TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nollywood

  • Special Report: How tragedy engulfed Nollywood in first quarter of 2019

    Special Report: How tragedy engulfed Nollywood in first quarter of 2019

    When tragedy strikes Nollywood, we are glued to our screens and troop to social media. It’s hard to believe one of your favorite stars could be a victim of tragedy in real life, rather than in a movie or television show.

    These shocking Nollywood tragedies rocked the world of entertainment in the first quarter of 2019 and beyond.

    Unknown to many, the first four months of 2019 hasn’t been devoid of deaths in Nollywood. Sadly, the industry has witnessed deaths of movie practitioners whose ages range between 30 years and 58 years.

    The tears keeps flowing as the fans and friends of the deceased continue to mourn their exit

    on Friday, January 4, Yoruba actor, Gbenga “Burger” Akintunde passed away, as reported by TheNewsGuru.

     

    Few days later, it was revealed that a younger actor, Adewale Olanrewaju aka ‘Ishow Larry’ also died.

     

    Months after Gbenga “Burger” Akintunde’s demise, Funmilayo ‘Ijewuru’ Ogunsola passed away on February 4, 2019. She died at the age of 53.

    After colleagues began mourning Ijewuru, the industry recorded yet another sad death. It was the death of Rotimi Alfred Popoola. The Ogun State arm of the Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners of Nigeria, TAMPAN, announced the passing of Popoola.

     

    Many thought there won’t be reason to shed tears in March, but the arrow of death came again as actor Tony Anyasodor passed away on March 8, 2019

    Days after his demise, the industry was greeted with the news of the passing of Paul Emema, the brain behind popular soap opera in the early 9os, ‘Behind the Cloud’.

    In the same vein, actress and filmmaker , Abe Ishola Monsurat Olabisi passed towards the end of March, 10 days after welcoming a baby.

    As the movie industry steps into a new quarter, the news of the demise of comedian and actor, LinChung Duke Oliver rented the air on April 2, 2019. TheNewsGuru reported that he died in a car crash on his way to Lagos after his mother’s burial ceremony.

     

    We pray God gives the families of the deceased fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Another nollywood actor, ‘Bishop LinChung’ dies in auto accident

    Another nollywood actor, ‘Bishop LinChung’ dies in auto accident

    Nollywood actor, LinChung Oliver, a.k.a. Silvanus in `Do Good’ has passed away after a car crash on his way to Lagos after attending his mother’s burial in his hometown.

    Basorge Tariah, the producer and star actor in the sitcom took to his instagram to announce the death.

    He said: “My Heart is so so heavy right now. I am in a dark and painful place. Tragedy is a euphemism. We just lost SILVANUS of DO GOOD.

    ”My dear brother was returning from the burial of his mother when death added my friend to his mean account. RIP. These tears won’t stop flowing.

    “Am so speechless and so sad. You were such a lovely soul. You smile, you play and never complained.

    “You leave a vacuum that most of the world cannot fill. I will miss you so much, it burns my heart. Sleep! Sleep great and awesome Talent. Sleep.”

    Oliver is widely referred to as LinChung and Sylvanus for his role in Basorge Tariah Jnr produced series, ‘Do Good’.

    He once worked at Star FM on a radio programme alongside a few other comedians.

    Oliver’s death is coming days after that of Abe Ishola Monsurat Olabisi aka Bisket.

    His death made it the eighth in Nollywood since January 2019.

    Bisket died almost three months after the death of Gbenga Akintunde aka Burger, who died at the age of 47 on Jan. 4.

    On Jan. 4 Adewale Olarenwaju, aka Ishow Larry died while Funmilayo Ogunsola aka Ijewuru died on Feb. 4.

    On Feb. 27, the death of another actor, Rotimi Alfred Popoola was announced by the Ogun state chapter of the Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria.

    Tony Anyasodor’s death makes it the fifth in Nollywood since January 2019.

    On Tuesday, March 12, the death of ‘Behind the Clouds’ producer, Paul Emema, was announced by one of his colleagues.

     

  • 3 Nollywood films selected for Hollywood screening in U.S.

    Three Nollywood films – ‘Up North’, ‘Lionheart’ and ‘King of Boys’ have been selected for screening at the second edition of the ‘Nollywood In Hollywood’ on Friday and Saturday in the United States.

    Organisers of the event said the screening begins on Friday evening with a red carpet and opening night screening of ‘UP NORTH at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, California.

    UP NORTH stars Banky W and is directed by Tope Oshin, both of whom are in Hollywood courtesy of Air France for the event.

    On Saturday, ‘Nollywood in Hollywood’ moves to the Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre at the University of Southern California.

    The day kicks off with a panel discussion about current trends in ‘Nollywood’, followed by a screening of ‘LIONHEART’, the directorial debut of Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji, who also co-wrote and stars in the film.

    The showcase will close with a screening of KING OF BOYS, the sophomore feature by Kemi Adetiba, whose 2016 debut film, THE WEDDING PARTY, smashed box office records to become the highest grossing Nigerian film of all time.

    The showcase features screenings, networking events and parties.

    ‘Nollywood In Hollywood’ is the brainchild of Nigerian-American filmmaker, Ose Oyamendan, which initiative is designed to expose ‘Nollywood’ films to the capital of the world’s entertainment industry.

    Oyamendan said: “I look at it as a way of giving back to my country and broadening opportunities for Nollywood filmmakers and actors.

    “Most people abroad know one side of Nigeria, the not-too-good side, now they get a chance to see another side and watch our stories.

    “Thanks to our partners, Nollywood has the biggest audience in the world over the next few days”.

    Gwen Deglise, the head of programming at the American Cinematheque said: “The American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre is proud to partner with O2A Media and the USC School of Cinematic Arts for a second year to present ‘Nollywood in Hollywood’.

    “We are thrilled that this event offers both our members and the larger Los Angeles film audience we serve, a window into Nigerian culture and filmmaking”.

  • 3 Nollywood films selected for Hollywood exhibition

    Three Nigerian films, Lionheart, King of Boys and Up North, are selected for showcase at the 2019 edition of ‘Nollywood in Hollywood’ slated to hold on March 22 and 23 in Hollywood California, USA.

    The event is organized by O2A Media, Inc. in partnership with the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California and The American Cinemateque, operators of the historic Egyptian Theater.

    According to the organisers, the two-day event will begin with a red carpet and a screening at the prestigious American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre and at the World’s Premiere Film Education Institution of USC.

    As a testament to the growing feat of Nigerian women in the film industry, women directed the selected films, all produced in 2018.

    The event’s director of operations, Maceo Willis, reportedly said:“That’s simply amazing, in Hollywood, we struggle with diversity and inclusion.

    “These powerful female voices from Nigeria are showing Hollywood how it’s done.

    “We believe these remarkable films will be great representatives of Nollywood.”

    ‘Lionheart’,a directorial debut of Nollywood’s top actress, Genevieve Nnaji,is a Nigerian drama film produced by Chinny Onwugbenu, starring Pete Edochie, Genevieve Nnaji, Nkem Owoh and other Nollywood icons.

    It premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival in Ontario, Canada, and was acquired and released worldwide by Netflix on January 4, making it the first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria.

    Lionheart is a story of Adaeze, a young lady who steps up to the challenge when her father, Ernest Obiagu, is forced to take a step back from his company due to health issues.

    ‘King of Boys’, directed by Kemi Adetiba, follows the story of Alhaja Eniola Salami, a businesswoman and philanthropist with a checkered past and a promising political future.

    As her political ambitions see her outgrowing the underworld connections responsible for her considerable wealth, she was drawn into a power struggle that threatens everything she holds dear.

    ‘Up North’ is written by Naz Onuzo and Bunmi Ajakaiye,directed by Tope Oshin Ogun and produced by Anakle Films and Inkblot productions.

    Shot in Lagos and Bauchi, the film follows the tale of a young rebellious heir whose National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year does not go according to plan, as he is sent Up North to Bauchi State.

    The film explores love, friendship, family politics and the tourism value of Northern Nigeria.

    NAN reports that ‘Nollywood in Hollywood,’ now in its second edition, is an initiative of Ose Oyamendan, Nigerian-American filmmaker, to showcase some of Nigeria’s best films on global stage.

    The event is designed to introduce Nigerian cinema to Hollywood, bridge the gap between the two film industries and create a platform for collaborations and trainings.

    The inaugural edition which held in 2018, featured the screenings of acclaimed Nollywood films ‘Isoken’, ‘93 Days’ and ‘The Bridge.’

  • Khali Kulture releases 2019 Shirts Ad Campaign with Alex Ekubo

    Nigerian fashion brand Khali Kulture has raised the veil on their 2019 casual shirts campaign.

    The bravura Eko Atlantic City serves as the backdrop for the latest campaign images which features Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, who poses in the vibrant shirts with pants to match. He showcases the designer’s latest offering in a tranquil casual setting.

    This time Khali Kulture’s focus is tailoring using exclusive vintage fabrics and cotton, hand-cut and tailored in Nigeria.

    The fashion brand has always been famous for highlighting a modern selection of sartorial tailoring, with a uniquely Naija attitude. Attention to detail and delivery for the shirts par excellence.

    Credits

    Designer: @khali_kulture

    Model: @alexxekubo

    Photography: @chuckymagic

    Publicist: @moafricapr

  • Most Nollywood celebrities sleep with influential men –Daddy Freeze

    Controversial Nigerian media personality, Daddy Freeze says most Nollywood celebrities sleep with influential men for money.

    The outspoken on-air-personality made this statement in reaction to a viral video in which an unidentified woman slammed women who sleep with men for money, calling them prostitutes.

    According to Freeze:”Nigerian women need to hear this.Stop following Instagram and Nollywood ‘high maintenance’ celeb role models, who sleep with wealthy and influential men for business class trips, G-Wagons, Hermès bags and Rolex watches while giving credit to God for their ‘blessings’.
    God is NOT a pimp!Get your own jobs, add value to your lives and stop feeling entitled to wealth you did not create“.

  • Nollywood is one of the worst places to have female friends- Nazo Ekezie

    Nollywood is one of the worst places to have female friends- Nazo Ekezie

    Nazo Ekezie, a Nollywood filmmaker and actress has revealed that Nollywood is one of the worst places to have female friends.She noted that the fake love exhibited in the industry is not genuine.

     

    “Women don’t like each other. Please, quote me, Nollywood is one of the worst places to have female friends.Because most female actresses see genuine compliments as something else. The worst are those who are doing better and well paid, endorsements and all, with the fame, yet they still say rubbish about other actress in the industry”, she told TheNewsGuru.

     

    “Every battle I have faced in Nollywood is surrounded around women. It’s that bad. They believe once they have made it, nobody else should.These big actresses (the A-List). They are scary. Seriously. You would be in your corner, thinking they are all made and won’t stress it again. But they are the ones that are more jealous. Even on set”.

    While commenting on her favourite qualities in a man, she said:”I have always looked out for someone who fame doesn’t entice or affect. One wouldn’t consider it a problem. I want someone who would be patient enough to know me and not look at me from the movie angle. I would love someone who sees me as Nazo and not an actress all the time.Well, I’m not a physical look kind of person but then you won’t be looking like masquerade though”.

     

     

     

     

  • ‘King of Boys’, ‘Lion Heart,’ others: top 10 Nollywood movies for 2018

    ‘King of Boys’, ‘Lion Heart,’ others: top 10 Nollywood movies for 2018

    Kemi Adetiba’s blockbuster ‘King of Boys’ and Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut ‘Lion Heart’ alongside eight others have been listed as top 10 Nollywood films for 2018.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the list (ranked in no particular order) was released by African films scoring website, Filming AFRICA and shared on their Instagram page @filmingafrica.

    The post read, “We have always released our best films of the year, in no particular order, below is our list for 2018.”

    The list featured Nnaji’s ‘Lion Heart’, Adetiba’s ‘King of Boys’ alongside ‘God Calling’ directed by BB Sasore, ‘Black Rose’ by Okey Oku, ‘The Delivery Boy’ by Adewale Adejuyigbe and ‘Kasala’ by Ema Edosio.

    Also, ‘Power of One’ directed by Izu Ojukwu, ‘Sylvia’ directed by Daniel Oriahi, ‘Chief Daddy’ by Niyi Akinmolanyan and ‘Heaven on My Mind’ by Uche Jombo made the list.

    Filming Africa also released a list of top ten Nollywood actors in 2018. They include Nkem Owoh, Lilian Echelon, Zainab Balogun, Jemima Osunde and Sola Sobowale.

    Others are Emeka Nwabaroaocha, Genevieve Nnaji, Pete Edochie, Patience Ozokwo and Jammal Ibrahim.

    The list also applauded the blend of veterans and new talents in most of the films released in the review year, adding that it showed the synergy of talents in the industry. (NAN)

  • There are entertainers who will fake it until they die- Charles Novia declares

    In recent times, Nigerian entertainers have lamented over the fake lifestyle and pretense prevalent in entertainment circles.

    Entertainers like Iyabo Ojo, Kelvin Ikeduba and AY comedian have expressed their thoughts on the issue.

     

    In the same vein, Nollywood filmmaker and director Charles Novia has also shared his thoughts on the trending subject matter.

     

    Novia noted that the interactive anomalies and fake lifestyles are what makes Nollywood interesting as an industry.

    “I have read some comments by some actors and others in Nollywood about fake lifestyles and practitioners hating on each other in secret and all that stuff,” he wrote on Instagram.

    “I don’t subscribe to prescribed love or convenient brotherhood or sisterhood in the industry. That’s silly to even believe it will or should happen. I don’t even see why those crying over interactive anomalies in Nollywood and the fake lifestyles are making a fuss. That’s the business.

     

    “If the industry were to be always one-directional, it would be boring. There’s got to be real life characters carrying out the same things we portray in the movies.

    “Faking it is part of the glitz and blitz life. There are always pretenders. There are those who will fake it until they die and never get to make it. There are those who will come round to being real eventually.”

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BrP3Nilg-jX/

     

    How AY turned premiere into #Agbadachallenge

  • Nollywood is filled with people who live fake lives- Kelvin Ikeduba

    Popular actor, Kelvin Ikeduba has slammed Nollywood practitioners over living a fake life.

    Ikeduba made this known on Friday December 7, 2018 via a video he shared on his Instagram page.

     

    “I laugh when people say social media is filled with people who live fake lives, check out Nollywood, it is filled with people who live fake lives than on social media.If you think I am one of them, Its your opinion”, he said in the video.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BrFYj6AlK_l/

     

     

    The actor known for taking up tough roles in an interview with Vanguard once said he has a soft side contrary to what many believe.

     

    “What I was saying is that I was brought up well, from a Christian home. Forget the ‘ruggedity’ I am known for. After being trained well, I retrained myself. Most times, I don’t like mistaking white for yellow or blue.”

     

    Playing bad boy roles, doesn’t mean I am a bad person-Kelvin Ikeduba