TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nollywood

  • Baba Wande, Tunde Kelani reconciliation, valuable lesson for Nollywood – Filmmaker

    Baba Wande, Tunde Kelani reconciliation, valuable lesson for Nollywood – Filmmaker

    Dotun Taylor, President of Aroba Groove, an international cultural organisation, has praised the exemplary leadership displayed by veteran Yoruba movie actor, Kareem Adepoju, popularly as Baba Wande and renowned filmmaker, Tunde Kilani, in settling their long-standing feud.

    Taylor cited the willingness by the veterans to put aside their differences as a valuable lesson for the movie industry and beyond.

    Taylor, in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, said that the 30-year dispute revolved around royalty issues from the 1993 hit movie, “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile”.

    He added that the reconciliation would pave way for renewed collaboration and advancement of Nigerian culture as well as entertainment on the global stage.

    “Ti Oluwa Nile”, initially written by Adepoju in 1987, was transformed into a three-part movie in 1993 through Kilani’s Mainframe Films and Television Productions.

    According to Taylor, the feud between the two veterans had affected the growth of Nollywood in one way or the other.

    “Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also told me how great the film ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ is and that’s why he chose me as agent for the reconciliation of the long time feud.

    “As the Asoju Asa Oodua to the Ooni of Ife, I played a pivotal role in facilitating the peaceful resolution.

    “Delegates from the palace, at the behest of the Ooni of Ife, visited Tunde Kelani at his Abeokuta home to seal the settlement.

    “This historic reconciliation is a testament to the Ooni of Ife’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the core aim of Aroba Groove Ltd. in preserving the rich cultural history of the Yoruba lineage.

    “The Aroba Groove successfully mediated the reconciliation which has given birth to the seamless production of ‘ASIYANBI’, the stage adaptation of TI OLUWA NILE,” he said.

    According to him, ASIYANBI is produced by Aroba Groove in collaboration with the House of Oduduwa with the endorsement of the Ooni of Ife, for the younger generation to learn the rich history of  Yoruba culture.

    He said that their actions demonstrated the importance of intergenerational collaboration, ensuring a seamless transfer of knowledge and values between the old guard and the next generation.

    “By working together, we can avoid misunderstandings and misaligned efforts, ultimately driving progress and development in the entertainment industry.”

    Taylor said that the two veterans expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ife for his intervention.

    According to Taylor, Baba Wande in his remarks during the reconciliation said that Kelani is his bosom friend.

    Kelani was also quoted to have said that the peace initiative was a reminder that their work (Ti Oluwa Nile) was appreciated.

    Mr Ibitayo Akindeji, the Producer and Project Coordinator of ‘ASIYANBI’, said that Aroba Groove was reviving the classic tale through a groundbreaking stage production, promising a thrilling and innovative theatrical experience.

    Akindeji said that the captivating stage play was set to captivate audiences in major cities in Nigeria, UK and USA later this year.

  • Amaechi Muonagor: Obi, others, bid farewell to late Nollywood actor

    Amaechi Muonagor: Obi, others, bid farewell to late Nollywood actor

    Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, the State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Mr Dom Onyenji, among others were present to mourn the late Nollywood icon, Mr Amaechi Monagu.

    Muonagor was on Friday buried in his Obosi country home in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, amid tears from family members, relatives and the Nollywood family.

    Obi, while delivering his condolence speech, lamented the death of the icon and urged the bereaved family to take heart and prayed God for repose of his soul.

    On his part, the State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Onyenji, described Nollywood as an industry for those who were creative.

    He noted that the industry had lost a creative personality in the late Amechi Muonagor.

    Onyenji maintained that the government of Anambra was on ground to mourn with Nollywood as the legend played his roles well while alive and mentored stars in the industry.

    In his remarks, the National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr Emeka Ejezie, urged the bereaved family to take heart as the deceased was a great man.

    Ejezie, who was represented by a veteran actor, Mr Steve Eboh, prayed that God in His infinite mercy will give them the heart with which to bear the loss.

    In her speech, the state chairman of AGN, Mrs Chinyere Anyaegbunam, said that they lost somebody who was very precious to all, emphasizung that the late icon was somebody people looked up to as a father figure in the industry.

    Anyaegbunam said that late Muonagor mentored so many of them in the movie industry.

  • Why I stayed back in Nollywood instead of going into Hollywood – Genevieve Nnaji spills

    Why I stayed back in Nollywood instead of going into Hollywood – Genevieve Nnaji spills

    Renowned Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji recently shared her experiences seeking partnerships in Hollywood after the success of her 2018 film, Lion Heart that was acquired by Netflix for a rumored $3.8 million.

    Speaking at the 2024 AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum/Afreximbank Annual Meetings, Nnaji reflected on her journey and the challenges she faced in the global film industry.

    Giving the reason, she stayed back in Nollywood instead of going to Hollywood years ago, Nnaji said she wanted to contribute to the development of Nollywood.

    She explained that she never found the support she expected in Hollywood, adding that the experience made her realized that she was a commodity.

    She further noted that Hollywood wanted what she had, but simply for their own benefit.

    She said, “For the first time, I realised I was a commodity. I thought, you know, given what I had done with Lionheart, and all of that, I was going to have an opportunity to do more. Getting there and having the kind of support, that obviously CANEX is bringing on board, but I thought I could find it in Hollywood. That was not quite the case.

    “They wanted what I had but for their benefit. It was all about their story. It was all about how, even if it was our story, I could make it more authentic to their own understanding of whatever Africa is because they did have a lot of literature in their archives.”

  • Popular Nollywood actress Stella Ikwuegbu is dead

    Popular Nollywood actress Stella Ikwuegbu is dead

    Popular Nollywood actress Stella Ikwuegbu is dead.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that movie producer, Stanley Nwoko otherwise known as Stanley Ontop announced the sad news on Sunday, June 16th, 2024.

    According to Stanley Nwoko, the actress died after battling with leg cancer.

    Bading her farewell, he told her to rest well.

    Sharing her photo, he wrote; “Popular Nollywood actress/veteran Mrs stella ikwuegbu is dead.

    ”The veteran Actress left this world today after battling with Leg cancer. Rest well madam Stella.

    ”Nollywood not again. It’s well. Shalom!”.

  • “I am proud of the dual role I play ” – Tonto Dikeh celebrates herself on Father’s day

    “I am proud of the dual role I play ” – Tonto Dikeh celebrates herself on Father’s day

    Controversial Nigerian actress, Tonto Dikeh has celebrated herself and women who take on the role of a father in their children’s life on Father’s Day.

    The single mother of one, via her Instagram page to share new photos as she wished herself, a happy Father’s Day.

    Tonto, who expressed how proud she is for the dual role she plays in her family,  stated that she is celebrating the strength, love and dedication she brings.

    The actress cum politician cheered herself and all the amazing mën and women making a difference. She further expressed gratitude to God for the resources, blessings, good health and love.

    She wrote: “Happy Father’s Day to me! Celebrating the strength, love, and dedication I bring to my family each day. I’m proud of the dual role I play and the endless love I give. Here’s to me and all the amazing women and mën making a difference!

    “Grateful to God for resources, blessings, good health, and love..

    MAMADEPAPA”.

  • Nigerian lady who confessed to sleeping with dogs, commits suicide

    Nigerian lady who confessed to sleeping with dogs, commits suicide

    A young Nigerian lady who went viral after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with her dogs has committed suicide, TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports.

    The lady while featuring in a podcast episode hosted by Nollywood actress, Abiola Adebayo, recounted  how her past trauma, detailing various instances of molestation resulted to an unhealthy addiction.

    Her face was blurred throughout the podcast episode.

    The woman shared, “When I was in school, in my room I would lock my room and called my two dogs to lick my private parts. I would start crying afterwards and start cursing myself. I was not attracted to any man.”

    Speaking days after the interview, Adebayo in a short video on her official Instagram page on Saturday, revealed the news that the woman had taken her own life.

    Through tears, Adebayo said, “For the first time in my life, I feel like a failure. Nike died. The lady I just interviewed who said she slept with dogs committed suicide. People heard her story. They abused me. They said we formulated the story that they are not real. I gave her a listening ear, but she didn’t tell me she was going to die.

    “She committed suicide. I sent her number to therapists. I didn’t know she was going to commit suicide.”

  • Nollywood: Husseini clarifies ban on smoking scenes in movies

    Nollywood: Husseini clarifies ban on smoking scenes in movies

    Executive Director of National Films and Videos Censors Board (NFVCA), Shaibu Husseini has made clarifications on the recent ban on smoking scenes in Nigerian movies.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Husseini made the clarifications on Friday in a live TV program on TVC known as Your view.

    Addressing the claims that the board banned smoking, Executive Director of NFVCB, said that there was no time he made a statement banning smoking in movies.

    “There was no time I mentioned anything about banning smoking scenes, I never pronounced anything about banning of smoking scenes.

    “But of course. you know that we are in a era where everyone is a journo and you just pick up a story, you have not even read the story and then you fly a headline.

    “I even asked a lot of people, after reading the headline, did you read the story and found any where I was quoted to have banned smoking scenes  and ritual scenes in our movies?

    “The implication of that headline is that, in Nigeria, there will be no longer movie that has smoking scenes. How is that even possible?” Husseini queried.

    According to him, the content regulators only ensured that there is no promotion and glamorisation of tobacco, nicotines and money ritual in Nollywood films.

    He continued, saying: “You see, Nigeria has passed a tobacco act, National Tobacco Control Act 2019. So, from 2019 there have been so many effort by different institutions to implement provisions of the act.

    “Agencies like Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)  implemented the policy on aviation, where you don’t smoke in the plane. Formerly, people smoke inside the plane, but now it is an offense to smoke inside a plane. It is part of the implementation.

    “Our responsibility as content regulators is to ensure that there is no promotion and glamorisation of tobacco, nicotines and money ritual in our films.

    “We did not say that if there are necessary smoking scenes, required for historical or educational purposes or to correct negative lifestyle, it should not be there. By all means please have it in the film.

    “But what the new regulation says, is that, you must give a warning from the beginning of the film, that “the actors and film maker do not intend to glamorise smoking in the film, and please note that smoking is injurious to health.”

    Husseini stressed that film makers must find creative way to put out the warning, this including a bold liner underneath a smoking scene, which must outline that ‘smokers are liable to die young’.

    “They need to let people know that there is a warning attached to it, that is what the regulation talks about,” he added.

    He further reiterated that he did not ban smoking scenes in Nollywood, adding that it is not possible to do such thing.

    As for banning of money ritual scene, Husseini said, “they have had cases where young people came to us and said, it is from what they saw from movies that we emulated”.

    He added that film makers who make such a movie must indicate in the end of the film that ”no head nor body was cut or multilated during the making of the film’.

  • I brushed my teeth 6 times before my first kissing scene – Tiwa savage speaks on Nollywood debut

    I brushed my teeth 6 times before my first kissing scene – Tiwa savage speaks on Nollywood debut

    Popular Afrobeats singer,Tiwa Savage  has revealed how she prepared for her first kissing scene in her Nollywood debut movie.

    Tiwa who made her acting debut in ‘Water and Garri’ revealed that she had to brush her teeth several times for her first kissing scene.

    Tiwa Savage stated this during an interview with BET as she disclosed what drew her to the storyline.

    She said;

    “I love the story. I love the story of coming back. I love the story of finding yourself again. It’s not such a happy ending, but then, in life, you don’t always have happy endings. So, I loved that. And then I loved that it had a love twist to it. All of those elements were just very beautiful to me.”

  • I’ ve now forgiven late Junior Pope – Yul Edochie

    I’ ve now forgiven late Junior Pope – Yul Edochie

    Controversial Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, has explained that he has forgiven his late colleague, Junior Pope for allegedly “backstabbing” him.

    Recall that Edochie recently accused the late actor of backstabbing him, claiming that the late actor betrayed him despite being there for him in times of need.

    He added that he refused to mourn the late actor because of the alleged betrayal.

    Edochie’s  claims and revelations earned backlash, with many including his aunty, Rita Edochie, berating him for holding grudges against the late actor.

    However, the actor has now revealed that he has forgiven  Jnr Pope, but was deeply hurt by the alleged betrayal.

    The actor took to his Instagram account to explain that he has forgiven the late actor.

    “Speaking about forgiveness. I forgive him completely. It hurts deeply when a friend you love, took like a brother, stood for and shown love over the years turns around to stab you in the back repeatedly without remorse.

    “Sadly, that’s the world we live. Humans are filled with flaws. To err is human, to forgive is divine. I forgive him & wish his family the very best.” He wrote

  • How I was paid N4,000 after playing lead role in movies few years back – Actor, Lateef Adedimeji

    How I was paid N4,000 after playing lead role in movies few years back – Actor, Lateef Adedimeji

    Popular Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji has relayed past experience of when he was underpaid despite playing lead roles in movies.

    Actor to the actor,he was being paid s low as N4,000 for a lead role in 2014.

    According to him, the pay started to increase in 2015 when he began to get N100,000 to N200,000 for a role in movies.

    The Jagun Jagun actor made this known on the latest episode of the ‘Deep Dive’ podcast hosted by comedian, Teju Babyface.

    Adedimeji said, “If I tell people that I wasn’t collecting N100,000, N200,000 until 2015/16, a lot of people would not believe me.

    “Before then, the highest I collected for a lead role was either N4,000, N5,000, or N10,000. I was paid that low back in 2014 because it was more like a learning process.”