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All Africa.com

Govt Lifts Embargo On New Contracts: The widely criticised decision of the Federal Government to suspend the award of fresh contracts may have been reversed.
Minister Warns Media of Bad Roads: THE Federal Government, through its Works Minister, Alhaji Hassan Adamu Lawal, yesterday reacted to the deplorable state of federal roads in the country, in particular the Apapa-Oshodi expressway in Lagos, saying "we have to be careful."
Tension in Kano Over Murder of Islamic Cleric: Following security reports which indicated that Islamic fundamentalists in Kano State, and some followers of murdered Islamic cleric, Sheik Ja'afar Mahmud Adam were planning to cause violence, Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro has enjoined the people of Kano State to shun violence, keep the peace and allow the police to finish the task of finding the killers.
It Takes a Strike: STRIKES have always had their place. For years, some have started condemning the regular feature the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has made strikes. Is there a year that passed without an ASUU strike?
Protecting Our Travellers: DELTA Airlines poor treatment of hundreds of its passengers heading to the US appears to be the standard practice for most foreign airlines that operate into Nigeria.
Ending the Tussle on Kafin Zaki Dam: The decision by the Federal Government to construct the Kafin Zaki Dam in Bauchi state in spite of the stiff opposition of the government and people of Yobe state raises the urgent need to communicate to those against the project the compelling reasons for the government's decision in order to promote peace, unity and development between the two states.
Reps Ask Shell to Pay Community N1 Billion Compensation: The House of Representatives yesterday asked the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to pay N1 billion to Joinkrama 1 community of Rivers State over environmental degradation caused by its operations.
IMFB, Microfinance Banks Partners On Poverty Alleviation: Integrated Microfinance Bank Ibadan branch is organizing a Carnival Road Show on poverty alleviation in Oyo State. The event is scheduled for today Thursday 2nd of July, 2009. The float/carnival will go around ibadan metropolis starting from the Governor's office and end up in his office.
Umuchinemere Procredit MFB Establishes Micro Insurance Scheme: The Umuchinemere Procredit Micro Finance Bank (UPMFB) Nigeria Limited, Enugu, in its efforts to empower and improve the well being of the active poor, is set to establish a micro insurance scheme for the rural populace of Enugu
Traders Task FG On Funding of Small Scale Industries: THE National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has said that if the Federal government must achieve the set goal of becoming one of the top twenty economies of the world, there was the urgent need for resources to be channelled into the development of small scale industries in Nigeria.
Starcomms Shareholders Endorse Management Share Incentive Scheme: Shareholders of Starcomms Plc, Wednesday, endorsed the proposal by its Board of Directors to establish a management share incentive scheme for the benefit of the employees to spur them for increased productivity.
Abia Assembly Asks Okiro to Redeploy CP: IN what appeared like passing a vote of no confidence on the state Police Command and other security agencies in the state, Abia State House of Assembly, has called on the Inspector-General of Police to redeploy the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Edgar Nanakumo, even as it urged President Umaru Yar'Adua to declare Abia State a security disaster area.
Standard Chartered Bank Acquires Advisory Firm: Standard Chartered has announced its full acquisition of the remaining shareholding in First Africa Group Holdings Limited ("First Africa"), a Leading pan-African Mergers & Acquisitions ("M&A") advisory firm.
Fraud - Court Admits Asabe Yar'Adua to Bail: An Abuja high court sitting in Gudu, yesterday granted bail to the widow of late Major General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, Hajiya Asabe Yar'Adua, who was allegedly accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to have conspired with one Miss Linda Anyanwu to defraud the comptroller-General of Customs.
NBA Tasks FG On Pact With ASUU: The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), yesterday called on the Federal Government to respect its agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
I Want Amnesty Now - Tompolo: MILITANT leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, who was declared wanted by the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the Niger-Delta, May 21, has contacted Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, from his hideout saying he was prepared to accept the Federal Government's amnesty offer.
All is Set for My Father's Burial - Onoh Jr: Dr Joseph Onoh, speaking with reporters on the preparations for the father's burial yesterday, said all was set for his father's internment in spite of the disappointment by the state government.
Reps Probe $1.2 Billion Oil Bloc Scam: The House of Representatives has launched investigations into an alleged missing $1.2 billion oil bloc bid round fund that was supposed to be lodged into a provisional account on behalf of the government in 2005.
U.S. Agency Donates 100 Laptops to Pupils: The first batch of laptops specifically designed for pupils in the world has arrived in Nigeria.
LG Commission Boss Tackles Graft in Oyo: CHAIRMAN, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Kola Gbadamosi said some local government officials who used fake university certificates had absconded upon discovery that the commission had contacted the schools they were claiming to have attended.
I04 Motorcyclists Arrested At MMA: As part of measures to stamp out armed robbery around Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja area, the airport police command has arrested no fewer than104 Okada riders and impounded their motorcycles in the last two weeks.
Media Are Heroes - Akunyili: The Minister of Information and Communication, Professor Dora Akunyili has described Nigeria Media as "Heroes", saying despite control and sanctions placed on them, it remained critical observer of the country's growing democracy.
Freight Forwarders Decry Deplorable State of Roads: A group of freight forwarders under the aegis of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents yesterday decried the deplorable state of the access road to the ports, saying: "The state of our roads is posing a great danger on the security of lives and property."
Obi Hails Ola's Appeal Court Victory: VICE Presidential candidate of the Action Congress (AC) in 2007 election, Senator Ben Obi, yesterday, hailed Bode Ola, the AC senatorial candidate for Ekiti Central for regaining his 'stolen mandate' through the legal process.
Our Tactics Are Changing - Amokachi: That Nigerian players are blessed with technique is never in doubt. In fact, their technical abilities marvel Europeans and other football nations. They are usually likened to those of Brazil, the kings of the game of soccer.
Scandal in the League - God Will Punish Those: THE Globacom Premier League is swimming in very dangerous waters that might bring the game to disrepute and ridicule. World soccer-governing body, FIFA, is listening with rapt attention to the offensive odour oozing out from the country. Chairman of the Nigerian Professional League, Chief Jackson Oyuiki-Obaseki has placed curses on those trying to smear the league even though he confessed that it was difficult to prove whether the match was compromised by the clubs.
Local Govts Seek Financial Autonomy From FG, States: Towards a sustainable grassroots development in line with the federal governments Vision 20-20-20 initiative, the local governments in Nigeria have began moves to wrest financial autonomy from both the4 federal Government and the States.
FG Should Not Experiment With the Appointment of Sec DG: The federal government should not experiment with the appointment of a new Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by appointing a learner, says a senior capitala market operator.
Bullish Trend Persists, Share Value Rises By N81 Billion: The bullish trend in the Nigerian capital market continued for the third day running, Wednesday, as gains on the share prices of majority of the listed equities, drove up the market capitalisation and All-share index by 1.33 per cent each.
Again, Mimiko, Lawmakers in Trenches Over Council Chairmen: After a stormy session, the Ondo State House of Assembly early in the week ignited yet another round of controversy. This time was on Governor Mimiko's constitution of caretaker committees for the 18 local governments in the state, our senior correspondent Sunday Kudaisi writes.

onlinenigeria.com

Emeka Okoro: Emeka Okoro is a versatile actor. The artiste, who spoke on his acting career and how the industry is growing also told Daily Sun recently that he has always dreamt of becoming a star. The actor, who hails from Umuahia in Ukwuano Local Government area of Abia State, said Nollywood which is now a fast growing phenomenon will attain higher heights in a few years to come. Motivation I have always dreamt of becoming an actor right from my childhood days. Whenever I watched American movies, I would say to myself that when I grow up, I will like to be an actor. I met a friend Emeka Kurimo, who told me that an audition was going on somewhere. I attended and luckily, I was chosen. That enabled me to feature in my first movie entitled: Dirty Deal. Success It is all about determination, knowing fully well what I wanted. Despite the obstacles, I just have to continue, at least, compared to when I started. Roles I have played several roles in movies which I can’t even remember any longer.But I can still remember a few like The Senator, Occultic Battle, First Love, One Love, among many others. Embarrassing moment I don’t have any, because I detest living a fake life. I like to be what I am . Most challenging role It is the movie entitled: First Love. I played the role of a good and a bad guy. Switching from one character to another was actually challenging. At the same time, I was also on location for another movie entitled: One Love. Kissing in Nollywood It is not true.We call it make-believe, because there is a camera before you and there are members of crew all around you. So, there is no way you would go contrary to what the director is saying. We are only trying to be natural in order to convey a message. It may look real, but it is all fake. Nollywood The Nigeria movie industry is like a woman who gives birth to a child. You do not expect the child to attain maturity at once, it has to be gradual.The industry is actually growing considering Nigeria’s poor economy. People are making their living out of it. Mentor Jesus Christ is my mentor. I respect people, the only person I recognize is Jesus. I read the Bible and follow Christ’s footsteps. Advice It is wonderful to be an actor, but before anything, one needs to be well prepared. Moreover, a potential actor should undergo a training programme and build his or her talent. First, if you have a talent, develop it, don’t wait until the opportunity slips. I will also advise people who want to make ends meet at once. It is not a good way of life, one needs to exercise some patience. Marriage I’m yet to get married.
Caroline Uduak Abasi Ekanem: Caroline Uduak Abasi Ekanem is a princess from the royal family of Ekanem in Eket, Cross River State. She went into acting not only for the fame and glamour, but to use her talent to impact on her society. Born to a British father and a Nigerian mother, Caroline is from a God-fearing and disciplined family. This undergraduate of the University of Calabar loves singing, but has acting as her first love. Since she cut her teeth in acting, when she featured in Chico Ejiro’s Deadly Kiss, she has never looked back. Though blessed with ravishing beauty, Caroline is not one of those Nollywood actresses who allows the glamour of screen acting to get into their heads. She told Daily Sun that she would rather die in penury than bare it all before the camera. In this interview, Caroline speaks on her life, career and why parental influence would not make her do anything untoward as an actress. How I started I was into modelling for three years before I went into acting. I had always wanted to act, but something told me that the time was not ripe for me to go into it. I started acting through a friend called Mrs Dominic. She was the one who took me to Chico Ejiro and he featured me in the movie entitled Deadly Kiss. Although the movie was my debut, I played a lead role and people said that I performed so brilliantly. Best role My best role in a movie was when I acted alongside Ikechukwu Onyeka, Emeka Nnoecha and Tu Face Idibia. The role was challenging to me as well as the setting. I felt real good doing it and I believe that it brought out the best in me and for the fact that I had to play five different roles in the same movie. Inspiration I am always inspired by the role at hand. At times, people see me as someone who cannot hurt a fly. But the irony of it is that some of my roles present me as someone who could be very mean. Relationship with directors My kind of relationship with directors is strictly on business, nothing else. As a lady, I know what it takes to be in the midst of men. So, if a director wants a relationship other than business, I would make him understand that I am not one of those upcoming artistes that sleeps around with men. Challenges I don’t like people to know that I am a half-caste. I am a Nigerian and I love African culture and I want people to see me as an African. The challenges are quite enormous because at times, some people would conclude that I can’t play certain roles because I am thin, or I am not dark skinned, or because I speak with British accent. There are other times that people have the impression that I should not be well paid and so on. However, I want people to know that I am not into acting because I am a half-caste but because I want to play the role that I am given. Movies featured in Some of the movies include Deadly Kiss, A Second Time, Missing Angel 2 &3, Foreign Affairs, The Twist, Angel and the Beast, Real Love Part 2 and a Yoruba movie. Happiest moment Everyday is my happiest moment because God grants me the grace to see each day. I am happy for that. So, there is no particular happiest moment for me. Artiste fee I won’t tell you, it is a secret. Some people always put my fee in the range of N500,000. May God bless them for rating me so high. Anyway, I am still an upcoming actress and I don’t earn up to that. Night clubbing I can’t remember the last time I went to a club, but I love singing. My social life is a kind of boring one because after acting and everything, I would be so tired that I would have to go home and rest the next day. As a student, whenever I don’t go to school, I am at home taking care of my grandparents. But when I want to have fun, I would have it to the fullest. If I don’t have fun in a day, that day would be boring. Acting negative roles Damn it! I am from a disciplined home. My parents will disown me should I act nude in a movie for instance. Rather, I would wear a bikini or shorts instead. I will not expose my body to the public except to my husband. That is to say that I can’t act nude in a movie even if I am paid the money in the whole world. Advice to my fans My advice to my fans is that whatever they want to do, they should not allow anybody to stop them. They should always give it a trial even if they think that it will fail. They would be surprised that they would make it and in everything, they should remember God first. They should be determined, self-confident and learn to please themselves before others. They should always follow the dictates of their hearts. In everything, they should not allow fear to conquer them. Future plans My future plan is big. I would like to be somebody that people would see and they will say! I want to be like this lady. I want to achieve all my dreams even before I attain 30 years and I know that I will do it in Jesus name.
Kalu Ikeagwu: Kalu Ikeagwu started acting as a student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he studied English. According to him, his father who was a lecturer at the University usually encouraged him to read. He soon developed a passion for Literature which ignited his interest in acting. Kalu who features as Jeny, a loving and very supportive husband to Ada in the TVsoap Domino, currently showing on AIT every Sunday, came into the country from England less than a year ago. Hear him: "A friend of mine who is a banker here in Nigeria encouraged me to come home and get involved in Nollywood. So, I planned to come to Nigeria just for two weeks to network and arrange for my final home coming." Ever since he arrived the country, Nigerian producers have been inviting him to feature in their movies. Following his debut movie, For Real by Emem Isong, in less than one year, the debonair actor has established his presence in the movie industry. Beaming smiles, the talented actor says he would love to be appreciated not just for his good looks but his potentials. He also spoke about his acting career, his fees, coping with female fans, the future of Nollywood and much more in this interview. Background My name is Kalu Ikeagwu. I was born in England. I returned to Nigeria when I was nine years old because my father wanted me to get closer to my culture. I had my primary education in England and Zambia and my secondary school and University here at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka before I returned to England. My father, who died two years ago, was a lecturer and a very good man. He was very strict too. Being a very academic man, he used to encourage us to read. My mother lives in England at the moment with the rest of the family. We are seven in number - two girls and five boys. I am the third child and the first son of my parents. I read English and graduated in 1991. Acting career My father had wanted me to study Medicine but I couldn’t do it because I wasn’t very good in the sciences. I developed the love for Literature and when it was time to go to the University, I chose Literature much to his disappointment. In my first year at the University, we had a drama to present. I was not really interested in it, I just wanted to go there and play about. Later a man came and made me read the script and before I knew it, he told me to pick up the role. It was hard work for me but I just found out that I enjoyed it. And ever since then, I have never looked back. I continued to act on stage throughout my stay at the university so much so that people thought I was a Dramatic Arts student. That was where it started from. I came into the country last year and featured in three home movies before I was invited to take part in Domino. The first one was For Real by Emem Isong; the second one was Darkest Night, but the third movie is not yet out. Picking the roles A friend of mine who is a banker here in Nigeria encouraged me to come home and get roles in Nollywood. So I planned to come to Nigeria just for two weeks to network. So when I arrived, I did not know they had already fixed me up with an agent who linked me with Emem Isong. So I went to see her, she asked me to read something for her. That was how she gave me the role. For the role in Domino, I went for another auditioning at the National Theatre, the then producer of Domino, Biodun Aleja, just saw me and told me that they were actually looking for new faces. So that was how I got the role. Most challenging role So far, the most challenging is the role I play in Domino. Moreso because I am usually more comfortable as a bad guy. But it is difficult acting a good person, you have to be disciplined enough in order not to overact. However, I really don’t want to fit into any role, I want to be as flexible as I can. As an actor, I think my responsibility is to express everything a human being can express to an audience, so I should be able to handle any role that is given to me. Acting in England and Nigeria In England things are a bit easier above all, more time is given to interpret roles which was quite a challenge. On arrival, I think that is the major difference. I also saw it here that they are not expression oriented. In England, the main thing is to make it as real as possible, it is more internalized – the way you talk, your eyes, body language, those are the things that are considered more important. I think we will still fit in, it is just that if we can have more time to do our work, it would be a lot better. Because our movie producers are in a bit of a hurry. Another thing I have observed is that the Nigerian movie industry is after quick profit. Nigerian movie industry In terms of recognition, Nigerian movie industry is rated high. Concerning quality, we have a lot of potentials. We are doing very well but we need to get rid of the short-term profit syndrome. I think that is what is affecting us at the moment. Initially I thought we were nowhere. But working in the industry, I have seen many directors who want to bring out quality work. Also our Nigerian audience are very critical of what they see. Nigerian movies abroad It is funny because we have a much larger market outside than we have here. But the strongest factor is that of nostalgia. People rush out to buy Nigerian films just to have an impression about the country. For instance, Osuofia in London, people watched it over and over again and they liked it. Africans and West Indians in London watch Nigerians movies because of the content. We should start gearing towards international recognition where our films can be shown at international festivals. If on the other hand we refuse to do that, we’ll crash out of reckoning. Role models One of the people I look up to in the industry is Kate Henshaw. She is a very humble person, and highly intelligent. As for RMD and Segun Arinze, when they read their scripts, it just sticks. I do not know how they do it. I like Stella Damascus-Aboderin. I have not worked with Stella but I have worked with the other people. Myself I am idealistic. I love having fun. I love God because he has done so much for me. I love people, but sometimes I do not have much patience. I can be moody sometimes. I am not that kind of nice person that people think Jerry in Domino is. I do not have Jerry’s patience. I like singing, but I also like to write. How I unwind I like to read and travel. I love driving but not in Lagos. I don’t like driving in Lagos. Most enabling moment I have never had stage fright. But there was this day I was on stage, at a point there was black out. But it was not my first time on stage. The first time I acted, it went smoothly. I was on stage playing Ezeulu, the Chief Priest in Arrow of God. I have been rehearsing on a much smaller stage. I have never been on the big stage before. So when I came out, the stage was so huge that I did not know how to go about my movements. I just stood there frozen. I just saw a whole sea of faces staring at me. Honestly, I do not know how I managed to get through that. Aspirations I would love to work in Nigeria and overseas as an actor. I don’t ever want to see myself as a good actor. I want to see myself as someone aspiring to be better. That for me will be a tremendous success. At the right time, I would love to produce my own movies and make an impact on what I think about life. Relationship Yes, I am engaged. I have a fiancee who lives in Kaduna. She is from Abia State and a wonderful lady at that. There’s nothing for my female fans who may want to take it beyond being fans. If they come close to me, they would realise that I am not that much of a catch. My fees Well, it could be better. At the stage that I am, I believe that it could be better. But actors in Nigeria are still poorly paid compared to other countries.
Uche Jombo: Despite her late father’s warning that she should not venture into acting, "very stubborn" Ucheobi Jessica Jombo, damned all consequence and gave her body and soul to Nollywood. "I disobeyed my very strict dad who is now deceased to go into acting. My first movie was Visa To Hell by Fidelis Duker in ’98. But Adure by Charles Ifeduba, where I played lead the following year, really established my name and presence in Nollywood". From Abiriba, Abia State, Jombo also made headlines few years ago when her celebrated romance with veteran actor, Norbert Young, crashed amid accusations and counter accusations from the estranged lovers. "I don’t like talking about my affair with Norbert. He is now married and we greet whenever we see," she said in a voice filled with emotion. Uche, who read Maths and Statistics from the University of Calabar, in this exclusive chat with Daily Sun, also spoke glowingly about the new man in her life. "He is humorous, dark and tall. He also makes me laugh always. Though, he has not proposed to me, I pray everyday for him to do it this year". Miss Jombo, you’ve been so quiet in terms of acting in recent times? What is happening? Nothing! No problem at all, I’ve been working, only that I chose to keep away from the media. About five of my movies are already out. I even wrote one of them, entitled, Girls In The Hood. Okay! Back to Nollywood. Some couple of years ago, you produced your debut movie entitled Ibinabo, since then, we have not heard anything from you again in terms of producing. Why? Emmh! Nothing was really responsible for my not producing more movies. I’m just being careful and studying the industry. Right now, I’m cooking something with Emem Isong. By the time we are set, Nigerians will know that Uche Jombo has not abandoned the art of movie making as a producer. So, how soon is this project of yours coming out? Very, very soon. Let me not talk much till the movie comes out. Ibinabo, your debut effort as a producer, was it a commercial success? Sincerely speaking, the movie was okay commercially when we released it in 1999. Going down memory lane, how did you come into Nollywood? I came into Nollywood like every other actress. My first movie was Visa To Hell, by Fidelis Duker, that was in ’98. But Adure, which was my first lead role by Charles Ifediba, catapulted me to fame. What were you doing before storming Nollywood? Before coming in, I was doing what I still do now. I write and produce advert copies and jingles. I was and still do that for Manny Bank before embracing acting fully. Then and even now, I do one or two legit businesses for corporate bodies. I also write much. I’m a total production person. As somebody who read Maths and Statistics, many people expected you to be in the financial sector. Why did you opt for showbiz? In a way, I’m practising what I read in the university. You calculate every aspect of your life. And that is exactly what I’m doing. The only difference is that I’m not stucked in a nine to five kind of job. I can’t do that because I’m too hyper active. The fact is that I can’t sit in a place for a long time. Again, I’ve never worked for anybody all my life. Did your parents give their approval when you were trying to storm Nollywood? Then, as an Abiriba man, my father objected vehemently. Being a stubborn child, I refused to listen to his advice. He later got tired and allowed me to be. Even my elder siblings were dazed on how I was able to conquer our dad, being the third in a family of nine. We are four girls and five boys. I’m stubborn, very stubborn. What other profession would have appealed to you if you were not in Nollywood today? (Thinks). Probably, I would have been a lawyer. I argue much about the things I know. I would have also gone into television big time. In the next couple of years, where do you hope to be or see yourself? In the next couple of years, I want to take my outfit, Picture Perfect, and myself to the highest level. In terms of production. I also want to have the best studio in Africa and transmit my own talk show to the world from here, Nigeria. I’m already working towards that. The year is still new, what are the goals you have set out to achieve before it comes to an end? I want to write good scripts and also act in many good movies this year. I also want to settle down to marital bliss. I want to get closer to my God this year. What was your lowest fee as an actress? It was my debut movie. I was paid N18, 000 (eighteen thousand). Don’t bother asking about my highest, I won’t tell you.
Oby Edozie: Star of Rough Rider and a dozen other box office home videos, Oby Edozie, has taken a swipe at those who hold the opinion that that she is morally lax because she is an actress. According to her, despite the raunchy and naughty roles she plays on television, she is definitely not a loose girl. Early years “My first movie was Love And Be Cherished. I came into acting after my lecturer at the Lagos State University, Sola Fosudo gave me a note to Zeb Ejiro . I got my first lead role after my third movie.” Ever since, she has acted over 40 movies and has grown to become one of Nollywood’s favourite faces after almost nine years in the industry. “My growing up was very Christian. Father was a disciplinarian who never spared the rod to save the child. We were one happy family. At a very tender age when I told my classmates I wanted to be an actor, they all laughed and made jest of me because then, I was very skinny. I am not there yet but I am growing and I thank God for every day of my life.” However, today, she has blossomed into a hot, sexy sought-after actress. How does she handle her male fans: “I am very polite. I try to have an excellent relationship with my fans. I know where to draw the line. Without them I wouldn’t be here today.” Nollywood Oby says that there has been tremendous improvement and growth in Nollywood between 1997, when she was a debutante and today: “We should not compare ourselves to Hollywood. The prospects are very bright. The industry is growing. Once upon a time, it was just a joke but it has transformed into the mainstay of a lot of families.” She describes herself as romantic: “I listen to soft sentimental music. I am very romantic. When I love, I love to the extreme. I go all the way. I have been broken hearted before but its personal.” Secret to success Oby has a rising profile. Today, she is one of Nollywoods most sought-after faces. She talks about the secret to her success: “The secret of my success is hardwork. I play my part to the best of my ability. It is being you, being humble and consistent. Carriage and poise are very important. I keep learning. I love people criticising me because that is the only way I could take my act to the next level. I believe in being real and consistent. That is the secret to my success.” Love life When enquired about her love life she responded thus: “You want to know about my love life? Wait till my wedding day. Once I get married to that very man, that’s when I would talk about love. That is when I would talk about that very man. So, stop bugging me.” Dreams “My dream ultimately is to get to Hollywood and be successful. I want to get married and have eight children at least. My vision was for 13 lovely kids but I have cut it down to eight. I love kids. I want to adopt them, at least, a boy and a girl. They are so innocent. I intend to establish a motherless babies home someday.” Some of the movies starring Oby includes Supremacy, Golden Moon, Abuja Connection, Jealous Lover, True Love, etc
Zack Orji: Some call you Zach Orji, others Zack Orji. What are your real names? I was born Zachee Ama Orji in Libreville, Gabon. However, most people call me Zack. When ever we talk about actors it looks like they have always been actors. What is your background before acting- education, experience etc I hold a B.Sc. (Hons) Estate Management degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I graduated in 1984. Apart from Gabon and my fatherland Nigeria, my formative years; primary and secondary education were in Cameroon, Benin and Togo where I attended both French and English schools. This accounts for my being bilingual. Before becoming an actor, I used to design and make aquariums for sale and on order. Fine Arts was where I made one of my best grades in secondary school. The aquanum market was dull so I moved on to shoes. Back in my secondary school my principal used to call me an all-rounder. I was senior prefect, I was speaker in senior debates, I was in the dramatic society, I was school champion in shot putt and discus; state champion in shot putt (1978) and went on to represent my state nationally You must be a unique Nigerian actor since you speak French fluently. Have you thought about acting in French? I would like to act in French. In August 2002, I was in Kinshasa, Congo where alongside my Congolese colleagues; I did a 5-minute promo in French for Vodacom to promote their short mail service in that country. Nigerian Movies have become de facto Africa's popular movies. How do you see this evolving? I see the role of Nigerian movies as a pioneering one. Other sister African Nations will follow our footsteps and begin to do their own homegrown movies. There will be more collaborations than we have already done with Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon and Sierra Leone, transcending language barriers. Which are your all time favorite foreign and African Films? a. Guess who’s coming to Dinner b. The Good The Bad and The Ugly c. Sound of Music d. Sarafina e. The Unforgiven Sin f. Tenterhooks g. Web h. Return To Kazondia i. Games Women Play j. All my Life What is your take on Films made on celluloid and Filmmakers like Sembene Ousmane or Basek Bakobio? Nothing compares to the big screen. It is awesome, it captivates and it is the ultimate created world. My recollections of the big screen, watching movies like “The Good, the bad and the Ugly”, in my very early teens, are still very much vivid. Celluloid gives you the “feel” of the big screen. However, recent breakthroughs in digital technology have given birth to digital video cameras with very high definition. You can shoot your films with these high definition cameras and watch them on wide screens, enjoying the same picture resolutions. George Lucas used such high def cameras and said “I will never shoot another film on film”. Filmmakers like Sembene Ousmane or Basek Bakobio are torchbearers who have inspired a lot of Africans and people of black descent. They have made indelible marks and therefore occupy a pride of place. However, we must strive to traverse their footprints and leave something behind, in order to build up on their foundations
Shan George: A lot has been written about popular actress, Shan George. But for the first time ever, the lady tells her life story to Daily Sun. This is the story of a survivor, a woman that took her destiny in her hands and, against all odds, rose to fame and stardom. During the interview, Shan George broke down in tears, and the reporter could not stop the tears from flowing from her own eyes. This is her life story in her own words: In the beginning Life started for me in the village, in a small village called Ediba in Abi local government area of Cross-River State. My mum worked as a nurse in one of the local hospitals. She is now retired. My father was an expatriate from England with a company called Turners Asbestos in Emene, Enugu State, before he died. The company is now known as Emenite. It produces roofing sheets and water pipes. After the death of my father, my mother left Enugu to go back and live in my village where I grew up. My parents used to live at No. 2 Nwodo Close inside the G.R.A. in Enugu, and I was getting close to my 5th birthday when I lost my father. My mother was so heartbroken when she lost my father, my grand-mother then insisted she comes back to my village to live. Back in the village, my mother worked as a nurse in the local hospital across the river in Etigidi. My mother never got over my father, I am my mother’s only child and she still lives in the village, she only comes to Lagos now and then to visit me. My mother put all her effort in taking care of me, and also thought it was important for me to be educated. I had my primary and secondary education in the village. Village life, when I was between the ages of 8 and 12 years old, was a lot of fun for me. How I used to climb trees and mountains with my school-mates on our way back from school. How we used to swim in the stream, how you don’t get to eat lunch until you get to the farm after school and lunch, for me then, was roasted yam. Sometimes when I look back at what my life was as a young girl growing up in the village, sometimes I get an image of a young girl who deserves better. But then it was fun. I knew no other life. Here I was, half-caste, born by a British expatriate, living in a village that had no electricity. My mother worked very hard to send me to school, provided me with the little comfort that she could, I remember as a young girl I had my own bed. But all the other basic amenities like having a generator, a television set were luxuries that my mother could not afford. I remember how I used to go to watch television in neighbour’s houses. And how I used to dream of becoming somebody some day. I actually wanted to become a lawyer as a young girl. And I wanted so much to become somebody great in the society, and I used to fantasize about how someday, I am going to marry a governor or a president, so that I can become a first lady, just like the wives of the presidents and governors that I sometimes see on my neigbour’s television set. I was an Oyibo girl, who knew nothing about the Western world, and I had this big ambition to be great someday. How to go about it then, I did not know. But I just kept on dreaming, and hoped it happens. Early marriage It is the norm in my village then that young girls get married off between the age of 15 to 17. If you don’t get a suitor by the age of 17, you are like a leftover. And back then, in my village, they didn’t see it as a wise investment to send girls to school. After all, a girl changes her name to that of her husband immediately she gets married and whatever she becomes thereafter is to her husband’s name and glory. So why waste your money educating a girl child? And I thank my mother who insisted I pass through secondary school before I got married. So, when I was getting close to my 16th birthday, I got married. I was really excited about the marriage proposal then, to me as a young girl growing up in a village without electricity, getting married and going to live in "township" then was very exciting. "Township" then as we used to call places where there is electricity, cars, television, executive sitting chairs, to us then in the village, was paradise. I can’t say I was forced into marriage then, I was actually excited at the prospect of leaving the village for paradise. But I realised later that not all that glitters is gold. I left the village for the so-called paradise, for me to find out that it wasn’t a paradise after all. And things didn’t work out the way I thought they would. Maybe if I didn’t get married that early in life, maybe things would have been different. Because I now know everything has its time and season. One needs to be mature and ready for marriage. Although my ex-husband is older, there was no cordiality in the marriage. We had a traditional marriage and I left the village to live with him. As a young girl, I had high hopes of going to the university to read Law. Four years into the marriage with two kids, and no talk about me going back to school, to become that person that I wanted to be, I became an unhappy persons. Suddenly, I realised that if I stayed on in that marriage, I will never realise my dreams. And I was not happy in that marriage. At a point, my marriage was like a stumbling block to my success in life. So, I knew I had to do something about it. After six years in that marriage, I woke up one morning on the 6th of May 1991, with N2,400 in my bag. I left my husband’s house in Ojodu. I did not head for the village this time around. I had left with my kids before then for my village. But my mother asked me questions about how my ex-husband was treating me, and my replies were positive ones. Was I being maltreated by him? I replied no. So my mother was not in support of me staying back in the village with my kids, she insisted I had to go back to my husband. So, I realised then that I just couldn’t go back to my mother in the village this time around. I knew if I had to leave, I had to go somewhere else, definitely not my village. My first son was born in November 1986, my second son was born November 1988. In 1991, when I left my husband’s house, they were so young, I never wanted to leave without them. But I knew I couldn’t take the kids with me. I had nowhere to go, so taking the children with me to an unknown destination will be putting then through a lot of hardship. And I had no means of taking care of them. So, I prayed that morning for God’s forgiveness. We had just moved to Ojodu then. I think we moved to Ojodu in Lagos in 1990. So, I was very new in Lagos, I had no friends or family I could go stay with. But I was determined, so I was going round Lagos, looking for work and hoping that I would come across anybody from my village that could be of assistance. That night, I slept in a small hotel. I can’t remember exactly how much I paid at the hotel per night, but the N2,400 I had with me lasted just for four days. As God will have it on that 4th day, I met somebody I knew while in the village. Her name is Mrs. Betcy Ukoh. I ran into her somewhere around Fola Agoro in Shomolu where her fashion house was located. She now lives in Abidjan, Cote’d’Ivoire with her family. It was amazing and I was so excited and she was happy to see me. I explained my situation to her, and she offered to take me in. When I left my husband’s house in Ojodu, I did not leave with any of my things. What I had was just the one dress I had on. And throughout those four days I was going round Lagos, I had that dress on. At night, I wash it in the hotel I was staying, spread it under the fan to dry till the following morning. So, when my aunty took me in, the first thing she did was to make me a skirt and blouse from the leftover fabrics she had in her shop. And that was what I wore for the first few days that I stayed with her. I learned how to sew from her and she used to send me to some of her customers in corporate offices that can’t find the time to come to her shop to take their orders. And she was always sending me to Tejuoso Market to buy fabrics that she intends to sew for her customers. And that was how I got into fashion. After some time, I started saving the little money I was making towards buying G.C.E. forms. I got enough money to sit for my G.C.E, I passed, and the following year I sat for JAMB exams. I did not make my JAMB that year, but I did the following year. After two years of living with my aunt, I left her place to get a one room accommodation somewhere in Obanikoro. And that was how I started sewing on my own. After some time, I was able to save enough to open a boutique and up till date, I still run the boutique. My boutique is called SHANDEL, it’s a combination of my name and that of my first son. My boutique is located in Jibowu, my shop by the special grace of God is stocked with the latest fashion trend. Then I used to get goods from people that travel abroad to put in my shop. I couldn’t afford to pay outright, I used to take the goods on sales on return. And when I get little money then, I used to travel to Cotonou to buy things to put in the shop. In 1996, I got a letter of admission to University of Lagos to read Mass Communication. It was the happiest day of my life. I was overwhelmed with joy. I held the letter and tears of joy dropped from my eyes. Later, I realised I didn’t have enough to pay my tuition fees. I had to pay N12,000 and all I had then was N8 in my account. While I was working with my aunt, I met a lot of people from my village but I didn’t socialise with them, because I was always busy working for my aunt. One of them was my mother’s brother who is a customs officer. I went to see him, and he offered to help. He gave me N5,000. And there was this other man who is also from my village, his name is Mr. Omini, he was working with N.N.P.C then. I don’t know if he still does. I have made a lot of effort to reach him. I hope he reads this. I really, really want to get in touch with him. He gave me N2,000. (At this point, Shan’s voice quivers and tears rolled down her face). While I was running around looking for money to pay my tuition fees into the university, I was also looking out for any job opportunity. My boutique was not doing well then, so I decided I needed to get a paid job to support whatever I was making from the boutique. Luckily for me, I got a job working behind the camera at N.T.A. on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island. And later, Sadiq Daba gave me a role to play in Winds of Destiny, and I was paid N1,000 per episode. That was in 1997. While acting in Winds of Destiny, I got my first home movie role in the late Jennifer Ossai’s movie titled, Thorns of Rose. My sister, Blessing Eremi, who played Wakanga in NTA’s rested soap, Fortune, introduced me to Jennifer. I had to stop my behind the camera work at NTA because of my studies, and later, I got a major role in After The Storm, a television drama which ran on N.T.A. Tunde Adesina gave me a big role, so I got a better fee. After the Storm was rested after a while, so, I just concentrated on school. And that was how I started writing my own script while in school. In my final year at the university, I produced my own movie titled, All For Winnie. Later, I was able to raise enough money to travel abroad on business trips. And the first country I travelled to in Europe was Paris. British citizen My father was a British expatriate and because my mother was too devastated after his death, when she left Enugu, she didn’t even think of keeping any document for future references as regards my father. All she had was his photograph. So, at a point in my life, out of curiosity of wanting to know who my father was, I went in search of the company he worked with in Enugu. And that was how I got to know that the company’s name had been changed from Turners Asbestos to Eminite. I found my father’s name in what was left as the ‘company’s record. And I was able to get the company’s address in Manchester, United Kingdom. I sent a lot of letters to the company, but I never got a responce. And the telephone number I got from the company’s record was also no longer in service. My father’s name, Gordon Walker George, was on the company’s record. I have reached out to a lot of organisations that could help trace my father’s relatives. I also tried Red Cross because I heard they are good at uniting lost families, but no positive response came from them. I didn’t inform my mother before I went to Enugu in search of the company my father worked with. But I later told her what I found out. And she was not pleased that I was going around trying to gather information about a dead man. She sees no point in the search, especially now that I am famous and am doing so well for myself. A lot of websites that I tried on the internet could not help because I don’t know my father’s date of birth and place of birth. There was a time that I logged onto a website called something ancestral and called all the Gordon Walker George listed, but nothing came up. Someday, I intend to go to the company’s address that I had written to in Manchester, and find out why I didn’t get a reply to my letters. So, right now, I don’t know how to go about the British citizenship. Okey Basassi I met Okey Bakassi at a public function in 1998, then I was still in school. We started out as friends, I was very new in the movie industry then and Okey was the only friend I had. We were friends before we became lovers and he put me through a lot of things. He had been in the movie industry before me. And he had produced several movies, so I learnt a lot from him. The relationship came to an end because at that time, I was not so keen on marriage. I had just come out of one marriage and I wasn’t ready to get into another one so soon. Coupled with the fact that we were both struggling artists. So we were not talking marriage. At a point, the affair just faded away naturally, no quarrel. But what we had was a good, honourable relationship that lasted for three years, and in an industry like ours that a relationship that lasts for two months is a big deal. My new husband I met my present husband Anthony Nwosisi in England in 2002 and we met through a friend. For me, it was love at first sight. In fact, I fell in love with him on the phone before we met physically. He called my friend I was with while in London, and she told him on the phone that I was in London and with her. He asked to speak with me, and immediately he said hi on the phone, my heart just skipped a beat. And we went on chatting like we’ve known each other for long, and that was how we exchanged numbers. And when we met physically, it was like magic. Well, the rest is history. I know there has been so much negative things written about us not being together in some soft sell magazines. And I will like to set the record straight. We are together and we intend to be together till kingdom come. Or like my husband used to say, till eternity. My husband lives in England and that’s why I shuttle between Lagos and England a lot. But he is planning on re-locating back to Nigeria very soon. Yes, he was once married with two kids, a boy and a girl. I love and respect him a lot as my husband and he has always been there for me. We got married traditionally, and he means the world to me
Ibinabo Fiberesima: So much in love with showbiz and entertainment right from her teens, Ibinabo Fiberesima had a taste of this life-long interest shortly after gaining admission into the university as she contested and won an 'Elopee Entertainment' sponsored Miss Wonderland beauty pageant in 1990. This however became a turning point in her life as she thereafter got involved in acting, modelling, singing (to some extent), contracts and beauty pageants. Currently the chief executive officer of 'Miss Africa Beauty Pageant' the extroverted artiste believes she is a Jack of all trade and also master of all. Born to an Okirika father and an Irish mother, Ibinabo lived with her grandmother for the greater part of her childhood and adolescent years. The second child in a family of six, she studied English Language and Literature at the University of Ibadan from where she graduated in 1994. Apparently destined for greatness in showbiz and entertainment, she didn't work with her degree for one day as she got 'The Pyramid' night club as birthday and graduation present from her ex-boyfriend. "I got the night club the month I came out of school, so I just started doing business. I preferred a night club because I am a karaoke freak, I love karaoke, I love to sing." A single parent to three boys (two of them biological), she soon discovered that as she started having her kids, she needed to spend more time with them. And the club wasn't well managed because she didn't really know anything about night club management. Instead of generating profit, 'The Pyramid' incurred great debts. Apparently trying to avoid a nervous breakdown, the fair-complexioned lady said she had no option but to put the property up for sale about three years ago. That was shortly before travelling to London with her son to unwind. An ex-beauty queen, and to a great extent still looking pretty and charming even after two kids, it would be an understatement to say that Ibinabo still attracts the attention of the opposite sex. However, one aspect of her life that seems puzzling to many is why she chose to be a single parent. "Well, that isn't anybody's choice, it happens. I thank God that even as a single mother, I am a strong woman, So, I really don't miss that part of it". Having grown up with her mother, father, grandmother". And in the presence of many family members, she believes that the love and experience she received from them goes a long way in assisting her bring up and take proper care of her sons: nine, six and two years old respectively. Even after three children Ibinabo said she still wants more. How? When would she get married then? "When the Lord wants it to happen. And He will soon, I know". This year? "Even if it is tomorrow. I miss that part of my life. I love the family setting". When asked what she looks out for in a man she would love to get married to, her response was swift but simple: "Honesty", She went on to reveal why she isn't married yet even after two biological children for two different men: "I found out two days after my grandmother's death that I was pregnant. I was shattered because she longed for me to have a child she could carry. I was really prepared for the baby, but not for marriage. I wasn't ready for that at the point, I just wanted my baby. With the second one, I was really ready to settle down, but it just didn't work. That's life." For now, the nervy actress said she isn't ready for marriage, but wouldn't hesitate to go into it if it is the Lord's wish. Reason(s) for not being ready? Her career. According to her, she has picked up with her career again and she is going places with it. "I want to be able to stand firm." Is she an independent person? "I am a very independent woman." How much is she worth? "I don't know; I am not telling you that side." If she had not gone into showbiz, Ibinabo said she would have been a full-time housewife. But she quickly added that for now, it is no longer possible. " I don't want to be anybody's housewife again. That time has passed. Now, I will own a career. But that doesn't make me less a mother." In her shoes, being partly Irish, many would prefer running away from the hustles and bustles of Nigeria to settle in Ireland, or somewhere in Europe. As far as this idea is concerned, Ibinabo reasons differently. She sees Nigeria as the place to be and doesn't in any way prefer to live in Europe. " I will never leave Nigeria. Maybe I am one of the idiots, as some of my friends call me. There is so much to do here. Everyday I wake up I have ideas in my head. I go after them and I get them done. In London, I can be indoors for a whole week without stepping out. It is so boring, and why would I go out and do all the odd jobs? Why would I do that when I can live like a queen in my country?" Gosh! Having emerged second runner-up of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant (1991), first runner -up Miss Nigeria (1990) and winner, Miss Wonderland, Ibinabo realised that she enjoys showbiz more than any other business. Knowing that only pageant winners proceed to other international contests (a situation she dislikes since she believes other contestants ought to be given similar opportunities), Ibinabo registered her own outfit, 'Miss African Beauty Pageant' and got the franchise for Miss Earth, Miss Intercontinental and Miss Tourism International. Having taken the Miss Nigeria (2003) first runner-up, Eva Ewemade Ogbebor to the Miss Earth Pageant in the Philippines, reigning Miss Nigeria (2003) to Miss Intercontinental in Japan, Ibinabo looks forward to taking the Miss Nigeria (2003) second runner-up to Sri-Lanka later tin the year for the Miss Tourism Intercontinental pageant.
Desmond Elliot: Desmond Elliot is easily one of the fastest rising stars in the Nigerian home video sector. He shot into limelight through television soap operas and was soon to become a regular face in Nollywood movies such that tracking him down for an interview became almost impossible. Elliot has also been to many parts of the globe, as his acting skills have made him a well sought after artiste. Besides, he has become a role model in Nollywood such that he often becomes first choice for every producer in search of artistes for romantic roles. In a recent chat with Daily Sun, Elliot recalled how a friend lured him into acting. He also spoke about his ambition to become the executive governor of Lagos State in the nearest future and why he married an Akwa–Ibom woman: Background I was born to a Yoruba father and an Ibo mother. I grew up in the Northern part of the country and I am married to an Akwa-Ibom woman. I had my primary education at Air Force Primary school in Jos from where I went to St John’s College also in Jos. I studied Economics at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos and graduated in 2003. It was a friend who influenced me to become an actor. My friend wasn’t an actor but he always felt that I was cut out for the entertainment industry. As a Christian, I felt that the best thing for me to do was to pray about it. I prayed and asked God to help me make a choice. It wasn’t easy but I thank God that He intervened and revealed to me that I should join the industry. I first started with soap operas such as Everyday People, One Too Much, Wale Adenuga’s Super Stories and Saints and Sinners. I still feature in Everday People but I moved into the movie industry gradually and today the rest is history. Between Soaps and Video Anywhere in the world, film and video have always been quite challenging and rewarding to practitioners. Even in more developed countries most great movie stars move from television to movies. For example, Bruce Willies moved from Moonlighting to movies and Will Smith went from Fresh Prince Of Barley to Men in Black. For me, movies are more demanding and rewarding than soap operas. Becoming governor of Lagos I am looking forward to becoming the elected governor of Lagos State in not too distant future, but definitely not in 2007. I want to serve the people of Lagos and I know I can do it. People say that politics is a dirty game, I don’t know exactly how dirty it can get but my intention basically is to serve humanity. Why I run from women Women chase me because I am an actor and if they don’t do that it simply means that I am not yet an actor. In fact, being chased is not the issue, what matters is that whenever I perceive that I am about to be chased, I run. I run because I have an ambition, which I don’t want women to ruin for me. I run from them if they want to go beyond the level of being my fans to another level. Realising a character When I receive a new script, I usually take my time to study it. Thereafter, I hold a discussion with the director on what is expected of me in the movie. Then I move on to develop a suitable character that will go well with what the entire production is all about. Turn off I don’t like people flashing me. I mean if you want to give a call, go ahead and do so, it is of no use flashing me. I also feel bad when the up-coming artistes are not given the necessary opportunity to come into the industry and fully realise their potentials. Another thing that really puts me off is when some directors want to turn actors to zombies by casting them stereotypically into such roles as lover boy, gentleman, tough guy and all that. Personally, I like to see an actor take up different roles and interpreting them well. Nollywood The fact that the Nigerian movie industry is growing is what particularly turns me on, thanks to all those that are making it happen such as the marketers, directors, producers and others Nollywood contributes to the nation’s economy because quite a number of people are involved and are earning their livelihood from it. The only problem is that our government is yet to fully realise the great economic advantage that lies in tapping into the industry. America and India have tapped into Hollywood and Bollywood respectively and the result is quite rewarding. Government should come and invest in the industry, the marketers have done great jobs by investing their money to prove that the sector is lucrative. Popularity First, I did not pay for this talent, it is a gift from God and whatever comes from God is mine. At the same time, God gave it to me and reserves the right to take it back if you fail to use the gift to make people happy and contribute to the good of humanity. So, there is nothing star in my dictionary. I don’t see myself as a star, rather I see myself as someone who wants to manifest God’s gift to bless people, to bless myself and everything around me. I want people to be happy around me, not just to call me a star. Relaxation I basically relax with my wife whenever the opportunity comes, especially if I am in town and not involved in a tedious job. I have a special form of relaxation, I just choose a suitable time and free myself from every form of stress. On AIDS My advice is that people should abstain from sex or be faithful to their partners. There is no alternative to it This may be difficult but it is the only way a young person can save his or her life in this era of HIV. The rule is not merely playing the so-called safe but to abstain. Piracy Piracy is a crime that government and the people have to fight. It is unfortunate that the pirates make all the money from products they had no input in manufacturing. I also feel very bad when I hear or see a movie that I feature in being pirated. Foundation for the less privileged This is one of my strategies as a politician. I don’t want to be accused of corruption. I am looking at the vision of a Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwaznneger who both saw the need to put something back to society by leaving their glamour world for elective offices to serve the people. Marriage Although people say I got married late but the truth is that I dated my wife for about eight years before we finally got married. My kind of job may have exposed me to the opposite sex but the truth is that my wife means the whole world to me. I appreciate my wife and I married her basically for love and nothing else. She is so understanding and caring. These are the two vital attributes I find lacking in most women of today. Upcoming actors The Bible teaches that anything that happens to a man comes by time and chance. So, I urge the younger artistes to aspire to be great. They shouldn’t lose hope or get frustrated. They should face their career no matter the obstacle they may encounter and keep working hard. For example, many people frustrated me before I could get to the level that I am now. But any serious young artiste can also overcome the odds. Above all, what every youth should do is to keep a low head and when the opportunity to shoot into limelight comes, grab it. A true Nigerian I understand the three major Nigerian languages but I speak more of Hausa because that is the language I grew up with. Movies They include:Magic Moment by Infinity Films Production; Last Oath: An Okoro Ugwu film, which equally starred Stella Damascus Aboderin and Ngozi Ezeonu. Others include: True Romance 1 and 2, directed by Chico Ejiro but produced by Arinze Ephrian; With Love, a movie directed by Osita Okoli but produced by Vitus Nnebue. The movie featured other artistes like Rita Dominic, Hanks Anuku, Ashley Nwosu, Abubakar Yakubu and Mike Nliams. Another movie I featured in is Wild Rose, which equally featured Omotola Jolade, Shan George and Fred Amata.
Saint Obi: Nigerian home video lovers who claim ignorance of the distinctive face and looks of Nigerian's most popular actor, Saint Obi, must be a strange lot. Saint Obi's ascension into the highly important first place he occupies in the heart of his many fans is almost magical. Born in Mbaitoli, Imo state "those-not-so-many years ago" (he won't tell you exactly how old he is) is Nigeria's screen god. The 1991 graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Jos did not go into acting immediately after graduation. Instead, his handsome face, wonderful mien and great body quickly got him modelling jobs. He was a model for a few years before he decided to try his hands at the profession which he has spent some four years (sons strikes, riots, etc) studying. Although he has been in quite a few stage plays, Saint Obi did not hit the national limelight until he debuted in the widely acclaimed home video, Without Love. From then on, producers and directors have continued to scramble for the model/actor who claims marriage is still quite far from being his immediate concern right now. To date, he has starred in most of the films that are considered the most popular in Nigeria. Sakobi, Goodbye Tomorrow, Heart of Gold, Amadas, Last Party, are a few of the films in which he has acted. Saint Obi continues to model. Not too long ago, he won a highly lucrative contract to model for Bevista, one of Nigeria's few highbrow boutiques. Right now, speculation is rife that Bevista might renew his one year contract given the huge marketing success Saint Obi has become for the boutique, a success which has translated into huge sales for the clothiers of past Nigerian presidents. Saint Obi continues to ride high as one of Nigeria's better paid actors. How much he grosses per film, he won't tell you. His high status and stature in the industry is of course enough proof that he is making a neat pile of money. Stardom and relative wealth have however left this handsome dude as simple as they met him. For the star whose parents were once opposed to his opting for acting instead of the many other more lucrative professions, he has carved a solid niche for himself and none can begrudge him enjoying his well deserved success.
Joke Silva: Joke is a household name in the world of Nigeria cinema. Since the early eighties, she has carved out a successful career as an actress on stage, film, television and radio primarily in Nigeria and England (BBC, British Film Institute, Royal Court Theatre Sloan Sq) and the South of France. Her acting credits include “Secret Laughter of Women” with Nia Long and Colin Firth (’97 Film), Mirror in the Sun (’84 TV), Second Chance (’84 TV), Jero’s Metamorphosis (’81 Stage), Owuro Lojo (’93 Video), Mind Bending (’92 TV), Sisters (2002 Stage), The King Must Dance Naked (’93 Stage), Tight Rope (2000 – 2002 TV), Twins of the Rainforest (’98 Film), The Kingmaker (2002 Video), A Husband’s Wife (2003 Stage), Brave Heart (2003 Film), Shylock (2004 Stage) and A Past Came Calling (2004 Stage) to mention a few. Joke has also written and directed to critical acclaim: Digging for Gold, Jonah, The Drummer Boy and Footprints. She is an alumnus of Holy Child College, Obalende, Weber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts, London, University of Lagos Akoka and Fate Foundation, Ijora. Silva is a recipient of several awards, including the EMOTAN Award by African Independent Television and the SOLIDRA Award. She is also a Member of the think tank for the Blair Commission for Africa, a trustee of Advocacy for Women and Children, a board member and a grief counselor for AART of Life Foundation. There is no doubt that Joke brings a wealth of experience to the character she portrays in 30 Days. Dupe Alade is the president’s most powerful minister and she has been charged with the task of untangling the mystery behind the killing of government officials.
Enebeli Elebuwa: Background I am Enebeli Elebuwa, I hail from Upkane in Otagunu local government area of Delta State. My dad died when I was 10 years old, so I left my home town when I was only 12 to stay with someone in Lagos who never care to my education. I am a retired civil servant. I have been in the acting profession for the past 30 years. I started by going to auditions and somebody one day just said he wanted to use me for a perfomance and that was how it all started. TV Soaps The first soap I did was Mirror in the Sun. I played in the first three pilot episodes and eventually I was worked as an assistant producer/director in the soap. I had to leave the role I was given to enable me concentrate on production. I have been part of so many productions and I may not be able to remember all now but I am presently working on Heaven’s Gate produced by Zik Okafor. Movies The first one I acted in was a film (celluloid) called Dinner with the Devil. It was produced by Sanya Dosumu in 1974/75. I played the role of a police officer investigating a crime and I can remember that I featured in other major films including Bisi Daughter of the River by Jab Adu and Eddie Ugboma’s Oyenusi. When we started home movies, I featured in Journey To Hell. I cannot remember all but there is this particular movie titled Dark Goddess, which featured actress like Regina Askia and others. I have since done many others. I have been in the home movie industry since 1994. Challenging work To me, every script is challenging. Once I agree to do it, I have to play a role I haven’t played before. So, there is no script that is not challenging, when I look critically at the role, it turns out to be that I have to play a character that is not exactly mine. Inspiration My inspiration comes from God. I try to work hard because there are so many things that one cannot do well, one should not be jack of all trades, master of none. So, as an artiste, I concentrate on God to lead me most of the times. I do not look on anything or anybody to give me inspiration, I depend on Christ to inspire me. The industry The movie industry is profitable, I do not see myself featuring in every soap. I think a soap is sufficient for an actor, so I have one running and I am not expected to be jumping from one soap to another because one would not give enough time to the characters. Also I could remember that in 1977, I was paid N1000 while working on Oyenusi and that was the highest fee ever paid to anybody at that time. Today, a lot of people are involved, remuneration is a lot better than it was in those days. Even on TV in those days, artistes have received less than N50 working on Village Headmaster and some other programmes. The movie industry is rather coming up but it hasn’t really come of age until I see the average marketer selling up to two hundred thousand copies, four hundred thousand copies or even a million copies in a country of about 120 million. then I can be able to say we have really come of age. Role in Village Headmaster I was the police officer who comes from Jebaco to arrest criminals in Oja village. I enjoyed the programme because the masters that I met initially were all in Village Headmaster. These include the Aladeode of Oderemo, Oba Funso Adeolu (Eleyimi), Bassey Okon, Uncle Jab Adu, it was one big family. Others include Elsie Olusola (Sisi Clara) Mrs Ibidun Allison (Amebo) and Joe Layode. I started in the time of Femi Robinson and I also acted when Justus Esiri was there. But in Village Headmaster, I also got the job of assistant producer/director. In those days everyone was his brother’s keeper and people worked together and attended parties together. Turn off I hate lies and injustice. Memorable moments I didn’t start acting because I wanted fame, I have had my rough and good times in life, I remembered so many things but I can’t recall any spectacular day as such in the movie industry. But one of the greatest things that has happened to me since I came into this industry was that God saved my life from a very near fatal accident. I was driving to Ijebu Igbo and on getting close to Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye, my car somersaulted and eventually hit a big barrier; I lost control and the car eventually hung on the bridge. A greater part of the car was almost down there and I was rescued by some policemen who came and stood behind the car, pressed it down and rescued me and three other people who were with me in the car. I didn’t know how it all happened- It was really a miracle that showed that God wanted to preserve me. Role model I wouldn’t say I have a role model as such because I went through things that even some of the people that I might describe as role models never went through. My kind of role model is a great man who knows how to care for the ordinary people but this quality is missing in our society. Everybody is working for him /herself, nobody cares for the other person. One of the people that I admired as a young man then was the late Tai Solarin. He was doing things for the society; he trained children who ordinarily would not have been educated. He was someone I could call a role model if I am asked to choose one. The other person is Mother Theresa of India who left her home to help the needy. I also love Wole Soyinka, a great Nigerian who has achieved a lot through hard work. He was enlightened in time and he took advantage of it and used it reasonably well to bring fame to himself and to his nation. Most popular work What brought me into limelight was Andrew. Andrew was done about 21 years ago in a jingle on television where the man said he was checking out of Nigeria: a place where there is no electricity, no good road and where one could not even find a bottle of beer. Philosophy If I had the time to think, maybe I will bring out other things but my most important legacy in life is live and let live, which we hardly do in our land. Secondly, I always preach that people should love their neighbours as themselves. Marriage I am married, I have four children who are in school. My children are not into what I am doing and I cannot force them because my father did not force me into the arts. I will give them a chance if they are interested but I won’t go out of my way to force them into unnecessary publicity. Relaxation When I am not acting, I sleep or play music. I play a lot of Urobo music, I do not understand the language but the music touches me a lot. I also listen to the Jazz music of Joe Williams and other modern artistes. Sometimes, I go to niteclubs or shows and listen to good artist perform. At times I perform myself I vamp with the guitar and I sing. Advice to up-coming artistes My advice has always been that upcoming artistes should work hard. A lot of people think that only dropouts can become actors/actresses but it is not so. You have to be intelligent if you want to become artiste because there are lots of intellectual work involved. Dr. Femi Shaka of the University of Port Harcourt has promised me that whoever comes to him through me from any part of Nigeria, he would train for a certificate course. This is basically for those who are in a hurry and who would not want to wait for four years in a university to train as an artiste. Young artistes should work hard because nothing will be waiting for them. In our time, before we started acting, we had to go to the theatre to dance, sing, and act through the night just to keep us going. When given a script, an artiste needs to rehearse it, go to the mirror and see if he/she can convince the audience of the role. Becoming a producer I was a producer/director in NTA and I have not given up the hope of returning to production. So, when the kind of big budget I am looking for comes, I too will like to produce movies. Hollywood If an invitation comes, I guess I will honour it but I have not acted in Hollywood. It is the dream of every actor to act there because Hollywood pays well but then I am not going to worry myself because they too have their own pioneers who never got well paid like us.
Clarion Chukwura: Name: Clarion Chukwurah-Oduneye Address: Oko-oba, Lagos, Nigeria. Marital Status: Married State of Origin: - Onitsha, Anambra languages spoken: Yoruba, Igbo and English. Educational background - Ladylark nursery school, Lagos. Nigeria All saints primary school, Lagos, Nigeria. Queen of our rosary college, Onitsha, Nigeria. University of Ibadan actors workshop company, Ibadan, Nigeria. Department of dramatic arts, university of Ife, Ile-ife, Nigeria. Tell us a little about your childhood, growing up, parents, brothers and sisters? I was born into a middle class family in the mid sixties at the Lagos teaching hospital, Idi-araba, Lagos, to J.C. chukwurah, a chartered accountant and top Lagos socialite, and c.o. chukwurah, an ibara abeokuta princess who was a building materials contractor. I am an only daughter with four brothers. I had a good childhood in a big home off Commercial Avenue in the Old Yaba, Lagos growing up among upper middle class neighbours and family friends in a clean, organised and civilised neighbourhood of a not then over populated Lagos state, Nigeria. What was the first paying job ever that you had? A Bata shop sales assistant for two months in the summer before I finished high school. How much were you paid per month and what were the responsibilities? 50 Naira. To help customers try shoe size on their feet. What other jobs did you do outside acting? Human resources executive, fassey royal airlines, Lagos. Modelling and models recruitment. Oil industry services. Youth empowerment initiative. Drama and documentaries productions. What made you go into the acting career and when did you start acting (year)? My father had us taken to the cinema as kids. I saw Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra when I was six years old and I knew that's where I wanted to be, on the screen. I began acting in 1980. Who were your idols/models (actors) in those days? Al Pacino, Jodie foster. What was your first role in theatre, tv or movies? Jolomi Tutu in Prof. Bode Sowande's play 'farewell to babylon', theatre. Bello's daughter in Wale Ogunyemi's T.V. series bello's way.and Yemi in Ola Balogun's movie 'money power', all in the early eighties. What was your major break-through role and in what film, series or play? Money power-film as Yemi, The king must dance naked, as king Omajuwa- theatre. Mirror in the sun - T.V.- as Tinu. Abuja connection - home video movies. as Jessica. What were the constraints you had to face and overcome as an up-and-coming actor (young actor)? Low pay and being mostly out of work. Working within the confines of a society with little or no understanding and appreciation for creative art content. A television and theatre based industry controlled by government and lacking growth inducing private initiative. How many films have you been involved with as an actor to date? About 80 English and Yoruba movies. 1. Oduduwa, 2. Lagidigba, 3.Valentino, 4.True love, 5. Abuja connection, 6. egg of life, 7. Abela pupa, 8. Her majesty, 9. Danger signal, to mention a few As a dynamic and outstanding, 'a'-list actor, how have you managed to adapt to the different range of roles you have played in your career? By applying my professional style born out of talent, training, experience and skill- I do character acting on movies and method acting on stage. what is the most awkward or strangest role you have had to take/play in your career and why? Playing four roles in the same play same time in Chinua Achebe's Thing's fall apart at the West Yorkshire playhouse, Leeds and at the Royal Court theatre in London's west end for the London International Festival of Theatre. I had to play three male roles and one female haven been flown in two weeks to opening night to play with British actors who'd been rehearsing for over a month. Chuck Mike was my Director. What film have you been most proud to be involved with so far, and why? Egg of life. it was serious acting for the screen. As an 'a'-list actress yourself, what other 'a'-list actors or actresses have worked or collaborated with? Pete Edochie, Richard Mofe Damijo, Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Bukky Ajayi, Idowu Philips and Jide Kosoko. Did you at anytime want to quit your acting career for something else or for a reason, and why (if any)? Acting is my life. No. What is the motivation for you or what keeps you interested in this career every morning you wake up? Acting itself is the motivation. It's the one thing I do best apart from being a good mother. How important are our Nigerian roots, morals, values, knowledge and sense of wisdom to you and your works? Nigerian movies are to promote positive and progressive African values and move our people forward where change is necessary to enable our people adapt and compete favourably in a world that has become a global village. That is what I project in my works. On the stories, scripts, or screen play of your films, and its impact on the Nigerian/African cultural values (home and abroad), how do you manage to harness, keep and pass them across in your films? By discussing whatever script I accept to play in with my director on story thrust, message, character analysis vis-?-vis our agreed story interpretation. Discussing the image actualisation of my characterisation with the costumean and the make-up artist, and finally projecting the team work creativity of the entire crew. As a producer, director and filmmaker also, how is this different for you from acting and what is the additional drive for you? There are great organisational responsibilities solely yours to monitor as a producer to protect your investor's money as well as make sure your cast and crew are kept happy to get the job done. At the end of the day when your movie record massive public appreciation in sales figures, you just want to go right back and record more success, the stress forgotten because you've become a major stakeholder in a forward moving industry. What projects are you working on at the moment and with whom? I don't discuss current projects until they are completed. Where do you see yourself in this career in the next five years? A major producing stakeholder of internationally marketed African films. Where do you see the Nigerian movies industry in the next couple of years? Third biggest movie industry in the world with movies of high creative and technical content competing at international film festivals world-wide especially the Cannes film festival. When you are not working (acting, producing, directing or making a film), what do you do or how do you pass the time? I holiday abroad because I work very hard. I spend quality time with my family. I love sailing, car racing and cinema. What kind of music do you listen to and who is your favourite musician? South African music and R and b. My favourite artist is R. Kelly. Is there an international actor (American, British, Australian, African, etc.) You will want to work with if the opportunity presented itself? Angela basset What message do you have for your international fans in America, United Kingdom, Europe, Africa and its Diaspora? Just keep watching my movies. I have some fantastic ones you will love to see this year. Concentrate on my art, ignore the frills. For any reason at all, how would you personally want your fans to remember you? A damned good actress.
Chioma Chukwuka: Chioma sure loves to make people laugh. This is one character her fans are yet to discover, a trait that filmmakers are yet to explore. Twisting are lips mischievously and blinking like a spoilt brat, the amiable actress and final year student of Banking and Finance in Lagos State University (LASU) dazzled with deep pidgin English, while making light of the question on how her course of study is related to acting : “N-e-l-l, e fit no relate as you go think am o, but make we just say e go let me manage my finance as I dey make de peper from acting per se….” Chioma, a member of choir in the Pastor Paul Adefarasin’s “House on the Rock” church and back up singer for Sammy Okposo’s Ex-generation band, who said, she is a born again Christian, although she is single, wife seekers should keep off, as she will be tying the nuptial knot soon. Chioma told the story of a rewarding beginning in her acting career: “Sometimes in the 90s, I went for an audition and it didn’t work out. Then in the year 2000, I met a producer who asked me if I could read. He needed somebody for a role and he had not got what he wanted. That was how I got to read the script and I guess he liked my performance. But then he had a problem with my looks on that day which he said did not appear quite young and naïve, apparently because of what I was wearing. I took off that attire and that was it. That was how I got my first movie role in The Apple where I played a seventeen year old girl.” “Was she really seventeen? “No, I was much more older” she said. When did the idea of becoming an actress first strike her? Chioma, said she had had the flair from childhood, not necessarily to be an actress, but for any performance that would bring her before the crowd. Said she: “I actually grew up with the desire to be a singer, just like must kids do, you know; some wanting to become a lawyer and some others, doctor. But, for me, music was the thing, and I grew up loving the crowd. I just visualize myself under the spotlight with a lot of people. But then, I didn’t know which way exactly that dream was going to lead me. Now, I found myself here. Even then, before any vision, there must have existed certain traits of a particular talent. How did she discover that she could sing in the first place? “I had the desire to sing when I discovered that I had the voice. So, I started singing in the kitchen, the toilet, the shower, everywhere. Then, I said to myself, how do I improve on this? So, I joined the choir in my church”. Talking about her church and her role as an active member of the choir, how does she react to the rumour that her pastor, Paul Adefarasin, who felt that her acting career was beginning to run in conflict with her role in church, took issues so personal that he asked her to choose between her career and the church. “That is very wrong”, she said. “Pastor Paul supports what anybody is doing as long as you do it right and you still stand out. The assistant pastor, Yemi, actually told me this: ‘Chioma, I want you to be able to do what you are doing and do it well. I want you to stand out, such that people would see in you that you are a minister of God’. So, you see, they don’t have problem with my career. What is important here is how I do it, bearing in mind that I am a minister of God”. Concluding, she said: “Pastor Paul has never been against anyone becoming an actor or actress and I didn’t have any option of having to choose between acting and singing in the choir.” Chioma, who believes that as a performing artiste, the success which her effort in The Apple and other films brought to her is a mark of God’s love and destiny, said, although, she did her best to fit into her roles, God interpreted the character for her. She agreed that The Apple is truly her first and her break, it is today, difficult for her to say, which film, is actually her best. In retrospect, she said: “I won’t forget The Apple in a hurry because, it was my first and I had challenges. I was working with professionals. I was a green horn who didn’t know her left from her right. Another of such challenging ones is the very epic of Don Azema. Then, I wasn’t used to shooting outdoors. We went all out into the bush and there are particular costumes you wear in the movie and the make ups. So far, these two, I find quite challenging, but all my movies are my best, I dare say. How much was she paid the first time and how did she feel about it? “I know you are not expecting me to tell you how much it was that I was paid, but honestly, my first time, it wasn’t about how much it was that I was paid, I was still trying to establish myself as an actress, so, if I was paid peanut, it was okay, because I had to pay my due.” Has she really paid her due? Without mincing words, she said “Yes, I have paid my dues, because if you have a job for me, I tell you, this is how much I want from the job and if you can’t afford it, you forget it”. She added that beyond the money that any producer may be offering her the script and storyline must be good enough for her to accept to do it. What target has she set for herself in the industry? She said “Like I said, I have carved a niche for myself in the industry, and I want to remain there. I will do what I am supposed to do, but will still be myself. If you watch Chioma Chukwuka on TV, you will know this girl is natural, she is not trying to be somebody else, and that is what I want to be. I see myself, not just within the four walls of the country, Nigeria.” Now what part, if given to her, would she not be able to handle conveniently? She said: “well if I am given the part of a child who is two years old, that I am sure I won’t be able to play. Also, I can’t pose nude. I am not a nudity actress. I can’t reveal certain things that are meant for my husband’s eyes alone”.
Chidi Mokeme: I’ m Not A Man Of Scandals - — GQ Chidi Mokeme, Ultimate Search Anchorman/Actor He’s a born artiste. But his parents wanted him to go for the sciences and he obeyed them. After his secondary education at the Federal Government College, Minna, he settled for computer science. Pharmacy was actually his first choice, but no thanks to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) which played its usual frustrating and discouraging role, he attended the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. That was merely to satisfy his parents’ wish. Chidi Mokeme was art-inclined but couldn’t oppose them as they knew better and called the shots then. Today, it is a different story. Art has eventually characterized in practical terms his life and runs through it, he has visibly gone more places; earned more fame and fortune, as well as garnered more respect which he mightn’t have done if he had embraced what he studied in the higher institution. Chidiebere Geoffrey Azubuike Mokeme, born close to 33years ago in Ogidi, Anambra State, hails from Oba, Idemili LGA of the state. He is one man that many people now see as a role model, an actor, model, fashion designer and businessman. The tall, handsome, baritone-voiced and amiable young man added another feather to his cap when he successfully presented Nigeria’s First Reality TV show, the Gulder Ultimate Search, courtesy Nigerian Breweries Plc. He opened up on a wide range of issues recently in what could easily be described as a forced interview having ‘dodged’ it on account of tight schedules over the past months. How has life been after the ‘ultimate’ experience, which visibly launched him into greater heights?“It’s been good. To some extent, you can say that it took me to more places and increased my fan base, being a programme that ran daily on national television, as well as a on cable station. So my fan base went wider than it used to be.” You returned to movie locations immediately after? “Yes, I’m back to the locations. I still design but for selected people since I rarely have time. I’ve been busy making so many movies. What saves the situation is that I make their clothes in bulk so it sustains them for a while before they request for new ones.” One man into three big-time deals. Which one of them sustains him more? “The movies basically pay the bills. And how did he escape the recent ban on some of his colleagues? What’s his opinion about the ban? “Like I have always maintained, the whole ban episode must have come as a result of dissatisfaction by the marketers as regards the way certain artistes have carried themselves in delivering their duties. I pride myself as a professional. When I take a job, I try to put everything into it and I like to concentrate. Acting is a very mental kind of job and if you don’t focus completely, you won’t bring out the desired effect. As a result, the producer on the long run who has made the movie for commercial purposes loses his money. I don’t believe in the idea of having to gather scripts up and down, here and there, and then holding people to ransom. I’m speaking not only as an actor but from a businessman’s point of view. When I invest, I ensure that I make returns. So if you have people who owing to certain attitude problems, want to tie down the capital you’ve put into an investment, you’re bound to react in some way.” Away from the ban, how does he manage the largesse that has been tumbling down his way from different deals? “In all honesty, I must say that I shouldn’t complain. God has been really fair to me because a lot of people, way back, who started this race with me, are nowhere to be found. So, I must say that I’ve done quite well for myself. I’m looking into the future and I’m very determined to ensure that I make a success out of my life. I’m not waiting on luck. Every move that I make is geared towards more successes.” Would he remain an actor, a designer or artist in future? “Acting is something I do with a passion and there’s nothing like working and getting paid for what you love doing. So, I’m going to keep acting for as long as possible because it encompasses every sphere of life. How about joining the political train come 2007? “Come 2007, I’m looking forward to a lot of projects. I would not want to divulge them for now. The movie industry is expanding rapidly that you don’t just have to be an actor to belong. So, I have plans to see what other areas one can venture into and take care of in a very professional manner. Back to the Snake Island, camp of the Ultimate Search, how was life there? “Have you lived in a jungle? That’s what happened when we spent about four weeks there. We all went through the same experiences but it was fun doing it. I enjoyed every minute of it.” And his relationship with the contestants? “I think I had an open door policy which, at the same time was firm. They knew when and how to relate with me and where their boundaries were.” So, there was nothing like favouritism in picking the eventual winner as some people insinuated? “I’m hearing that for the first time because it was a live programme on air for everyone to see. Much as people agree with the choice of the eventual winner, I’m not sure that most of the audience were looking towards him to win. If that be the case, then it answers the question. If they say I was biased towards one contestant, I wonder why that person didn’t win.” How about his largesse from the deal, how much really did he pocket? “I think you should ask NBL (laughs). Ask them, I think I set them back with a lot of money. Anyway, both parties were reasonable and paid commensurately for the services rendered. More than the monetary remuneration, it was more of a relationship-building process. I’m looking forward to doing it again next year because we’re trying to make sure that it gets better and bigger.” Why is Chidi not married with all the money he is making? “I’m making sure that I prepare a good foundation for the woman who’s coming in.” The same woman he’s been talking about? We still don’t know her. “Yes, the same woman. You still don’t know her because that is the way she wants it. She doesn’t want to be known.” When is it going to happen? “Very soon, by God’s grace.” Before the end of the year? “The year is already ended. Don’t put me in a corner. But I tell you, you’ll soon hear about it. Sooner than it has ever been.” Is Chidi a very rich man, how does one describe him with the way affluence smells around him? “I think I’d like to be described as someone who has got his eyes at some place and on the right path towards getting there.” His parents, who are very much around — dad, a retired insurance executive and mum, a retired teacher, are quite happy and now convinced that he towed a path that suited him. “Showbiz is addictive. At the onset, they couldn’t understand what kind of job I was doing. So we had problems initially but because I loved what I was doing, I stuck to it. Today, everybody is happier for it.” He is the first in a family of four. “By God’s grace, I’m taking care of my responsibilities.” Don’t they intrude into your marital status? “I’m sure they’re probably worried. I mean, with the kind of industry I’m in where anything can happen. But I know that they also have faith in me — that I know exactly what I’m doing.” How long has he been dating his fiancée? “This is the fourth year. If you have to date anybody in the showbiz industry, you have to be patient. The fact that she is dating me shows that she has a lot of patience. She is an Igbo like me, from Ohafia, Abia State.” He’s had a baby before, from her? “Yes, I’ve had a baby before but not from her,. Sometimes man proposes, God disposes. When I had the baby, the mum and I were relatively young. He stays with the mum and visits me during the holidays. He is six years old now.”
Kanayo .O. Kanayo: NAME: Kanayo. O. Kanayo ADDRESS: Surulere, Lagos. TOWN AND STATE: Nru Umueze Oboama, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Imo State. DATE OF BIRTH: 1 March, 1962 MARITAL STATUS: Married LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Igbo, English, and French. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Diploma, Mass Communication, University Of Lagos Philosophy Dept. University Of Lagos, 2000-Dat Tell us a little about your childhood, growing up, parents, brothers and sisters? I was brought up under the strict guidance of Mr and Mrs Donatus and Isabella Onyekwere, my parents, with catholic tenets and Apostolic reverence for God. I have 2 sisters and an elder brother. Growing up was fun, I used to plait my hair a lot but papa never liked it. What was the first paying job ever that you had? ”Digging pit toilets with an older relative”. How much were you paid per month and what were the responsibilities? I Can’t remember the payment. I was on ground receiving red sand while the older relative dug deep. What other jobs did you do outside Acting? I used to travel to Aba from lagos to buy and sow shirts and suits materials which I took around to banks, NTA e.t.c to sell. What made you go into the Acting career and when did you start Acting (year)? I started acting in 1982. I got into acting out of a personal desire to bring smiles to the faces of people, because about 1980, there were not too many T.V sets then, characters on TV were admired greatly, and were seen as role models. Who was/were your Idols/Models (Actors) in those days? Matt Dadzie. What was your first role in Theatre, TV or Movies? I Can’t recall my first role on TV but on movies was Chief Omego in “Living in Bondage” in 1992. What was your major break-through role and in what film, series or play? My major breakthrough was No.7 What were the constraints you had to face and overcome as an up-and-coming Actor (young actor)? The major constraint as a young actor was the bureaucratic processing of payment forms at the Nigeria Television Authority, one spent over 70% of his artiste fee before getting paid. It was very discouraging because parents still had to cough out transport fares for their wards who are supposed to be earning their wages. How many films have you been involved with as an Actor to date? Above 120 films - (1) Blood money, (2) Rituals, (3.) Lost kingdom, (4.) Fire on the Mountain, (5) Billionaires Club, and (6) Entangled, to name a few. As a DYNAMIC, OUTSTANDING, 'A'-List Actor, how have you managed to adapt to the different range of roles you have played in your career? Simply by thinking yourself into the role. What is the most awkward or strangest role you have had to take/play in your career and why? No roles are strange or awkward, roles pose challenges and I love challenges. What film have you been most proud to be involved with so far, and why? “Blood Money”, because it was shot in the thick of the Otokoto Saga in Owerri, and the viewing public applauded its social relevance. As an 'A'-List Actor yourself, what other 'A'-List Actors or Actresses have worked or collaborated with? Olu jacobs, Pete Edochie, Liz Benson, Omotola Ekehinde, Genevive Nnaji, Justus Esiri etc. Did you at anytime want to quit your Acting career for something else or for a reason, and why (if any)? The industry took a break for 4 months in 2002 to restructure, I felt like quitting the profession when I found out as a representative of the Actors Guild in the CWC that most members we worked with were agents sent to destabilise and derail plans for a better welfare for actors. What is the motivation for you or what keeps you interested in this career every morning you wake up? Public Opinion. Just knowing that I bring joy constantly into their lives, especially in this economically difficult times. How important are our Nigerian roots, morals, values, knowledge and sense of wisdom to you and your works? They are the only identity we have as Nigerians. On the stories, scripts, or scre

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