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Tag: Nollywood

  • Newcastle-based NGO to partner Nollywood in advancing talent growth

    Newcastle-based NGO to partner Nollywood in advancing talent growth

    Jennifer Orji, the Executive Director of Holding Hands, a Newcastle-based NGO, has promised to partner with Nollywood creative industry experts to advance the growth of young talents.

    This is contained in a statement by the organisation on Monday, in view of the preparation to inaugurate its maiden: “Performing Art with Industry Expert” programme initiative, in cooperation with Uche Odoputa, a seasoned Nollywood actor.

    According to Orji, the initiative,  which is a culture-based organisation, will provide young talents in Newcastle a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the world of Nollywood, in the area of performing arts, drama, family comedy, and language exchange.

    “It is huge to have Uche on board because he has a lot to offer that people would benefit from. For Uche, the essence lies in contributing to and being appreciated by the black community.

    “It is a way of giving back (to the community) that transcends mere entertainment.

    “The eight-week programme slated to commence in January 2024, will focus on imparting cultural knowledge to the younger generation.

    “The initiative serves as a cultural beacon, projecting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and values.

    “It underlines the urgency of preserving cultural legacies. Life is meaningless without culture, which is why we all need culture to shape our lives,” she said.

    The executive director reiterated the need for year-round recognition of black identity, saying that the importance of teaching Nigerian languages and promoting awareness about history, culture, and tradition could not be overemphasized.

    She noted that the organisation has actively engaged with the black community in the bid to introduce educational programmes that will ensure the younger generation embraces its roots.

    “Simultaneously, our organisation is dedicated to ensuring that new migrants, including Nigerians, benefit from government-sponsored courses in the UK, aiming to provide courses free of charge.

    “As we continue to bridge gaps and promote unity, this initiative exemplifies how the fusion of language, drama, and community engagement can be a powerful catalyst for positive change.

    “The journey towards a more inclusive and culturally enriched society has found a passionate ally in Holding Hands, as Nollywood takes centre stage in Newcastle,” Orji said.

    She acknowledged Nollywood’s impact on cultural ere-orientation and its status as the world’s second-largest film industry by volume.

    She described Nollywood as not just a source of entertainment, but also “a cultural ambassador for Nigeria”.

    Orji said the programme provided an opportunity for young people to build an acting career with Northeast role-play production.

    “This initiative not only emphasises the paramount importance of cultural awareness but also strives to make it a fun and engaging experience for the younger generation.

    “The significance of these training programmes extends beyond cultural appreciation; it encompasses fostering diversity and inclusion.

    “The Newcastle-based Holding Hands organisation aims to bring the lively essence of Nollywood – Nigeria’s renowned film industry – to the heart of the UK in a ground-breaking move, ” she added.

     

  • Popular Nollywood actor expresses appreciation to God after surviving a ghastly car accident

    Popular Nollywood actor expresses appreciation to God after surviving a ghastly car accident

    Nollywood actor Kelechi Udegbe, has expressed appreciation to God after surviving a ghastly car accident.

     The actor via his Instagram page on Sunday night, shared photos of his damaged vehicle and a video of him recuperating at a medical facility.

    Kelechi said the accident almost altered the course of his destiny within the blink of an eye, but God came through for him.

    He wrote: “With immense gratitude to God almighty, I write these words with a heart full of mixed emotions.

    “I was involved in a ghastly accident that almost altered the course of my destiny in almost the blink of an eye, but God, the MASTER PERFORMER performed an unbelievable miracle & gave me a second chance at life.

    “I made it out of the accident alive but suffered minor injuries. I’m in good shape and will be back to doing what I enjoy doing best on your screen in a couple of days.

    “This post is for God.

    “This post is for everyone who believe in God.

    “This post is for everyone whom my unforeseen challenge has affected.”

     

  • How New Yam Festival unites Nollywood stakeholders – AGN

    How New Yam Festival unites Nollywood stakeholders – AGN

    Emeka Rollas, National President of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has described the annual Nollywood New Yam Festival and Awards as a platform that unites stakeholders in the film industry

    Rollas, who said this on Saturday at the closing ceremony of the 11th edition of the festival in Abuja, added that the festival also showcased Nigerian culture.

    According to him, celebrating the diversity of Nigeria’s rich cultures and traditional values at the annual fiesta is what binds stakeholders from different background in Nollywood together.

    ”Nollywood have played a major role in propagating, promoting the culture of Nigeria and indeed Africa in the last 20 years and it is in the same light that this event was conceptualised.

    “The reason for this New Yam Festival is that for the Igbo people, yam is the symbol of peace and togetherness, that is why this event becomes a tool for unity among stakeholders in our industry.

    “Abuja is the city of unity for Nigeria and we have decided to use yam as a symbol of unity for Nigeria, bringing all the tribes together under one umbrella.

    “This year is not different from what we have been doing over the last 10 years, but it is still another commemoration of this continual propagation of the culture and unity of our country.

    “I want to thank all the invitees and congratulate all those that will be giving an award today and people that have come to identify with Nollywood in this beautiful culture of ours,” he said.

    Chief Agility Onwurah, National Coordinator of the Festival, said that the initiative was to present a platform where artistes as models and opinion leaders can promote Nigerian culture.

    He explained that the festival had evolved over the years into a rallying point for Nollywood stakeholders, fans and culture enthusiasts.

    He said that the festival was already a household name in the FCT, urging relevant stakeholders to support the organisers for its continuity.

    “This festival has joined us together because we now find out whether you are from the North,South, East or West, we are all one.

    “Every year, Nollywood people tend to look forward to meeting new people, royal fathers, politicians, so that we can talk because it helps us in our productions.

    “Each edition of the festival has always come better, and this is a testimony that people are proud of our culture and want to identify with it,” he said.

    Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy, thanked the organisers of the event for using culture to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

    “This is a symbol of unity because in all circumstances traditional celebrations are done in the villages but we brought it down to Abuja to unite the country so that everyone will participate,” she said.

    High point of the event was the unveiling of the roasted yam, spiced with traditional delicacies and the presentation of awards to some industry stakeholders and supporters of Nollywood.

     

  • Nollywood actress Happy Julian, Okocha, others named Cultural Ambassadors

    Nollywood actress Happy Julian, Okocha, others named Cultural Ambassadors

    Ace actress Happy Julian-Uchendu, popularly known as Happy Julian, has received award of International Ambassador for African Culture at the 2023 Nollywood New Yam Festival in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).

    Mrs Noni Okocha, Chief Executive Officer of “I am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative” also received the recognition of International Ambassador for African Culture.

    They were honoured alongside other industry stakeholders and promoters of African culture and values at the closing ceremony of the 11th edition of the festival on Saturday in Abuja.

    Others who received cultural titles at the event include Rekiya Ibrahim-Atta ,who was honoured as “Akpugo” of African Culture and Hon.Bamidele Salam as National Ambassador of African Culture,among others.

    Mr Agility Onwurah, National Coordinator of the Festival and Chief Executive Officer of Agile 247.Com, organiser of the event, congratulated the awardees, adding that the honour was to celebrate their contribution to the industry.

    “Nollywood promotes our culture, and anyone who has contributed to its growth and development, in whatever capacity should be celebrated.

    The festival is simply a platform where celebrities identify with culture and promote it to their fans and followers that no matter the influence of westernisation, we must uphold what defines us.

    “Artistes are supposed to be mirrors of society, and that is why we are proudly showcasing our culture to fans, especially young Nigerians who are the future generation,” he said.

    Onwurah spoke on the sidelines that the initiative was to present a platform where artists as models and opinion leaders can promote Nigerian culture.

    He noted that since the movie industry was a veritable instrument in communicating ideas and lifestyle, including cultural heritage, every artiste ought to be a cultural ambassador.

    He, however, explained that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, New Yam Festival was not a fetish practice, as it was just a medium of “celebrating what we have”.

    “As you can see, no fetish practice was observed here, as we simply pray on the yam as meal and we share among to everyone.”

    It was a night of glitz and glamour that Nollywood watchers will not forget in a hurry as they enjoyed the company of favourite celebrities and cultural troupes took their turn to entertain guests.

    The annual Nollywood New Yam Festival, now in its 11th edition, brings together celebrities, cultural enthusiates and traditional chiefs together in the FCT.

     

     

  • [VIDEO] Nollywood legend Ameachi Muonago hospitalised, cries out for help

    [VIDEO] Nollywood legend Ameachi Muonago hospitalised, cries out for help

    Ameachi Muonago, a Nollywood legend, has been hospitalised as he battles a paralysing stroke, he noted caught up with him while on set with his Nollywood colleagues.

    He disclosed this in a video that was shared, where he was seen lying on his back while explaining how the illness began.

    According to him, he disclosed that some months ago, after a shoot with his colleagues Emeka Ani, Patience Ozokwo, Rita Edochie, and Ebele Okaro on a movie set, as he was preparing to hit the road in his car, he found himself struck by a stroke.

    In the video, Ameachi called out to kind-hearted Nigerians, seeking financial assistance for his paralysis, which has caused significant swelling in parts of his body and rendered him unable to eat. He also mentioned that during his three-month stay at the current hospital, they have run out of the necessary medications for his treatment.

    Amaechi Muonagor is from Obosi village in Idemili North of Anambra State in Nigeria. In 1989, after his youth service, he started working for NAN (News Agency of Nigeria). He left his job a few years later for an acting role in his first movie, “Akunatakasi in Taboo 1”, a Nigerian movie. In 2016, he was nominated for AMVCA 2017 Best Actor In a Comedy.

    See Video below:

  • Nollywood actor, Ninalowo speaks on cheating on ex-wife

    Nollywood actor, Ninalowo speaks on cheating on ex-wife

    Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninalowo has revealed that he never cheated on his ex-wife and has “no record of infidelity”, saying he is a “lover.”

    The actor made this known while apearing on TVC, Saying that he never got involved in any act of infidelity on his part.

    Ninalowo explained that his recent separation from his estranged wife, Bunmi has no connection with cheating.

    He said, “The truth has no lies in it, number one. And number two, you can’t wear a mask [pretend] for six months, not even saying a year or five years.

    “You [interviewers] are all ladies, and you’re journalists. And I know you guys are everywhere; in the blogs and everything. In the past five, six, seven years have you heard of infidelity about me? Have you heard of domestic violence?

    “And, if you have a woman, any kind of woman in today’s world where people must be heard. A woman as beautiful as the one I celebrated. First of all, none of you guys knew that woman until I brought her out to celebrate her. Everything you celebrate today is of me celebrating that woman.

    “She’s not a star. She became a star through my love. Get that fact very clear. When I meet another woman tomorrow and I fell in love, I will do exactly the same thing. I’m a lover.”

    Recall that Ninalowo last month announced that he and his wife “have decided to proceed with an irreconcilable marriage dissolution”.

  • Nkechi Blessing finally speaks on breakup with lover Xxssive

    Nkechi Blessing finally speaks on breakup with lover Xxssive

    Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing has finally responded to issues of break up between her and boyfriend Xxssive.

    Recall that both lovers unfollowed each other on Instagram.

     

    The speculations surrounding the actress’ breakup with her young lover stirred buzz on the internet after they deleted some of their love up videos and pictures on social media.

    Taking to her Instagram story on Thursday morning to respond to the viral report, Nkechi noted that she owes no one an explanation.
    In what seems to be a cryptic post, she wrote: “My side of the story doesn’t really matter. Make we just dey.”

    The actress made her relationship with Xxssive public in October 2022, after her dramatic split from Opeyemi Falegan, an Ekiti State politician whom she flaunted regularly on her social media page.

  • Nollywood Legend RMD stars in South African series ‘Magenta Coal’

    Nollywood Legend RMD stars in South African series ‘Magenta Coal’

    Nollywood veteran Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, is set to take on a role in the South African movie “Magenta Coal,” which is scheduled to stream on Netflix.

    The movie’s plot revolves around a family of mining magnates who operate South Africa’s largest coal mine. Trouble arises when Matilda, the wife of one of the mining magnates, becomes consumed with a desire for wealth and securing the family’s succession.

    While RMD’s specific role in the film remains unclear, expectations are high following his recent performance in another Netflix movie, “The Black Book,” where he portrayed the character of Paul Edima, a man seeking revenge for his son’s death.

    “Magenta Coal” is a captivating tale that delves into the lives of a wealthy family of mining magnates who own and operate the largest coal mine in South Africa. The story follows the family’s journey as they navigate the challenges of running a successful business while dealing with their personal issues.

    At the heart of the story is Matilda, the wife of one of the mining magnates, who becomes consumed with a desire for wealth and power. With richly developed characters and intricate plot twists, “Magenta Coal” is a must-watch for those who enjoy suspenseful and thought-provoking stories that explore the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of power and wealth.

    This new title is expected to be a drama series, with its streaming debut set for October 27, 2023, following its recent addition to Netflix.

    The cast of “Magenta Coal” includes acclaimed actors and actresses such as Connie Chiume, Vusi Kunene, Hamilton Dlamini, Ntando Duma, Nambitha Mpumlwana, Senzo Radebe, Jack Devnarain, Cedric Fourie, Celeste Khumalo, and Omuhle Gela.

  • “There is crack in the so-called FREGAN, not Nollywood” – Alex Eyengho

    “There is crack in the so-called FREGAN, not Nollywood” – Alex Eyengho

    A Vice President of the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF) and former President of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), Comrade Alex Eyengho, has debunked the perception in some circles that there was crack in Nollywood as a result of the pulling out of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) from the “Federation of Nollywood Guilds and Associations (FREGAN).”

    According to Comrade Eyengho, “it is safe to say without any shred of doubt that with the pulling out from FREGAN by AGN, and rightly so too, there is a manifest crack in that unholy rendezvous, and not in Nollywood. The so-called FREGAN was foisted on the industry by the Adedayo Thomas-led NFVCB, after he gave a directive in 2020 that all associations and guilds in Nollywood must compulsorily register under the NFVCB for a fee, update the board annually with the list of financially up-to-date members of the associations/guilds, pay to the board annually a certain percentage of the annnual dues of each member of the associations/guilds, among other directives. Associations/guilds who refused to comply with this illegal directive, would not be recognised by the NFVCB, neither would the board allow members of such associations/guilds to present their films for statutory censorship/classification/registration. The directive came into force since January 2021.”

    Comrade Eyengho stated further: “However, the action is being challenged at the Federal High court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in the interest of the industry by the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP) and Alex Eyengho as the first and second plaintiffs respectively, while the NFVCB and Adedayo Thomas are the first and second defendants respectively. The position of ANCOP is that under the extant Act and 2008 Regulations, the NFVCB does not have the right whatsoever to regulate or interfer with the internal running or general activities of associations and guilds in Nollywood. ANCOP maintains that it is the individual members of associations/guilds who have businesses (films to present for classification/censorship/registration, operating of cinema houses/viewing centres, and distribution of films) to do with the NFVCB, that the board may regulate their activities as contained in the enabling Act and Regulations2008, and not in any way the activities of associations/guilds, who by law are not into business ventures.”

    Comrade Eyengho further revealed that hearing in the matter continued on October 17, 2023, when Mrs. Uju Emagah entered the witness box for the defendants (NFVCB/Adedayo Thomas). She is the Deputy Director and Zonal Coordinator of the South West Zone of the NFVCB.

    According to Eyengho, after a detailed cross-examination of Mrs. Emagah by counsel of the plaintiffs, Solomon Edoh, Esq., the Judge adjourned the matter to December 14, 2023, for adoption of the final written address of counsels, afterwhich a date will be fixed for the judgement.

    Suffice it to say that Alex Eyengho had in the previous hearing mounted the witness box for the plaintiffs, where he was cross-examined by the defence counsel.

  • Mr Ibu is my favourite comedian – Shehu Sani

    Mr Ibu is my favourite comedian – Shehu Sani

    The former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani has revealed John Okafor popularly known as Mr Ibu is his favourite comic actor.

    Sani promised to do all he can to help the ailing Nollywood actor.

    Recall the actor took to social media on Wednesday to seek public assistance as he battles an ailment that may cost him his leg.

    The video he shared on his Instagram page has generated wide range of reactions from sympathisers.

    “Mr Ibu is my favorite artist and comedian. He lights up and entertains the homes of millions of Nigerians.

    “We shall not let him down for reasons we can all collectively solve. We shall do the needful and also bring the attention of the big names to do the needful,” Sani said.