Ramsey Nouah, Nse Ikpe Etim, Adesua Etomi, Ayo Makun and OC Ukeje won various awards, at the maiden edition of Golden Movie Awards Africa, which held on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at the State Banquet Hall, Ghana.
According to report, the Golden Actor in Comedy went to Ayo Makun for his comedy flick, 30 Days in Atlanta, while Nse Ikpe Etim won the Golden Actress in Drama category.
The Golden Soundtrack Original went to Knocking on Heavens Door, produced by Emem Isong and directed by Desmond Elliot, while Golden Supporting Actor Drama went to OC Ukeje.
Others are AdesuaEtomi who emerged Golden Discovery winner, while Golden Supporting Actor in a Comedy went to Ramsey Nouah.
The event, hosted by KSM, according to the organisers, was put together to celebrate excellence in the creative art industry and honour individuals for their outstanding achievements in the film industry.
THE dearth of quality Nollywood movies notwithstanding, Nigerian fans sure have an alternative in the political dramas that have engulfed the space, predating the 2015 General Elections and now, revealing the most suspenseful theatrical show the best of political analysts couldn’t have guessed.
In my recent piece, ‘Cut! And filmmakers join the political dance drama’, I didn’t intend it as a mockery of the political talents in our thespians. But now it is. Because I can see that politicians are better actors than the thespians, whom they employed to dance the dance of shame during the intense political campaigns across the country.
The big losers are the Aso Rock regulars who have abandoned their profession for the National Cake, in the hope that the Jonathan Carnival will last one more term.
While it is difficult for me to reconcile current shameful happenings as an advocate of CHANGE, it is only reasonable for my critics to endure my latest thoughts; which see CHANGE, not as a sudden transformation but a gradual evolution that sometimes come out of rots- the rots we now experience in the Senate and House of Representatives.
That said, let the game continue, and let us continue to excite ourselves with these literary reviews, as they unfold each day, by joining the ‘Free Readers Association’ for lousy commentaries at ‘Ile-Epo’ junction, Iyana-Isolo, Jakande Gate, etcetera, every morning. And when the sun sets, get treated to the visuals during the Network News. But we must be diplomatic in interpreting the House Fracas to our children. God helps the chair-throwing politician whose child can spot him in the hullabaloo.
We must take time to explain to them how suddenly, the thin line in the APC merger became a large crack in the wall and playground for the lizard; how Saraki became an ‘Okocha’ overnight, dribbling his way to the top Senate position; how after power, the party which used the be the umbrella (not PDP) for all is now being jettisoned for individual and personal pursuits. Obviously, there are more questions than answers.
As painful as it is, we need this comic relief to assuage our sufferings – our fake smiles give us psychological rescue, while our strong will keeps us going as individuals and as a collective. But we must bear in mind that beyond this series, no matter how long a Season Film it is, in it lies our future as an Economy and our unity as a Country.
My only wish is that during the intervals of our seemingly unending movie, something will happen and change the narrative for better and for real – the kind of ‘realness’ that can guarantee the future of our children and children’s children.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Hilda Dokubo has returned to her first love, acting, on a new advocacy movie titled Stigma. The actress who has been away for quite a while revealed that she is presently working on more scripts as well as her own TV show.
Speaking with The Nation at the screening of Stigma, a movie on stigmatization which took place at the Nigerian Film Corporation last Saturday, Dokubo said that her decision to star in the movie is because it is a cause she believes in.
“People have done movies about how we can contact HIV AIDS, living with HIV AIDS but we have hardly done anything on what happens after people have contracted the virus and how people could deal with living with it. Stigmatisation is a killer. It just means rejection as a result of it. And when people reject the victims, it is the same as showing hate. When people show you hate, you can’t grow. Hate is negative energy. You can’t tap any kind of strength from rejection or from hate. But you can tap a lot of strength from love and that is what is special about this,” she said.
Hilda plays the role of Ibiso who works as a local midwife. In the cause of her work, she contracts HIV which she passes on to her daughter, Vanessa (Jackie Appiah). While the mother dies of rejection, the daughter thrives in an atmosphere of love and acceptance.
The movie, directed by Dagogo Diminas, also stars the likes of Emeka Ike, Ngozi Nwosu and Soibifaa Dokubo among others.
Last season on MTV Shuga, Dorcas Shola Fapson came across as vivacious when she played Sophie, the runs babe, but to the British-born actress who started acting only two years ago, it was simply about the role. And in this interview with JOE AGBRO JR., Fapson reveals her impressions of Nollywood, how far she would go to interpret a role amongst other things. Excerpts:
Who is Sophie in Shuga?
Last season, Sophie was a ‘runs’ babe and she was a very outgoing, fun, bubbly, no-filter kind of girl. She just did what she wanted, not caring who it affected or how it affected anyone. She lived a carefree life. As a ‘runs’ babe, she was well-off. This season, Sophie is a lot more mature. She is determined to be a better person. She is working, making her own money. So, she is no longer a ‘runs’ babe, and has transitioned from being a ‘runs’ babe to a working lady; and a kind of mentor to her younger sister.
So, how much of Dorcas is Sophie?
I think this season, Sophie is a lot more like Dorcas because she is working, focused, and is very on-point with her sex life. I feel like, last season, we were very different because she was a ‘runs’ babe, sleeping with anybody who could pay her rent, or school fees, or buy her a nice bag. So, I feel like this season, Dorcas and Sophie are very similar because, like I said, Sophie is very hardworking this season, and she is an independent person, rather than relying on men to pay for her.
So, what has been the experience on the Shuga set?
Hmmm. It’s been fun. Last season was really fun with the cast and everybody. This season is fun again with the new and old cast. And also, on and off set, we’re all cool together. They’re amazing actors and actresses.
Did Shuga give you your first major role?
Yes, Last season on Shuga was my TV debut; my first on-screen role, and break-in into the industry.
Aside from Shuga, what have you done?
I’m working on a few things. At the moment I’m not allowed to talk about it because the press release is not out yet.
So, how has the entertainment industry been for you?
It’s been crazy because Sophie has a lot of fans, so I get stopped a lot for pictures, and also get loads of messages from Instagram and Twitter from all over, saying that they admire my work. And it’s just been really crazy and it’s been a lot of love from a lot of people I don’t even know. I’ve received so much love and encouragement from people. So, it’s been really good.
The main aim of Shuga is to pass the message of being careful with sex to youths. How much do you think the modern-day youth is taking all that?
I think that they are taking it really well because Shuga is not just one of those preachy shows. It’s educative, and entertaining at the same time. I feel that with characters like Sophie, a lot of young people identify with her. They’re probably doing the same things Sophie does. So they relate to her. And seeing what Sophie goes through will maybe trigger somebody like Sophie to be more careful. A lot of people identify with different characters in Shuga. That’s why they relate to it and they put it into their own lives and probably practice same. They’re wiser now because they don’t want to go through what Sophie went through.
What’s one of the weirdest things you’ve had to deal with because you play Sophie?
I get a lot of older guys thinking I’m like that in real life, trying to pass me their cards and so on. In my hotel, they’d be like, ‘my room is this, this, that, come and see me’. I’m just like. ‘I’m Dorcas, not Sophie’.
Are you in a relationship?
No, I’m single at the moment.
Why?
I’m really focused on my career at the moment, and I don’t have time for side-lines or distractions. But if it happens, it happens. I’m not totally against it. I’m just very focused on my career.
What was growing up like for you?
•Dorcas Shola Fapson
I was born and raised in the UK; in London. I grew up with my dad after my mum passed away. I studied before I started acting. I started acting two years ago and prior to that, I was at the university, and have a degree in criminology.
Why did you go into acting with a degree in criminology?
Because acting is something I always wanted to do. But, you know Nigerian parents, they don’t really agree until you start bringing in the money, that’s when they say, ‘oh, acting is great.’ They’d be going like, you should be a doctor, you should be a lawyer, you should be doing this or that. And criminology is something I’m interested in. So, studying Criminology was not just to please my dad, but also about my passion for young people, especially young offenders rehabilitating young offenders. Even now, I work with a lot of young offenders, so, it goes hand in hand.
How do you work with young offenders?
In London, I work with London Probation. They work with young people who have just come out of prison helping them get back to work or education or extracurricular activities. So, I help with drama, I might teach an acting class or help fix their CV; stuff like that.
So, have you now dumped criminology for acting?
No, I will never dump criminology for acting. I will always want to intertwine the two. Like my ten year plan is to, have a drama school that caters to young people from inner city neighbourhood (poor backgrounds); where young people tend to commit more crimes because they have no money, they have no aspiration, or hope. So, I would want to have a drama school for people that have been in trouble or from poor backgrounds.
Was it because of this production you came into Nigeria?
It was. I don’t live in Nigeria. I live in London but I shuttle back and forth to work.
So, when was the first time you visited Nigeria?
The first time I ever came to Nigeria was when I was 14 years old and I stayed for a while. And the second time was when I came to shoot Shuga.
How old were you when your mother passed on?
I was 14.
Was it after your mum`s death you first visited Nigeria?
So, compared to your first set of memories, how do you see Lagos now?
When I was young, I didn’t like it at all. But now I love it. I love how it is developing. I love the entertainment industry, the music, everything. I love it. I like London but I love Lagos.
You must be aware that Nollywood is growing globally; do you have role models in the industry?
I do. I know Genevieve is like my big sister in London. I know that’s a bit of a cliché, everybody is supposed to say Genevieve, Genevieve, Genevieve. But even when I was in London, I used to watch her and be like, ‘I want to be like her.’ I identify with her. I really admire her work. She’s one of my icons.
So, would you do an ‘Aba’ movie when it comes?
It depends on the script. I’m not completely anti-Nollywood. I’m not sold on Nollywood though, so, I’m not, ‘oh, I want to be a Nollywood actress’. My end goal, to be honest, is Hollywood. I kind of fell into it coming to Nigeria, it wasn’t in my plan at all. But like you said, Nollywood is a fast growing industry, and it is developing very well. If the right script comes along, then definitely, I would do it. Unfortunately, there are a lot of silly scripts. I want to be respected for my work. I don’t want be to watch a movie I did and just be like ‘arrgh, this is a terrible production’. I want to be in good quality productions. So, if the script makes sense and the production is well-funded, then definitely.
Is it that you consider most of the scripts coming out of Nigeria as ‘not making sense’?
No, not at all. Like I said, if the script is right, then I would do it. There are quite a number of great Nollywood films like Last Flight To Abuja. That was an amazing script and it was shot amazingly. So, stuffs like that, I would definitely do. But something shot in somebody’s back room, with a poor script and poor sound, no.
So, what makes a good script for you?
Something that has a beginning and an end. I’ve watched a few Nollywood films and quite a number have no meaning; no head or tail, no substance. I like movies that make sense. But Nollywood is developing, so, hopefully, the right script will come along.
How far can you go in interpreting a role? Are there things, for instance, that you would not do?
I feel that as an actress, you have to be open to do anything. I won’t say there is anything I can’t do. With acting, there are lots of camera tricks. So, you might think somebody is sleeping with somebody but they’re not actually doing anything. So, it depends. I wouldn’t completely rule anything out.
Would you go nude for instance?
It depends on the film and the production. For example, in 12 Years A Slave, Lupita went topless. There was nothing wrong with that because that was how slaves were treated in the time. To interpret the role, she had to go topless. Something like that was fine, but if it’s like one… shooting at Surulere, it’s not making sense; of course, I’m not going to go topless because it’s pointless. If I have to do it to interpret my role, well, and of course, if the money is making sense and the production is making sense, then yes, I would do it.
So, how lucrative has acting been for you?
It’s been amazing for me. It’s been a great journey, it’s been interesting. I’ve really come out of my comfort zone. I’m crawling. You have to crawl before you walk. I’m taking baby steps. I’m getting there.
What advice do you have for people who look up to you?
For people who look up to me, I’ll just advise them to keep pushing, never let anybody tell them they can’t do anything. And if you have a dream, pursue it and just be the best. Hard work and determination will always prevail. Just believe in yourself and PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens)
The much-anticipated Africa Magic Igbo channel on DSTV finally berthed last Thursday. And expectedly, some Nollywood practitioners in that genre were particularly excited. Mike Ezuruonye was one of them.
Taking to his Instagram account to register his joy, the dashing Nollywood actor wrote in Igbo: ‘Cha cha cha IGBO KWENU…..Iyaahh..Kwenu Iyahhhh…Kwe zue nu….Iyooooooooohhhhh….Ngwanu Ndi Nkem, CHANNEL nke Anyi a’bia go!!!!!!!’
However, more entertaining was the way in which Rita Dominic welcomed the birth of the Africa Magic Igbo channel.
In a posted Instagram video, the actor, director and producer greeted in Igbo, saying; ‘From the soil that brought you some of the biggest names in Nigerian entertainment, Africa Magic Igbo. Igbo na kpotu.’
Africa Magic Igbo which launched on April 2, is on Channel 159 on DSTV. It joins Yoruba and Hausa which also have their own channels on Africa Magic. By this move, Igbo movies can be watched in 40 African countries on this platform.
BBA host and OAP, IK Osakioduwa is exploring new frontiers as he stars in a new movie, The Black Silhouette. The movie, which features popular artistes in the industry, is a politically motivated thriller, produced by Charles Uwagbai.
Premiered recently at Genesis Deluxe Cinema, the movie also features the likes of veteran actress Joke Silva, the vivacious and talented Ivie Okujaye, Femi Jacobs, Jude Orhorha, Grace Ofre, Chigozie Atuanya and Obi Madubogwu.
The Black Silhouette has already earned Okujaye, Best of Nollywood Awards 2014 and the Golden Icons Award (Houston Texas, USA) for her performance in the movie. It has also fetched Olamide David the Best Child actor at the Best of Nollywood awards among other nominations.
The movie is about an election year and a ghetto brought-up Senator, Maro Oti (Joke Silva) who is poised to make history as the first female Governor in Nigeria. However, an internationally acclaimed biographer requests to write her memoir, but his excitement however starts to dwindle as the tales of Senator Maro’s past reveal a life of sexual abuse from childhood, prostitution as a teenager and an unresolved murder.
Movie theaters around the U.S. will show live English soccer games on their big screens on Saturday mornings.
The simulcasts will start with the opening of the Premier League season Aug. 16. Thirty-three theaters in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington are currently scheduled to take part.
The deal was announced Wednesday by Fathom Events and NBC Sports Group, which broadcasts the Premier League in the U.S.
Nollywood actress, Clarion Chukwurah has emerged the Actress of the Year at the just concluded 2014 edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
She won the award through her performance in Emem Isong’s movie, Apaye.
The veteran actress emerged winner of the category, beating the likes of Uche Nnadili for her role in B For Boy, Linda Sokhulu for her role in Felix, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha for her role in Accident, Joselyn Dumas for her role in Northern Affair as well as Uche Jombo Rodriguez, Monalisa Chinda and Daniella Okeke for their roles in Lagos Cougars.
An elated Clarion dedicated the award to Nigeria saying; “I dedicate this award to my country Nigeria because the role I played in Apaye was the role of a woman who after and despite all odds, overcame and became triumphant.”
POPULAR cross-over actor and producer, Saidi Balogun, has proven his versatility once again, with the production of his first English language flick. Entitled You or I, the movie according to the prolific entertainer follows the life of a black man in a white man’s world. The intriguing and suspense-filled movie, which follows his last effort, Eti Keta, featuring Kate Henshaw, is being released from the stables of his self-owned company, Saidi Balogun Productions.
With a lavish premiere that saw the crème of the society and top entertainers storm the Anchor Events Center, Agindingbi, Lagos, July 7th, 2013 has no doubt recorded another calendar date of achievement in the career life of the multi-lingual actor.
Balogun, who doubles as an actor in the movie, also cast stars such as Kevin Barry, Elizabeth Croydon, Shira Oyive in the film that was shot in the United Kingdom. As a member of a bigger movie family, other movie stars who graced the event include: Sukanmi Omobolanle, Jide Kosoko, Kola Olaiya, Segun Ogungbe, Mercy Aigbe, Biodun Okeowo, Sola Kosoko, Toyosi Adesanya, Femi Ogedengbe and Dayo Amusa among others.
Top dignitaries and government functionaries at the premiere include Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Kuforiji, Chief Mrs. Remi Adiku Bakare and Chief Mrs. Abimbola Fashola. Musicians who were on hand to thrill the audience include Yinka Ayefele, Dele Taiwo and Tolu Obe, while Emcees of the day; Toyin Alausa and MC Kirikiri handled the business of carrying the crowd along with proceedings of the event.
AFRICANS in London are currently excited because of the presence of Nigerian movie stars; Patience Ozokwo better known as Mama G; and the Aneke Twins; Chidinma and Chidebere.
The movie stars have been in the English capital city for some days now for Ozokwo’s son’s wedding, which was held last Saturday and also in preparation for the premiere of the film Onochie, produced by the twins.
The movie premiere will hold on Friday, June 7, 2013 at the Odeon Cinema, Bugsby Way, Greenwich, London. The event it is said, will start with a red carpet by 9:30pm while the screening begins from 11pm.
Patience Ozokwo, the Aneke Twins and others are some of the movie icons expected at the event.
