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Tag: Justus Esiri

  • OPA WILLIAMS: SAM LOCO, JUSTUS ESIRI MY FIRST OPTIONS FOR THREE WISE MEN

    OPA WILLIAMS: SAM LOCO, JUSTUS ESIRI MY FIRST OPTIONS FOR THREE WISE MEN

    WHAT inspired you to shoot this movie?

    The whole idea is to reflect the effects of life through the eyes of three men who risk their lives. The bottom line is what you give to life is what you gain from it.  I don’t want to say it is a religious movie, but a moral realignment, driven by societal issues.

    How easy was it for you to put the cast together?

    I have been working on the story for the past 10 years. My first options for the roles are no more; Sam Loco and Justus Esiri. However, in searching for experienced actors who could interpret the script very well, I settled for RMD, Victor Olaotan and Zack Orji.  We are ready to move the industry forward.

    Having thrived well in the comedy business, why did you take you this long to think of a comedy movie?

    Like I said before, my stories take time and they must have a message. I must take time to deliver, I am not prolific. I have been there but I have not shot commercially. The movie will be ready, possibly, middle of the year. Now is the age of producing proper movies, not substandard ones.

  • AMAA: Late Esiri wins best African actor award

    AMAA: Late Esiri wins best African actor award

    It was the longest event night in the nine year’s history of Africa Movie Academy Awards(AMAA) which held at the weekend, in Yenagoa, capital of  Bayelsa State. But fans of the nominees waited patiently, until winners in the highest categories of the awards were announced.
    Scores of avid film professionals, movie buffs, officials of the Bayelsa State Government, foreign observers and excited locals gathered at the Glory Hall Cultural Center in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Saturday night, to witness another the event, often described as Africa’s version of the Oscars.
    The ovation became loud when at about 4am,  the late veteran actor, Justus Esiri, was named the posthumous winner in the Best Actor class. Perhaps for the first time in the annual competition, the continent was in agreement to the acting ingenuity of the late thespian. Fans went ecstatic for the choice of Esiri, depicting his popularity across the continent.
    Esiri, who was buried just two weeks ago in his home town, Oria-Abraka, Delta State, was picked for his last film on earth; Assassins Practice, beating Nigeria’s OC Ukeje, Bimbo Manuel, Femi Jacobs and Lindani Nkosi (??), Hlomlab Dandala (Ghana) and Amurin Wumnembom (Cameroon). Esiri’s trophy was received by President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Miss Ibinabo FIberesima who was  visibly emotional laden.
    South African actress, Florence Masbe won the Best Actress award for her  role in “Elelwani”. She beats Nigeria’s Rita Dominic,   Ghana’s Yvonne Okoro,  Burkina Faso’s MAriam Ouedraogo, Cameroon’s Mbutung Seikeh and Malawi’s Flora Suya.
    It was an evening go glory for Nigerian movies, as the Best Director and Best Film categories were clinched by Niji Akanni, for the film, Heroes and Zeroes and Kenneth Gyang for Confusion Na Wah respectively.
    The ceremonies which ended at about 5am also had young actor, Gabriel Afolayan clinch the Best Actor in a Supporting Role, while Nigeria’s Blindah Effah won a joint laurel with Kenyan actor, Joseph Wairium for the Best Promising Actor of the year category.
    Head of Jury, June Givanni , an international film curator who run the African Caribbean film unit , noted that the quality of entries received  in the AMAAs have improved tremendously .
    The scheme also gave Lifetime Achievement Awards to some veterans in Nollywood, including Chief Eddie Ugboma  (OON), Sir Sir Osita Okeke Oguno (Ossy Afason), Ayuko Babu, Pete Edochie and Tunde Kelani.
    Special Recognition laurels also went to the likes of ace producer, Emem Isong, veteran actors, Kanayo O Kanayo, Keneth Okonkwo, and the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN) for their invaluable roles in the Nigerian home video industry.
    Minister for Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the event said the federal government was committed to its plans to help the movie industry in Nigeria grow. He noted that the N3 billion grant promise by Jonathan during a Presidential dinner a few months back was still valid. He disclosed that the framework for the fund will be out soon, and that the leaderships of the film industry will be appointed into a committee that will determine the modalities fir disbursement.
    Earlier, governor of Bayelsa State, Mr.  Seriake Dickson said his government is passionate about AMAA and its affiliated activities because the scheme has helped the youths to improve their creative endeavors. He announced the establishment of Bayelsa Film Trust Fund, with an initial donation of N150 million, adding that, following the successful outcome of the pre event fundraising for the AMAAs in Abuja, the private sector will be encouraged in the funding of the scheme.
    In his opening speech, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson re-emphasized the State’s continued support for the annual awards while also revealing that the sum of N800million was sunk into organising this year’s edition.
    The movie titled Heroes to Zeroes was perhaps the surprise package of the night, winning awards in three different categories.
    The colourful event was anchored by comedian, AY, Ghanaian beauty, Ama K Amebrese, who later on handed the baton to Sultry actress, Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Ghanaian thespian, Adjetey Anang who both took over the stage as hosts of the second half of the event.
    At intervals, musicians across the continent mounted the stage to assuage guests at the tension filled competition. Performing at the event were South African group, Khlena Demza, Groove Magic Band from Malawi, Waje, son of the soil, Timi Dakolo, Flavour Nabania and comedians Funny Bone and G Bone.
    Other industry personalities such as Doris Simeon, Brian Okwara, Beverly Naya, Ivie Okujaiye, Alex Ekubo, Lydia Forson, Femi Brainard, Jude Orhorha, Fathia Balogun, Uti Nwachukwu, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpota and AGN president, Ibinabo Fiberesima took turns too to present awards to deserving winners on the night.
    Unlike last year when the ceremony was dominated by Kenya, Nigeria led the pack raking home 13 awards across 27 categories. South Africa came second with 4 awards, Burkina Faso and Kenya got two laurels each, while Ghana, Malawi, Uganda and Mozambique won for themselves, one trophy each.
    The event also had the presence of notable personalities, including Hollywood actor, Mario Van Pebbles, Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Richard Mofe Damijo, President of Republic of Malawi, Mrs. Joyce Banda, represented by her daughter among others
  • AGN honours Justus Esiri April 9

    AGN honours Justus Esiri April 9

    IN an event that is open to the general public, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) will, on Tuesday, April 9, hounour the memory of veteran actor Justus Esiri with a tribute and candlelight procession.

    Both events are scheduled to take place in Lagos at the O’Jez Restaurant located inside the premises of the National Stadium in Surulere by 6pm. Dress code is white.

    Esiri, who passed on February 19 after a brief illness, left a vacuum not just in the Nigerian movie industry but in the hearts of his fans. Esiri, aged 71, who hailed from Delta State, reportedly died of complications resulting from diabetes at a hospital in Lagos. He is renowned for his role as the headmaster in the popular 80s sitcom, Village Headmaster.

  • Ukeje battles Late Esiri, as AMAA unveils nominations in Malawi

    Ukeje battles Late Esiri, as AMAA unveils nominations in Malawi

    The best actor category in the next edition of Africa Movie Academy awards (AMAA) has late veteran actor, Justus Esiri contesting the laurel with fast-rising actor, OC Ukeje, and five other in Africa. Rsiri was nominated for his last film on earth, Assassin’s Practice’, and Ukeje for Charles Novia’s latest wor’, ‘Alam Posa’,
    In the Best Actress category, Nigeria’s Rita Dominic, through her film, ‘The Meeting’,  will be battling Malawi’s Flora Suya  for her lead role in  ‘The Last Fishing Boat’. Other nominees in the female category include: Manam Quedrogo (Moi Zaphir), Mbutung Seikeh (Ninah’s Dowry), Yvonne Okoro (The Contract) and Florence Mazebe (Elelwani)
    President Joyce Banda of the Republic of Malawi, on Saturday night hosted an array of movie stars from Nigeria and other African countries in the country’s capital, Lilongwe, where the nominations into the 2013 edition of the awards were unveiled.
    The event which took place at the Binju wa Mutharika International Conference Center, also had the husband of the President, Chief Justice Richard Benda (Rtd), otherwise refered to as the First Gentleman of Malawi and members of her Executive Council.
    “The Nollywood stars that we see on Africa Magic channel have finally come to Malawi,” began president Banda who showed so much excitement at the event.She had expressed her enthusiasm for Nigerian films, stating how she had to stay awake late into the night to watch various Nollywood dramas.
    Banda, while emphasising her passion for African unity, said there was need for the continent to rise to its challenges, and help one another in all spheres of developments.
    Malawi’s Mimister of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Rachel Mazombwe, expressed gratitude to her president for accepting to host the AMAA nomination night, saying the gesture will encourage the country’s film industry which she said is in its infancy.

    Mazombwe noted that Malawi is quite acqainted with Nigeria, having been familiar with Nigeria’s cultures through Nollywood movies. She thanked the president for her promise to help the Malawian film industry to grow, saying  that this will enable the country’s culture and tourism potentials to be exported through the medium of film.
    The nomination night was a beehive of entertainment activities: from a poetry rendered by a young nationale,  Chigo Gondwe, to a sonorous rendition in Chichewa, their local language by an 11-man band known as the Kamuzu Barracks Gospel Singers, the mood of the evening picked with excitement.
    Chief Executive of AMAA, Peace Anyiam Osigwe described the country as one which is not only blessed with beautiful lakes and landscapoes that are suitable for movies, but also talented youths with passion for creativity. The AMAAs had, prior to the nomination event, trained about 200 aspiring filmmakers in Malawi.
    She promised to establish a film academy in the country through the Africa Film Academy. Umbrella body for AMAA. Osigwe noted that it is pertinent for Africans country to look beyond their physical borders and promote the African ideals through her unique stories, told through the movies.
    Chairman of AMAA College of Screeners, Mr. Shaibu Husseini noted that the academy received a total of 671 movies and that the competition had been very keen, because quality of entries have improved.
    Members of Jury: Asantewa Olatunji, Ayuko Babu, Berni Goldblast, Keith Shiri and Steve Ayorind, all took their turns to announce the various films being nominated in the 26 categoriess of the awards.

  • Justus Esiri (1942-2013)

    Justus Esiri (1942-2013)

    The actor who brought dignity and avuncular glow to his trade

    In an ironic reversal, he ultimately embraced the TV drama he once disdained; he became the unforgettable pivot of the play, and acted the title role to the admiration of a nation-wide audience. By his account, “Before I featured in that programme, I never liked The Village Headmaster because of the pidgin English.” But between 1985 and 1989, Justus Esiri was the eponymous hero in the long-running TV drama series, one of Africa’s first, created in 1968. It was in 1989 controversially rested by the Nigerian Television Authority. His part as an educated character in a bucolic inter-ethnic setting demanded a mastery of English, which perhaps explains his conversion. This was the turning point in a stage life that raised him to celebrity. According to him, he subsequently acted in “over 140 network television programmes.”

    His numerous roles in Nollywood, Nigeria’s movie industry, seemed a logical extension of his acting talent, and he grew into an exemplary father figure in the sector. Various entertainment awards for excellence crowned his efforts; but the icing on the cake was, without question, the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by the Federal Government in 2007, for his services to the country’s movie industry.

    There is no doubt that Esiri had become a household name across the country by the time he died on February 19, aged 70. It is a credit to him that he remained focused and passionate about his art up till the end of his life. His last movie, Assassin’s Practice, hit the screen four days after his death. Esiri plays the lead role of a failed stock investor, Eviano, who hires an assassin to stage his suicide and make it look like a botched robbery so his wife and daughter can live off his life insurance. But he later discovers that the assassin is delusional and will not spare anyone, and he must do something to undo what he starts. “His professionalism could not be faulted, “said the film’s director and producer, Andrew Ukoko.

    Indeed, Esiri was a consistent advocate of professionalism, both in acting and production. He stood for quality, and continually emphasised the need for good scripts and well-trained actors and actresses; as well as the importance of using the best modern production equipment. Nollywood should take his insight seriously. The movie industry has had to contend with criticisms of poor scripts, ill-trained thespians and shoddy production, which are not altogether unfounded. It is a potent irony that Esiri’s acting trajectory moved from the sublime to the low. He began with high-scale drama with The Village Headmaster and ended with an industry far less accomplished, a trajectory that reflects the history of Nigeria.

    It is interesting that Esiri nursed big dreams about the place of Nollywood in the country’s socio-economic development. He was of the view that the movie industry could “bring a lot of foreign exchange to Nigeria if properly harnessed.” Also, he argued, “I know that this is an industry that we can use to cement a country. I know that it is an industry you can use for culture all over the country.” His inspiring vision is a challenge to the authorities and industry stakeholders.

    One of his concerns, despite his own relative comfort, was that Nigerian thespians are materially under-rewarded. His observation shows that it is necessary to tackle such issues as industry organisation, access to funds and anti-piracy efforts, among others. On this point, it is regrettably true that there have been a number of cases in recent years involving popular actors who died in penury. Such unfortunate incidents are always a thought-provoking embarrassment.

    Untainted by scandal, Esiri was a positive example in an industry well known for its dark sides. He demonstrated the extensive possibilities of acting by his versatility. He travelled a remarkable road. From his birthplace in Oria-Abraka, in present-day Delta State, he attended Urhobo College, Effurun, Warri; Maxmillian University, Munich; Prof Weners Institute of Engineering, West Berlin, and Ahrens School of Performing Arts in Germany. This trajectory produced the Esiri we mourn.

  • Tambuwal condoles with Esiri’s family

    Tambuwal condoles with Esiri’s family

     …Late actor may be buried in April

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said the National Assembly will look into the laws guiding intellectual property in Nigeria, noting that the present laws are weak and do not protect the rights of filmmakers to profitable earnings.

    Tambuwal made this assertion during a condolence visit to the widow of late veteran actor, Justus Esiri, in Lagos on Sunday.

    He recalled that the actor had appealed to him personally as someone who had the interest of the entertainment industry at heart over the issue.

    He noted with regret, that Eziri had sent an SMS to him, six hours before he (the actor) died, but that he did not get to read it, until actor Kanayo O. Kanayo called to tell him that the actor had passed on.

    The Speaker arrived the Mafoluku residence of the Esiris at about 12:00 pm. He was in the company of some of his colleagues. He was led on the visit, by Kanayo and filmmaker, Zeb Ejiro.

    Introducing the guests officially to the family, Kanayo described the Speaker as a friend of the late Esiri and a man who has the interest of the entertainment industry at heart.

    He reminded the Speaker of the last visit of some actors to Asokoro, recalling how Esiri, who was seated to the left of the Speaker during the visit, was full of life and cracking jokes to the amusement of all.

    Zeb Ejiro, who spoke next, pleaded with the Speaker to ensure that the privileges usually given to National Honours’ holders are extended to the late actor. Esiri was in 2012 given the award of Officer of the Order of Niger (OON).

    Condoling with the family, Tambuwal expressed grief at the passing away of the actor, promising to support the family on his funeral rites.

    “The nation cannot forget in a hurry, the contribution of Justus Esiri to the entertainment industry. My consolation is that he has left a good legacy. It is God who gives and takes. And I think his death should bring the industry together more than before. I know that there are challenges of piracy. I know that the laws guiding piracy are weak. We will try at the National Assembly, as much as possible to see that they are strengthened.”

    In the condolence register, Tambuwal wrote: “It is indeed a great loss that we have to live with. Adieu our dear leader and uncle. You have made your mark. May the good Lord grant you His mercies, and the family, the fortitude to bear the loss.”

    The family has also received condolence messages from representatives of the Lagos State government, Delta State Government and the Urobo community, including Urobo College, the late actor’s Alma mater.

    Two hours after the Speaker and his entourage left, the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), led by its President, Ibinabor Fiberesima arrived the residence.

    The group had Genevieve Nnaji, Segun Arinze, Stephanie Okereke, Monalisa Chinda and Chidi Mokeme in attendance.

    Others were: Zik Zulu, President, Association of Movie Producers (AMP) and Andy Amenechi, President, Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN).

    The group presented a bouquet to the widow of the late actor.

    Responding on behalf of the family, musician and second son of the late actor, Sidney, expressed gratitude to the visitors, promising to avail them with information on burial arrangements as soon as the family has concluded on it.

    A family source said the late actor died of Type 2 Diabetes, a genetic disorder which he had managed for a while. He noted that there was no crisis prior to the death of the veteran actor, and that it could be said that he died peacefully. “He was fine; he went to work that day; he did his normal routine and passed on peacefully,” the source said.