TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nollywood

  • Why I was blacklisted in Nollywood – Joke Silva

    Why I was blacklisted in Nollywood – Joke Silva

    Veteran actress, Joke Silva, has revealed she was blacklisted years ago in Nollywood.

    The thespian revealed this during an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo.

    According to her: “Years ago, we did this film that was the time the marketers were getting involved in movies. This marketer came to our house, we were living in Ikeja at the time, brought money for myself and my husband to come on this film that they had already started shooting. And he wanted us to play the parents of the star of the film and we decided to do it. It was Fred Amata who directed at the time. We started shooting and things were going a bit rocky until one day we were waiting for the lead actress. They told us we had to be on location by eight in the morning. And we got on location on time, we are never late. We got dressed and we were waiting. We were waiting till four in the afternoon.

    “When the marketer then brings the star along to the location, I turned around and I looked at Fred and said ‘I am contracted to work with you for two weeks and I will give you two extra days because I know what location can be like, after those two days, if we don’t finish, I am walking’.Fred said I totally understand. I am sure he didn’t believe I would do it.

    “When those two days were up, we still had one scene and it was supposed to be a very crucial scene in the film. I didn’t show up. The marketer was big at that time. Because of that, I was secretly blacklisted for quite a while. Mine was never mentioned, but it was done.”

  • PHOTOS: Ahead of surgery, Clem Ohameze gets gift of N8m after begging Nigerians for prayers

    PHOTOS: Ahead of surgery, Clem Ohameze gets gift of N8m after begging Nigerians for prayers

    Ahead of his surgery, and after begging Nigerians for prayers, sick Nollywood actor, Mr Clem Ohameze has been handed a gift of N8 million.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Ohameze was handed the N8 million gift by a popular Warri, Delta State based pastor known as Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin.

    Prophet Jeremiah, who is the founder and head prophet of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, handed the gift to the veteran Nollywood actor on Sunday.

    Recall that Ohameze recently called on Nigerians to pray for him as he prepares to undergo a surgery.

    He made the call in a video that went viral on social media, narrating how his health deteriorated after he had a car accident some time ago.

    The actor also disclosed that after the accident, he had visited the hospital where an x-ray was conducted on him to ascertain the extent of injury sustained.

    According to him, the result of the x-ray showed that his “cervical vertebrae 3 had collapsed on the 4th, thereby causing pressure on my spinal cord and the retardment of the lower limb”.

    Ohameze said he was treated for a while and he got better. He, however, said he noticed that he started having difficulty walking later.

    The film star said after undergoing a further scan, he was told that he would have to undergo a procedural surgery to separate the cervical vertebrae three from four to free the spinal cord permanently.

    “After they showed me the procedure and how it’s been done, I was scared. I was told that they are going to cut open the neck and physically separate the cervical vertebrae three from four and then use an iron plate to plate it with some screws so it can remain permanent,” he said.

    “It was scary but I have no choice. I seriously need people’s thoughts and prayers as I go in for this procedural surgery.”

    In October last year, the actor had narrated how a mob attacked and robbed him in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital, during the #EndSARS protest.

    See photos below:

  • SHOCKER: We used to rent food for Nollywood film shoots-Kanayo O Kanayo

    SHOCKER: We used to rent food for Nollywood film shoots-Kanayo O Kanayo

    Veteran actor, Kanayo O Kanayo has averred that filmmakers once had to rent meals for movie shoots in Nollywood.

    In an Instagram post, the film star recalled the problems that marked his early days in the movie industry.

    “When I saw this, I remembered when we started this career with the NTA,” the Nollywood star said, holding up a piece of meat.

    “This is props. If you ever ate it at the time, you’ve eaten your artist fee. It was rented from the canteen.”

    TheNewsGuru recalls that back in 1992, Kanayo had his acting debut in ‘Living in Bondage’, a two-part film today regarded as one of the earliest successes in Nigeria’s film production history.

    The Imo-born actor would go on to star in over 100 movies.

    Kanayo, in September 2020, ventured into the legal profession to fulfil his long-time dream of becoming a lawyer.

    The actor had earlier made headlines after he fired back at critics who mocked him for playing ritual roles in films.

    “What’s the link between Kanayo O Kanayo and the role he played as Nicholas? There are certain questions people ask you all the time such that it looks as if these people don’t think,” he had said.

    “Let gossipers be. They should go educate themselves. Even among Jesus’ disciples, Luke was a doctor. They all had what they were doing before they were called.

    “You take up a role and interpret the script so well, only for viewers to ask if you truly do money rituals. What’s one’s business with that? What people should understand is I have a profession.”

  • Obi Cubana, Mr Ibu, UAE envoy honoured at Nollywood New Yam Festival

    Obi Cubana, Mr Ibu, UAE envoy honoured at Nollywood New Yam Festival

    Businessman, Obinna Iyiegbu, also known as Obi Cubana and John Okafor also known as Mr Ibu, were honoured with traditional titles at the 2021 Nollywood New Yam Festival.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that also honoured is Dr Fahad Al Taffaq, the Ambassador of United Arab Emirate to Nigeria.

    NAN reports that the event is an annual fiesta, which showcases Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

    The event was organised by the former Chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abuja, Mr Onwurah Ifeanyi, also known as ‘Agility’.

    “This is a festival that Nollywood stakeholders put in place to always remind them of their roots and culture.

    “In the time past, we were forgetting our roots, but now we are trying to see what we can do every year to bring people back.

    “I used the festival to be a pointer to other African cultures. You can see people dress in Edo, Calabar, Yoruba, Hausa and other attire to attend. So that is the pointer.

    “Aside from the celebration, we are awarding a lot of people. The award became necessary because so many people have helped Nollywood and humanity.

    “So, from time to time, we award these people, because, when you praise somebody that did something well, it would encourage the person to do more, and that is why today we are awarding these people,” Ifeanyi said.

    Also, Mr Emeka Rollas, the National President of Actors Guild of Nigeria said the New Yam Festival to an Igbo man was a celebration of a good harvest of yam annually.

    “It is believed that when you do not celebrate the harvest of yam in a year, that the next year’s harvest may not be fruitful.

    “That is why it is very imperative as Nollywood has become the most important export of Nigeria as far as culture is concerned.

    “That is why every year, we gather here in the celebration of the yam as a symbol of unity for Nigeria and the Igbo man.

    NAN reports that while Obi Cubana got the title of Ifeomaolibo, because now he has trained, sponsored and supported a lot of youths to become self-independent, Okafor got Aki Ogbocioma, because of his positive impact in the industry.

    Taffaq also got the award of Ugocinba, meaning, an eagle from a foreign land which is well cherished.

    Others that got awards include Francis Duru, Alhaji Abunakar Maikano, the Sapayi of Garki, Abuja and many others.

    Meanwhile, Bishop Oguba Owuocho John, the Secretary of the West Africa College of Bishops said African cultures should not be allowed to die, adding that there is a need to differentiate between sacrifice and culture.

    “Today we are talking about a culture that does not involve sacrifice. This New Yam Festival is a point of contact where people interact with themselves, where some helpers locate people that they suppose to render help to.

    Taffaq who received the award of Ugocinba said he was grateful for the honour.

    “This event is one that will bring a lot of prosperity, support to the actors and the creative industry in Nigeria and of course it is going to be an important aspect of Nigeria.

    “We at the UAE Embassy have been partnering with the Nigerian Government and the leaders in the country’s creative industry.

    “In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, we organised the UAE-Nigeria Culture and Art Football in Lagos. It was well attended and a huge success,” Fahad said.

    Another Awardee, Okafor lauded the organiser and appreciated the award.

    NAN reports that the event attracted the big names in the entertainment industry, traditional institutions, the Ministry of Information and Culture and other relevant stakeholders.

    High points of the event were the dance performances by the Gbayi and Ogene Dance Troupes, and the award of the titles and certificates to the awardees.

     

     

  • Nollywood produced 375 movies in Q3 2021 — NFVCB

    Nollywood produced 375 movies in Q3 2021 — NFVCB

    The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) says it recorded 375 Nollywood movie productions in the third quarter (Q3) of 2021.

    According to NAN, the data was listed in the Q3 report of the board’s department of film censorship and classification.

    The report captured all films submitted to the board’s offices from across the country.

    According to the report, the number of movies produced during the quarter represented a sharp decline when compared to the previous quarters.

    The NFVCB says 635 movies were produced in the second quarter and 416 in the first quarter.

    “The report is for onward submission to the relevant Federal Government authority for the compilation of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the third quarter (GDP) Q3, 2021,” the NFVCB said.

    According to the report, Lagos had the highest number of movies produced for the period with 159.

    Abuja followed closely with 108 movies while Onitsha recorded 83 movie productions.

    The analysis by location further showed that Kano had eight while Port Harcourt and Jos recorded six respectively.

    Benin had five movies for the period under review.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that NFVCB had described Nollywood as Nigeria’s “new oil” capable of attracting investors.

    “The film industry can… create jobs, and boost the nation’s GDP if adequate attention is given to it,” the agency said.

    “The industry is no longer for entertainment alone, but it offered great opportunities in creating a lot of jobs for the youths. We always see new faces every day in the industry.

    “Assuming this industry is not waxing stronger, joblessness would have pervaded everywhere.”

     

  • Nollywood mourns actor, Joshua Johnson

    Nollywood mourns actor, Joshua Johnson

    Tributes have continued to poured in for Nollywood actor, Joshua Johnson, who allegedly died on Thursday from a yet-to-be-disclosed sickness.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the actor’s demise was confirmed by filmmaker Abel Alechenu on his Instagram page.

    Alechenu wrote, “This one hit differently but all I can say is it is well. When I called your phone and it rang, I thought all I heard were just rumours until I was told by the voice, which wasn’t yours, that you had gone to be with the Lord.

    “I wish I could hear it’s one of your many jokes. Our last conversation was our normal jokes. May God comfort your immediate family and us, your friends and fans. Thanks for all the memories. God rest your soul.”

    In the same vein, actress Elvina Ibru wrote on her Instagram page: “Josh, why na? The plan we had sitting under that tree on set was yam porridge at my place, not this! This was not the plan at all. Sleep well, my brother.”

    Some of the late actor’s friends took to Facebook to mourn his death.

    One of them, Godwin Brown, wrote, “OMG, this is unbelievable! He is so passionate in anything he does and he also keeps to his words. May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.”

     

  • I feel great to be celebrated while alive – Kanayo O. Kanayo

    I feel great to be celebrated while alive – Kanayo O. Kanayo

    Renowned Nollywood actor, Anayo Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo, says he feels so great to be celebrated by friends, fans and well-wishers, while alive.

    Onyekwere, who on Oct. 16 received the 2020 Sun Newspaper Nollywood Icon award for his excellent role delivery and iconic status, said he felt honoured to be recognised by the newspaper.

    He took to his Instagram page on Monday to share his feelings over the award and celebration that followed it.

    He wrote: “It feels so great to be honoured and celebrated. Thanks for celebrating me when I am alive.

    “Sun has risen and it will always shine. Thanks to Sun Newspaper, all my fans, friends, well-wishers and enemies alike.

    “It is done, all for Nollywood.”

    Since the reception of the award, the Nollywood icon had been celebrated by friends and fans.

    Kanayo began his acting career in 1982, cutting his teeth in some of the local productions of Nigerian Television Authority in Aba and Enugu.

    He later relocated to Lagos, where he waxed stronger, featuring in mega drama series, like Checkmates, Ripples, New Masquerade and Village Headmaster.

    It was not long before he became an actor of outstanding ability with his role of Chief Omego in Living in Bondage, a 1992 blockbuster movie.

    He also featured in over 100 movies, including Rituals, Blood Money, Living Dead, Desperate Billionaire, Circles of Doom, Lost Kingdom, Billionaires Club and many others.

    After many years of blossoming acting career, Kanayo became a lawyer and was called to the Nigerian Bar on Sept. 15, 2020.

    He holds the National honour of Member of the Federal Republic.

  • Finally, actor Chiwetalu Agu released from DSS custody

    Finally, actor Chiwetalu Agu released from DSS custody

    Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu has been released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    His release was secured by the Actors Guild of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

    A statement issued by Monalisa Chinda Coker, Director of Communications, Actors Guild, on Tuesday evening said the National President of the Guild, Ejezie Emeka Rollas secured his release.

    “On behalf of the Guild, I was at the DSS office with my colleague, the Senior special Assistant on Military Affairs and Inter Governmental Relations to the President Steve Eboh to receive Mr. Agu today.

    “The elated veteran Actor thanked God for surviving the ordeal and commended the leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria headed by Ejezie Emeka Rollas for their relentless efforts in securing his release from the detention,” the statement said.

    Agu was first arrested by soldiers for allegedly promoting Biafra and inciting the people against government. He was said to have worn a branded Biafra outfit.

    After he was released by the soldiers, the DSS grabbed him and he has been with them for since. He was later flown to Abuja before his eventual release.

  • We arrested Chiwetalu Agu for canvassing support for IPOB – Army

    We arrested Chiwetalu Agu for canvassing support for IPOB – Army

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday confirmed the arrest of veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, stating that he was arrested for inciting members of the public and gathering support for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    TheNewsGuru had reported that Chiwetalu Agu was seen in a viral video online, manhandled and taken away by men of the Nigerian army at relief market, opposite Lagos park in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    Confirming the arrest and reasons for it, the army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Thursday said the 65 year old popular actor was arrested for supporting and soliciting support for IPOB.

    He said,“Troops of Nigerian Army have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed IPOB.

    “Dressed in a very well known attire of the proscribed group, Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group.”

    The army spokesman said contrary to what was reported of his brutalization, Chinwetalu Agu was not subjected to any brutality but showed forms of resistance when the army approached him

    He added,
    “Though, he attempted putting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalisation.

    “It is important to once again place on record that the allegation that he was brutalised is false and should be disregarded accordingly.”

  • Men know what they want from a woman before they approach her – Actor Kenneth Okonkwo

    Men know what they want from a woman before they approach her – Actor Kenneth Okonkwo

    Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo has disclosed that every man knows what they want from a woman before they approach her.

    He went on further to state that a man doesn’t need to date a woman for years, before knowing if she is marriageable. He made this known on his social media page.

    On his page, he wrote; ”Absolutely no man needs to date you for years to know if you’re marriageable or not. Men almost certainly know what they want from a woman even before they approach her.
    My advice to ladies looking to find life partners is this: always be yourself. Make sure you’re happy and enjoying the relationship and not pretending so as to please the man you’re dating.
    If it’s not you, it’s not you and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it. It’s not about you. It’s about him and where he’s placed you in his heart. Stop stressing it. Good evening beloved fans.”