TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nollywood

  • Nollywood actress Olaide Bakare to bag chieftaincy title

    Nollywood actress Olaide Bakare to bag chieftaincy title

    Nollywood actress, Olaide Bakare, says she will be honoured with a chieftaincy title as the Aare Yeye-Oge of Ede Kingdom by Oba Munirudeen Lawal, Timi of Ede, in Osun, on Feb.14.

    Bakare disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking with NAN on her plans for Valentine’s Day.

    She said: “Feb. 14, which is the Valentine’s Day, will be the day I will be honoured with a chieftaincy title as the Aare Yeye-Oge of Ede Kingdom by Oba Munirudeen Lawal, Timi of Ede Kingdom.

    “Yes, Valentine is a day to celebrate with loved ones and I will be celebrating my new title with my family.

    “I am so happy and I am really looking forward to it.

    “I feel so good that my town deems it fit to honour me. This is not a title for the weak-minded, it is a position for the strong and influencial women in the society. I am really honoured.

    “Also, I want to appreciate His Royal Majesty, Oba Lawal, for this. The ceremony will hold at the Oba’s palace in Ede.”

  • Nollywood: NFVCB reveals number of films classified in 2024

    Nollywood: NFVCB reveals number of films classified in 2024

    The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) said it classified 1,088 films produced by the Nigerian film industry in 2024.

    This NFVCB disclosed this on its website on Wednesday.

    According to the board, during the period under review, 124 films were classified in January, 121 films in February, 56 in March, 71 in April, and 109 in May.

    55 films were classified in June, 95 in July, 135 in August, 82 in September, 137 in October, 59 in November and 44 in December.

    NFVCB is a Federal Government agency that regulates the films and video industry in Nigeria. The board is empowered by law to classify all films and videos, whether imported or produced locally.

    It is also the duty of the board to register all films and videos outlet across the country and to keep a register of such outlets among other functions.

  • What I’ve learnt in my 38 years as actor – Actor, Kunle Afod

    What I’ve learnt in my 38 years as actor – Actor, Kunle Afod

    Nollywood actor, Kunle Afod, says in his 38 years experience as an actor and director, he has learnt “there is no friend or foe anywhere”.

    Afod, while speaking with NAN on Wednesday in Lagos, said that nobody should be perceived as a permanent friend or enemy in life.

    He said: “Someone believed as a friend can turn to be a traitor and another fellow perceived as an enemy may become instrumental to one’s success.

    “I have been able to learn these two phases of life which everyone should beware of.

    “I started acting since 1986 and I have learnt that there are no friends nor foes anywhere. I think it is better for people to be liberal.

    “The person you see as your friend might come to stab you and that fellow you see as your enemy might be the person that will help you.”

    Afod disclosed plans to come up with a big screen production in 2025.

    “This year, I am looking toward the big screen. I will also be coming up with new series of the proverbs challenge this year. I like creating contents that are competitive,” he said.

    Advising up-and-coming actors and directors, Afod said they should work toward improving on their knowledge.

    “Directors should also be willing to carry out lots of research to improve on their work, upgrade their knowledge from time to time,” he said.

  • Nollywood: Omoni Oboli’s new movie pulled down from YouTube channel

    Nollywood: Omoni Oboli’s new movie pulled down from YouTube channel

    Nigerian latest movie  ”A Different Type of Love’’  has bee  pulled down from YouTube channel.

    Omoni Oboli, Nollywood actress and  producer of the movie, took to her social media platforms to explain that her film, ‘A Different Type of Love’, had been taken down from YouTube, after getting feedback about its striking resemblance with another movie.

    Her explanation came after she had been embroiled in social media drama, coupled with netizens pointing out its similarities with another movie on YouTube as well.

    “Dear besties, we know you are probably wondering why the latest movie is not available anymore on the channel.

    ‘’We have received feedback that it bears a striking resemblance to another film on YouTube.

    ‘’As a channel committed to originality, we have decided to remove the movie while we investigate the situation.

    ‘’We have engaged the scriptwriter to understand exactly what happened and we are working closely with our legal team to resolve this.

    ‘’Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Always remember that I love you,’’she wrote.

    Omoni   further stated that she had engaged the services of a scriptwriter for the film and investigations are underway to determine what actually happened.

    ‘A Different Type of Love’ was alleged to have the same storyline as another movie called ‘Hope Given’.

  • Nollywood mourns as popular filmmaker, Chijioke Ike dies

    Nollywood mourns as popular filmmaker, Chijioke Ike dies

     Nollywood producer cum marketer, Chijioke Ike, has passed away.

    TheNewsGuru reports that  Ajemba Stanley Chibueze, better known as Stanley Ontop, a colleague of the deceased film maker announced the sad incident.

    According to Stanley, via Instagram on Wednesday night,  the marketer slumped and died during a family gathering at his family residence.

    He also noted that the untimely demise came as a rude shock to him, and it was so painful to hear.

    The post read, “Black Day for Nollywood eastern part as we lost a vibrant Nollywood producer and marketer @globalgoldenmovies.

    “This one pain me ooo. Omo waten the sup

    “According to reliable source he slumped in a family meeting in his home town and kpai. May his soul rest in peace”

  • Ruth Kadiri slams producers who mount pressure on actors

    Ruth Kadiri slams producers who mount pressure on actors

    Nollywood actress cum film maker, Ruth Kadiri has urged her colleagues in the movie industry not to succumb to the pressure from producers.

    The mother of two via her Instagram page on Tuesday noted that any producer who requires one million  from entertainers in the movie industry in one day has failed. Kadiri noted how a good production requires more than one’s face.

    The prominent film maker avowed that one million views isn’t a standard of success or failure. She admonished her colleagues not to allow the ignorance of producers to rub off their joy.

    Throwing shades, she added that the producers who don’t invest in anyone are the ones with the most nonsense to say about others.

    She wrote: “Dear Nollywood actors!!! Take the pressure off your shoulder!!

    Any producer who requires one million views from you in one day has failed! A good production requires more than your face!

    One million views is not a standard of success or failure. So much y’all don’t know about YouTube. Don’t let their ignorance rob you of your joy!

    The ones who never invest in anyone are the ones with the most NONSENSE to say about others!”.

  • Japa waves: Plumber, Solider .. Nigerian actors who dumped Nollywood for other professions abroad

    Japa waves: Plumber, Solider .. Nigerian actors who dumped Nollywood for other professions abroad

    There has been a surprising career shift amongst Nollywood actors/ actresses as many are currently leaving Nollywood’s glamourous limelight in doves to start new lives abroad.

    The ‘Japa’ wave isn’t new, but it’s been making headlines in recent years as more and more Nigerians, celebrities inclusive, seek stability and better prospects abroad. Whether you’re an actor, teacher, or tech guru, the allure of steady income, career growth, and – let’s not forget – constant electricity is hard to ignore.

    These entertainers, in a bid to chase “greener pastures,” dived into a different fields, transforming themselves into medical doctors, nurses, soldiers, and information experts. 

    Regardless of their new line of profession, their unique reinvention of themselves, is a reminder that no matter what one does, there’s always room to pivot and chase new dreams. And yes, while Nollywood and Nigeria may be losing some of its brightest stars to the japa wave, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how to make staying at home just as appealing as moving abroad.

    Chris Bassey

    Nigerian movie producer and actor Chris Bassey recently disclosed that he switched career lanes to becoming a plumber in Canada.

    In September, Bassey, during a live chat on Instagram with media personality Daddy Freeze, confidently announced that he has been involved in plumbing since relocating to North American country.

    He stressed that his new career fetches him better income than being in tech and also affords him a more relaxed lifestyle.

    “I know you as a producer and actor, what career are you into this Yankee?” Daddy Freeze asked to which Bassey replied, “I’m into construction here. I do construction; I am a plumber.”

    Taken aback by the Nollywood actor’s response, the media personality questioned his transition despite his fame.

    “In the last seven months, the province I have visited just on weekends in Canada, even person wey dey do tech no fit afford am. For here, I don’t know about the UK or the US,” Bassey said in pidgin.

    Regina Askia- Williams 

    American-based actress, model, and former beauty Queen of the University of Lagos titleholder, Regina Askia-Williams is another high-profile Nigerian movie star who swapped acting for another career after migration.

    Askia bagged certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and practices in New York City after leaving the Nigerian shores.

    Also, she writes and speaks publicly, advocating for African outreach in children’s health, education, and economic development.

    Princess Chineke

    In November, popular Nigerian actress Princess Chineke announced that she had abandoned Nollywood for the United States army.

    The film star, via her Instagram, shared photos of herself in uniform, reciting the soldiers’ creed and seeking divine guidance as she embarks on the new journey.

    She wrote: “I’m an American soldier. I’m a member of a team. We are the army and proud of our name, we are the army and proudly proclaim.

    “I answered the call of service to my country, to serve the people of United States. This I will defend, so help me God. God bless America. What God cannot do doesn’t exist.”

    McMaurice Ndubueze

    Nollywood actor, McMaurice Ndubueze, widely remembered for his iconic “bad boy” roles, recently made a surprising career shift.

    The actor,  who is known by his stage name, Terror D’Archangel, gave us a good laugh with iconic campus life performances in the early 2000s with his role in several movies including Girls Cot, Old Testament 2, Old Testament, Ass on Fire, and Chasing the Dream is now a medical doctor in the US.

    This is according to his viral photos shared on social media, which, so far, fascinated many of his fans in the industry.

    Bukky Wright

    Veteran Nollywood actress Bukky Wright is also among the list of movie entertainers who are now doing something totally different from what she has been known for in the industry.

    The 56-year-old actress, born Oluwabukola Sekinat Ajoke Wright on 31 March 1967, is a graduate of the University of Lagos with a bachelor’s degree in Economics.

    The mother of two began her acting career in 1996 and has featured in several Nollywood movies in the Yoruba and English-speaking industry sectors. She is famed for her role in Wale Adenuga’s hit television series, Super Story. Meanwhile, there have been reports that the Nigerian screen diva is now an Information Security Auditor in the US.

     

     

  • Just In: Netflix exits Nigeria’s movie market

    Just In: Netflix exits Nigeria’s movie market

    Nollywood faces a heavy blow as it is reported that the international movie streaming platform ‘Netflix’ has announced their cancellation of its Nigerian Originals eight years after it was launched.

    According to NollyWire, Netflix ceased operating in Nigeria since November 2024, and had cut off the financial backing that streaming platforms had been providing for Nigerian movie production. 

    The cancellation of Netflix marks a major setback for Nollywood’s efforts to achieve recognition globally. It’s also a heavy blow to Nigerian filmmakers who had relied on Netflix to bring their stories to international spectators.

    Netflix’s Executive in Charge of Licensing Originals David Karanja announced this departure in a goodbye post on LinkedIn.

    David Karanja wrote: “While the world is beginning to recognize the power of African voices and stories told by Africans, I believe we are on the brink of a watershed moment for African cinema and television, similar to the leaps we’ve seen in music.”

    Comfirming the development, prominent Nigerian Filmaker Kunle Afolayan who spoke at 2024 Zuma Film Festival disclosed that the international streaming platform had ceased commissioning new Nigerian originals.

    He also revealed that, he was lucky enough to secure a third season for his hit series ‘Anikulapo’ before Netflix’s decision.

    Kunle Afolayan described the recent happening as a big blow to the industry and also as a wake-up call for the movie industry. The filmmaker called on the Nigerian government to invest in Nigerian film industry.

  • Why I stay away from sex roles – Joke Silva

    Why I stay away from sex roles – Joke Silva

    Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has disclosed the reason why she does not indulge in sexual roles during movie productions.

    The 63-year-old  in a recent chat with Saturday Sun, shared her reasons for avoiding sexually instigated roles in her career.

    The actress made it known that her choice to stay clear of sexual and romantic scenes is intentional, rooted in her belief that storytelling can convey sensuality without those kind of content.

    The veteran feels that such scenes should serve the narrative rather than rely on such value, advocating for creative approaches that respect both the story and the audience.

    She also spoke on the Nollywood’s cultural identity, stating that the industry is maintaining its cultural core, even though there are some concerns.

    She noted that although culture is evolving in a globalized world, streaming platforms encourage true cultural expression, which she sees as a way of enriching Nollywood’s unique character.

    Joke Silva also addressed the limited role opportunities for older actors, calling for the need for more diverse stories that include middle-aged and older characters.

    She points out that the experiences of people over 50 are frequently overlooked. By focusing on their interactions with younger generations, Nollywood can help enhance its storytelling.

  • Emeka Ike reveals how former president, Jonathan’s N3 billion Nollywood fund flopped

    Emeka Ike reveals how former president, Jonathan’s N3 billion Nollywood fund flopped

    Veteran actor Emeka Ike has brought to light significant concerns about the management of funds allocated to the Nigerian film industry.

    Emeka, during a recent interview, opened up on an N3 billion naira fund introduced to the movie industry during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Launched in March 2013, the N3 billion initiative, “Project Nollywood”, was a significant step towards revitalizing Nigeria’s film industry.

    Before the initiative, Nollywood was ridiculed for low-quality content, which affected the growth in production and sales.

    At the time, the initiative aimed to assist filmmakers by providing grants for film scripts that supported skill development and improved industry infrastructure.

    According to the veteran, many movie makers could not access the funds, as it was alleged that the funds were unfairly distributed to a selected few.

    There have been other cases of funding concerns in the industry.

    In 2010, Jonathan’s administration announced a $200 million (N32 billion) revolving loan scheme which also faced criticism due to accessibility issues.

    The movie star emphasized that the lack of structures and unity in the industry were the critical factors contributing to the poor distribution of funds.

    Emeka also advocated for stronger governance and the establishment of formal industry frameworks, to prevent similar issues in the future.

    He noted that one of the factors hindering proper fund allocation, is the lack of accountability arguing that the process could have been more transparent and equitable if the government had engaged with industry bodies like the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) or the Theatre Arts Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).

    “Moving forward, I would advice that if we have structures like AGN, NANTAP, ANTP, and AMP, the government should consider releasing such funds after establishing a relationship with the bodies representing us,” Emeka said.

    He concluded, “Dealing with individuals like me or Uncle Bob Manuel alone is not enough. It should be an industry-wide process with a clear framework representing all of Nollywood.”