WANURI KAHIU, AFRICA’S RISING FILM MAKER

Jereaghogho Efeturi Ukusare

^{Born in Nairobi, Kenya. She currently lives between Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya.} In an ^{interview with Vogue Italia, the filmmaker describes herself as a black sheep to her conservative parents; her mother is a doctor and her father a businessman. Yet, her aunt is a famous actress in Kenya and her uncle is a sculptor. At the age of 16, Kahiu says she decided to become a filmmaker. After graduating from the University of Warwick in 2001 with a BSc degree in Management Science, she obtained a Masters of Fine Arts degree in production/directing at the University of California, Los Angeles’s School of Theatre, Film and Television. Kahiu worked on the} Italian Job and Phillip Noyce’s Catch a Fire^.

Her first feature film, From a Whisper ^{received a total of twelve nominations and earned five awards at the 5th Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2009. The film fictionalizes the terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi in 1998. It tells the story of a young girl, Tamani, who loses her mother in the attack and is told by her father that her mother is missing when she is actually deceased. Tamani searches for her mother, painting hearts across the city, she also befriends a policeman named Abu. Abu helps Tamani as the viewers discover the shame he feels for not stopping his friend who helped attack the embassy. Film scholar, Clara Giruzzi highlights Kahiu’s display of an African feminist sensibility, displayed by the egalitarian relationships in the film, and the pacifict messages in the wake of national trauma, which challenge essentialist and universalist western perspectives of Africa.}

In her film Pumzi^{, she challenges the pessimistic representation of African realities and futures by using the aesthetics of Afrofutirism to demonstrate African-led creativity. It depicts the story of a young botanist Asha, thirty five years after World War III (aka the water war). Asha discovers life outside of her post-apocalyptic underground community. In her protectionist community, members must take dream suppressants to quiet hopes of a better future. Mitch Nyawalo argues that} Pumzi^{’s destruction parallels the economic devastation in the aftermath of the World Bank’s structural adjustment programs. The film also displays an “ecofeminist critical posture” where women are most affected by environment devastation but also are at the forefront of bettering their societies.}

Omar Kholief, an art scholar, writes about Pumzi’^{s interpellation of Western understandings of Africa; “Kahiu’s film poses a poignant allegory in that it espouses an indirect commentary on imperial essentialism of the superficial Other. This is achieved by correlating the disenchantment that gave rise to science fiction with the perceived notions of Africa as a barren and impoverished social and geographic entity.”}

^{African Studies Scholar MaryHellen Higgins describes the film’s “untraceable sound” suggesting “motion…without any visually perceivable movement” which “breaks the quiet stillness of a devastated, dead landscape”. The sound, MaryHellen Higgins, writes is “strange” like an “approaching storm.}

A picture from a scene in the movie, Rafiki

Another film of hers, Rafiki chronicles the story of two Kenyan girls who fall in love with each other and struggle to navigate this love with their families in a homophobic society. Kahiu says that she chose to adapt Ugandan author Monica Arac de Nyeko’s novel because of its “texture and nuances” in the taboo love story. Homosexuality in Africa has long been debated, but Kahiu says that homophobia is not of the spirit of Ubuntu since it marginalizes people in the community. Rafiki has been banned in Kenya by the Kenyan government, a strong supporter of Kahiu.

^{Kahiu criticises the ways in which Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) tend to control the popular imagination of Africa. She has expressed that how you get money to be able to be a filmmaker in Kenya is through making films about whatever NGOs are funding – films that are about AIDs or female genital mutilation. These images, Kahiu says, reconstitute Africa as the Other.}

Directors Wanuri Kahui and Jenna Bass

^{Kahiu situates her work as a filmmaker making films about Africa to combat these images. She says her films are for the next generation: “Because we have children that we are bearing, and because there are people already here now who exist (my daughter exists now), that we are that we are telling stories to: we need to be very clear about the messages we’re putting out.”}

KANDYSE MCCLURE SPEAKS IN FAVOR OF MIGRANT FAMILIES

Jereaghogho Efeturi Ukusare

Among the growing list of prominent voices speaking up against President Trump’s policy on migrants is that of Kandyse McClure. She added her voice by recently tweeting: “All people deserve to be safe, healthy & equal. Will @UN leaders ensure the Global Compacts for Refugees & Migration provide adequate protection & education for refugee kids & try to keep families together? #WithRefugees #ForMigration”

All people deserve to be safe, healthy & equal. Will @UN leaders ensure the Global Compacts for Refugees & Migration provide adequate protection & education for refugee kids & try to keep families together? #WithRefugees #ForMigration pic.twitter.com/PY1ipcOccE

— Kandyse (@kandysemcclure) July 5, 2018

US President, Donald Trump’s Migrant policy has hurt families by separating parents from children. A policy that has been widely criticised by both Democrats and Republicans.

Photo: Wikipedia

GLORIA MBA TALKS ABOUT HER ACTING CAREER

Gloria Mba is a very popular face on most television sets in Nigeria and she happens to be one of Nigeria’s fantastic actresses. St. Hilary’s Magazine had an interview with her. Jereaghogho Efeturi Ukusare brings you all the details of the interview. 

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SHM: How did you get into acting?
Mba: I got into the movie industry through an aunt of mine who saw the potential in me and told my parents to allow me. Although, my dad was against it for a while but later allowed me seeing that it was something I really wanted to do. I had already spent two years in the industry already.

SHM: Can you tell me about your debut production as an actress?

Mba: My first job was with Lancelot Imasuen. I came in as a novice and had so many things in my head on how to become a very good actress. It was after that I told myself that I am now in the industry.

SHM: You seem to be more in soaps, is it that you prefer TV to film.

Mba: (Laughs) why do you press guys feel that way? Anyways, I don’t prefer soaps to movies. As at the time I started series, I had acted in a lot of films and these films were between 2003 and 2005. Series is something you always see on your local TV stations unlike movies. So, the answer is no, I don’t prefer them. I am more into movies than series.

SHM: Your role Model

Mba: My parents and my senior friends are my role models and this is because they have over time shown me what it really takes to be in this industry and to persevere. However, in my line of work I see a lot of senior colleagues as role models who are digging deep in the industry.

SHM: What soaps have you acted in?

Mba: (Smiles) they are so many. From where do you want me to start counting? Okay, Superstory (Secret), Tales of Eve, US, Behind The Siege, Radiance, This thing Called Marriage 2, Family Puzzle, Hills and Valley, Footprints… and these are the ones I can remember right now.

SHM: Tell us about the ones you actually love

Mba: I can’t say because all the roles I have played are beautiful characters so I can’t say which one I love more than the other. Don’t forget I don’t play me, I play the characters in the scripts and all of them are good.

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SHM: Your debut movie. Can you tell us about it vis a vis your role in it?

Mba: Nothing much to tell because the character I played wasn’t a major character. It was just an applicant for the post of an office assistant that must be slept with before she gets the job. That was it.

SHM: How many movies have you been involved in?

Mba: Hmm! I have done many movies. I have done over 40 movies, can’t start counting.

SHM: What challenges have you had in your career?

Mba: (Takes a deep breathe) Many! I have had many and in different ways. Not having jobs regularly, the pay not being competitive and so on. But over time I came to understand the job. When it comes, sometimes you have about five to six jobs at once. Then, you stay for may be another two months. But in all, it has been good. This has made me to read more and learn more about the industry I am.

SHM: In your journey as an actress, what point will you consider the best and what point will you consider the worst?

Mba: The best is when you’re working and it’s yielding results and the low parts is when you’re working and piracy is frustrating your efforts. But in all, the high points always supersede the low points.

SHM: What has kept you going?

Mba: God has kept me going. The love for what I do, family, friends and my fans (blows a kiss).

SHM: You are involved in a number of series currently running on TV. Kindly tell us about the character you play in them.

Mba: Okay, there’s Liberty Villa on STV where I play Patige. Patige is a working class mom that her husband supports. She is going through gender related issues at her place of work but she does not succumb. There’s FESTAC Town on Iroko TV. Where I play the role of the wife of Kunle Coker. She supports her wayward son and this is not going down well with her husband and there’s also Superstory which airs on AIT. I play the role of Efe, a young lady married to a man that won’t say no to and runs after anything in skirt. She’s not ready to give him a breathing space even after having kids and many years in marriage until someone dies in his care and she holds the secret over his head until the end.

SHM: What is your advice for upcoming actors and actresses?

Mba: Hmm! Be ready for disappointment, harassment and the joy that comes with it. If you are ready for the job and you love it, you won’t want to quit because a time will come you will want to quit. Above all, put God first, persevere, work on yourself and be confident. As an actor or actress, you need these to be successful and then, the sky will be your starting point.

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SHM: You have lots of fans out there, some look up to you, some just love to see you do your thing. What do you have to say to them?

Mba: I love you all. God bless you all for me because without you, who would I be? In all, I want to say thank you to God Almighty, and the real MVP (family, friends and fans) supporting me as Gloria Mba. (Blows Kisses)

End.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MY DAD IS MY ROLE MODEL – GRACE EDWIN OKON

St. Hilary’s Magazine recently caught up with ace movie producer Grace Edwin Okon and had a chat with her. Below are the details of the chat between her and St Hilary’s Jereaghogho Efeturi Ukusare. 

SHM: When did you start your journey in the movies industry? 

Edwin Okon: I started in 1998.

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SHM: Can you tell me about your debut production as an actress? 

Edwin Okon: It was in a movie titled Tears in Heaven. I played the role of Kome. It was directed and produced by Zeb Ejiro

SHM: What inspired you to seek a career in the movies industry?

Edwin Okon: It wasn’t exactly planned, I was with a friend who went for a casting call for Tears in Heaven…And Uncle asked me to help read some lines to help my friend Tina do her audition..he liked the way I read and gave me the role..after that I didn’t look bad, I have been in the industry since then.

SHM: Who was your role model and what do you like about him?

Edwin Okon: My dad is my role model. What I like about him is the fact that he is a goal getter.

SHM: What movies have you acted in? 

Edwin Okon:  Tears in Heaven, Heavy Beauty, My dream, Prodigal brother, Karma is a Bae and Doctor’s Quaters (series) Candle light (Series)

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SHM: Could you give a synopsis of the one you liked best?

Edwin Okon: Tears in Heaven because it was my first and it had a lovely story line about 4 orphans who fought their way to success in their singing career.

SHM: At what point did you decide to go into producing your own Movies and why?

Edwin Okon: In 2004, when I was getting inspiration to tell my own stories. I didn’t shoot my film though until 2012 but I was working on other types of TV content between 2004 and 2012.

How many movies have you produced thus far?

Edwin Okon: I have produced 21 movies.

SHM: Tell us about them

Edwin Okon: My films are mostly films that have social messages and impact society positively.

SHM: Which was most challenging?

Edwin Okon: It was Heavy Beauty as it was my first movie.

SHM: In your career so far, what has been the highest point and lowest point?

Edwin Okon: Highest point has been each time a film I work on receives an award as well as when I won producer of the year. No lowest point so far I just have challenges which i do my best to overcome.

SHM: Any regrets?

Edwin Okon: None so far.

SHM: Heavy Beauty! What was the inspiration? I mean details like never before.

Edwin Okon: I had a dream on the story and started working on it soon as I woke up. The dream was like I was watching a movie. So, I knew I just had to make the film.

SHM: What is your advice for upcoming actors and actresses?

Edwin Okon: Don’t be too desperate; rather, be determined and focus on your dream and someday, it will come to pass.

SHM: And, your advice for aspiring movie producers?

Edwin Okon: Never give up on your dreams. Keep trying until you succeed.

SMH: What are we to expect from you in the near future?

Edwin Okon: (smiling) May be a TV station.

SHM: Okay! Thank you very much, we would watch out for that. 

Edwin Okon: Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

OGHENEKOME TO PREMIERE ON AFRICA MAGIC SHOWCASE

Effective March 5th 2018, “OGHENEKOME” premieres on Africa Magic Showcase From Mondays To Fridays At 6 pm Nigerian Time.
OGHENEKOME is An Action Drama That Tells The Story Of Politics Of Oil In The Creeks Of The Niger Delta. It Is Full Of Intrigue, Suspense, Power Play, Militancy And Betrayal.

OGHENEKOME stars Ramsey Noah, Segun Arinze, Rachel Oniga, Big Tony, Chelsea Eze, Sam Uche Anyamele, Steph Nora Okere, Frackinscence Eche-Ben, Jerhiton Okpan, Tony Akposheri.

OGHENEKOME is a Micromedia Production, Directed by Imoh Umoren.

“THE LOST CAFÉ” PRODUCER, UDALOR SPEAKS ON THE MOVIE

Regina Idu Udalor is a Nigerian film maker based in Norway. She premiered her first movie The Lost Café late last year. St. Hilary’s Magazine had a chat with her and here is what she had to say.

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SHM: You recently – November precisely – premiered your movie The Lost Café in Nigeria. How was the entire experience?

Udalor: The premier was really nice. It was an excellent turn out and really good feedback. Very grateful to our audience.

SHM: What was the inspiration for the movie?

Udalor: I got the inspiration when I travelled out of Nigeria, where integrating into a new culture and society was not easy. Also what people think about young Nigerian girls who are of course immigrants out there. My friends’ experiences had a role to play in the story as well.

SHM: How were you able to pull it together?

Udalor: Wow, to be candid I don’t know how we pulled it through, for the cast we did an audition in Norway, while in Nigeria we actually did table casting. We casted based on whom we felt will fit the character. Norway cast was a pleasant surprise and I am glad I got to work with the actors we got . I am very happy with the delivery of all the cast. For the crew, we had both Nigeria and Norway crew separately. They all put in their best and I am glad to have worked with every one.

SHM: What were the challenges during the production and post production? 

Udalor: The challenges, mhhh Nigeria was really OK, shooting the wedding was a bit challenging cause we shot an actual wedding, so we needed to work with the audience’ time not ours. Norway on the other hand was tricky, we had a micro crew and it wasn’t easy, most of us had to double our roles. So I must say that when we saw the film we were shocked at what we managed to pull off. Funding of course is part of the challenges, this was a low budget shoot and the lucky part was all the great support we got from Norway that made the film possible.

SHM: What kept you going? 

Udalor: What kept me going was the fact that I wanted to tell this story, I felt the story needed to be told and it might help someone out there who didn’t have the courage to live their dream.

SHM: What would you have done differently? 

Udalor: Truthfully nothing, I am happy that I had those challenges they made me to learn a lot as a first time female producer, if things were so easy the value of the experience wouldn’t be much appreciated I guess. So for me, I wouldn’t change anything.

SHM: You have Kenneth Gyang as Director. Why Gyang? 

Udalor: I chose to work with Kenneth because not only is he a good director, but he was the one who I felt I can trust to interpret the story brilliantly and delicately for the big screen and that he did.

SHM: What next should your audience expect from you?

Udalor: That is a difficult question. Hahaha! Well I plan to continue making films that matter. So watch out for my space. Female producers need support from our audience and that is by them encouraging us by watching our films. I am new and hope I will get better and better.

SHM: Thanks for your time.

Udalor: Thank you!

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Brief Profile: Juliet Ibrahim

Juliet Ibrahim was born in Ghana on the 3rd of March, 1986 to a Lebanese father and a Ghanaian mother. Juliet along with her siblings spent the longest part of their childhood in Lebanon and Ivory Coast. She had her primary education in Lebanon, then proceeded to Ivory Coast for her secondary education where she lived with her parents. She went for higher studies at the Ghana Institute of Languages where she studied English, French and Spanish. She also studied Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations at the Ghana Institute of Journalism. She speaks English, French and Spanish.

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She made her acting debut in the 2005, in the film Crime to Christ starring Majid Michel. Juliet’s first Nollywood film was Yankee Boys and she has featured in more than 50 other films. In 2014 she produced her first film, titled Number One Fan, where she stars as an actress being crushed on by a fan in the film. Her 2nd movie ‘Shattered Romance’ which paraded Nigerian and Ghanaian actors was launched amidst fanfare in Accra, Ghana on the 5th of December 2014.  She has also featured in Yoruba language films and also a film in Hausa Language Ladan Noma.

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A few of the films she has featured include: Crime to Christ (2005), In The Eyes of My Husband (2007), Yankee Boys (2008), Losing You (2008), Royal Storm (2009),Restore My Love (2009), Naked Weapon (2009), Dead End (2008), Lost Desire (2008), Bloodfight (2007), Beautiful King (2009), Tattoo Boys (2009), Missing Child (2009), Honor My Will (2008), Cash Adventure (2008), Hidden (2009), Last Hope (2009), Queen’s Pride (2009), Enemy of My Soul (2009), Princess Rihanna (2010), Millions (2010), 4play (2010), Master of the Game (2011), Battle of love (2011) and a host of others. Juliet Ibrahim is an accomplished actress and film maker.

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THE JOURNEY OF THE WOMAN WHO HAS THE WORLD SHAKING

Lupita Nyong’o was born in 1983 in Mexico to Kenyan parents Dorothy Ogada Buyu and Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, a college professor turned politician. She was raised in Kenya. She attended college in the United States, earned a bachelor’s degree in film and theater studies from Hampshire College. Nyong’o began her career in Hollywood as a production assistant. In 2008, she made her acting debut with the short film East River and subsequently returned to Kenya to star in the television series Shuga in 2009.

In 2009, she wrote, produced and directed the documentary In My Genes. She then pursued a master’s degree in acting from the Yale School of Drama. Soon after her graduation, she had her first feature film role as Patsey in Steve McQueen’s historical drama 12 Years a Slave in 2013 for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She became the first Kenyan and first Mexican actress to win an Academy Award. Nyong’o made her Broadway debut as a teenage orphan in the critically acclaimed play Eclipsed in 2015 and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance.

Nyong’o identifies as Kenyan-Mexican and has dual Kenyan and Mexican citizenship. She is of Luo descent on both sides of her family, and she is the second of six children. It is a tradition of the Luo people to name a child after the events of the day, so her parents gave her a Spanish name, Lupita (a diminutive of Guadalupe).

At the time of her birth, he was a visiting lecturer in political science at El Colegio de México in Mexico City, and her family had been living in Mexico for three years. Nyong’o and her family moved back to their native Kenya when she was less than one year old, as her father was appointed a professor at the University of Nairobi. She grew up primarily in Kenya, and describes her upbringing as “middle class, suburban”. When she was sixteen, her parents sent her to Mexico for seven months to learn Spanish

Nyong’o grew up in an artistic family, where get-togethers often included performances by the children, and trips to see plays. She attended Rusinga International school in Kenya and acted in school plays. At age 14, Nyong’o made her professional acting debut as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet in a production by the Nairobi-based repertory company Phoenix Players. While a member of the Phoenix Players, Nyong’o also performed in the plays On The Razzle and There Goes The Bride. Nyong’o cites the performances of American actresses Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey in The Color Purple with inspiring her to pursue a professional acting career.

Nyong’o later attended St. Mary’s School in Nairobi, where she received an IB Diploma in 2001 before attending college in the United States. She graduated from Hampshire College with a degree in film and theatre studies.

Nyong’o started her career working as part of the production crew for several films, including Fernando Meirelles’s The Constant Gardener in 2005, Mira Nair’s The Namesake in 2006 and Salvatore Stabile’s Where God Left His Shoes in 2007. She also cites Ralph Fiennes, the star of The Constant Gardener, as someone who also inspired her to pursue a professional acting career.

In 2008, Nyong’o starred in the short film “East River”, directed by Marc Grey and shot in Brooklyn. She returned to Kenya that same year and appeared in the Kenyan television series Shuga, an MTV Base Africa/UNICEF drama about HIV/AIDS prevention. In 2009, she wrote, directed, and produced the documentary In My Genes, about the discriminatory treatment of Kenya’s albino population. It played at several film festivals and won first prize at the 2008 Five College Film Festival. Nyong’o also directed the music video The Little Things You Do by Wahu, featuring Bobi Wine, which was nominated for the Best Video Award at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009.

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Nyong’o went on to enroll herself in a master’s degree program in acting at the Yale School of Drama. At Yale, she appeared in many stage productions, including Gertrude Stein’s Doctor Faustus Lights the Lights, Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, and William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and The Winter’s Tale. While at Yale, she won the Herschel Williams Prize for “acting students with outstanding ability” during the 2011–12 academic year.

ROTIMI AKINOSHO TAKING THE GLOBAL STAGE

Olurotimi Akinosho better known by his stage name, Rotimi. The American actor, singer and model was born November 30, 1987 in Maplewood, New Jersey, to Nigerian parents. His father is an investment banker of Yoruba origin and his mother of Igbo origin, working for the government. He is best known for his role as Darius Morrison on the Starz Network’s Boss, and currently stars as Andre Coleman on Power.

He attended Columbia High School, where he was a standout on both the varsity basketball team and the honors choir. He continued his studies at Northwestern University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre with a minor in Business in 2010. At his first trial in acting, Rotimi auditioned and subsequently got his first acting role on Boss TV series as drug dealer Darius Morrison. Rotimi also appeared in three episodes of ABC’s Betrayal.

Rotimi made his silver screen debut in the film Black Nativity (2013). Following this, he starred in Imperial Dreams at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival , which later won for “Best of NEXT”. Rotimi also appeared in the high grossing film, Divergent (2014). In 2016 Rotimi acted in the movie Deuces alongside Lance Gross and Larenz Tate. He was added to the cast of Starz’ TV series Power as a series regular, in the role of Andre Coleman, the quick-tempered young protégé of the character Ghost. Rotimi was also cast in a recurring role on Battle Creek as Danny.

As a contemporary R&B artist, Rotimi released two digital mixtapes, titled The Resume on March 8, 2011 and While You Wait, November 30, 2011. His videos have been featured on international and U.S. based entertainment media including MTV, MTV Base, and VH1 Soul. Rotimi has performed on stage, opening for Jennifer Hudson, T.I., Estelle, and NERD. He has also performed on BET’s show 106 and Park and appeared in R&B singer Keyshia Cole’s music video “Trust and Believe” as Cole’s unfaithful boyfriend.

Rotimi garnered music placement with “I’m the One” on the first episode of Boss. In 2015, American rapper and executive producer of Power, 50 Cent signed Rotimi to his label, G-Unit Records. He also released his first G-Unit single “Lotto” featuring 50 Cent. In 2016, Rotimi released “Doin it”, a single from his 5-track project, Summer Bangerz. Early in 2017 he released his first debut album called Jeep music VOL.1

Rotimi is the lead model/spokesperson of rapper T.I.’s AKOO Clothing and the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FrontRoSeat Productions.

 

Brief Profile: Kandyse McClure

Born in Durban on the 22 of March, 1980 in South Africa, Kandyse McClure graduated from the West Vancouver Secondary School in 1998. McClure didn’t just make a peak in her career as she started out. She got herself involved in a number of productions. Her first television appearance was a lead role with Lou Diamond Phillips in the 1999 telefilm In a Class of His Own that was followed by the Fox Family teen drama Higher Ground (together with Jewel Staite, Hayden Christensen, and A.J. Cook) and the NBC Saturday-morning series Just Deal, both of which premiered in 2000. The year 2000 was also the time period when McClure played a recurring role in the Canadian drama television series Da Vinci’s Inquest.

In 2002, McClure portrayed the recurring character of Elizabeth Munroe on Showtime’s Jeremiah, alongside Luke Perry and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Also in that year, the actress played the role of Sue Snell in the telefilm remake of Stephen King’s novel Carrie.

From 2003 to 2009, McClure played the character of Anastasia “Dee” Dualla on the Sci Fi Channel series Battlestar Galactica. McClure’s character, a Petty Officer Second Class in the Colonial Fleet, was not featured in the original 1978 series, but was initially an analogue of Sarah Rush’s original series character Flight Corporal Rigel. McClure was a regular cast member of the series until January 2009.

McClure then appeared in a 2009 television adaptation of King’s Children of the Corn and the Carl Bessai feature film from the same year Cole. In 2010, the television series Persons Unknown, in which McClure co-starred, premiered, but the series was not renewed for a second season after it was initially picked up by NBC.

In 2011 McClure played the girlfriend of Stuart Davis in the independent short film Just Be Yourself, a comedy about a desperate man who is offered a job to “just be himself.” McClure then joined Davis again in 2011 to co-host the second season of the late-night HDNet program Sex, God, Rock ‘n’ Roll. In 2012, McClure joined the cast of Netflix original series Hemlock Grove (premiered in January 2013) and completed the feature film Broken Kingdom (alongside Rachael Leigh Cook). McClure has also appeared in other television programs, such as Whistler, Andromeda, Jake 2.0, Smallville, and Reaper.

On 2^nd February 2016, Heritage Canada featured Viola Desmond in the 82nd Heritage Minute, to mark the beginning of Black History Month. The video was filmed on location in High River, Alberta in June 2015. It features Kandyse McClure as Viola Desmond. Civil rights activist Viola Desmond, often described as the Rosa Parks of Canada, was an entrepreneur who challenged segregation in Nova Scotia in the 1940s.

 

 

EFIA, MOVING TO THE TOP

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Efia Odo, the Ghanian Actress who is popular with issues surrounding her not wearing bra and acting nude if the pay is huge is appreciated by her fans for her beauty and curves. She has found for herself a new hobby which is hawking. Yes, hawking! Miss Odo loves to hawk in her spare time and seems to be getting more popularity with this.

Like her or hate her, Miss Odo is working her way up the ladder  perhaps in a bizarre manner, but she is definitely going up. Hard work pays!

 

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NIGERIAN ACTORS GET PERSECUTION RATHER THAN APPRECIATION – SEGUN AKIREMI

In spite of all the challenges in the movies industry, Nigerian and indeed African film makers are moved by passion and the desire to impact the lives of Africans – both film makers and the audience – positively. St. Hilary’s Magazine’s Jere Efeturi sat down to an interview with Nigeria’s movie star Segun Akiremi.

SHM: What was your early life like, growing up?

SEGUN AKIREMI: Well I was born in Ebute-Metta and brought up in Ebute-Metta, I attended St. Paul’s Anglican school, Idi-Oro and later moved to Eko Boys High School, Idi-Oro. I finished my secondary education at Kings College, Lagos. From there, I gained admission into the Centre for Cultural Studies, University of Lagos (UniLag). At that time, there was a certificate course there and at the same time, there was also a performing troupe there. This was from 1965 to 1971. After that, I moved to University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) for a Diploma in Theatre Arts on scholarship. From there, I proceeded to the University of Ibadan for Directing and Cinematography. That is for stage and cinema. I did both Diploma and Degree programs there. I was part of the FESTAC 77 project and after that I got opportunities to be involved in many Soaps- Opera in NTV (Nigerian Television) which later became NTA (Nigeria television Authority).

SHM: Sorry please, let me take you back a little, you went to Eko Boys High School in idi-Oro and from there to King’s College, Lagos Island. How were you able to manage this transition?

SEGUN AKIREMI: Well, Eko Boys then or Idi-Oro then was very tough. There were many cinema houses around and many well known criminals too. My parents didn’t want me there and so, they had to move me to Lagos. As a child, I was brought up in a Christian family. My mother was a Prophetess in a church called Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim located at 75 Ibadan Street, while we were staying at Bola Street, Ebute-Metta. We were raised up in a very godly manner. The fear of God was put in us. I was born a twin and I’m Kehinde.

SHM: What about your twin?

SEGUN AKIREMI: My twin sister, my twin sister is alive and very fine. She’s doing very well for herself. Our parents were very strict. They were no-nonsense persons, especially my mother.

SHM: Okay, talking about your parents being strict and you know back then, strict parents didn’t want their children in the arts, let alone acting which was considered an unserious thing to venture into, how is it that you were able to convince your parents to allow you go into acting?

SEGUN AKIREMI: It was not an easy thing. However, what helped me was the fact that I had elder ones, who were already into acting, the likes of Yemi Remi and Fola Remi who later left for the Banking Industry, made it not so difficult for me to convince my parents about a career in acting. Interestingly, I started at a very young age.

SHM: Alright! So, at the time, you were involved in The Spirit of Lagos, a play written by Akinwunmi Ishola and Directed by Bayo Oduneye. Can you tell us about it?

SEGUN AKIREMI: Well, The Spirit of Lagos is a story about Lagos. It talks about Lagos in the past, present and future as it is today of Lagos. Apart from The Spirit of Lagos, there were also many other plays back then that I also played a role in.

SHM: Interesting! Through the Anansa Play House?

SEGUN AKIREMI: Oh! Anansa play House! Let us not start from Anansa Play House. Let us start from the National Arts Theatre. After FESTAC 77, the dancers at the Centre for Cultural Studies were the people that were used by the Federal Government for programs then; there was no Ministry of Culture, no National Troupe, just dancers and Centre for Cultural Studies of the University of Lagos (UniLag). It was from there that dancers were taken to entertain visiting Presidents of other countries or during other programs of the government, I was part of all that. After that I went into acting in films, plays and TV soaps and so on. Now at a point, one of us, one Becky Musa had a medical problem and needed assistance. Myself and others including senior colleagues had to rally round to raise money for her to get proper medical attention. We were successful in our bid to get her the desired medical attention. It was after this we decided that we do not have to wait till when there is a problem before we would start rallying round to raise money to assist ourselves. That was how we founded NANTAP. The AGN you see today is from NANTAP. Now but before the AGN, there was what we call the Anansa Play House; a guy from Cross River, Bassey Effiong was a friend and we thought there should be a troupe that can move around. This was to be a travelling troupe for English productions. We pulled scripts from Literature books that were used by schools then. That was how the Anansa Play House came to be and operated.

SHM: Okay, fine. So these plays I know were inclusive of Kongi’s Harvest, Langbodo, Kiriji War, Oba Ovoramwhen Nogbaise and a host of others. How was this experience?

SEGUN AKIREMI: Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again was one of them.  As at that time, there was nothing like money. You work. No fees paid. They want the best out of you. They want to see how good you are. You work. What we were after then was the exposure. There was nothing like I’m looking for money. You don’t charge. Whatever you’re given, you take it and you’re happy and contented with it.

SHM: So, Mirror in the Sun.

SEGUN AKIREMI: Oh! That’s a wonderful one. It was a good experience. Auty Taiwo, Late Aunty Bukky Ajayi and Funsho Adeolu came to the National Theatre and watched some of our stage productions and beckoned on me that he wants to see me that there’s a production they want me to be involved in. It was on that production, I met Liz Benson. She acted as my wife. Before that, there was a soap titled The Image

Which was on NTV then, we were very committed, we were not looking for what we would gain from the industry but what we would contribute to the development of the industry. And, most of us were trained from the university or from the travelling theatre. So, if you want to mention plays that I acted in, there were so many that I would only remember the experience in a few of them. There were so many really. The thing is that you cannot be invited for an English production if you haven’t been trained in a university.

SHM: Now, let’s take a look at your fans, you seem to always act the role of a wealthy man, so how are you able to manage your fans, how do they see you?

SEGUN AKIREMI: Well in those days, I played the roles of wealthy characters and all that and that is the mentality of the audience. They believe that what you act is what you are. At a time, armed robbers started chasing me around. Believing they want to take their share of my money and all that. I had to tell them that I don’t have that money, that they can’t get anything from me. There’s a Hotel in Fadeyi, I went there and lodged in there for about two years because I was running away from the armed robbers. That’s because of the roles I played.

SHM: Roles like the Ones you took in Are Ona Kakanfo, Tori Nkan Nkan,, Karan His Royal Highness and so on

SEGUN AKIREMI: Yes, so the mentality is to get money from the actors or actresses. They wouldn’t appreciate you but embarrass you and if you don’t give anything they can break your windscreen, they can do so many things. We don’t get appreciation from them but persecution. This is so sad! But when we travel out, it is different. Foreigners appreciate us.

SHM: Okay, let’s go into something a little political. You were involved with Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) at a time, and there’s this 8 million naira fraud allegation leveled against you. What is the true story?

SEGUN AKIREMI: Thank you. The true story is this. I was part of Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN), I was even a part of the mobilization committee. I played my role as a member. After all we have done, the Chairman of the party then, Chief Henry Oladele Ajomale asked me a question, he said, this Igbos, how do they do their film that it is sharper, cleaner, perfect, smooth than we yorubas? That it is a good question I answered. And said, they pump money into film production, they also know that what they have invested will not come out immediately, they put their best and all what they have in it. They put out their cars, houses and all that is necessary. But the Yorubas don’t have that. The Yoruba film industry doesn’t have financiers. I also told him that the few that are willing want to put in peanuts and gain so much. And so I said that is what we are facing.

He then asked, if you want to do a good job that is better than what they (Igbos) do, how much will it cost? We now gave a cost of 24 million. He said that was too much. So we said okay. He said we should bring a script. We sat down and put a script together; he then said he wants to do a friendly thing, he just wants to assist that we should give him time. That he doesn’t have 10 or 16 or 25 million to shoot a film that he only had 5 to 6 million to give. So I said okay, I then suggested to him that we would premiere the film and bring in financially capable Nigerians to attend. That way, he would get his money and that the remaining money will now be shared. He said no, no, no, that he just wants to assist me with the money and that after I have finished I should give him back his money. That it is a no interest loan.

He then sent his lawyer to me to discuss. The lawyer brought an agreement form which I signed and he asked me to take it to chief Ajomale’s office. When I got to his office, Chief Ajomale said that I should drop it. That whenever they are ready they will fill it and that there is nothing necessary in filling any agreement. So up till now, they didn’t return my copy of the agreement. They said we should just go ahead and shoot. So, I don’t have a copy of the agreement. But before we shot I asked for my copy but they said it was not necessary.

So, his Personal Assistant at the time kept on disturbing me that he is the one convincing Chief to sponsor the film. That Chief wants to sponsor some other films; so what he would do is that he would take 1 million from 5 million. The lawyer also asked for 500 thousand for the agreement. I then called Chief Ajomale to tell him what was happening and he said that is your own cup of tea that whatever the lawyer says I should do. So, the lawyer took 500 Thousand Naira from the money and the Personal Assistant to Chief Ajomale took 750 Thousand Naira before we even started working.

We then went to Oyo state to shoot the movie we managed the fund. After everything, we sat down to talk about the premiere. We decided to invite certain persons and we said that from money generated we would give Chief Ajomale his money back. Then the Lawyer and the personal Assistant said whatever is left, they would take 50% and give me 50% and I said no. They said they would give chief Ajomale 20% and the both of them will share the remaining 30% and I said no. That is where the problem started from. Even before then, I went to Chief Ajomale to give me extra 1 million to hire the hall for the premiere. He agreed to give me the extra money. He gave me, I paid for the hall, did the invitation, brochure, souvenir and what people will take home.

Now because I had a disagreement with his lawyer and the personal assistant, they now said, because I disagreed, they would not go along with the premiere anymore. They then went back to the sponsor to tell him that I have shot nonsense. That what I shot cannot be premiered. Chief Ajomale did not watch it, he didn’t preview it but he listened to them. They pulled out of the premiere and left me to do it alone. Now, Chief Ajomale is asking me to give him his 6 million and his lawyer and personal assistant have also told him that I am supposed to give him another 2 million even though that is not our agreement.

SHM: So where is the additional 2 million coming from?

SEGUN AKIREMI: They say it is from the premiere that they backed out from. They didn’t invite anybody, they didn’t do anything again.

SHM: Chief Ajomale said he is no more interested in any premiere that he wants his money, so why then are they asking for extra 2 million?

SEGUN AKIREMI: I called him and he stopped picking my call. The day Chief Ajomale even gave me the first cheque of 2.5 Million Naira; the personal assistant followed me to the bank and collected 850,000 Naira from me.

SHM: Okay, did the premiere take place?

SEGUN AKIREMI: The premiere took place but the hall was empty, the people who were supposed to be invited by Chief Ajomale were not there to launch the movie. So we didn’t realize any money. I was threatened. I noticed a black car following me everywhere. So when I started seeing all these, I called Jide Kososko, Bello, Biodun Majekodunmi (Baba Kekere) and my brother Yemi Remi that this is what I am seeing. So they decided to go and see Chief Ajomale to tell him what happened.  The man was not interested; all he was saying was that my lawyer and my personal assistant said that film is nowhere to be found, that I used the money to rent a house that I didn’t shoot any film, that what I shot was nonsense. They came back to me and told me what transpired. They then took the Master from me to watch. After watching the film, they asked if I got a loan somewhere else apart from that money given by Chief Ajomale. They then said if it were them, they would manage 20 Million Naira plus.

 

They then went to Chief Ajomale and asked him if he has watched the film? But he said he is not interested that he doesn’t want to watch any film. They then told him that the film they have watched is more than 15 or 20 Million Naira. He said what he wants is his money. They told him that film production is not done like that. That you have to act in line with the agreement, and then do the exhibition, then go into marketing. It is then you can get your money. He now said Jide Kosoko should go and manage the issue. Jide came back to me and asked me what could be done. I told him there is nothing that can be done other going back to the status quo, back to what we agreed on. We should premiere the film having who is who in Nigeria in attendance. The film is still in the studio till now. God will help me, even if I can get my hand on 3 Million Naira, I would send it to him so that this issue can come to an end.

SHM: Okay, your love life, tell us about your love life.

Well, I’m a widower. There’s nobody in my life. For four to five years now, but that loneliness is killing me.

SHM: Does that mean that mean there’s vacancy now?

Yes, there’s vacancy

SHM: Okay, tell us about Yewande Benedicta Thomas

SEGUN AKIREMI: This is another story oh! We met at the Lagos State Council of Arts and Culture then. She was a dancer and actor. I loved her but I was nobody then. She’s from a wealthy home and so her parents saw me as nobody and somebody that had nothing to offer. They did a lot of nasty things to me. When she was heavy, they asked me to come and marry her, they did many things. When she put to bed, the child was named in my own church. Her parents said she would not stay in my house and took her back to their house. It was then that problems started. I didn’t set my eyes on this child for good 19 years. I cried, made a lot of noise about it but all to no avail. Until one day, I went to a church and a lady gave me a lead on how to get my son. By the special grace of God, that son has been with me for 10 years now.

SHM: Wow! Where do you see the Nigerian film industry in the next five years?

SEGUN AKIREMI: The Federal Government of Nigeria should support the film industry the way they support sports in Nigeria. Actors are not appreciated, they are not recognized…

SHM: So, where do you see the industry in the next five years?

SEGUN AKIREMI: I don’t know because there’s a lot of piracy now, there are lots of people who do not have faith in the industry…

SHM: Are you saying there is no future for the industry in Nigeria?

SEGUN AKIREMI: My brother, I have to be frank with you. Whoever says he or she is making money in our profession in Nigeria as at today has something else doing. We are paying ourselves peanuts.

SHM: What is now your advice for upcoming artistes?

SEGUN AKIREMI: Before I go to the upcoming actors, the Federal Government should see something good in our industry, they should pump money in our industry and the Federal government can make more money from this industry than crude oil. For the upcoming actors, they should not put money first, many of them just want to have fame and use it for something bad. They should have passion for the job; they should not rely on film alone, they should have other things doing. Good things doing. If you’re good, you would get endorsements and the likes. It is not a day’s journey. It is not 2, 3 years journey. They should be committed.

SHM: What impact do you think you have created in the lives of your audience and precisely fans?

SEGUN AKIREMI: I know I have influenced my fans in the positive direction. However, I would like them to have a change in attitude. They should learn to appreciate actors and actresses and not to extort them. What we do is for the good of the society, to make for a better society; so, meeting with us shouldn’t be an avenue to extort us but an avenue to appreciate us.

SHM: In conclusion, do you consider yourself successful and why?

SEGUN AKIREMI: To God be the glory! As at today, if I can have positive impact on the lives of people around me and my audience, then I am successful.

SHM: Thank you very much sir, that would be all for now!

SEGUN AKIREMI: You’re welcome my brother.

End.

A CHAT WITH TELEVISION STAR ANTHONY OGBETERE (BIG T)

Anthony Ogbetere fondly called “Big T” by his friends and fans is a well known face on TV around the continent of Africa, especially Nigeria. He has been involved in several productions and has carved a niche for himself. St. Hilary’s crew sat down with him and had a chat with him. Here is how it went.

SH: Could you please tell us about yourself considering your early life and growing up?

Anthony: My parents were both teachers. My dad is retired now but my mum is still teaching. I was born and bred by teachers. As part of my growing up, I moved around to places like Warri, Ughelli, Okwagbe, Ozoro and various places around then Bendel State. So, I know how to speak various languages. Urhobo, Ika, Isoko et.c. So, I can’t buy into hate.I see everyone as the same. I went to Notredame College Ozoro and Government College Ughelli and from there to University of Ibadan.where I got my first degree in Political Science and then and my MBA in University of Benin.

I am Originally Isoko, my dad is from Ellu and my mum from Ozoro both in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. People think I’m Urhobo and some think Ijaw but I’m actually Isoko.

SH: How did you get into the field of acting?

Anthony: It started at Notredame College, Ozoro. I was in class one and the literary society was trying to stage Ola Rotimi’s “The God’s are not to Blame”.  They called for auditions because the cast was huge and the members of the group were not enough. So, in Government College, I joined the same group. I loved it. So, when I got to the University, music took centre stage and I joined a group called Rockforce Organisation. But I was already miming in Government College, miming various songs – by the way, Rockforce produced Dr. Sid. I developed interest in rap and was miming. So, when I graduated, I had entertainment in my psyche. I knew if I didn’t promote, I would do something attached to entertainment. When I was in my NYSC, I happened to stroll into a rehearsal. They needed a drama skit to entertain the then Director – General of NYSC. So, they wanted two people to be involved in comedy. So, I stepped forward and I was asked what I studied and I said Political Science and they were like are you sure you can do it? So, one Ogbonna guy and I did something and it came out very nice and our slogans and statements were used by everyone on camp. So, when I left camp in Yola, I was involved in a lot of shows, doing comedy and I was still doing my miming thing along side.

When I came to Lagos, I went to FESTAC for a demo. I was told it would cost me N7,500. I went to Ikeja and I was told I don’t need a demo but I could record directly and Benson and Hedges would promote but I would have to pay N75,000 and I was like , wait a minute, why is seven and five always showing up? So, I left and thought to revive my acting skills.So, I was watching TV and there was Baboski, a film producer on TV and he mentioned his office address on TV. So, I went the following day to see him. I met a lady who asked me what I wanted, I told her and she said to me “because he gave his office address on TV doesn’t mean you can just come and see him”. She then told me to keep my ears open for auditions. So, I did that and went for an audition. It happened to be in Baboski’s office. He then called me and asked me my name and I told him where I’m from. So he called Charles and told Charles and I to stand side by side and said there is something African about us and said he’d like work with us in a movie (Picadilly) so I went for my audition and was successful and I got my first movie.

I played the role of the wounded man. Robbers came to rob and I was there and was beaten up. So, it was just two scenes. I was beaten and went to report to the police and they ran into the bush. Then, in 1997, Beyond Our Dreams gave me the real break and popularity where I acted the role of Parker. When I travelled, people saw me and called me.

While acting, I didn’t throw away my certificate. So, it wasn’t long before I got a job with Exxon Mobil in 1998. So, I jumped at it but I couldn’t act the way I wanted. So, I became an executive producer and started producing. Instead of going to do five weeks abroad and spend two million, so; I decided on two weeks on a set. So, in 2001, I did Dirty Diana. It was the starting point. Olu Jacobs was on my set and played my in-law. So, he challenged me and said there’s a lot from old Bendel State and advised I get something from there. So, I looked at it and discovered pidgin as peculiar to my area and so, I made a movie called The Prodigal Brother where I acted Mudiaga. So, that was what gave me my break into Nollywood and made me more serious. It was a very good comedy and still sells today since 2003.

Behind the Magnet, One outage too Many, What Goes around Stay around, Men Who Cheat on their Wives and piracy came in and made me experience losses. So, I went into acting.

SH: You’ve been on very many productions, tell us the one you enjoyed best and why?

Anthony: The one I enjoyed best is David’s Fall I had worked with several Nollywood Directors and their attitude was a particular way. So, I was working with a Director who allowed me to own the role. He allowed me be myself. When I’m done, he says “weldone” and makes his suggestions. He had been telling me of somebody I remind him of on set. On the last day of the shoot, he told me I remind him of the actor Al Pacino. He said to me that Al Pacino and I act alike. He also told me he never knew he was on set with an international standard actor. So these words of his were big confidence boosters for me. And since then, I never looked back. So, David’s Fall was it. Another thing that made David’s Fall special was the fact that I just left Exxon Mobil at the time after spending nine years there. Getting compliments from Mak Kusare, the Director of David’s Fall, energized me and the production told me I was back in the business for good.

SH: You are on a popular sitcom called Squatterz, What is the story?

Anthony: Squatterz is another program that has started a watershed in my life. I have always wanted to get to a point where I can do any role. But interestingly, when I went for the audition, the Producer told me I was a spy and didn’t want me in his production. Luckily for me, someone among the crew members knew me very well and told him that I’m not that type of a person. It was then he gave me the script to read and then asked me to choose the role that best suits me. That I did. The role is an interesting one that I’m very proud of. The Producer, Seun Arowojola is also a very good person and has very good listening ears. I’m also very proud of him too.

SH: Your role in Squatterz.

Anthony: Olabode (Papa), everyone knows Papa. He is a guy who was in the street. Got to go to the University and came back and got to open a book store. During the time Papa was in the street, he met a group of street boys who wanted to experience street life. So when he got out of school, he met with them again.. one of them inparticular, Segun, gave him a 3 bedroom apartment to stay in his father’s compound. So, he (Papa) moved in with Danjuma and Buchi.

SH: You seem to be more on TV than movies, why is it so?

Anthony: Ok. That’s one aspect of my career; let me put it this way, when I left Mobil, all the offers I got were for TV, David’s Fall and others. You need to be on ground to be in the movies. Recently, that’s 2014/15, I realized that cinema is gradually taking over. I did AMOR (Africa Magic Original films) while you Slept with Ini Edo; The Guardian with Daniel K. Daniel and Yvonne Jegede. I just produced Santa Alabama. My people, please look out for the person who killed chief. There is also Parallel Paradox and Second Chances.

Santa Alabama was originally written for AMOR but for nine months, nothing was happening. So, I called a friend but he told me he was busy. Suddenly, he told me he would do something and told me to send the script to his email. I was shocked the next morning he called me and told me he was coming to my place and that he had already fixed a date and we only had to meet to decide what we should do.

We only shifted the date by a few days and we started shoot on the 4^th of May, 2016. That’s how Santa Alabama came into existence. It actually came out better than we planned it. It is the best production I have been on.

SH: You have a huge fan base. What do your fans think about your acting roles?

Anthony: Lately, my fans have been encouraging me to do more of comedy. They say I would do better with comedy. So, in the year 2017, there would be more of comedy because my fans appreciate that more. My fans say right now the country is too serious, that they need comedy from me.

SH: Have you had cause to have something with a female fan since your career began?

Anthony: No. I don’t know if that is how it is with other actors. But for me, the moment you begin to discuss my career with me, I can’t be personal anymore. I think if I have something with you and eventually it doesn’t work out, I have lost a fan. I don’t date someone on my street, in my office or on set. Right now, anything I do could become news. Not having anything with a female fan is a matter of policy. Some get angry and tell me I am arrogant. They inbox me all kinds of things but I ignore. The mature ones later apologise.

SH: Do you have a girlfriend?

Anthony: Yes. Of course I do.  She’s very private so I wouldn’t want to invade our privacy. She doesn’t want me to take things about her to the public domain and I respect that.

SH: Your plans on settling down?

Anthony: Most definitely, 2017 is the year. I have done overtime. I ought to have done it since 2006 but I had some trust issues with the lady. But I have since moved on and next year, 2017 is the year. I need you to pray it happens quickly.

SH: Before I forget, you’re also a blogger. Big Tony’s Blog. What is it about?

Anthony: it is about relationships, life, health, business, family and a whole lot of other things. Sometimes, I write political articles. I do plenty of photo journalism as well. The biggest post I made this year was a picture I took on Benin where a compound was terribly flooded and the ground floor was submerged in the water. The people upstairs had to put a ladder to get to their own flat.

SH: What is your advice for upcoming actors and actresses?

Anthony: My advice for them is Passion. You need to have the passion. When you start out and the money doesn’t come in, you get frustrated and you get to leave. If we were after money, we probably would have been out of business long ago. It is the passion that kept us going. It is hard work and discipline. Acting is not a place for quick money.

SH: What have you learnt?

Anthony: Consistency pays. Just do what you’re doing consistently. Don’t compete with people. Don’t want to be somebody. If you’re the type that look at others and want to be like them, you would crash. That’s what I have learnt.

SH: Traditional paperback reading or online reading which do you prefer?

Anthony: Online

SH: Facebook or Instagram?

Anthony:  Facebook

SH: Chat or calls?

Anthony: Calls.

SH: Thank you for your time sir.

 

 

RISING TV STAR KOCABELLE GUEMINI SPEAKS ON HER LIFE AND CAREER

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Kocabelle Guemini is a Cameroonian born actress who resides in Nigeria and has been working her way to get to the top. She has worked on several high profile productions. St. Hilary’s crew sought her out as she was also able to find time to take this interview. Below is the interview we had with her.

SH: What was growing up like?

Kocabelle: Growing up in Douala is a blessing. Those kinds of blessings that you know as an adult you appreciate. My parents didn’t have much but we were satisfied. I went to a public primary school, Ecole Publique de Nylon where I spent six years. My secondary school years were tough because my parents were going through difficult times. I was staying with relatives. So, I went to seven different schools. These had both good and bad effects on me. As a child, no one should go through such. You leave the comfort of your home to somewhere else, they say things to you. So, it wasn’t pleasant. Many who went through such are living miserable lives today. They are prostitutes, robbers, drunkards and all what not. I know what children living with others go through because I have been there. I advice if you can’t handle taking care of a child in your house, don’t do it. The child mustn’t stay with you for you to help. The good part is today, I know better.

SH: As a young lady, how was it starting up in this field?

 Kocabelle: You mean in Nollywood?

SH: Yes

 Kocabelle: well, it was tough. But I was kind of ready for it.  I expected it because I knew that moving from my country to another to start a career wouldn’t be easy. I came knowing what I wanted. I had my principles and that helped me. I know it takes one film to make it. Julia Roberts is what she is today because of “Pretty Woman”. Kenny Reeves because of “Matrix”. And so, I said to myself that audition is the only way. Just like you want to work in a bank, you go for an interview. If I go for fifty auditions in a month, and I don’t get called, I don’t mind, because what is right is always right. It pays.

SH: What lessons have you learnt from these experiences?

Kocabelle: That what is right is always right. No matter how long it takes. The word is righteousness. Before I just say it, but today, I can back it up with stories, my experiences.

SH: Would you say these experiences are helpful?

Kocabelle: They are very helpful. They make you stronger and better prepared for what lies ahead. Some big names come and they want to give you a job and give you unrealistic conditions. With these experiences, I know what is right.  As a Christian, I follow God’s instructions. And if He (God) says you should go somewhere, he has made arrangements for you there. So, with this, I stand my ground and do the right thing. I have the thoughts of doing the right things. That’s what God says and I do it.

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SH: Hotel Majestic?

Kocabelle: Being part of Hotel Majestic was like going to film school. I don’t know if it had to do with the South Africans that were involved. The Director and Director of Photography are South Africans. The producer is from Kenya. Being on that set was something and it was really of a very high production standard. When I left that set to another, I realized the huge difference. It was really shocking to see the low standard. Every movie I watch, I read about it, how it was made. When you read and compare with Hotel Majestic you see the standard there. Okay, for instance, Ivie Okunjaiye travelled for a shoot in America and met the same standard.

SH: Tell us about Ese

Kocabelle: Ese to me, seemed like the most difficult character. When I read the character bible, I was wondering how the producer could think I could carry that part. I had to meet a director friend of mine who helped me. During the pilot, the Director, Alex Mouth, was so impressed and that made me very confident. His comments boosted my self confidence.

SH: You are on the set of Johnsons

Kocabelle: The way they operate is different from that of Hotel Majestic. They’ve been together for years. There is that bonding. The way they operate is totally different.

SH: Your role in Johnsons

Kocabelle: I play Drip. She is a Cameroonian refugee who wants to be a medical doctor and needed to struggle to pay her bills and eventually met the Johnsons. Mr. Lucky, the father of the house likes her for her hard work and her interest in becoming a medical doctor unlike his own children.

SH: I’m sure you know you have fans. What do they think as regards your roles?

Kocabelle: I get positive and encouraging comments from my fans. They commend my performances. This is really encouraging and I thank them all. To all my fans I say thank you for your support.

SH: Your partner in Hotel Majestic is Jeffiong. Outside the Hotel Majestic set, how is your relationship?

Kocabelle: we’re very good friends. That’s all. Actually on the Hotel Majestic set, we were very united. We were always going out together. We really bonded. And even till now, we are still in touch.

SH: Where do you see the TV industry in five years time?

Kocabelle: In the next five years… TV is taking over. If those in the business of making movies are not careful, TV would take over completely. Today, TV looks like films with action, sound and camera movements. TV uses several cameras while movie uses one. These days, TV is doing all you find in films. Take a look at Scandal, Game of Thrones, How to get away with Murder et.c. I want to believe in Nigeria, we are gradually getting there. Now in the US, the TV episodes show once a week unlike before of five days a week viewing which is what we are doing in Nigeria and Africa today.

SH: Would you say TV is more profitable?

Kocabelle: Yes and it gives you the opportunity to expand your story. Now, we are having plenty of stories like The Governor. What I’m saying is that we’re doing TV in movie standard and so in five years time, we should be there.

SH: You spent Christmas in Cameroon last year, do you plan on doing same this year?

Kocabelle: I’m going home. If not that Arik  keeps postponing the flight I should be home by now.

SH: How do your parents feel knowing you are on television as an actress?

Kocabelle: My mum is not happy about it. Like every mum would want her daughter to get an office job, get married and start giving her grand children.

SH: Do you have a boyfriend?

Kocabelle: Yes. So, there’s no vacancy.

SH: Your plans on settling down?

Kocabelle: God’s time is the best.

SH: Your advice for those trying to enter the industry.

Kocabelle: Well, like I usually say, there’s no such thing as help. Precisely to girls, if you want to get there the easy way, you would be ready to do all the stupid things to get there. But know that no one will give you a big role without you being good. No producer would feature you if you’re not good. After a producer has budgeted huge sums of money for the project he would never give a mediocre a big role. So, my advice is that you go for auditions. It’s the best way, the only right way. Go for as many as possible and be ready to take rejection. If you are really talented, one day, it would pay.

SH: Online reading or traditional paperback reading?

Kocabelle: Online.

SH: Facebook or Instagram?

Kocabelle: Facebook.

SH: Chat or calls?

Kocabelle: Calls.

 

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MEET THE PRODUCER OF “THE LOST CAFE”

Regina Udalor is a Nigerian producer currently residing in Oslo, Norway.

She  worked with the BBC Media Action in Nigeria after graduating  from the National Film Institute in Jos.

“Omule”, a documentary short she produced was an official entry at the 2006 Berlinale Talent Campus and riding on the back of such early success, Regina went on to work on award winning films like “Confusion Na Wa” and “A Place in the Stars”.

“Beyond Binary” is a documentary feature she was part of whilst studying for an MBA at the Manipal University in India and on moving to Norway, she lent her expertise to projects like “Norway, Hui He: The Soprano from the silk road”.

Regina’s first major feature is The Lost Cafe which was produced with support from private companies in Norway and France.

“SANTA ALABAMA” TO HIT THE CINEMAS SOON

The movie SANTA ALABAMA is at the last stages of post production and will be set to hit the cinemas soon. SANTA ALABAMA was written by Big Tony, co – produced by Big Tony and Peter Fada. It was directed by Peter Fada. The comic thriller stars Segun Arinze, Rachel Oniga, Big Tony, Paul Adams, Tony Akposheri, Comedian Gandoki, Eboh Bomb, Victory Emuejekarowho, Ijeoma David and Ruth Jacobs. Below is the synopsis of the movie.

Uzezi is murdered in cold blood. His mother and fiancée are thrown into inconsolable mourning and sorrow. Uzezi’s next door neighbour, Barrister Akpogake is determined to assist the police track down the killer. At the office Barrister Akpogake is going through hard times and can barely pay his bills. Chief Anaro, a senatorial aspirant shows up and makes Barrister Akpogake a mouth watering offer to help him seek redress at the election tribunal. Akpogake is   reluctant because he doesn’t like dabbing into political cases but he quickly sees the opportunity offered by the case in paying his debts and his bills. Two days later Chief Anaro is assassinated and Akpogake is constrained to pry into his death. As Akpogake probes deeper it seems as if there’s a remote connection between Uzezi’s murder and Chief Anaro’s assassination. In anger and frustration, Akpogake launches into an offensive that puts him on a collision course with the police and a powerful politician. As the minutes turn to hours, Barrister Akpogake finds himself on the trail of a cold, vindictive killer who is ready to kill and kill yet again.

This comic thriller promises to be worthwhile. Watch out for the movie.