges. Through thick and thin we keep walking. Family is important to me because at the end of the day, they are the ones by your side. It got to a point my parents realised that I have my own dreams and they just had to let me be. Today, they keep reminding me how very proud they are of me. Aside my blood family, I also have some wonderful people who today consider me as family.

  • I’m not a professional actor – Patrick Doyle

    I’m not a professional actor – Patrick Doyle

    Ace broadcaster and actor, Patrick Doyle, has not been very active in Nollywood movies in recent times.  Speaking to The Nation about his hiatus from the industry, he said, “I am not a professional actor, rather I see myself as a broadcaster who made forays into acting. It would be belittling to a noble profession to call myself an actor. An insult to the professionals in the business; people like Olu Jacobs.”

    These days, Doyle, who sees himself primarily as a communicator, avers that he is now into Narrative Management for public figures, a new phrase he recently coined for what he now does. In times past, it was called Public Relations perception management, which is to articulate policies (albeit from the background) for visible/public personalities, aka politicians. “I write position papers, speeches, and the like,” Doyle said.

    Decrying the current spate of insecurity bedeviling the country, he said; “During the Nigerian civil war, we were educated on radio and television on security measures; things like how and where to hide during air raids and such like. Unfortunately, today, we face the menace of Boko Haram, kidnapping, and so on, yet the government has not deemed it fit to articulate a policy, and craft educative and entertaining programs to educate our people on security measures to safeguard individuals, families, and organizations on things like, How to identify a suicide bomber, Security consciousness tips for children to mention just a few.”

    Going down memory lane, the actor reminisced that he stumbled into acting as a young continuity announcer with the NTA. Whilst watching rehearsals for a production, he had asked the producer for a role, and that was it. Over the years however, the actor, who is happily married to a popular actress, Ireti Doyle, has acted in quite a number of Nollywood movies; all from that happenstance beginning.

  • I’m going blind, homeless – Lari Williams

    I’m going blind, homeless – Lari Williams

    A veteran actor, Lari Williams, on Tuesday lamented that he needed help from philanthropists because he was homeless and going blind.

    “I have heard people say that the Lagos State or the Federal Government had given me a two-bedroom flat somewhere, it is all lies,” he said.

    Williams told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that he was only conferred with a Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) honours by the government; without any cash backing.

    The thespian told NAN that he was recently evicted from his three bedroom apartment, by the landlord, who told him that he needed to use the house for something else.

    He expressed sadness at the hardship being experienced by veteran entertainers across the length and breadth of the nation, with no help in sight.

    “We served this country and helped to build the entertainment sector that a lot of people are benefiting from today, but there is nothing for people like me to show for it.

    “Most of us are left unsung because of the kind of structure that is being run; we should be having benefits like the civil servants.

    “In other climes, artists live on government subventions and are structured in such a way that they earn from their creative works,” he said.

    Williams added that government should carve out an enclave for entertainers to live and thrive.

    “Nigerian cultural policy should be looked into so as to fashion out ways that can benefit the government and the practitioners.

    “The present government should be very careful in whom it will appoint as ministers, that it will sent to the arts sector. We need hands-on individuals to be made ministers.

    “Government needs to have time for the creative sector so that it can have a voice, arts has been the unfortunate ministry.

    “If it is well structured, then we can stop dying poor.

    “Look at Femi Robinson who played the second headmaster-character in the Village Headmaster: a Nigerian television drama, Dan Maraya Jos and others, they all died with nothing.

    “We are not handing over what we have in us to the next generations; because the room was not created for that,” he said.

  • Being an actor is very demanding

    Being an actor is very demanding

    Ramsey Nouah has revealed that being an actor is one of the most difficult careers that anyone can wish for.

    Speaking with The Nation, the veteran said; “you just see us, the likes of Omotola and Genevieve, and wish to be like us. It takes money to build that image. I’m a father of four, I have school fees to pay, but I still think of clothes to wear to events, because I have to look good.

    “You have to keep your cool always. If I am in a club and somebody slaps me on the cheek in pretence of greeting. Oh boy, I have to turn the other ear, because if I react, it will ditch my career. No corporate body wants to be associated with an actor that is involve with bad press”, he added.

    He further described the emergence of the cinema as a breakthrough for the movie industry as banks presently see prospects in that sector and are ready to invest in it.

    He also revealed that, the most challenging role for him is Dangerous Twins, produced by Tade Ogidan. In that movie, he had to take up the role of twins.

    “Playing that role was very challenging, because back then, we did not have the technology we have now to do all that magic. To play a part, I would pretend to be speaking to someone. But it is an empty space. And to play the other character, I would go and change my costume and do the same. Because I have to get response from my other twin. Sometime it took us two days to shoot just one scene”, he recalled.

  • U.S. based Nigerian actor congratulates Buhari, Ben Bruce

    U.S. based Nigerian actor congratulates Buhari, Ben Bruce

    Hollywood based Nigerian filmmaker, Pascal Atuma, has congratulated Nigeria’s president-elect, General Buhari and Mr. Ben Murray Bruce on their victory at the poll.

    About a week ago, Atuma had stated his preference for Nigeria’s next leader, saying: “If I have to choose between former President Buhari and President Jonathan Goodluck, and they are the only options available as it stands, I will vote for Buhari.”

    He said: “At this moment in time, Buhari is the best option for Nigeria and I am happy that the good and wonderful citizens of Nigeria did the right thing, they have spoken and their voice did the job. I am happy that Buhari will be leading us for the next four years and I believe he will do a fantastic job.”

    Speaking further, Atuma said, “I also want to remind the new President to take care of Nollywood , support Nollywood at all cost and levels and remember that Nollywood flies the flag of Nigeria positively across the globe and that we all supported him from day one because we knew he was the best for us and is the best for us. Together we will move Nigeria forward in a positive direction.”

    The Hollywood filmmaker also congratulated Mr. Ben Murray Bruce, Chairman of Silverbird Group, on winning a Senate seat. He went on to say:

    “I know Mr Ben very well and what he stands for, so with people like him now in the seat of power and involved in decision making, the future of Nigeria is bright, brighter than it has ever been, it is a beautiful season for Nigeria, season of great hope, I am happy and excited and looking forward to the new Nigeria, full of hope and development.

    “This election will serve as lesson to all, the days are gone when politics in Nigeria is business as usual, today, this day the people spoke loud and clear, and their voices echoed the change that we desire for the future of Nigeria.

    “May God bless Nigeria and I wish the new regime the best, and call on all Nigerians, home and abroad to help this new regime to achieve a better Nigeria.”

  • Actor offers scholarship to students

    An aspirant to the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Olusola Elliot, has offered scholarship to 15 undergraduates of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

    He also paid for medical health insurance scheme for 20 elderly men and women in Surulere Constituency 1 through his campaign platform, DOE.

    The beneficiaries were given letters of admission to study at NOUN. The exercise was designed to boost academic performance and help beneficiaries acquire knowledge, Elliot said.

    Elliot, who also distributed health insurance certificates to the elders, assured that students will also be eligible for more scholarship if they excel in their education.

    Elliot told the beneficiaries: “You all should begin to think like undergraduates. Think of how to pass your examinations and make it big.”

    The Nollywood actor said he would continue to prioritise education because it is the bedrock of development.

     

  • My burden as an actor -Nollywood actor Yomi Fash-Lanso

    My burden as an actor -Nollywood actor Yomi Fash-Lanso

    With long years behind him and countless flicks to his credit, smooth-talking actor, Yomi Fash-Lanso can be described as a veteran in the world of make-believe. Fash-Lanso is not only a household name in the Nigerian film industry, his trade has taken him to places where many of his contemporaries can only imagine. KAYODE ALFRED engaged the actor in a conversation and he went down memory lane, narrating his journey into Nollywood, an industry that has raised him to a height that would be the envy of many.

    It is almost a decade since Yomi Fash-Lanso came into full consciousness of movie lovers. That was on account of his role in Jide Kosoko’s film, Omolade. His dream to become an accomplished actor began as a teenager, but that remained firmly in the realm of a dream until he met the late movie director and actor, Lekan Oladipupo, popularly known in the movie world as Lekinson.

    Without Lekinson’s tutelage, Fash-Lanso, perhaps, might have just been another ordinary Nigerian struggling somewhere to make ends meet. He recalled with infectious nostalgia how he embraced theatre through the efforts of Lekinson “after years of tutorials in acting and directing.” He is therefore quick to attribute his success in the trade to the discipline and professionalism he imbibed from the late actor, whose trademark was his peculiar usage of high-faluting words and expressions in films. But for the fact that providence brought him in contact with Lekinson, Fash-Lanso says he would have gone into fashion business, “buying and selling fashionable apparels.”

    But while he appreciates the strides that Nollywood has recorede, Yomi firmly believes that there is still a lot of ground to cover, saying that Nollywood is not yet qualified to be tagged an industry. “It is a pity we are yet to have a film industry in Nigeria,” he laments. “What we have now is what I would call a workplace.”

    He particularly frowns at the division that threatens the sector, especially the Yoruba movie industry where actors and actresses have broken into so many associations lately. According to him, “there is nothing like the Yoruba sector in the film industry in Nigeria. I look forward to the near future when we would have a formidable motion picture association that would represent the interest of all practitioners, irrespective of their geopolitical zones. Then we will have a visible and promising direction,” he said.

    He also bemoans the dearth of well trained professionals in the sector. To him, formal training will always give an aspiring actor the leverage to attain an enviable height among his peers, even though he maintains that the roles of talent and hard work cannot be overemphasised.

    But in a professional world where brand loyalty is vital if one must remain relevant, what has been Yomi’s staying power in an industry that seems to be saturated with brands? Yomi attributes his staying power to the consistency of his brand.

    He said: “The magic of any brand is consistency, which I hold on to strongly. I was able to carve a niche for myself in the industry very early in my professional career, and I remain true to my niche.

    “The movie world is as dynamic as the viewing audience and technology make it. As such, I have continued to be as creative and innovative as I can without losing my identity and niche. I am very mindful of what I do before the camera and my approach to it as a professional.”

    His inspiration comes from events around him and the reading that he does. And if he is faced with a choice between acting and directing, he would opt for the latter.

    Reputed as one of the busiest and most hardworking actors-cum-directors in Nollywood, Yomi does not believe that his celebrity status has any bearing on the way he relates with his family. Rather, his family, which he describes as affectionate, appreciates “where I have been able to place them in the society, even beyond Nigeria, through my profession, and they love me for it.

    “Celebrity status has not succeeded in changing me from the same level-headed Yomi they knew when he was not yet a public figure. Yes, outside the family circle, it is a different ball game because the society expects certain ethos from me when they encounter me but I have tried as much as possible to be my natural self. At the same time, I believe I have been able to record a measure of success by minimising my exposure to the paparazzi.”

    Nollywood has afforded Fash-Lanso all that he is today, but it has also robbed him of one of much of his private life. According to him, his privacy is the price he has had to pay for stardom.

    He said: “Sometimes I just want to be me, but where I’m placed in the society and the world simmers me down a lot. Quite a number of times, I just want to be lost amongst people in joyful frenzy, but again the knowledge that all eyes are on me prevents me from doing that because any idiosyncrasies exhibited by me on such occasions would find their ways into the press the next day. In fact, pictures and tweets of such moments will adorn Nigeria’s blogs and micro-blogs.”

    It is to Fash-Lanso’s credit that many of the graduate actors and actresses the Yoruba movie industry parade today found the courage to venture into the movie world. “With all sense of modesty,” he said, “I can say that I gave so many refined graduates in the industry now the courage to come into the make-believe world through my first major film, Omolade, in 1995. It was produced and directed by Prince Jide Kosoko.

    “The film gave birth to young promising faces in the industry who saw Yomi Fash-Lanso as a model of success because the film was a huge success at the box office that year. And up till today, I still sensitise my co-actors to what we need to do to make it better than we have now.”

    Yomi Fash-Lanso is not only blessed with good looks, he is one of Nigerian actors the opposite sex appreciates the most. This, of course, does not come without a price in the form of pressure and advances. And the actor admits that he has had to employ a measure of level-headedness to live above board in the face of the advances that come his way on a regular basis.

    His words: “I appreciate the compliments wholeheartedly and I have been disciplined enough to draw the lines when the advances come in different forms and guises. The fact that ladies do walk up to me and tell me sweet things shows how much they adore Yomi Fash-Lanso, but I don’t let it get to my head.”

    Fash-Lanso maintains a triangular friendship with two other top practitioners in the movie world, namely Kunle Afolayan and Funso Adeolu. But the fair complexioned actor and movie director says he extends his open arms of fellowship to “anybody that shares the same ideology with me about the profession. Such a person automatically becomes my friend; like Ibrahim Chatta, popularly known as Ojooja.

    “Those two you mentioned earlier are very close to me because we talk passionately about the industry most times we meet, because it is our major.”

    Like many of his colleagues have done in recent years, is there any plan by Fash-Lanso to go into politics soon? He says he does not mind embracing politics, but he expressed his hatred for the dirty nature of the vocation at the moment.

    “With what is flying up and down in the Nigerian politics one will tend to have a rethink. But if sanity and ideology becomes the order in the nearest future, why not?” he said.

    The acceptance hr enjoys in the society has not distracted his attention from his family as he speaks glowingly about his wife and children who, according to him, “are very cute, very loving and affectionate.

    “With regards to my wife, we respect and value each other. We are blessed with kids who are equally loving and understanding. They appreciate the demands of Daddy’s trade, and as such, they make no extra demands that may stretch me beyond my limit. They have been very supportive and the least I can do to reciprocate this is to love and care for them immensely.”

    But how does the busy actor relax?

    “I grab every available opportunity I have to spend quality time with my family, and have massive fun. You know our work takes us away from them most times. At times I relax with my friends in or outside my profession over a drink. At other times, I sit among the elderly and listen to what my ancestors call oro agba (words of the elder).”

    “So, I’m trying hard to give my children love and respect, so that they will in turn share it with the world, because that is what we need to make this world a better place for us all to live in.”

    He has a word for young people who hope to take acting as a career: “Never run away from knowledge. Never see the industry as an all-comer affair. Get trained formally, even if you have the talent or you are discovered in a club, and you will earn your rightful place among star actors.”

  • Sequel to ‘The Trial Actor’

    DID I overcome the boredom of repeated takes? Well, I endured every bit, knowing it was a learning process. But I guess I was even lucky, because my friend, the film marketer ensured that we used two cameras. That way, repeated takes were limited mainly to medium and close shots of one actor. Each actor, as it was, had a camera on them, thus the medium and close shots for two acts were taken simultaneously. This, I know, was a plus for a low-budget movie that paid rent for two cameras per day, plus fees for their operators.

    But, there arose the occasional need for improvisation because somehow, disappointments and unforeseen circumstances came to play. Good enough, there was no fault of natural factor in such setbacks, because not for once, did rain or fire disturb the shooting. The greatest impediments were the human factors, including an actor arriving late to location, sluggish movement of equipments from one set to another and improper scheduling of shooting time among others. Therefore, when you see a ‘day scene’ looking like one shot in the middle of the night, just know that the director had lost light and had no choice than to shoot the scene. We get to see so much of that, and it just makes most Nigerian films look ‘poorly baked’.

    My position remains that, a low-budget film notwithstanding, so much can be achieved to better a movie, if discipline is the watchword of everyone on the project. But how would a director earn the artiste’s compliance if he is also guilty of some of these impediments. When a director keeps an actor waiting because he or his production manager couldn’t get the set ready at the appointed time, it becomes a payback time if the actor errs.

    Despite the negative references made of Bimbo Akintola’s attitude to set in some quarters, she’s a perfect example of discipline and talent to Amaka Igwe, who is equally a thorough and disciplined professional. So, film directors, most times, get what they deserve from the cast and other members of the crew.

    In summary, if a movie has got all the funding in the world, without discipline and sense of responsibility displayed by all, the job would still be in a mess.

    Another area that I feel is worthy of mention is a directorial interpretation of a story. You and I know that given five directors the same script, they will tell the story in different ways. The elements that come to play will be whether one director is employing more words than action and vice versa. But, the best bet for a motion picture is to treat the genre fairly without embellishing every scene with long and unnecessary dialogues.

    Perhaps that can be tolerated. The most painful film habit you find in most Yoruba movies today is in the comic characters, raining curses and abuse on their subjects. As funny as this may sound in some quarters, it betrays every inch of decent communication. It bothers me that as much as we try to bring our children to watch language movies, for fear that local language may go into extinction, we are afraid still, that they may end up learning bad habit.

    Now, my trial film is one of such films that I will never let my children see. Why? There are of course, no such abusive and cursing scenes, but being a love story, the interpretation given to sex and romance is so slammed on the viewers’ faces, and for inquisitive kids like mine, I’m sure no explanation will be convincing enough to justify that they were mere acting.

    Now, do not let your mind run riot over this; nothing other than the kiss scene from me. In fact, I guess I had no choice but to do that, but I got uneasy when it had to drag, as if someone wanted to score a point with it. I’d cut off before the director’s holler of ‘cut!’, and was warned to always listen to the last whistle. I had to take it again, playing the lips game; hanging on of course, for the director’s last cry. Then, lying on the bed beside my co-actor, my director wanted me to go bare-chest, not that it mattered anyway, but I didn’t want us to get too far, trying to interpret every breathe of the film to the viewers, as though they are dumb. I revolted, arguing that having my brief on, at least will not remove anything from the scene. Before it got to the point of insubordination, I pretended to be nursing eczema in a very conspicuous area, and pleaded to be spared the embarrassment. That way, I was let go.

    But perhaps the above could still be overlooked. But what do you make out of a sex scene, with obvious nodding of the waist? And to imagine that Censors Board allowed that to pass still beats my imagination. Who covers their faces first, between you and the kids when such scenes hit you suddenly in the course of watching a Yoruba movie?

    We grew up watching Indian movies, for which 90 percent of their film is centered on romance, yet you’d get so emotional and possibly shed tears for love, yet the Indians will not go near kissing, let alone suggestive sex. But for the belly region, you would never see the cleavages of the Indian actress. It’s so sad, what we do in the name of making a story look real. It is sheer directorial exuberance and an unrefined sense of social appreciation.

  • Veteran actor Esiri for burial on April 12

    Veteran actor Esiri for burial on April 12

    Late veteran actor, Justus Esiri will be buried on April 12.

    There were  initially uncertainties on the actual dates for the burial programmes, as the family did not want the burial to clash with the ongoing Christian lent, traditional festivals and market days in Oria-Abraka, the deceased home town.

    George Esiri, younger brother to the deceased and spokesperson for the family told The Nation exclusively, that although dates have been fixed for the various activities that will lead to the interment of the late thespian, venues for the events are still on hold.

    Esiri said the activities will begin in Lagos with a Service of Songs slated for April 9. This, he said, will be followed by a Lying in State in his Mafoluku residence, and on April 10, a Mass at a Catholic Church, also in Lagos.

    The programme move  to Delta State where another Service of Songs will hold in Warri on April 11, and Lying in State and Interment in Abraka, on April 12.

    Late Esiri, popular for his role in the rested television series, ‘Village Headmaster’, died of Type 2 Diabetes on Tuesday February 19. He was an Officer of the Order of Niger (OON), a National Honours given to him by the Federal Government in 2012.

  • Appiah,Ukeje,Omotoso shine at Africa Magic awards

    Appiah,Ukeje,Omotoso shine at Africa Magic awards

    The first edition of the much publicised Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held on Saturday night with popular Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah  and Nigeria’s emerging talent, OC Ukeje winning the Best Actress and Best Actor categories respectively. But the ovation was overwhelming for Nigerian filmmaker, Akin Omotoso, who did not only clinch the Best Director trophy, but also won in three other categories through his film, Man on Ground.

     Eko Hotel and Suites, venue of the event, pooled a large number of artistes from all sectors of the entertainment industry, as there was hardly any known entertainer who did not attend the show. Nigeria corpotate giants  , led by headline sponsors of the show, Nigerian Breweries Plc, through its Amstel Malta brand were also in attendance.

     Perhaps, portraying government’s solidarity for the motion picture industry was the presence of three serving Ministers: Edem Duke, Minister of Culture and Tourism; Olusegun Aganga, Minister of Trade & Investment, and Diezani Allison-Madueke, Minister of Petroleum Resources, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the event.

     The award ceremony was broadcast live from Lagos to DStv and GOtv audiences in more than 50 countries across the continent of Africa.

     The AMVCAs, held in association with MultiChoice and Amstel Malta, recognised Africa’s best film and television talent in a glittering four hour ceremony, hosted by Big Brother’s IK Osakioduwa and StarGist’s Vimbai Muntinhiri.

     The pre-event red carpet captured all the glamour of the gala event with a team of on-air personalities, including Big Brother alumni Uti Nwachukwu and Nic Wang’ondu alongside Eku Edewor, Dolopo Oni, Sarah Hassan and Helen Paul.

     Big individual winners on the night included Nigeria’s Mercy Johnson (Best Actress – Comedy) for Dumebi – The Dirty Girl, Ghanaian Jackie Appiah (Best Actress – Drama) for Perfect Picture, Nigeria’s Hafiz Oyetoro (Best Actor – Comedy) for House a Part and his compatriot OC Ukeje (Best Actor – Drama) for Two Brides and a Baby.

     Category wins for Best Supporting Cast in a Drama went to Uganda’s Matthew Nabwiso for A Good Catholic Girl and Kenya’s Maureen Koech for Lies That Bind. The prestigious award for Best Director went to Akin Omotoso for Man on Ground. The Best Movie Overall and Best Television categories were the climax of the event, with Otelo Burning and The XYZ Show scooping the honours respectively.

     Rounding off an unforgettable night, veteran Nigerian actor, Olu Jacobs was named the recipient of the Industry Merit Award while AMBO girl, Ivie Okujaye, was declared the TrailBlazer of the Year.

    Organisers say that the judging panel was drawn from experienced personalities around the continent. The team was led by Nigeria’s Femi Odugbem. The jury were said to be responsible for selecting the winners in non-viewer voting categories. The panel included Antonio Katakwe, Charles Asiba, Desiree Markgraaff, Joyce Fissoo, Kole Omotoso, Linus Abrahams, Simon Ratcliffe, Steph Ogundele and Zik Zulu Okafor.

    One of the attractions on the night was a performance by Nigerian Afrobeat superstar, Femi Kuti. Other musical performances were rendered by Sauti Sol, Tiwa Savage, Banky W and Chidinma, along with Ghana’s Efya.