TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nollywood

  • Yul Edochie decries ‘drop’ in quality of Nollywood movies

    Yul Edochie decries ‘drop’ in quality of Nollywood movies

    Ace Nigerian actor, Yul Edochie, on Monday decried what he called the “drop” in the quality of Nollywood movies.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the thespian shared his thoughts in series of posts on his Twitter handle.

    He said there was need for seasoned actors to help revive the quality of Nollywood movies for the industry to retain its place on the global stage.

    He said: ”The quality of our home videos has dropped so much. Lots of crappy actors/actresses, crappy directors.

    “We can’t continue like this. To all seasoned Nollywood practitioners, pls let’s revive it. People love our content all over the world.

    ” We just need to step up the quality.”

    NAN reports that Yul Edochie, son of veteran actor, Pete Edochie, made his Nollywood debute in 2005 when he featured in “The Exquires” alongside the late Justus Esiri and Enebeli Elebuwa.

    He, however, came to limelight in 2007 after starring alongside Genevieve Nnaji and Desmond Elliot in the acclaimed movie, “Wind Of Glory”.

    In 2009, he won the Best New Actor of the Year (English) at the City People Entertainment Awards and later clinched the ‘Best Actor of the Year’ trophy of the same award in 2013 among other feats.

  • It is wrong for actresses to call out one another over relationship issues- Funke Etti

    It is wrong for actresses to call out one another over relationship issues- Funke Etti

    Soft spoken actress, Funke Etti has averred that it is erroneous for actresses to call out one another over relationship issues.

    Etti made this known in a chat with Punch.

    According to her: “It is wrong for actresses to call out one another over relationship issues. But when you research well, you would find that it’s not entirely the ladies’ fault. Some men are deceptive; they would not disclose their relationship status or confess that they are dating actress A, while they are going after actress B. These things are common occurrences. They would practically deny the existence of people they have dated in the movie industry just to get the new lady. I keep telling people to always apply wisdom when it comes to love matters. Ladies should not drag themselves on social media; it’s a matter that could be settled amicably between both parties, especially if they are not married.”

    Asked if aging makes one less relevant in Nollywood, she said: “I don’t believe that one’s age makes an actor less sought after or less popular in the movie industry. I believe that one should always be happy about one’s age. I’m 41 but there is no role that I can’t play; acting is my area of specialization and I love it. For one to be called a professional actor, one has to be versatile”.

     

     

     

     

  • Nollywood associations protest over non-inclusion in FG’s initiative to mitigate effects of Covid-19 in creative industry

    Nollywood associations protest over non-inclusion in FG’s initiative to mitigate effects of Covid-19 in creative industry

    Several Nollywood guilds and associations have protested over their non-inclusion in the federal government’s initiative to mitigate effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the creative industry.

    A statement jointly signed by the associations stated that if guilds like the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Medical Association among others are engaged as strategic stakeholders by the government through their recognised association’s leadership then the creative industry deserves the same regard.

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a purported creative industry committee reportedly set up by the Federal Government to advise it on how to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the creative industry as reported in the press on the 6th of May 2020. We first wish to commend the government for having such initiative and intentions for the creative industry.

    “It is a welcome and thoughtful approach to positive intervention and in alignment with other progressive governments the world over, who having appreciated the impact of the pandemic on their creative sectors, developed palliative programs as a support net.

    “However, in those other climes there are processes and approaches indicative of a transparent and equitable desire to
    ensure that the needs and requirements of the target sectors are achieved!

    “It is an incontrovertible fact that, the Nigerian creative industry with over 20 guilds, employs about 2.5million Nigerian youths; and is recognised globally as the fastest growing creative industry.

    “With the second largest movie production industry in the world, it is an industry worth over US$2Billion with a contribution of 2.3% to the nation’s GDP.

    “It is also a known fact that these 2.5M Nigerians belong to associations and organisations generally referred to as guilds, whom they have willingly through legitimate elections handed over the incumbency of their mandates; saying in essence
    speak and act on our behalf on matters affecting our interests, welfare and wellbeing!

    “It is then inherent and indeed compelling that any discussion concerning the welfare of the industry should as a matter of equity and transparency involve the participation of those guild heads.

    “Presently, Nigeria is involved in the process of financial discussions with international finance bodies. No matter how rich or influential the most successful industrialist or the most successful banker maybe, or how connected with those financial organisations, they cannot lead the sovereign government delegation to those talks. In the same manner the citizens of Nigeria would hold the federal government responsible so do the 2.5m workers of the Nigerian creative sector hold the guilds and their leaders responsible!

    “In as much as the ministry may in its wisdom nominate individuals from the industry as additional resource persons based on their experiences and reach , there is the clear and present danger that the government will miss its mark when it does not appreciate and incorporate the workings of a sub- sector of the economy when the leadership of that sector are not consulted prior to major
    decisions affecting the sector.

    “Nollywood is one of the priority sectors identified by the government for its Economic Recovery and Growth Plans with a projected US$1Billion export revenue in 2020. This is the more reason why the government must involve the leadership of the industry on critical issues affecting the industry rather than only hand-picking a few practitioners no matter how prominent they may be.

    We have always believed that where there is a will, there is always a way. In that vein we therefore urge the ministry to henceforth incorporate guild heads whenever it proposes rigorous engagements with the creative industry both now and in the future. If really the government is serious about this noble initiative; we then respectfully call on the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed to reconstitute the committee to reflect the actual representatives of the industry.

    If guilds like the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Medical Association among others are engaged as strategic stakeholders by the government through their recognised association’s leadership then the creative industry deserves the same regard.

    We hold this truth to be self-evident that the Nollywood sector of our creative enterprise and industry has structured leadership founded and anchored on their Guilds and Associations and we urge the Honourable Minister of Information or any other representative of the federal government, its parastatals and agencies planning any intended dealings with Nollywood to kindly but officially do
    so through the Guilds and Associations.

    SIGNED
    For Nollywood Associations and Guilds:
    Presidents:
    1) AMP Ralph Nwadike
    2) AGN Emeka Rollas
    3) DGN Fred Amata
    4) SWGN Yinka Ogun
    5) ANCOP Daisy Madu-Chikwendu
    6) MOPPAN Ahmad Sarari
    7) CDGN Sele O. Sele
    8) FVPMAN Emeka Aduah
    9) ITPAN Yinka Oduniyi
    10) MACDAN Barr. Izu Osuigwe
    11) CEMP Chief Peddie Okhao
    12) AMPEEN Mensah Paul
    13) NANTAP Israel Eboh
    14) TAMPAN Otunba Bolaji Amusan
    15) AMCOD Hon Sola Awoleye
    16) AVOA Ngozi Ogbonna
    17) CSN
    18) ANTP

  • Nollywood associations protest over non-inclusion in FG’s initiative to mitigate effects of Covid-19 on creative industry

    Nollywood associations protest over non-inclusion in FG’s initiative to mitigate effects of Covid-19 on creative industry

    A coalition of Nollywood associations have registered their discomfort over their non-inclusion in the Federal Government‘s initiative to mitigate effects COVID-19 on the creative industry.

    In the statement obtained by TheNewsGuru and signed by Presidents of Nollywood guilds like Emeka Rollas, Mr Latin, Fred Amata and others, they urged the Federal Government to include the Presidents of these associations, in their purported plan to alleviate the effects of COVID-19 on the Nigerian creative industry.

    Read the statement below:

    “Our attention has been drawn to a purported creative industry committee reportedly set up by the Federal Government to advise it on how to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the creative industry as reported in the press on the 6th of May 2020. We first wish to commend the government for having such initiative and intentions for the creative industry. It is a welcome and thoughtful approach to positive intervention and in alignment with other progressive governments the world over, who having appreciated the impact of the pandemic on their creative sectors, developed palliative programs as a support net.

    However, in those other climes there are processes and approaches indicative of a transparent and equitable desire to ensure that the needs and requirements of the target sectors are achieved! It is an incontrovertible fact that, the Nigerian creative industry with over 20 guilds, employs about 2.5million Nigerian youths; and is recognised globally as the fastest growing creative industry. With the second largest movie production industry in the world, it is an industry worth over US$2Billion with a contribution of 2.3% to the nation’s GDP.

    It is also a known fact that these 2.5M Nigerians belong to associations and organisations generally referred to as guilds, whom they have willingly through legitimate elections handed over the incumbency of their mandates; saying in essence speak and act on our behalf on matters affecting our interests, welfare and wellbeing! It is then inherent and indeed compelling that any discussion concerning the welfare of the industry should as a matter of equity and transparency involve the participation of those guild heads.

    Presently, Nigeria is involved in the process of financial discussions with international finance bodies. No matter how rich or influential the most successful industrialist or the most successful banker maybe, or how connected with those financial organisations, they cannot lead the sovereign government delegation to those talks.

    In the same manner the citizens of Nigeria would hold the federal government responsible so do the 2.5m workers of the Nigerian creative sector hold the guilds and their leaders responsible! In as much as the ministry may in its wisdom nominate individuals from the industry as additional resource persons based on their experiences and reach , there is the clear and present danger that the government will miss its mark when it does not appreciate and incorporate the workings of a sub- sector of the economy when the leadership of that sector are not consulted prior to major decisions affecting the sector.

    Nollywood is one of the priority sectors identified by the government for its Economic Recovery and Growth Plans with a projected US$1Billion export revenue in 2020. This is the more reason why the government must involve the leadership of the industry on critical issues affecting the industry rather than only hand-picking a few practitioners no matter how prominent they may be. We have always believed that where there is a will, there is always a way. In that vein we therefore urge the ministry to henceforth incorporate guild heads whenever it proposes rigorous engagements with the creative industry both now and in the future. If really the government is serious about this noble initiative; we then respectfully call on the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed to reconstitute the committee to reflect the actual representatives of the industry. If guilds like the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Medical Association among others are engaged as strategic stakeholders by the government through their recognised association’s leadership then the creative industry deserves the same regard.

    We hold this truth to be self-evident that the Nollywood sector of our creative enterprise and industry has structured leadership founded and anchored on their Guilds and Associations and we urge the Honourable Minister of Information or any other representative of the federal government, its parastatals and agencies planning any intended dealings with Nollywood to kindly but officially do so through the Guilds and Associations.

    SIGNED For Nollywood Associations and Guilds:

    Presidents: 1) AMP Ralph Nwadike 2) AGN Emeka Rollas 3) DGN Fred Amata 4) SWGN Yinka Ogun 5) ANCOP Daisy Madu-Chikwendu 6) MOPPAN Ahmad Sarari 7) CDGN Sele O. Sele 8) FVPMAN Emeka Aduah 9) ITPAN Yinka Oduniyi 10) MACDAN Barr. Izu Osuigwe 11) CEMP Chief Peddie Okhao 12) AMPEEN Mensah Paul 13) NANTAP Israel Eboh 14) TAMPAN Otunba Bolaji Amusan 15) AMCOD Hon Sola Awoleye 16) AVOA Ngozi Ogbonna 17) CSN 18) ANTP “.

  • Nollywood stars hail Genevieve Nnaji on 41st birthday

    Nollywood stars hail Genevieve Nnaji on 41st birthday

    Genevieve Nnaji, actress, movie director and producer, who turned 41, earned the encomiums and well wishes of Nollywood stars on Sunday as they celebrated her.

    Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale and Rachael Okonkwo were among the stars who felicitated with Nnaji.

    They all prayed for Nnaji’s success in all endeavours.

    Funke Akindele said: ” Happy birthday my darling sister. Here is wishing you many more fruitful years on earth. Keep soaring Genny”.

    Similarly, Sobowale, with a display of Genevieve Nnaji’s picture on her page wrote: “I congratulate you for all you have accomplished, today another year has been added on to you.

    “I celebrate you.

    ”In this new age, you will say there is a lifting up. May the divine joy and peace of the Lord continue to abide in you. May He renew your strength and grant the desires of your heart.

    ” Happy birthday my darling Genevieve. Love you always”.

    Rachael Okonkwo wrote: ” Happy birthday to you my legendary Genevieve Nnaji. Thanks for being a huge inspiration and role model. May God continue to keep you in wisdom and good health.”

    The ageless Genevieve Nnaji blazed the trail in the movie industry by winning the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a leading role in 2005.

    In 2011, she was honoured as a member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government for her contributions to the film industry.

    Nnaji’s directorial debut movie, ‘Lionheart’, was the first Netflix original from Nigeria and first Nigerian submission for the Oscars.

    She had starred in over 200 Nollywood movies, since she began appearing in movies at the age of 19.

    Nnaji was born in Mbaise, Imo State, the fourth of eight children of the family.

    However, she grew up in Lagos.

    She attended Methodist Girls College in Yaba, Lagos and went on to attend the University of Lagos. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in creative arts.

    While at the university, she began auditioning for acting jobs in Nollywood.

    But her acting career predated Nollywood. She had starred as a child actor in the then-popular television soap opera Ripples at the age of 8.

    In 1998, at the age of 19, she was introduced into the growing Nigerian film industry with the movie Most Wanted.

  • I once paid N1,500 for a movie role- Bolaji Ogunmola

    I once paid N1,500 for a movie role- Bolaji Ogunmola

    Bolaji Ogunmola is undoubtedly one of the rising actresses worth paying attention to in Nollywood. Unknown to many, she struggled on her way to the top.

    Ogunmola in a recent Instagram Live chat with Vergeria she said:” think the challenges are still the same with anybody now. Lack of being seen, the fact that people don’t want to take a risk or give opportunity to people that are just starting out.The opportunities were in the midst of certain people and they didn’t want to give opportunity to people they don’t know. Being paid what you are worth is still a challenge. You will not be paid; it’s still a struggle in Nollywood till tomorrow sadly.

    “I was paid N1,500 for a movie role. It wasn’t a ‘Waka pass’. I had appeared in like 8 to ten scenes.I was even glad to be paid N1,500. Do you know the free jobs people have done in their lives? “

    Shedding light on the people she looked up to in Nollywood, she said: ”I looked up to Omotola Jalade and Geneveive when I was growing up. They were the reigning people then in Nollywood.Those were my go to idols at the time for obvious reasons any way”.

     

    I

     

  • How I got my first role in Nollywood- Iretiola Doyle

    How I got my first role in Nollywood- Iretiola Doyle

    Versatile actress, Ireti Doyle has recounted how she landed her first role in the movie industry.

    The writer-cum-social commentator, whose acting career has spanned more than two decades, took to her Instagram page to narrate how “grace and not luck” had spun her into success in Nollywood.

    She also urged her fans to always make themselves ready in their chosen fields as an opportunity could present for them to showcase their craft.

     

    “I had been referred to this producer by a senior colleague. I read for a minor part and got the role. A few days prior to the shoot, I was called in for a table read,” the actress narrated.

    “For whatever reason, the girl who had been cast in the lead didn’t turn up. I was asked to stand-in for her. Halfway through, the producer said, ‘o boy, e like say na dis girl go play this character o!’

    “And that is how I got cast in my first lead role in a Nollywood film. Name of the movie: ‘Dilemma’. Produced and directed by Theophilus Akatugba that year.

    “Moral of the story? Opportunity can present itself at any time. Question is are you ready?”

     

    Earlier this year, the role interpreter said actors need to have ego. Iretiola made this known at a seminar for budding actors.

    “The worst thing for an actor to have is not an ego. You need an ego. Anytime you step out to do your work, you give people an opportunity to criticise you. So you will need an ego. You need to have a thick skin. A lack of self-confidence happens because we are always second guessing ourselves, asking what if I fail? What if I don’t do it well. Even if you don’t do it well, there will always be room for you to improve.”

  • Greed is our problem in Nollywood- Iyabo Ojo

    Greed is our problem in Nollywood- Iyabo Ojo

    Sensational actress and filmmaker, Iyabo Ojo has stated that greed is the bane of Nollywood. Ojo who is a revered entertainer said though there are more platforms to showcase movies, but the individuals who own these platforms are greedy.

    Ojo made this known during an Instagram Live Chat with veteran actress, Moyin Olutayo.

    In her words: “Where we are in the industry is better. It is better because of technology, because of social media. There are more platforms to create awareness for our movies. We are making money now, we should be making more money now. But the problem we have now is greed. Greed in terms of the people who control the platforms which we use in selling our movies. We were on DVD, now we are in cinemas and on online platforms . We are supposed to be making more money now than we were making because we are more enlightened and exposed. We have a lot of equipment coming in now”, she said.

     

    Advising single mothers on how to carry themselves, she said: “Never allow your situation pull you down.That a man was wrong for you, you are not to be blamed for it.Your marriage failed, you gave it all your best, you are not to be blamed for it.Your baby papa refused to take responsibility for that child, you are not to be blamed for it.

    Your responsibility is to install love into that child, you need to provide for that child. You need to give yourself that inner happiness. You cannot do all these without being focused. You need to have the mindset that you are strong and be determined to be a successful person”.

     

    Ojo has scripted and featured in several Nigerian films. Her first role was in 1998’s Satanic, an English-language film. In 2002, she made her Yoruba-language debut with Baba Darijinwon In January 2015, her film Silence, which features Joseph Benjamin Alex Usifo, Fathia Balogun, and Doris Simeon, premiered at the Silverbird Cinemas, Ikeja, in Lagos.

     

     

     

  • TNG Special: How to break into Nollywood as an actor

    TNG Special: How to break into Nollywood as an actor

    Have you ever seen yourself playing the role of your favorite Nollywood actor? Have you imagined yourself accepting awards as the Best Actor/Actress of the Year? Then this report is for you.

    Breaking into Nollywood goes beyond desire or having a dream, you have to be willing to put in the work.

    First things first you need to have the right motive. You must also ask yourself why you want to have a career in the acting profession. Then, ask yourself if you want to make a livelihood in acting based on passion for the craft or just to be famous. Your motive will determine how far you will go in Nollywood.

     

     

    1. Attend acting classes.

    In the world of showbiz, being talented isn’t just enough. You have to be willing to get trained. A good acting class will fuel the creative fire that lies in you. By attending acting classes, you tend to stretch your acting capabilities and improve your acting skills on a regular basis. Acting schools like Royal Arts Academy, Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts and the Pefti Film Institute will groom you in that direction.Actresses like Belinda Effah attended the Royal Arts Academy.

     

    2.Attend auditions

    You cannot become an actor if you don’t showcase your craft. You have to attend auditions and create visibility for your acting talents.No one will discover you if you just sit down at home and expect to be discovered.

    For audition updates you can follow @auditions.ng on Instagram

     

    3.Leverage on social media

    With social media you can start your acting career without necessarily attending an audition. The likes of Josh2funny Woli Arole, Wofaifada, McLively and others, became famous first on social media before ever getting movie roles. You can start by having your own YouTube channel where you post your monologues and showcase your craft.

     

     

    1. Leverage on networking

     

    Networking is a huge part of becoming an actor–the more people you know, the more acting opportunities you are likely to find. It is important for you to start meeting people in the acting industry as soon and as much as possible. Acting is a people business. You need to know the right people to be able to get into Nolywood, Attend industry events and be willing to meet new people.

     

    1. Start small

     

    Small steps are often the beginning of great accomplishments. Yoruba actors, Ijebu and Kunle Afod started in in the industry by being errand boys. You have to be humble enough to serve in Nollywood.

    In the words of Ijebu:“I faced different challenges when I first got into the industry. On the other hand, I won’t really call them challenges because one needs to undergo some form of training. When I was in Ibadan, I trained at the Authentic School of Drama owned by actor and filmmaker, Muyiwa Ademola. I trained under him for seven years. He trained me on camera movements, facing the crowd and other things. The training helped me a lot. One of the challenges I faced was having to buy food for people that I knew I was older than just because they got into the industry before me.

    “I said on my Instagram Live video recently that anybody coming into the industry has to be patient, focused and prayerful. One could spend 10 years in the industry without succeeding and one may spend only six months and people would like you. You also need to be humble.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • I still get attention even If I cover all of my body- Abefe Saint

    I still get attention even If I cover all of my body- Abefe Saint

    Fast rising actress and entrepreneur, Adeniji Kehinde a.k.a Abefe Saint opens up on her acting journey, favourite qualities in a man amogst other issues in this interview with TheNewsGuru

     

     

    Childhood ambitions

     

    I wanted to become a medical doctor and a scientist. I love to discover new things a lot. I love discovering new things and people

     

    First movie

     

    I actually cannot remember the first movie I acted in. But I can recall that ‘Ebi Aye’ was one of the first five movies I featured in alongside the likes of Lola Idije.

     

     

    Parents

     

    My parents are supportive of my career. I started acting because of my father. He wasn’t an actor but a member of the crew, a set man. At times he appears on camera, but he was more of a setman and director. I started acting because of him.

     

    Lessons

     

    I am a fashion designer, a chef, a nutritionist and an actor. I have experiences and I have learnt many things from such experiences. What I think is the most important thing is self-value. The way you carry yourself and value yourself is the same way people will value you.It is better to respect yourself.

     

    Challenges

     

    I started very young, so I really didn’t experience much challenges. Except for a time when I played the role of a dullard . I am actually smart in real life. I had to prove myself back in school in order for people not to have that impression. and I came out in flying colours.

     

    Attention

     

    Even if I cover all of my body, people still stare at me .The whole of my body parts gets me attention. But my boobs and bum gets me the most attention.

     

    Favourite qualities in a man

     

    I want a man that respects me and an understanding man. He must be loyal to me, respect me and be my number one fan.

     

    Compensation in Nollywood

     

    Some people are really making it big in the industry. I haven’t really been making money from the industry like that. I have other businesses that I run. God has been faithful and things have been going fine.