TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nollywood

  • 7 things you need to know about late ‘prolific’ filmmaker, Chico Ejiro

    7 things you need to know about late ‘prolific’ filmmaker, Chico Ejiro

    Revered Nigerian filmmaker, Chico Ejiro passed on in the early hours of Christmas Day.

    In no particular order, TheNewsGuru takes a look at 7 things you need to know about the iconic movie director.

     

    1. Born in Isoko, Delta, Nigeria, he was drawn into video production because Nigerians would not buy blank video cassettes. He became a director by accident. He developed an interest in being a director when he worked in NTA for a while.
    2. Ejiro owned a production company called Grand Touch Pictures and he directed over 80 movies within a five-year period — each one shot in as little as three days. It is often said that he held the record of the Nollywood director with the highest number of released movies.
    3. He met his wife, Joy, in 1994, and wedded her in 1998.They have four children.
    4. Chico started working in Nollywood in n1987

    5.Most of his friends referred to him as the chairman of Arsenal football club because he was a die-hard fan.

    6.He attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where he obtained a Diploma in Agriculture after two years, then moved to the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike to complete his course in Agriculture.

    1. Nicknamed Mr Prolific, Chico Ejiro, was the younger brother of legendary filmmaker, Zeb Ejiro, who taught him the rudiments of the job.

     

     

  • BREAKING: Popular Nollywood filmmaker, Chico Ejiro is dead

    BREAKING: Popular Nollywood filmmaker, Chico Ejiro is dead

    Information reaching TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) has it that renowned Nollywood filmmaker, producer and director, Chico Ejiro is dead.

    Born Chico Maziakpono in Isoko, Delta State, Ejiro is a movie director, screenwriter, and producer.

    Ejiro originally studied agriculture, and he was drawn into video production because Nigerians would not buy blank video cassettes.

    The sad news of Ejiro’s death came out on Christmas Day but not much detail is known about the cause of the death of the veteran filmmaker.

    According to close family sources, Ejiro died on Christmas morning in Lagos State.

    Ejiro is married to Joy Ejiro and they have four children.

    He has two brothers: Zeb Ejiro, the best-known of the new Nigerian cinema auteurs outside of the country, and Peter Red Ejiro, also a movie producer.

     

    Details shortly…

  • Get approval before using corps members’ uniform in movies — NYSC

    Get approval before using corps members’ uniform in movies — NYSC

    Filmmakers have been asked to always seek appropriate approval from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) management before using corps members’ uniform in their movies.

    Mr Christian Oru, NYSC Assistant Director of Legal Services, said this during a meeting between National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and creative industry stakeholders in Lagos.

     

    Oru said that illegal use of its uniform in movies would no longer be tolerated by the management and also directed filmmakers to submit an application letter, stating exactly what the uniform would be used for. He added that they must acknowledge NYSC in the movie asides submitting their scripts to enable them observe how NYSC would be represented in the movie.

    According to him: “ For any film maker that wants any of his casts to wear the corps members’ uniform while shooting movies, we require that you write an application letter to NYSC to indicate your interest.

    “We also demand that you submit your script to us for proper vetting to know how NYSC will be represented.

    “We know the script is your copyright and we will do everything to ensure confidentiality.”

     

    Announcing that administrative handling charges have been introduced for filmmakers before the use of the uniforms, the NYSC Assistant Director of Legal Services also said NYSC is open to allowing filmmakers to advertise their movies on its various camp grounds.

     

    He added: “We want a token from what you generate from the production of such movies where our uniforms are used, this is known as administrative charges.

    “This is because we spend money to produce these uniforms, we will like to work with you and we promise that we will all be on the same page to ensure we are developing the industry and the nation as well.”

     

  • Nigerian actors threatened me- Van Vicker

    Nigerian actors threatened me- Van Vicker

    Popular Ghanaian actor, Van Vicker at some point in his career made waves in Nollywood. The handsome role interpreter has stated that some Nollywood actors threatened him when he was a regular feature in Nollywood flicks.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that at a time, Ghanaian movie stars like Jackie Appiah, Majid Michel, Van Vicker, John Dumelo, Yvonne Okoro, Yvonne Nelson, Nadia Buhari flooded the Nigerian movie industry

    “Initially everything was good, but at a point, the Nigerian male actors had issues with me so I did face some threats, adverse situations here and there because they were not too happy,” he said on on United Showbiz on UTV.

    Speaking further, Vicker said: “You know film business is incredibly competitive, so, it’s either him or him. When there is a certain range, it’s Mr. A or Mr. B, so if Mr. A is the one on top, he’s on for a very long time and that doesn’t give way for others to shine so the Nigerian lead actors weren’t too comfortable.”

    Vicker stated that he later got to know that the actors later had to understand that whether the role goes to a Ghanaian or a Nigerian, “we’re all brothers”.

    “Later on, they realized I had no ill motives toward them so it wasn’t what they were thinking,” he said.

     

  • Another Nollywood legend is dead

    Another Nollywood legend is dead

    Popular veteran Nollywood actor, Alhaji Yekini Omobolanle Oyedele who is fondly referred to as Baba Legba, is dead.

    News of his demise circulated on Monday, September 7, 2020, after Baba Sala’s son, Adejumo Boisala Emmanuel announced on Facebook.

    According to him, the actor was buried following Islamic rites.

    Emmanuel wrote; “Alhaji Yekini Omobolanle popularly known as Babalegba died in the early hours of today (midnight precisely).

    ”He joined Alawada Theatre Group in 1974 and was playing comic roles along with Baba Sala, sometimes he played Babalawo, Police officer but the most time one comic role to another.

    ”He is a friend of the family and supporter of my Daddy till his death. He used to be called Sunday Omobolanle then before he went to Mecca and he turned Muslim. Personally, he contributed a lot to my success too.”

    Actor Yomi Fash-Lanso, the director of media and public relations of Theater Arts and Motion Picture Producers Association of Nigeria, also confirmed the news of the death of the veteran actor.

  • Nollywood filled with prostitutes, Yahoo boys- Yemi Solade

    Nollywood filled with prostitutes, Yahoo boys- Yemi Solade

    Veteran actor, Yemi Solade has averred that Nollywood is filled with prostitutes and Yahoo boys.

    The revered film star made this known during a chat with Tribune.

    In his words: “Nollywood is not there right now. The Nollywood you see is all-encompassing. It’s an uncompleted building that is not guarded and what you meet there would amaze you,” the 60-year-old said.

     

    “It has become an all-comers affair, anybody can stroll in and act. All the Yahoo boy are now there, all the prostitutes that you can imagine are there.

     

    “People can’t even discern between the core professionals and these class of clowns who have infiltrated the association. But they didn’t just fly in, people you call professionals brought them in.

     

    “It’s just so porous that anybody can become an actor, the entry point is so porous and annoying. It’s a profession and it must be handled and treated as one.

     

    “I am not really pleased with the state of the industry. It’s a professional body and we must portray ourselves as one that has mastered the art and craft of the profession.”

     

    TheNewsGuru recalls that the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) had earlier signed an MOU to end the practice of soliciting funds for medical emergencies among its members and independent actors in the film industry.

     

    Sharing his view on the development, Solade said: “I’m not in any professional body to know what they’re planning. But I’ll tell you, in any professional body, they should, as a matter of fact, have plans for their aged members.

     

    “Little wonder we have some social media influencers raising donations for some actors on social media platforms, for people to help raise funds for them.

     

    “If there were insurance schemes, and plans in place for the aged, or members of the industry, they won’t run to the social media to raise alms for their failing health conditions.

     

    “So I don’t think there is anything like that. There is too much show, and we don’t need that, we send wrong signals to the world, we are giving the world a different impression about us.”

  • Being sexy an advantage in Nollywood- Mojisola Adebanjo

    Rising actress and model, Mojisola Adebanjo a.k.a Jisola is a talented role interpreter gradually climbing the ladder to the top in Nollywood.

    The Nollywood damsel opens up on her love for acting, amongst other issues.

     

    Can you briefly tell us about yourself?

     

    My name is Mojisola Mary Adebanjo. I am a model, an interior decorator and actress. I was born and brought up in Lagos. I am from Ogun State. I am the last child in a family of 8.

    I am a graduate of Esep Le Berger Universite Benin Republic (The Shepherd University). I will describe myself as loving, caring, fun to be with, hardworking and a people person. But I can also be the opposite of my finest characters if they are taken advantage of or being treated with disrespect.

     

    What were the challenges you faced at the early stage of your career?

    When I started acting, it wasn’t easy because I was a full-time (8 to 8) worker. I had a day job and at the same acting. Then it got to a time in which I was to choose between my job and my career. It was a difficult one for me, knowing fully well that I have a long way to go in my acting career. I didn’t hesitate to choose my acting career because I have been trying to pursue it for a very long time and I finally got an opportunity to achieve my dream. I decided not to let it go.

    I then started my interior business in order to have another stream of income. Sometimes I feel like giving up due to financial issues, but God keeps pushing me. At this point, I know I’m not where I want to be, but I strongly believe it’s a process and I will surely get there. I was able to overcome these challenges by pushing myself and deciding not to give up.

     

     

    Sexual harassment is a common trend in the industry, how did you scale through?

     

    I feel it’s just about determination and what you choose to do with yourself. Although I haven’t come across any form of sexual harassment in the industry.

     

     

    What part of your body gets you the most attention?

     

    My face get me the most attention I will say.It has really helped me achieved some things. It has been used for commercial adverts and I got paid.

     

     

    Can you cope with a habitual liar in a relationship?

     

    No I can’t. I know everyone lies and no one is perfect, but I like when I’m being told the truth no matter the situation.

     

    Is being sexy an advantage in Nollywood?

     

    Yes it is. I like being sexy. As a woman, you have to be sexy, It’s to your advantage. ‘Slay it’ and stay sexy.

     

    Was there a time you wanted to give up on acting?

     

    When I started acting, I was discouraged about my career path. I heard lot of negative comments from different people. To be sincere, the comments got to me.Then I realized I couldn’t let go of my dreams .Instead, I told myself to live for me and not for others.

     

    What makes you cry?

     

    Whenever I think about my late dad I cry a lot. He died in 2015 and it was a huge loss for me. It’s not easy to lose a loved one.

     

    What is your worst location experience?

     

    I haven’t experienced any yet.

  • COVID-19 has taught me to focus on what truly matters- Shebaby

    COVID-19 has taught me to focus on what truly matters- Shebaby

    Nollywood actress and singer, Seyi Ariyo a.k.a Shebaby has averred that she will definitely opt for plastic surgery anytime soon.

    In a chat with Inside Nollywood, the entertainer who recently turned 40 said:”Confidence and beauty are beyond our outward appearances and physiques. It is who we think and perceive ourselves to be. Don’t be surprised that there are many who still don’t get satisfied or feel good about their bodies. My take is if there is anything I’m not comfortable with in any part of my body, I’ll work to fix it. It feels natural enough for me. I’m definitely going through (plastic) surgery anytime soon,” she said.

     

    On the effects of COVID-19 on herself and the entertainment industry in general, the light-skinned damsel said she missed the freedom of associating freely with colleagues in the entertainment industry. “I also miss the gathering of worshippers of God. And then, I miss my band members. The pandemic has taught me to focus on that which truly matters – family, health and business.”

     

     

     

  • I don’t take nonsense from anybody- Omotola Jalade Ekeinde

    I don’t take nonsense from anybody- Omotola Jalade Ekeinde

    Leading Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has said she doesn’t take nonsense from anybody.

    The Last Flight to Abuja actress who would be celebrating her 25 years in Nollywood anniversary come November, said people seem to enjoy making her a villain.

    “Unfortunately, I think people seem to enjoy making me a villain. I’m not too sure why but I guess because I have two sides to me. I have come to realise that people don’t like the real people. They like people who like to pretend and look perfect in everybody’s eyes but I’m me, I say what I mean and I mean what I say.

    People who know me very well will tell you I’m very friendly, down-to-earth, very humble but I’m a no nonsense person. I draw the lines, I don’t take nonsense from anybody. So, once a woman doesn’t tolerate mediocrity and stupidity they want to label you and if you are a successful one at that, there’s even more problem, they want to turn you into a villain.

    For me, I do the best I can, my soul is very clear, I know that I don’t go out to hurt anyone. I don’t go out to disrespect anyone and I don’t allow the rumours to get to me. Most of the people that come out to say things about me I have never met. I believe it’s just a perceived idea and some do it to get some sort of attention”, she told Vanguard.

     

    Sharing some of the bumps she has experienced in her career, Omotola said:”There’s been a few. A few bumps on the road I guess. The first very obvious one was the banning of the artistes. That one took all of us by surprise. And then again it was a blessing because of that, we learned to diversify and to think out of the box. To the outward eye it seemed like a bump in the road but for those of us that adjusted properly it became a blessing to us.

     

    “Another time, career wise, I would say, is transition into the cinema era. But in the long run it became a blessing too. For some of us who had gotten to a particular level in our career it was not particularly a seemingly good transition. It was like you had to drop yourself right back down to allow yourself to take it all in. You have to take a pay cut, you have to do things you didn’t have to do before. At a point, artists had to start promoting their movies themselves which was something strange to most of us. To me, it was a little bit demystifying. That was a bumpy transition as far as I’m concerned because you are starting a new market structure and people were doing unconventional things, in my own opinion, not too healthy for their brands”.

     

     

     

     

  • SAD: Nollywood actress, Emilia Dike is dead

    SAD: Nollywood actress, Emilia Dike is dead

    Nollywood actress, Emilia Dike, is dead. She reportedly died on Wednesday in Enugu after slumping.

    Mr Okechukwu Oku, a movie Director, who expressed sadness over the bad news, took to his Instagram page, @okechukwuoku on Wednesday to announce the death of the actress.

    ”Why is death taking the best people???? I’m confused oooo.

    “Just filmed with Mama here on my 2 last projects, excited to release it and this horrible news today.

    ”A woman with a heart of gold, Aah noooo. Will miss you Mrs Dike.

    “Nollywood has lost a gem in you. This is messed up’,’ he wrote.

    Some Nollywood stars like Uche Ogbodo, Anita Joseph, Belinda Effah, Ken Erics and others have expressed shock at the news of her passing.

    Dike featured in Nollywood movies such as “Ignorant couples”, “Dust of yesterday”, “Kings Guard”, “Where Money Never Sleep 1 and 2”, and many more.