The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Richard Mofe Damijo

  • I look for redemptive qualities in my characters –RMD

    I look for redemptive qualities in my characters –RMD

    Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe Damijo, has described his new role in Castle and Castle as unique. “So I wrapped shooting Castle and Castle, a legal drama series by Ebonylife TV this week and thought to share some images and thoughts with you,” the actor who is popularly known as RMD wrote on Instagram.

    “I have enjoyed playing a lot of roles on TV. Some with habits considered bad or very bad. I always look for the redemptive qualities in my characters.

    “In Professor Castle I find a man that beyond the cigars and whiskies would give up his life for his family, justice and fairness. Loves and fears God and would always consider the general good first before his personal comfort. Traits that we so need in our search for a new Nigeria.”

    Also on the human wants in life, he stated. “The thing about wanting something so bad is losing the sensibility and sensitivity to make the right choices. Whatever it is you’re believing God for, it is important to know that not every call is the call you are waiting for-Wait! Every opportunity is not the breakthrough one-Wait! Every step is not the final one-Wait! Every guy/girl that slides into your DM is not your spouse-Wait! Every prayer does not get an instant answer-Wait!”

  • Delta State celebrities honour Ibori today

    TOP musicians, comedians, actors and actress from Delta State have put up an event tagged ‘A Day With The Boss” to honour and celebrate the former Delta State governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, today at Oghara Township Stadium in Delta State.

    Among the celebrities that will be in attendance are PMAN president, Mr. Keston Okoro, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), Buchi, Ras Kimono, Daddy Showkey, Oritz Wiliki, Tisio – Tisio, Alegbe Baba, Gandoki, I go save, MC Abbey, Sim Card, Stella Moye, Erigga, Mr. Paul, MC KK, Douglas, DJ Osahon, DJ soft, Wiskero, lady judith, Mosusu, pastor, obakpororo, Lucky Okri, organiSer and many more.

    The event that will feature festival of music and culture is organised by Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Delta State chapter in conjunction with Alegbe organisation.

    The CEO of Alegbe organisation, Mr. Benson Chukwuma told journalists in Oghara that the event is aimed at celebrating the ex-governor.

    “We put up the event to honour and celebrate our father, brother, uncle, and our hero for all he has done for our great state. We love him so much,” he added.

  • RMD relives ‘lens flirt’ with TY Bello

    RMD relives ‘lens flirt’ with TY Bello

    Veteran actor, Richard Mofe Damijo, aka RMD, has gone down memory lane in what he calls his ‘lens flirt’ with celebrity photographer and musician, TY Bello.

    According to the actor, their ‘affair’ started several years ago in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state and it was completely unplanned.

    “We met at Meridien Hotel in uyo and after the pleasantries I spontaneously surrendered to her camera. The result was some awesome black and white photos one of which eventually became my very first Instagram post. The shoot probably lasted all of 20 minutes but it was a remarkable 20 minutes and after that encounter it became like an itch that would only be soothed with a more comprehensive shoot,” he recalls.

    The actor remembered how he had several appointments with TY Bello which were a bust until another opportunity came recently

    “Ty said she only saw water and sunset and canoes and piers. No fine boy photos. With Ty it’s a waste of time trying to argue when she makes up her mind.

    “Again I submitted myself and went to Makoko slum, a liberating experience for me as I felt completely at home and had the time of my life watching her work her magic,” he added.

    He described TY as a consummate Artist who loves and understands the beauty and pureness of light and photography. He also describes the recent shoot as a rare collection of photos that shows him in a light he loves.

    “Having said all that though, I wonder if I get to be slayed again by her lenses when I turn 60 in 4 years, only God knows what she would see then, probably private jets and clouds,” he adds.

  •  South African Tourism hosts RMD, Seyi Shay, others

     South African Tourism hosts RMD, Seyi Shay, others

    South African Tourism West Africa recently organized an eight-day tour to South Africa for top celebrities to explore the beautiful sceneries and culture of the country. The fun-filled, eight-day experience focused on the Western Cape Province.

    From helicopter rides to elephant rides, the trip was indeed activity filled and memorable. The guests that were taken on the trip, this time around, included Richard Mofe Damijo, John Dumelo, Francis Doku, Seyi Shay, Arese Ugwu, Bolanle Olukanni and Idia Aisien.

    The journey began with the South African Airways flight which the Nigerian and Ghanaian group boarded from Lagos and Accra respectively. The flight which lasted only 6 hours was smooth and comfortable so that by the time the guests landed in from O.R. Tambo International airport, they were ready to board their connecting 1hr45mins flight to Georgesituated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

    Upon arrival, their adventure began. They headed to the Bergsig Game farm where the guests boarded helicopters and went on private helicopter rides where they got to see a panoramic view of the beautiful city. From an altitude of over 8000ft over sea level, the guests were able to view the greenery, mountains and animals.

    Next up, the guests got to visit the Nyaru game lodge situated in the heart of garden route a mere, 30 minute drive from the George airport. The Nyaru game lodge provides a traditional restaurant that comes complete with a fireplace. The crew got the opportunity of enjoying the authentic African bush breakfast on the outdoor deck against nature’s very own picturesque backdrop.

    The next day, the group went on a visit to a small town called Knysna located along South Africa’s famed garden route.  The town is most famous for its oyster festival, warm people and the most magnificent views from Leisure Isle to the Knysna Heads. The guests’ first activity on arrival involved a power boat ride through the Knysna heads and down the Knsyna estuary! The Knysna waters are cool and clean making it a safe spot for speed boating.

    On their last day in the beautiful city of George, the guests visited the Elephant Sanctuary located at Crags, Plettenberg Bay!  The guests enjoyed a very intimate experience with the elephants as they got to ride the elephants taking in the view once again at an extended height. This time around, at the height of over 3,3m which is the height of an African elephant. Some of the guests also went on walks with the elephants leading them by their trunks.

    On their last night in George, the guests got treated to dinner on a boat cruise where they set sail on the calm Knysna Lagoon. Champagne, cocktails mixed with seafood and yummy cuisine was the order of the day as they looked forward to what would be a new adventure in the city of Capetown the next day.

    The anticipation for what was to come was built on the 50mins flight to Capetown from George and the guests looked on in anticipation to what Cape Town had to offer. The first activity the guests embarked upon was to explore Robben Island! Guests got the opportunity to intimately experience a segment in the life of one of Africa’s biggest legends and Nobel Peace prize Laureate, Nelson Mandela. They got the privilege of being inside what was his prison cell for 18 of his 21year sentence. They got to see the tally marks he made inside the cell as that was his way of keeping record of his time in prison. He counted the days stroke by stroke for all his 18 years of imprisonment in the cell.

    Outside the cell, they were introduced to the limestone quarry where Mandela and the other cell mates had to break cement manually with sledge hammers every day for the duration of his imprisonment. It was a bitter sweet moment as the guests gained increased respect and admiration for the African Icon.

    Vroom vroom! It was adventure time once more for the crew. In grand style, they rode on Harley Davidson bikes from Signal Hillto the wine lands located in Groot constantia Landgoed estate. Here, they were introduced to the process of Wine making.Founded in 1685, It Groot Constantia is one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms and a part of Cape Town’s big 7 top attractions! Here, the guests enjoyed the offerings of history, culture and of course, the unique blend of centuries old, ultra-premium cool climate wines.

    No visit to Capetown is complete without a visit to the iconic landmark which also serves as one of the World’s seven wonders. If you guessed Table Mountain, you certainly guessed right. Sitting at a height of over 3,653ft, the guests were treated to cable rides to the top of mountain as they watched on in amazement at the breath taking view of the entire city of Capetown! From the infinitely laid green landscape to the vineyards and surrounding mountains and hill tops the guests were held spell-bound.

    The 2-day Cape Town Jazz Festival was in session while the guests were in the mother city of Cape Town so they got the privilege of attending the festival. This festival plays host to thousands of Jazz lovers across the globe every year with world class acts performing on stage. The smooth rhythm and blues from renowned acts such as Nomfundo Xaluva, Mango groove, Digable planets, Andra day, Camillo Lombard and a host of many more ended their last night in the Western Cape Province.

    It was a bitter-sweet exit as the guests ended their tour knowing that this was only the beginning of more adventures to come. From family visits to bringing friends and spouses, they all vowed to return with their loved ones as there are so many more activities available in the beautiful country. The accessibility and affordability that South Africa presents also helped seal the deal!

     

     

  • RMD, three Nigerians to share stage with James Bond heroes

    RMD, three Nigerians to share stage with James Bond heroes

    As global attention continues to shift to African entertainment, Nigerian celebrities such as Richard Mofe Damijo, BasketMouth, Uti Nwachukwu and Kemi Adetiba have been picked by international beer brand, Heineken, to share spotlight with stars of the next installment of James Bond series, Spectre.

    Heineken, which enjoys a large share of the beer market in Nigeria, has also found new brand ambassadors in these entertainers. This, pundits say, is a plus for the artistes, who will be representing Africa at the premiere of the new series.

    The four celebs are expected to join international top shots to Las Vegas, the party capital of the USA, for what has been described as the first-ever selfie from space as part of Heineken’s new campaign, Spyfie.

    RMD and colleagues will be captured alongside big names, including popular Bond Villain, Dave Bautista, in the campaign, scheduled to take place on November 5, 2015, in Nevada, Los Angeles. 

    Promoters say Heineken will create the selfie experience from space using a camera on the Deimos satellite, currently in orbit 600km above the Earth’s surface to take ultra HD imagery of the lucky celebrities including the Nigerian quartet assembled at the Hoover Dam in Las Vegas.

    This is not the first time RMD will be enlisted for international project. The former Commissioner of Culture and Tourism in Delta State was a star attraction in the Guinness 2004 film, Critical Assignment, playing alongside South African Cleveland Mitchell, aka Michael Power, in the flick that featured another Nigerian actor, Bukky Ajayi.  

    “We are very proud of our long-standing association with the James Bond franchise and we are especially proud to partner with ‘Spectre’ on this adventure as we bring the experience to Nigeria with four of the country’s most loved entertainment personalities. Their fans will be able to share the experience with them through their social media pages and it promises to be a lot of fun,” said Senior Brand Manager, Heineken, Ngozi Nkwoji.

    The Heineken Spyfie is one of the activities in the brand’s integrated global “Spectre” campaign, which centers around ‘Spectre’. The campaign also features an exciting TV advertisement featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond in a high-speed boat chase.

    Beginning with 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies, Heineken has partnered James Bond since 1997, and Spectre is the seventh consecutive film in the partnership.

  • Richard Mofe-Damijo is a grandfather

    Richard Mofe-Damijo is a grandfather

     Nollywood veteran, Richard Mofe Damijo is officially a grandfather of a bouncing baby boy.

    image-2

    His first son Ogenekome and wife have been delivered of a baby boy. It can be recalled that 2 years ago, Mofe got married to his wife Eniola Abiodun, at the Light Church, Alausa, Ikeja.

    Oghenekome Damijo
    Oghenekome Damijo

    Congratulations to the Damijo family!

  • Group to honour RMD

    Group to honour RMD

    Delta State Commissioner of Culture, Richard Mofe-Damijo, has continued to enjoy his place as a Nollywood actor, in spite of his current place as a political office holder.

    The veteran actor who still walks the red carpet at local and international film events, is being bestowed an honorary title of Dike Ohana Nollywood by organisers of Nollywood Igbo Film Festival.

    Founded by Nze Harris Chuma, the event, which enters its 4th edition this year, will take place from August 27 to 30, 2014.

    Chuma said RMD is being honoured for his contributions to Nollywood. The actor-turned-politician, who has in recent times shed some weight, with the aim of leading a healthy life style, has also been added among top Nigerian artistes, featuring in a new campaign tagged Go Ahead, an initiative of telecoms outfit, Globacom.

    The Go Ahead campaign, according to the management of Globacom, depicts the essence of the network, dynamism of its services in voice, data and fixed lines among others.

  • Glo features 34 celebrities in new campaign

    Glo features 34 celebrities in new campaign

    As part of efforts to continuously maintain its share of the market, , Globacom, a telecoms company, has launched a new theme campaign tagged Go Ahead.

    Go Ahead, which features 34 top showbiz celebrities, depicts the essence of the network and communicates the dynamism of its services in voice, data and fixed lines.

    The celebrities who will feature in the campaign include: Saheed Mohammed (Funky Mallam), Morocco Maduka, Charles Awurum, Victor Osuagwu, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Saheed Osupa, Daniel Amokachi, Daddy Showkey, Dele Momodu, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sunday Omobolanle,  Aluwe,  Zebrudaya, Ovuleria,  Bolaji Amusan a.k.a MrLatin, Madam Ibidun Allison Amebo and  Madam Kofo Abiola, among others.

    Four of the celebrities, John Okafor (Mr Ibu),  Bishop Ime(Okon Lagos), Chinwetalu Agu and Helen Paul were designated as brand ambassadors.

    The 34 celebrities will be expected to positively motivate their fans from all strata of life not only to join the Globacom network, but also recommend its products and services to others in their circles of influence.

    To connect the network to the ‘oldies’ are veteran entertainment stars, King Sunny Ade and Sir Victor Olaiya, both world-renowned masters in Juju music and Highlife respectively.

    The 22 new faces, who have been appearing in television commercials as well as on billboards, lamp posts and fliers of the network, will complement the efforts of existing ambassadors, including Bisade Ologunde (Lagbaja), Bezhiwa Idakula (Bez), Bright Okpocha (Basketmouth), Jude Abaga (MI), Wande Coal, Chinedu Okolie (Flavour), Peter and Paul Okoye (P Square), Waje Iruobe, Omawumi Megbele, Funke Akindele (Jenifa), Chukie Edozien (Lynxx), Sammie Okposo and Ego Ogbaro.

    The Go Ahead campaign encourages subscribers to believe in themselves and in the uniqueness of their talents, dreams and goals.

  • Tributes pour in for Amaka Igwe

    Tributes pour in for Amaka Igwe

    It was a gathering of the business and entertainment personalities on Monday, June 9 at the Archbishop Vining Cathedral, where a Service of Songs was held in honour of late movie maker, Amaka Igwe.

    The ceremony which kicked off at about 6pm with a rendition of the hymn, All Hail the Power of Jesus Name, featured exhortations, worship songs and tributes from fasn and associates of the deceased.

    Compeered by the duo of Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ireti Doyle, tributes were given by Ego Boyo, Kunle Bamtefa, Gabriel Okoye and Mrs. Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, all of the movie industry, while Mr. Dewunmi Ogunsanya, Mrs. Bernard-Oti and Mrs. Thelma Utigwe-Oti paid tributes on behalf of the business sector.

    It was a particularly emotional moment for all present, as the first child of the filmmaker, Ruby Igwe, delivered a touching tribute to her mother. “We are all here this evening grieving Amaka Igwe who we love and we are inspired, influenced or maybe intimidated by. I also know that there are many here who she, by God’s grace, mothered, trained and raised. I am sure you would agree that our mother had a unique spirit. Her priorities make her seem infuriatingly odd because they were so good. However, she left this earth as one of the most successful people I have ever known,” Ruby stated.

    Describing her mother as a professional who touched several lives, Ruby noted that the late deceased never considered herself to be a know-it-all, even as she never sold herself short. In her words, Amaka’s contributions to the creative industry were indeed of a much bigger picture. “She received a passion and talent from God. She utilised it, became an expert and did not hesitate to share her expertise. How she spread her wealth of knowledge is baffling.

    “I don’t know the specifics really, but I do know that in this life, we would be fine. It is still well. Even in this loss, this great, great loss, we will all be phoenixes in that in this death, in this separation from Amaka Igwe, we would rise, we would learn, we would be inspired and influenced. The work she has done, we would do. We remember to never forget that it is possible to miss a mum while still making memories,” Ruby said in tears.

    The service which featured a musical presentation by Waje, was graced by the presence of John Ugbe, Tony Abulu, Ufuoma Ejenebor, Kate Henshaw, Teju Babyface, Tee A, Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey, Tunde Kelani, Kanayo O Kanayo and a host of others.

    The late Nollywood filmmaker will be buried on June 13, in Ndiuche Arondizuogu, Imo State. Another Service of Songs has been scheduled for June 12, at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.

    Igwe, 51, died on April 28 from complications resulting from asthma attack.

  • African Muzic Magazine Awards makes debut in Texas

    African Muzic Magazine Awards makes debut in Texas

    FOLLOWING the successful hosting of the second Golden Icon Africa Movie Awards (GIAMA) in Houston last October, the African Muzic Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) has now berthed.

    It is designed to cater to the music genre of the creative industry.

    GIAMA, which was hosted by Nollywood star, Ramsey Nouah, had the patronage of the like of Richard Mofe-Damijo.

    Consequently, it is believed that there is now a conscious effort by Nigerians in the Diaspora to lead a continental initiative to reward excellence through classic shows in the creative sector.

    According to the organizers, the event is being positioned as “The sole award ceremony in the Diaspora that caters to all musical genres, including but not limited to Afrobeats, Assiko, Bongo, Decale, Funana, Genge, Highlife, Hiplife, Kwaito, Lingala and Soukous.

    “African music is currently gaining global recognition at a rapid pace following this trend; AFRIMMA will create a platform that promotes the diversity of African music by bringing influential artists from different African countries for a night of celebration,” said the organizers.

    An offshoot of the magazine published by Anderson Obiagwu, the company has been in the forefront of show promotions in the United States.

    Their next project is the official Valentine show on February 15, in Dallas, United States, featuring Limpopo crooner, Kcee and his ally, Harrysong.

    Anderson, as he is fondly called, is the Founder/CEO of Big A Entertainment, the show promotion platform of the company.

    According to him, “AFRIMMA’s vision is endorsed by some of the biggest African artistes such as Fuse ODG (UK), Lira (South Africa), Tuface Idibia (Nigeria), Flavour Nabania (Nigeria), Miriam Chemmoss (Tanzania) , Avril (Kenya), Afro Mask (Ghana/ United Kingdom) , Nonini (Kenya), Chub Heightz (Botswana) and many more.”

    In an exclusive chat with The Nation, Anderson, who said he had been residing in the United States for the past 15 years, noted that he grew up listening to Nigerian music. “I will comfortably say that African music is the best music in the world,” he added.

    According to him, the company has proudly hosted talent shows across the United States, since its inception and the shows had been well attended.

    Some of their past shows featured top African artistes like P-Square, Timaya, Flavour Nabania, Bracket, Tuface Idibia, Awilo Longomba and Michael Blackson, among others.

    For the AFRIMMA, Anderson said the maiden edition will come up on July 26th, at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, Texas.

    Eisemann Center has been recognized by clients, patrons and the media as one of the leading performing arts facilities serving the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

    Music categories to be covered by the award include Best Male West Africa; Best Female West Africa; Best Male East Africa; Best Female East Africa; Best Male Central Africa; Best Female Central Africa; Best Male Southern Africa; Best Female Southern Africa; Best African Group; Best Male Diaspora; Best Female Diaspora; Best Gospel Artist; Best Male Traditional; Best Female Traditional; Best Newcomer; Best Video Director; Best DJ Africa; Best DJ Diaspora; Leadership in Muzik Award; Legendary Award; Best Video of the Year; Music producer of the year; Best Dance Group; Best Rap Act and Best Collabo.

    The show, according to organisers, will be hosted by notable Africa’s standup comedian, Basketmouth and sexy Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim.