The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Sola Sobowale

  • Reminisce, ill Bliss show stuff in Kemi Adetiba’s sophomore

    KEMI Adetiba’s second film as a director, ‘King of Boys’, unlike her debut, ‘The Wedding Party’ and many others is a departure from romcoms.

    The film dabbles in scenes filled with intense dialogue, thought-provoking decisions by the main characters, and a portrayal of the lead protagonist in a different way.

    The movie follows the story of Eniola Salami (Sola Sobowale), a timid little girl, molested until she runs away from her parents’ toxic marriage, into the welcoming hands of a questionably enthused brothel owner.

    Eniola does not find life easy as expected, in fact, as audiences would predict, she finds her ‘job’ as a local prostitute hard and difficult to do. As a baby prostitute, she is forced into alive of strive, she, however, uses her are street smarts to become a fearsome ruler of the Lagos underworld.

    Yet, she is soon to find out that the more you seem prepared for what life throws at you, the more it’s likely to serve you a dish of unpredictable twists and turns, garnished with intense blows.

    Some that may even have you tested to your very core.

    The movie also marks the acting debut of veteran hip-hop artiste, Reminisce who puts in a performance that will shock many. He alongside ill Bliss showed their impressive acting prowess and brilliantly complemented the other A-list cast.

  • ‘Witness Box’ to be screened at NBA conference

    AMCVA nominated movie, ‘Witness Box’ will be showing exclusively at this year’s edition of the Nigerian Bar Association Conference taking place at the International Conference Center, Abuja on August 27.

    The movie which has a legal touch and style will be thrilling over 6,000 lawyers alongside other reputable dignitaries and movie-goers.

    ‘Witness Box’ features Nollywood heavyweights including Wale Ojo, Sola Sobowale, Chiwetalu Agu, Femi Branch, Tunji Sotimirin, Keira Hewatch, Soni and Betty Irabor, ex -Big Brother Naija house mate, Ahneeka and a host of others.

    The producer,  Wole Ojomo,  takes you on a self examining session with her scenes and acts which illustrate the everyday life and challenges of balancing life and work. The story is of a defined appeal and a

    different touch leading you in your own thought direction only to take you on a different turn.

    The all stars movie kicks off with an insight into a life of a couple who were faced with a desire to balance work and family life. Wale Ojo played Ben Arinze, a man saddled with the challenge of managing  a young wife, two daughters and a banking career.

    Keira Hewatch took the role of Bolanle Arinze, a young wife who sacrifices it all for her marriage and family with the hope and thought it will all fall in place for her home and make things right

    while enduring loneliness served to her. She finds sanity in social media. Virtual friends are increasingly filling gaps everywhere. A deficit in marital devotion becomes inevitable.

  • SOLA SOBOWALE, others endorse ‘Seven and a Half Dates’

    As ‘Seven and a Half Dates’ heads to cinemas nationwide on August 3, 2018, some of Nollywood’s finest have endorsed the movie which tells the story of a father who set up 10 dates for his unwilling daughter.

    Speaking on the movie, one of the cast, Sola Sobowale, said: “It isunique, it is beautiful, lots of emotions and it has everything you will love to see in it. I am extremely glad to be part of this. The cast is beautiful, the script is well written and it addresses everything the society has so much say on. Trust me, it is a very relatable movie that no one wants to miss.”

    Hoping the movie would break box-office, Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson, urged everyone including filmmakers to watch the movie, saying: “I hope every single person who is passionate about education and entertainment in filmmaking will go see this movie because it is a genuinely well written and educating movie that would reach out and connect with everyone.”

    Speaking on what set the movie apart from the regular Nollywood movie, actress Faithia William said the movie “treats every societal issue from marital pressure, domestic violence, rape, feminism to everything. You name it. Also, the fact that it preaches love at the end of the day sets it apart from the usual stories.”

    ‘Seven and a Half Dates’ parades actors like Jim Iyke, Sola Sobowale, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Akin Lewis, Toyin Abraham, Faithia Williams, Frank Donga, McLively, Ali Nuhu, Bayray McNwizu, Roxy Antak and Chris

    Iheuwa. It was produced by Toyin Abraham in collaborations with Director Biodun Stephen, Writer Joy Isi Bewaji and Samuel Olatunji as the executive producer.

  • ‘Christmas is Coming’ for Sola Sobowale, Chioma Akpotha, others

    IN time for the yuletide, Nollywood actress, producer and director, Ufuoma McDermott is set to hit the cinemas with her latest movie titled ‘Christmas is coming’.

    The movie follows the story of a slobby tomboy (Ufuoma McDermott) who has a string of ill-luck after being transformed to a “Lady” by her mischievous flat mates (Mary Lazarus, Izzie Otaigbe) just a few days to Christmas.

    She unintentionally falls in love quickly and has to deal with its immediate consequences.

    Written, Produced and Directed by Ufuoma McDermott, the romantic comedy stars other popular actors like Sola Sobowale, Chioma Akpotha, Zack Orji, Deyemi Okanlanwon, Mary Lazarus, Gregory Ojefua, Michael Okon, Izzie Otaigbe, Odenike Odetola and more.

    According to the actress, ‘Christmas is Coming’ is not the regular movie.

    “I know this might sound like a cliché but truth is, this is something you have never seen before. Working with great actors like the ones in this movie, I have been made to realize that with the right people and right ideas, magic can be made in the most unexpected way. ‘Christmas is Coming’ is most certainly magical and I can’t wait to share it with the world. Prepare to be wowed, literally,” she said.

    When asked about her challenges, Ufuoma stated that nothing comes easy therefore challenges are bound to happen.

    “There is nothing that doesn’t come with a challenge but that is not important. What is important is making those challenges work for you. Challenging yes, impossible to control? Certainly not,” she added.

    ‘Christmas is Coming’, she said, will hit cinemas nationwide on November 24th.

  • SOLA SOBOWALE: Mothers shouldn’t just be baby factories

    SOLA SOBOWALE: Mothers shouldn’t just be baby factories

    Many might think otherwise, but veteran Nollywood actress, Sola Sobowale says that she is not slowing down for any reason. In this interview with OVWE MEDEME, she talks about her recent projects, passion for the elderly and vulnerable, motherhood and other issues.

    HOW has it been this year?

    It’s been fantastic and I give God the glory. It has been awesome.

    Why did you decide to partner in Gold Statue?

    First of all, being part of the production is a privilege as both a producer and as an actor. Also, working with Tade Ogidan is another level. Anyone who knows Tade Ogidan knows that he is a perfectionist. A scene in a movie with him can be taken as much as 50 times. Gold Statue is a movie that teaches, that we are going to tap from positively, that is full of fun, action, drama, and is a thriller. It is everything in one. It is a full package and I’m so happy that I’m on board.

    What role did you play in the movie?

    I play the role of a mother. There are mothers and there are mothers. There are different types of mothers. And I’m glad to have played this role because I asked myself what I am giving to the people. I then said to myself, ‘Sola, people love you, so what do you give back?’ So I decided to give back by teaching people. I decided to give back so that people can learn from me. And this is a big platform. It is another channel to showcase what I’ve got. What is the definition of a mother? What are the roles of mothers? Are they known to be just baby factories, to be popping out babies? What are their roles? What are you supposed to do as a mother? Because the word ‘mother’ is full of meaning. It’s very huge and until you do your duty as a mother, that is when you can be called a mother. A mother is different from a wife and a wife is different from a mother. In Gold Statue, we will be getting these answers. And I love playing the motherly role.

    But that is what you’ve been playing…

    But this one is different. They are two parallel lines that can never meet. As I explained, there are different kinds of mothers. There are the ones that are just making noise, and there are mothers who are real.

    What should people look out for in the movie?

    They should look out for fun, tears, emotion, and a lot of noise. It is the full package.

    There is this charm you bring into your movies. How do you do it?

    It is your prayers, because without prayers, without God, Sola Sobowale will not be standing. Without you people, Sola Sobowale will not be in existence. So I thank you all for all the support and I pray to God that I will not let you down.

    You are also in The Wedding Party 2. How did that go?

    Just keep your fingers crossed. In December, when the movie is released, go out and watch it (laughs). If you saw part one, then it is a continuation of what you watched. And Patience Ozorkwo is also in the movie to add spice to it.

    When you look at your life as an actress, do you feel fulfilled?

    There is a lot I would still like to do. So I still need support. Sola Sobowale is well known as an actress, but how has she impacted on the lives of people? That is something I really want to look into. I have this project that I need financiers for. It is a project that is for children, the underprivileged and the elderly. That is what I want to do that is eating me seriously. And I pray to God almighty that a way breaks through for me soon.

    Have you started working on it?

    Everything is done, the paperwork is all complete, what is left is to find partners who are willing to go all the way. As I said, the project is for the underprivileged, the vulnerable adults and I pray interested people call me so I can give them the full details.

    What are your plans for the remaining part of the year?

    I’m not stopping. This is what I know how to do. I’m still working. After this movie, I will do another one.

    So you are not planning to resign soon?

    Haa! Aunty Taiwo Lycette is still there, what are you talking about? Mind yourself o! (Laughs).

  • Omoni Oboli hints on project with Sola Sobowale

    Omoni Oboli hints on project with Sola Sobowale

    Nollywood producer, Omoni Oboli, has hinted on featuring Sola Sobowale on her new movie, which might be coming after the premiere of her latest work, ‘Okafor’s Law’.
    The actress who took a picture with Sobowale during the premiere of ‘The Wedding Party’ which took place at the weekend said; “Can’t wait for our new movie together”.
    The Nigerian actress, scriptwriter, director and producer, who is a trained digital filmmaker at the New York Film Academy, is known for other movies like ‘Being Mrs. Elliott, ‘The First Lady’and ‘Wives on Strike’, which, according to reports, recorded high box office sales.

  • Sola Sobowale gets emotional meeting blind fan ahead of May Ball

    Sola Sobowale gets emotional meeting blind fan ahead of May Ball

    He watched Nollywood actress Sola Sobowale before he lost his sight. But standing during the press briefing to herald this year’s May Ball, an annual fundraising event of the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) which holds on May 28, 2016 at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, by 5pm, AdediranAdekunlewas happy he was finally meeting her.

    Addressing Sobowale, Adekunle, a student of FNSB’s Vocational Training Centre at Cappa, Oshodi, Lagos State said, “I have a passion for acting. At a certain time, I went to meet YinkaQuadri at Ebutte Metta and I asked him, ‘I want you to act a film concerning the blind people.’ He was with Ogogo (Taiwo Hassan). They looked up me. They first laughed. And I said, ‘is it funny?’ They said, ‘no.’They now said, have I written any script. I said ‘no, I can illustrate the film to them and they would write it.’”

    Responding to cheers from his mate, Adekunle who lost his sight in 2014 said, “being blind is not the end of the world.”

    And going emotional, he continued, “Mrs Sola Sobowale, I once saw you before I got blind in 2014 and I know you’re a very good actress. I would like you to feature me or other people in one of your films. I want you to write a film concerning the blind people. And I’m looking forward to see that.”

    With Sobowale engaging Adekunle, he disclosed his love for her.

    “It is a great opportunity,” he said. “Even though I can’t see you, I feel your concern.”

    The teary-eyed actress who became emotional hugged Adekunle and promised the film will happen. Earlier, she had said that her stay in London made her realise Nigerians do not take care of the less privileged.

    Also in attendance at the press briefing were  Chairman Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB), Asiwaju Fola Osibo, Vice Chairman FSNB, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, Project Coordinator for the May Ball event FNSB; Adeola Obagun and Ex- Student FNSB; Rasaq Adekoya as well as students and staff of the Vocational Training Centre. The May Ball, a major fund-raising event, holds annually on the last Saturday in May. Tickets for this year’s edition cost N20, 000 per person and are available on www.nigsocblind.org.

    According to the organisers, this year’s event is themed Masked May Ball whereby everyone is expected to wear masks while the colour code is black and white with a dash of red. There will also be a fashion show where Adire materials and crafts done by the students would be showcased, a celebrity auction (where celebrities are auctioned off, for the highest bidder to win a blind dinner date for two with the celebrity) and a raffle draw to win exotic gifts.

    “May Ball is our flagship event at which we gather for an evening to celebrate our generous sponsors and showcase our courageous students,” said Osibo.

    Aside Sobowale, other artistes lending their support to the event include renowned producer Cobhams Asuquo, Stephanie Okereke Linus, Odunlade Adekola, Funke Akindele and others.

    Founded in 1955, the Vocational Training Centre has rehabilitated over 2,500 blind men and women and integrated back into the society.

  • Sola Sobowale returns in NECTAR

    Sola Sobowale returns in NECTAR

    CROSS-OVER actress, Sola Sobowale, who got the name Toyin Tomato, playing a role in Wale Adenuga’s Super Story series, is back in a new popular television series titled Nectar.

    The series is produced by the thespian’s twin daughters, Kehinde and Taiwo, thus it is not clear if the veteran is fully back to the screen after a long hiatus.

    Directed by Tunde Olaoye, Nectar has proven to be an instant hit with viewers in Nigeria since its debut on AIT in December, 2014.

    The drama is a thrilling and suspense-filled series that tells a story of the relationship between three families; The Adelekes, The Akanbis and The Olowolagbas who are all rivals for several reasons.

    The series which captures various elementary human emotions such as love, lust, confusion, dismay and betrayal features renowned nollywood actors such as: Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Fausat Balogun (Madam Shaje), Lara Akinsola, Maureen Okpoko, Felix Omokhodion and Alexia Ehi.

    The returnee actress is well known for her roles in films like; Village Head Master, Ohun Oko Somida and Asewo to Re Mecca among others.

    Nectar airs every Monday at 7pm with repeats on Sundays at 9:30pm on AIT and also on Sundays at 9pm and repeats on Wednesdays at 9pmon Ohtv sky channel 199 in the UK.

  • I didn’t relocate abroad out of frustration —Nollywood star Sola Sobowale

    I didn’t relocate abroad out of frustration —Nollywood star Sola Sobowale

    By all standards, Sola Sobowale is a quintessential actor. Her great acting skill accounts for why she enjoys a large following today.  About 12 years ago, she took a major step when she relocated abroad so as to be close to her children. Typical of an average entertainer, she has had her own fair share of controversies, since she literally hugged fame. BABATUNDE SULAIMAN recently caught up with her in Ibadan,Oyo State, where she spoke on a number of diverse issues. 

    WHAT is the thematic preoccupation of your new movie, Bo se ye ko ri?

    I will just tell you the synopsis of the movie. It is a story about a woman who is self-centred. The movie is also to promote family values, which are lacking today in Nigeria.

    What really inspired the movie?

    It is life in England as well as the children and mothers abroad.  Everybody is chasing money and nobody is interested in good character or good behaviour. Everybody seems to be in a kind of rat race to make money. Some are ready to do anything to make money, and this is what is killing everybody now. I don’t know where Nigeria will be In 10 years’ time.

    Who directed the movie?

    It was directed by Lasun Ray. Having said this, I want to use this opportunity to tell the whole world that the Lasun Ray of today is no more the Lasun Ray of old. He has actually gone back to school to learn directing. So, I will say Kudos to him because he knows his onions.

    Why the choice of Lasun Ray?

    It is because he knows his onions.  He was born into it and he is so passionate about his job.

    Where was the movie shot?

    It was shot in Ajah, Lagos.

    It means you have been around for a while?

    I have been around for about a month.

    But why have you been keeping a low profile?

    Well, it is because I am not a noise maker.

    It appears you only come home whenever you want to promote a new movie?

    I come home when I want to showcase good things in my country and I come home when I have a mission to accomplish in my country.

    Could you recall the challenge you had while shooting the movie?

    It was a fantastic experience because the crew and cast worked like one big family, so there wasn’t any problem. It was a team job and we all believed in what we were doing; so, there wasn’t any problem.

    Could you mention some of the stars in the movie?

    Akin Lewis, Mama Awero, whom I fondly call Mama Awero, Ayo Badmus and Ngozi Nwosu, among others.

    When was the last time you produced a movie before this new one?

    I am coming up with a soap opera very soon. The full season was shot here in Nigeria five months ago; so, very soon, it will begin to be aired. It is called Nectar, which means something sweet. Everything in life is nectar.  So, wherever you are, Nectar is going to touch you.  I am a mother and I promote family values. So, this again, is all you will see in Nectar.

    You seem to be involved more in production nowadays than acting. Is it that acting is not financially rewarding anymore?

    It is not a matter of money now, but I am a crusader. It is not that I am striving to make any name for myself now. But the question is: who has benefitted from the name I have made? So, I am going to use that name that God has given me to turn the lives of people around and to make people know their right from wrong.

    These days, people are so much interested in money and that is the root of the wahala in Nigeria. I am not acting to say, ‘Oh, I am wearing good shoes and so on.’ No! That is not why I am in acting.  I am rather using my name to showcase and promote morals; I am using my name also to tell people that no matter what you do, you will reap it. If your foundation is not solid, whatever you build on it will crumble.  When I grow old, I want to be remembered for the good things I did and not for any other thing.

    Do you have any plans to return to Nigeria permanently?

    This is my country; I love my country; I believe in my country and this is where I will live and die.

    But you have been away for so long?

    Yes, I left about 12 years ago because of my children.

    At that time, did you envisage that you were going to stay this long?

    Yes. Before then, I had only sent my children abroad. But as a good mother, I later decided to join them because I want to give them a good foundation. Glory be to God now, they are big girls and they are all graduates.

    So, now that they are graduates, why are you not thinking of coming home?

    But are you talking with me in Nigeria now.

    Yes, but I know you will still go back?

    Do you know what is in my mind? Anyway, I will be coming back home very soon.

    When you left over a decade ago, it was rumoured that you left due to frustration. How will you react to this?

    If they say I relocated due to frustration, I don’t care. That is their problem. At least, you can see me now. So, my question to you is: do I look like anyone who is frustrated?

    No. But were you ever bothered about the reports?

    Let anyone say whatever he or she likes.

    You were even quoted as saying that you were slaving in London…

    Look, you can write anything you like because you are entitled to your own opinion.

    Let me explain …

    (Cuts in)You see, I am not going to say it is true and I am not going to say it is not. All I know is that you are now seeing Sola Shobowale. So, what do you see?  A beautiful, gorgeously dressed woman and happy woman. Seeing is believing, isn’t it? So, if they want to say they caught me in Saudi Arabia for drug trafficking and even cut my hands, I don’t care. That is their problem.

    If they say I am married to 10 different men, I don’t care either. That is their cup of tea. When I am good in the presence of my Lord and I am a good ambassador of my family, then, the rest is history. I am a very strong woman.

    Could you expatiate?

    I don’t give a damn; wahala yin ni yen.

    But they are your fans and they are interested in what is happening to you?

    My fans won’t ever say anything bad about me. Immediately I came in, you saw my fans rushing towards me because they wanted to greet me. They are always very happy to see me and they love me. You are also my fans; otherwise, you would not want to interview me. It is written that some would like you, while some others would not.

    Is it true that you work as a social worker abroad?

    You want to know what I do in England? If you want to know, just jump on a plane to London and then come and see me where I work. If I tell you what I do now, it is still a story.

    You have always avoided talking about your husband…

    (Cuts in) Do you want to marry me?

    So, why are you asking me about my husband? What is your business with my husband? My family is my family. Finish!

    What has acting done for you?

    Fantastic! If there is reincarnation, I will still want to come back as an actress.

    Have you picked up any movie role since you returned to Nigeria?

    How can I be in two places at the same time?

    But you have been around for over a month and I am sure some producers would have been dangling scripts in your face?

    How can I be in two places at the same time? I came last month, shot a movie and edited it. Now, I am beginning to show the movie. So, where do I have time to do anything else?  Until I am done with all this, I can’t be in any other production.

    What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?

    My philosophy of life is give and take. You can’t keep receiving without giving. Also, you do unto others as you want others to do unto you.

    Has any experienced moved you to tears?

    Yes, it is the deaths of my father and mother.

    What will you like to correct in Nollywood?

    I want us to be like Americans and produce films like Americans. I want the government to intervene in the nation’s movie industry and I want to see improvement in sales of our movies.

    You come across as easily predictable in some of your movies, making people think you are typecast?

    I am just hearing that from you, for the first time. It means people who say this don’t watch my movies.

    What defines your style?

    Simplicity and whatever fits me well.