Charles Novia’s Blog has released it’s annual ‘ Top 5 Best Actress/Best Actor’ list. the writer, Charles Novia; an actor, filmmaker and critic said there was a competitive slant in the quality of acting in the industry. See the actresses who made this year’s cut.
The year 2016 has been quite an interesting one for Nollywood as one could arguably conclude that more than ever, there were more exciting films released by Nollywood filmmakers at the Box Office than ever in the past five years. With a couple more to look forward to before the year draws the final curtains, some might argue that I am bringing out this list prematurely but I beg to differ. I think I have seen all what I have to see to know that those who make this list this year really deserve to be on this list and have given brilliant performances in 2016.
First, my overview of Nollywood in 2016; Nollywood was phenomenal in international networking and received deserved recognition but still floundering in production ambitions, story directions and elevation of general artistry. Many of the movies which had cinema runs in 2016 by Nollywood Filmmakers had no business being on the big screen and most should have been consigned to television fares rather than wasting the recession-tested money of the movie goers. Having watched many of such movies in 2016 with my team of judges, one’s patience was tested in many cases and I certainly hope that filmmakers would learn that the box office is not necessarily an avenue for boring movie goers with sleep-inducing fares. A lot of Nollywood movies which were released in the cinemas in 2016 had what I term ‘ the smooch factor’; which is an uncomplimentary term I coined where bored couples buy the tickets, find themselves alone in the hall in many cases and begin to smooch themselves while the movie flickers on the screen!
Once again in 2016, television series and serials gave Nollywood films a good run for money and a couple of outstanding commissioned productions opened a new window for me to re-evaluate old and new talents.
I always use the following criteria for awarding my prizes and it hasn’t changed this year; Interpretation, Visualisation, Characterisation and Enunciation.
I do not use ‘Stardom’ ‘A-Listers’ or whatever general considerations others might have in arriving at conclusions. It’s purely professional and nothing personal.
BEST 5 ACTRESSES IN NOLLYWOOD IN 2016
NUMBER 5: NANCY ISIME
I can bet many people would be asking who she is and those who know her as a television presenter on a music channel might not even have an idea that she is an actress. I never did until a few months ago, I watched her in two movies and she completely delivered the goods in both. Nancy featured in ‘Hex’ a short film by music video maestro, Clarence Peters where she played the role of a cagey young lady and played her role to the hilt. Her ability to subsume the role and take over the screen in that short movie first caught my attention and I made a note that this was one lady to look out for in the future. That future came too soon as I watched her a few weeks later in ‘Gidi Blues’, where she played a supporting role but did it so well that it got me wondering why she did not play the lead role in the first place as Hauwa Allahburaka, the lead actress in that movie, was sometimes bland in delivery where it mattered. Nancy Isime gave natural and effortless reactions in ‘Gidi Blues’ and she was a delight to watch. This is one actress to watch out for, if the right scripts find her and all she needs is one big break. Take it from me, this young lady may go places.
NUMBER 4: ADE LAOYE
In her role in the hit Africa Magic telenovela of sorts, ‘ Hush’, Ade Laoye explodes on the screen as ‘Oye’, a role which sees her give all her best and perhaps prove to us that her academic training in Theatre and Film abroad was not in anyway a mistake. Her ability to express conflicting emotions of confusion, determination, love and irritation, sometimes in one stretch in any scene tells me that this is a lady who internalizes and interprets her lines and role with minimum flaws. Though at times, her articulation wavers from an American-tinged accent to a Girl-next-door accent, that can be forgiven when she seamlessly switches to Yoruba in most of her interactions with Ruffy, a lovesick thug in ‘Hush’. Within the ambits of cosmopolitan roles, Ade Laoye comes out smoking. I would love to see her take on more challenging roles in future, a switch from the urbane to the local might help in assessing more of her range. In any case, this is a very good actress. Take that to the Bank.
NUMBER 3: ADESUA ETOMI
There’s something artistically ‘ almost perfect’ in intensity when Adesua Etomi acts on the screen and the same attributes are not in anyway diminished when one sees her feature in theatre productions. I watched her in a couple of movies this year in which her powers of characterization and interpretation were amazing. In ‘Falling’ and ‘The Arbitration’, Adesua gives performances demanding respect from her peers and professionals. The Young Lady sizzles on the screen and obviously does her homework on her roles very well. For the new generation, she is a good example of how an Actor Prepares. What the future holds for her in Nollywood is pleasantly poignant. Maybe international recognition would come calling. Perhaps an Oscar or a Golden Globe in the near future? With talent this good, it is possible.
NUMBER 2: BIMBO AKINTOLA
Easily, Bimbo Akintola would be my best pick any day and I had to mull much on whether to have a joint Number One this year. However, it is my pleasure to re-introduce Bimbo to an audience who hitherto knew she was one of the best in the country and would have to re-validate that perception after watching her in the movie ‘ 93 Days’. Her interpretation of Dr Ameyo Adadevoh, the late heroine of the Ebola Crisis faced by the Nigeria in 2014, was beautifully done. Bimbo took us all through the build ups, the family bond, the professional ethics and the uncanny heroism of Dr Adadevoh. Watching her with a lump in our throats and a pang in our hearts, one can tell that the Sympathy Value she brings to the story was enhanced by our willing suspension of disbelief. Is Bimbo good? Heck, no! She is excellent! She is in a class by herself and…..no….scratch that. She is in a Master Class by herself and acting students have no other option but to learn from her for years to come.
NUMBER 1: SOMKELE IYAMAH-IDHALAMA
Who’s this graceful young lady who shook the Nollywood in 2016 with her prowess and panache? Where did she come from? How come a gust of fresh wind could smell so arty and refreshing?
The answers to those questions are as much to be found in Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama as they would be asked of her in the first place. I first noticed Somkele perhaps a couple of years ago in the Ndani TV Web series ‘Gidi Up’ and though she stood out there, what struck me back then was that this young lady has such a powerful screen presence which looked under-utilised in that fare. Perhaps, a couple of Directors noticed it too because in 2016, Somkele came out smoking in two movies; ‘93 Days’ and ‘ The Arbitration’. In the latter, she believably plays the part of a Legal Counsel who represents her client and is conflicted as new revelations crop up during the proceedings. I was quite struck by Somkele’s deliberate mellow range in that movie and that made me sit up a bit to assess her in the other movie, ‘93 Days’. She plays Dr Ada Igonoh, an Ebola Survivor in the movie and it was in that portrayal that she won our hearts. Somkele gave us an insight into the conflicted emotions of that character. We saw pathos, poignancy, pain, and possibilities in her character. Most of all, she portrayed the power of Hope to the hilt. She was Ada Igonoh and not Somkele for the duration of the movie (and expectedly so, if one would say that was what was expected of her). And there was something very powerful about her final Walk of Life out of the hospital, where she gave a backward glance. That glance tells it all; a goodbye to an ordeal and there are few actors who can pack such innuendoes into a non-verbal action like that.
This lady lit up the screens in 2016. Let’s hope she continues to shine in the following years because she is, in my opinion, a new example of good acting.
And that’s the Truth, Ruth!
Credit: http://www.charlesnoviadaily.com/
Charles Novia weighs in on Wizkid and Linda Ikeji's feud.
Filmmaker and critic, Charles Novia has weighed in on the feud between singer, Wizkid and blogger, Linda Ikeji. The attacks didn’t start yesterday. Both parties have been on a warpath for months now. Read Charles Novia’s thoughts on the furore.
Since yesterday when Linda gleefully posted on her blog that Wizkid got an eviction notice from his Lekki house, there’s been no chill from both sides.
Wizkid reacted with expected anger, calling Linda an ‘Ugly, Old Bitch nearing 40 years and married to her laptop’ . Ouch. He suggested that his Director friend slept with Linda in a hotel!
Having the Right of Reply, Linda fell for the bait and posted a reply calling to question Wizkid’s age and a story that Wizkid’s Porsche cars are on hire purchase.
As expected, Wizkid replied and went on a tirade of how her Pussy needs some cleaning and some other invectives. He listed the cars he has bought, including a G65 as well as four other cars and a house he just built for his mother. He warned Linda that anywhere he sees he, his 16 year old cousin will beat her up.
And the war continues. I have been following the updates with chuckles and much shaking of my head, even though it’s salacious and entertaining.
First, I think Linda should be advised. It’s evident to the discerning that she has a vengeful obsession with getting back at Wizkid and this has been evident since last year when Wizkid took potshots at her age and marital status, which prompted Linda to respond that she’s rich enough to buy any man she wants. ( I actually don’t think any account was hacked as explained then)
Putting up the post yesterday of the eviction notice given to Wizkid was perhaps an intuitive gossip obligation she felt she had to share, after all she’s a known gossip blogger. But it was tactlessly done and exposed an underlying beef which was waiting for an opportunity to get back.
Wizkid’s reaction was true-to-type. He’s a street kid. A Surulere or Ojuelegba product and he’s not expected to have any chill. Unlike Linda, who’s also from a poor background and has some understanding of the rules of the streets of Surulere, Wizkid is a supposed nouveau rich kid whose fame and fortune are grounded in the music of his streets. This means that while some measure of success demands some form of etiquette from Linda, now living among the elites, same us not expected ( even if demanded) from Wizkid.
The difference here is bohemie.
Wizkid is the epitome of the new age of reckless abandon of restraints and respect by his generation. He belongs to an era where he has power. His music is an influencer of moods. He’s danced to and listened to all across dance floors in Africa and beyond. He sways the minds of the twenty – somethings and teenagers. He can’t do wrong in their eyes.
On the other hand, while Linda is also a powerful media figure with much of her readers also amongst the young crowd, she has moved on to an aspirational lifestyle by the flaunting of possessions on her media space. While there might be nothing wrong with that, it’s also a strong reason for her youthful crowd to either be more enamoured with her, with the monthly handouts she commendably doles or they would inordinately harbour some disdain for her over this indiscretion.
The truth of the matter is this; don’t fuck with a musician in a war of words in this new age. Dele Momodu found out the hard way too late when Davido took him to the cleaners and even alluded to his ‘busy body’ tendencies in a song.
You see, with the massive following Wizkid has, all he needs to do is to go to the studio and record a new single calling out Linda Ikeji. It’s that simple. He could just put some lyrics on an ikworkrikwo beat and singing:
‘ Linda o, Linda. Old mama wey nor get Ginger…’
Or something in the vein of his insults to her as we have been reading.
Of course, shifting and shuffling feet don’t have any respect to a good rhythm. People will dance and that song would be stored in the annals of history. All Linda can do would be to keep writing ripostes which would not have any direct impact.
And really, if Wizkid loses steam and becomes a ‘has been’ tomorrow, that’s neither here nor there for him or his fans. He would be part of a vignette of Nigerian music history. He’s already attained some measure of legendary status among his fans in the young age. I will shock you. In the North of Nigeria, especially in Kano of all places, Wizkid is like a god. His music is loved by the Northern youths and Kano alone can shut down if the talakawas ever hear that Wizkid is performing there. I was shocked to find this out recently.
Such is the power of music in the present age.
But I would also advocate that Wizkid and Linda bury the hatchet. This beef is unnecessary, even if it’s entertaining some people.
Let’s all just get along, please.”
A Thought For Ibinabo | By :Charles Novia
Ibinabo Fiberisima lost her appeal at the courts and was immediately sent to jail.
It was the culmination of an ordeal both she and the family of the late Doctor have gone through for ten years.
I am not going to say anyone was wrong nor would I say anyone was right. We must all realise that there are powerful emotional interests in this case on both sides and each would have merit when analysed.
A family breadwinner gone. Another family breadwinner sent to do the time as recompense.
We all must learn from this; the Law is sacrosanct. The Law is real.
On a personal level, Ibinabo is my friend. She’s been a wonderful friend to me for over fifteen years and I suppose she has touched the lives too of some who know her personally. I can only express angst that she’s in jail and stand with her during her ordeal as a show of motivation and encouragement. She needs that outstretched hand to survive the ordeal. And that’s what a friend should do. A friend shares in your pains and stands by you. And there are many in the entertainment industry who are doing same for Ibinabo.
Not because we are angry with the judgement. Oh no. We respect the law. We all live in a society bound by the laws. We bow to the law and believe in the processes which are legally open to her to seek some form of clemency.
But we are a family in Nollywood; despite open spats. The bond artistes share is more than bloodlines. And for that, we must stand and share with our friend.
Once again, I commiserate with the family of the late Doctor and add to the prayers that God give them great fortitude to bear the loss of their loving breadwinner.
I believe forgiveness has to come in here to heal the wounds. Forgiveness from all parties. There were basic mistakes made; human flaws, human nature and perhaps inappropriate show of understanding.
But a hurt starts healing when forgiveness is applied. The family of the late Doctor have had their justice and the law has spoken. But we urge for personal forgiveness. Let the healing start.
Ibinabo….you will pull through this. You are a strong woman. A rare breed. You will be ok. And your friends will not abandon you. We will help you find your silver lining in all of this.
And most importantly; we all must learn from this.
Entertainers are humans. They are not demi-gods. They make mistakes like everyone else and suffer for the consequences of such mistakes.
But they have an advantage which many not of their ilk do not have; the ability to bounce back. The uncanny propensity to take the second chance and make something positive out of it.
And I believe Ibinabo would do just that.
Credit: charlesnoviadaily.com
AMVCA 2016: The bleh and the boom | By: Charles Novia
Nollywood director and film critic, Charles Novia has given a review of the just concludes AMVCA.
A motley crowd of influential Nollywood practitioners gathered in small groups, down at the Pool Bar at the Eko Hotels and Suites just a few minutes after the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards ended before 10 pm C.A.T. And as I mingled from one huddle to the other, what one could pick out was a linear shock at some of the twists the awards had thrown up earlier in the evening.
‘Ol’Boy, this award nor too pure this year’ said a top Nollywood Director to me pointedly as if he was a civil servant making a minority report. I shrugged, deciding to be silent just to hear opinions.
‘How on earth could a cooking show win in a category where there were drama series? What the hell was that? ‘asked another Nollywood Producer in anger to even the winner of that category who seemed undecided on what to say.
‘How can ‘small small’ kids in acting, the up and comers be winning the big prizes in acting every year at the AMVCAs consistently? Look am na! E nor pure! These guys just nominate the big names alongside the new ones and then disgrace the old and established actors by giving the awards to people we don’t even know!’ said another established Producer, shaking his head in disbelief.
‘But it is a viewers choice awards’ proferred one of the recognised Jurors in this year’s award. ‘The winners are chosen based on the number of votes they receive from the viewers. That’s how it works. If the old acts go to sleep and expect that their pedigree would win them the awards, then they have no one to blame but themselves when those who worked hard to get votes come out tops’
‘Like I said before, this award nor pure this year’ repeated the top Nollywood Director.
Whilst many established practitioners in Nollywood and other sectors present that night had their own reservations about the fairness of the awards in some categories, in other gatherings, those who won in their various categories were all smiles and busy getting hugs and handshakes as well wishers ( or those with daggers in their hearts too, who knows?) and friends celebrated with them. There were beaming smiles and polite laughter all over the grounds and as is wont in awards, everyone, no matter their differences identifies with a winner.
Let’s rewind a bit to the beginning of the show so we can have an idea of how the sighs and songs came about.
It’s become an annual tradition for me to review the AMVCAs and this fourth edition held much promise for the clear and undisputable fact that in just four years, with a gradual sense of purpose and media might as well as huge injection of funds, the AMVCAs is now arguably the biggest movie awards event in the continent. And with that perception comes much expectations.
There was the pre-show red carpet event as usual which had many of the guests and celebrities dressed by interesting fashion designers. From my mental calculation at the event, it is likely that nothing less than thirty million naira worth of clothes and accessories must have been made as income for the fashion and make up industry just for this event. Knowing that the scrutiny of the red carpet would be done by the nebulous fashion police we have locally, I always skip the red carpet as much as I can and head straight to the hall for the show every year.
With nominees, guests and celebrities seated in the hall, the show kicked off on the dot by 7.00pm Nigerian time with a performance by The Star Act Dance Company, a troupe which had dancers costumed in an impressive combination of white and gold sashes. The dancers put up a well choreographed piece which was quite good. I would say this was the best opening sequence so far in all the editions of the AMVCAs. Splendidly done.
IK Osakioduwa and Minnie Dlamini then came onstage as the hosts for the night. Minnie’s attempt to show that she has an understanding of Nigerians through the influence and impact of Nollywood movies got her some applause when she greeted with ‘Igbo Kwenu’.
The Presentation of the awards began with Chris Attoh presenting the Best Art Director award to Frank Rajah who seemed better prepared this year for his speech than his famous ‘Yvonne Nelson, I give you the glory’ stutter of the year before. Frank won it for ‘Refugees’.
After a couple of award presentation by Ireti Doyle and Gideon, then Ozzy Agu and and Stella Obinwa, there was a musical performance by a Tanzanian singer, Alikiba. He gave a good performance which many in the hall seemed to love as I saw pockets of dancing going on by some guests, possibly those from the Eastern part of Africa.
In introducing Osas and Gbenro Ajibade as the next set of presenters , Minnie called them ‘The Newly Weds’. I did wonder then if Minnie was reading a prepared script or just gushed out her own personal introduction because it’s been months since the couple got married. That wouldn’t qualify for being Newly Weds, if it comes to that.
And that brings me to something I noticed all through. I should think that in a bid to avoid wasting of time and off-scripted monologues, the AMVCAs this year jettisoned the script prompters or any form of scripted cues for the Awards Presenters. Almost all the Presenters came on and went straight to the job at hand. Not a bad idea.
In between the commercial breaks, one which the viewers at home would have been watching the Sponsors messages, a couple of stand up comedians were brought in to thrill the audience before the show went back to the post-commercial segments. Seeing that I always have commented that this should be done in my past reviews, one must commend the organisers for this. The stand up acts kept the audience all smiling and ready when the cameras came back to the show.
And talking about comedians, there were two onscreen stand up comedians for the night, one Thomas Gumede and the other Ugandan called Salvador. Gemede was boring to me and out of place with his jokes. The audience gave him some polite reactions but most times he seemed quite forward with his jokes and was just average. But his Ugandan counterpart, Salvador? Now, that is a funny guy! Without sounding condescending, I actually thought he was going to be as tepid as Gemede when he was introduced but the dude is a natural! He was so on point and had the audience in stitches. He was one of the major highlights of the night.
When Director Stanlee Ohikuare came up onstage to pick up his award for Best Lighting Designer and was giving a speech, he was rudely cut off by the sound guys. I use the term ‘rudely cut off’ because it seemed to be in bad taste at that point, especially as none of the nominees were told by the Producers of the show to keep their acceptance speech short and within a time frame. I stand to be corrected if they were. It’s not so much that he was cut off that was my problem but the abrupt cease of sound on his microphone to the audience in the hall ( and perhaps to the viewers at home) which seemed impolite. What happened to the music cues?
Everything seemed to be going on relatively well from there and sitting near the irrepressible Chi Gurl, the comedienne who was having me in stitches with her funny interjections and off-beat lampoon of the goings-on onstage, was quite an experience. Of course, when she went up onstage with John ‘Mr Ibu’ Okafor to present the Best Actor in a comedy Award, she and Okafor were very much in their elements with their banter. Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, won that award. Being that he has had a good couple of years so far with his near-nasalized mode of talking which has earned him fame and fans, his getting the award is not in dispute.
Sam Nzeribe won the award for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ and he gave a moving speech about how his career was enhanced by the Catholic Church which sponsored his study of the Creative Arts. The audience warmed up to that.
Yemi Alade came up and performed two songs. Her performance was complemented by back up dancers which gave it an aesthetic slant but I couldn’t help thinking that Yemi would need to work on a new hit very soon. It’s inevitable that she would.
There was a glaring omission in the Roll of Honor list which scrolled pictures and names of the artistic departed in the past year. One of the veterans in the television industry in Nigeria and basically among the first five pioneers of the film industry in the seventies as a Producer as well, Jab Adu, was poignantly missing in the list. That is unforgivable, if you ask me. The popular Bassey Okon of ‘Village Headmaster’way back and Mr Adio in ‘Adio’s Family’passed on a few days ago and the best the research team could have done was to add him to the roll call. He died a day or two after Mike Odiachi, who was in the list mercifully. May his soul rest in peace, as with the others.
The Trailblazer Award went to Kemi Lala Akindoju, a hardworking young lady who has so much to give, after giving so much too, to the industry. She won a car with the prize and gave a good speech which recognised all she was grateful to, including the Directors she has worked with, except one who took a chance too on her years ago, in my opinion. In any case, she deserves the award. No doubt.
The most moving part of the show was the Industry Merit Award presented to Veteran Actress and a sterling ‘Elder Stateswoman’ of the industry, Bukky Zainab Ajayi who was wheeled on to the stage to a standing ovation. She was obviously overwhelmed and gave a tear-jerking speech. There were a many moved people in the hall that night and most eyes were moist when she wept and asked for forgiveness if she has offended anyone in the course of her career. She was so real and natural, wondering if the whole hall was actually standing for her! It was such a beautiful aspect of the night and one which will be unforgettable for a long time.
The surprises of the night were in the Best Actor and Best Actress diadems. A shocked and teary Adesua Etomi won the Best Actress award, flooring the other heavyweights in that category. That set the hall in murmurs and behind the smiles and claps, there was wonder and incomprehensibility. Personally, I have no qualms with Adesua winning that award. I think she is one of the most focused actresses in her generation at present and gives unbelievable attention to her roles. And being a trained thespian, she has range and depth. So, she deserves the award.
The other surprise too was in Daniel K Daniel winning the Best Actor Award, also flooring other heavyweights in that category. I think Daniel is a good actor and that is where I will leave it because I am yet to watch the movie which earned him a nomination and a win. However, there were many in the audience who did not agree with the result. I will come to these aspects in a bit.
Flavour performed and gingered the audience with his two songs. And after that Akin Omotosho won the Best Director award for the movie ‘Tell me something’
The last award of the night was won by Stephanie Linus; the Best Overall movie for ‘Dry’, her movie on VVF. Stephanie won an SUV too with the award and gave a good speech about the Girl Child and even chipped in the Ese Oruru angle in highlighting the problems bedevilling the Girl Child. I think ‘Dry’ is a good movie and Stephanie deserves the award. Any of the movies in that category deserved it though.
The show ended and as the guests moved out of the hall, the little post mortems by a few practitioners began in lobbies and open spaces before the after party.
Here is what I really think.
In areas of organisation, event planning and stage management for this year’s AMVCA, the organisers score an A minus, which is a marked improvement from other editions. However, there is a lot to be desired.
>
> It is about time, in my honest opinion, that AMVCA transmutes from being a Viewers Choice Awards to a REAL juror or Academy driven awards which should enhance the credibility of the voting process. It is all well and good to give the power of choice to the audience which votes for the winners but public voting is populist and not popular in awards such as this. Come on! This is art we are talking about. Elevated art and artistry. A jury of excellent professionals and perhaps other past winners would suffice here to assess the future categories and pass their judgement without fear or favour. When such happens, even if some may not agree with most of the winners, there would be no groundswell of discontent when the areas of scoring are used. Viewers Choice categories can be retained in a couple of categories though but not the whole gamut of a growing prestigious event like the AMVCA.
It is possible that if the awards become a jury determined award, a rebranding of the name would be inevitable. It is better to start the process now when the award is growing on people than to let it ride for awhile. There’s nothing strange or wrong in rebranding. Hip Hop Awards in Nigeria was rebranded to The Headies and a few other awards too. It is a process of garnering more credibility and sidestepping the collective ‘Bleh’ exclamations now usual in the awards but making sure that the ‘Boom’ of appreciation resonates.
A lot of work and planning obviously went into AMVCA 2016 and congratulations to to everyone. Everyone.
Because the film industry won in the end.
.
Charles Novia thinks Tayo Faniran is the worst actor on TV.
Nollywood producer/ movie critic, Charles Novia has described ex-BBA housemate, Tayo Faniran’s acting as the worst on TV. Citing his recent appearance on MNET’s TV series, Tinsel, Charles Novia adjudged his performance as poor and implied that he is an unsuitable replacement for Gbenro Ajibade (Soji in the series)
“My award for the worst actor on Nigerian TV presently, would be the ex-BBA housemate, Tayo Faniran who’s standing in for Gbenro in TINSEL. I have been watching his act on the series and it’s either the casting director lives in Mars or there’s suspended reality there somewhere. All this ‘fine boy, come act’ crap Producers shove in the faces of viewers have to stop! It’s killing the arty side of a noble profession
//
Talent is like a mirror; you can’t fake it. Tayo shouldn’t be on screen as an actor in the first place.Come on! Whose bright idea please? His projection is zero, articulation like a kid with a toffee stuck in the mouth and visualisation of xter absolutely terrible! Haba! I know he’s got a lot of fans and all but that’s not helping this case.Either he goes for actin lessons or sticks to presenting that show
Acting is serious business and not to be trifled with. Reality shows are not to be used as automatic back passes for tepid actors. Yep! His counterparts before him, ex-reality show ‘stars’, are not much better too. However, Tayo is dovetailing on bad precedents too. There must be something else the dude can do better and I am sure he can, if they stop lying to him about any acting ambitions. D.O.A.
//
I rest my case. And my opinion is basically my opinion, though I am sure this one is mostly everyone’s muted opinion too.
Opinion: Skiibii just killed his career | By: Charles Novia
I had never heard of the fellow called Skiibii before the news of his ‘death’ trended on Friday 14th August 2015. With such a horrible moniker for a real name, one could not care really what his name was, truth be told. But within a couple of hours, the name Skiibii became the most popular name on cybersphere in Nigeria, giving the artiste a desired ‘Five Star’ Fifteen Minutes of Fame.
It was first reported by blogger Linda Ikeji on Friday morning that Skiibii had passed on; news she said she confirmed from the Five Star Music spokesperson, Soso Soberekon. Since it was supposedly a valid confirmation by Linda Ikeji, Nigeria’s top blogger, it was only a matter of seconds before a sympathetic buzz started about the artiste’s ‘death’. I read about it like everyone else and since I did not know who the guy was, I mumbled a sympathetic prayer for his soul and moved on with my business.
But the initial picture released of the dude on the floor had me a bit disturbed then as to why someone who just died, with the blood barely cold in his body, would have that kind of bizarre picture immediately posted on social media. It didn’t make sense to me and I told a friend next to me that whoever released that picture deserved to be flogged.
To me, it was in bad taste and would also be the last picture anyone would remember of the artiste in years to come; that is if anyone would bother to. Perhaps being a slow news day, many people started putting up profile pics of the dead Skiibii, as is wont with such trends. But Linda Ikeji came back a a few minutes later to report that Skiibii was not dead, with barely contained disdain in her write up. She suggested that it was a publicity stunt and that was when people began to really look at the case with ‘another eye’.
The press statement from Five Star Music, refuting the death of the lad did not help matters. The damage had been done. 98% of the people believe it was all a publicity stunt. And that notion will be hard to dispel. I have my suspicions too that it is a publicity stunt, engineered to shore up the buzz of a new artiste trying to blow. And why should I not think so? First, the initial picture of the ‘dead’ lad on the floor, at close inspection, gives away the stupidity of those who were around the artiste when he was thought to be dead.
So, in their village, when a person slumps and dies, the first thing they do would be to snap pictures? There was no one smart enough to attempt to resuscitate the lad, by tearing off his shirt, removing his shoes, even stripping him to his boxers just to ensure that he had a fighting chance of resuscitation? The only thing the dense persons near him could do was to snap a picture and even ‘conveniently’ have the head of the ‘dead’ artiste away from the centre table?
The dude was even half-laid on the rug! Secondly, the coincidence of the artiste having a new single released just a couple of days before his ‘death’ and even being on a top radio station in Lagos the day before to promote his single, was just too close. Haba! Of course, one can safely say this because he didn’t really die as reported and this leaves room for such conjecture which points to a gradual summation of a publicity stunt ill-executed.
Thirdly, the other clue Linda has already pointed out in her blog, the coincidence of Skiibii wearing the same gear he had on two weeks before in a picture and still having the same gear on on the day of his death to the last thread and belt! Haba! Well, I guess we now know that he likes to re-rock clothes? The Five Star Music statement did not say which hospital Skiibii is admitted presently. For the public to believe that this was not a ruse, we need to know the hospital, the name of the doctor who is treating him, the nature of his illness and how it happened. That is how such is done elsewhere. This is a matter of a huge credibility problem for the artiste and even Five Star Music as a company and treating this with kids gloves has the potential of destroying careers on that label. For now, this smacks of a publicity stunt gone awry.
While I do not wish the artiste any ill luck but the best of his health, if indeed my doubts and those of millions of people are dispelled, it is instructive to note that it is not in anyway wrong to ask these nagging questions. There are lessons to be learned from all of this. Celebrities, especially those in the music sector in Nigeria, have degraded the art of PR to the most asinine of stunts and stories over the past couple of years. They throw lies out to those gullible enough to believe them and laugh in glee when such lies trend. Na una all wey dey believe come be mugu! It’s time we begin to question these stories and shame such persons behind such when they are found to be fake. Going back to this Skiibii in question, it would be safe to say that something really may well die in his world, with the negative angst this story of his has generated. His career. It’s Dead On Arrival. It’s his brief now to get a life.
Credit: www.charlesnoviadaily.com
Nollywood cannot afford to lose Goodluck- Charles Novia writes
Let us admit it – we have never seen any President so besotted with entertainment like Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, especially the movie-making sector. And this is not a satire. Yes, his detractors may point at “weakness” for entertainment as a signpost of an unserious mind frittering the commonwealth on ‘joli-joli’ matters!
Even the opposition may grumble loudly that the lively engagement with the Nollywood is essentially exploitative and window-dressing – to the detriment of more important and critical sectors of the national economy.
However, no one is in doubt that the life and essence the Creative wayfarers was initially ignited by Bayelsa governor, the much maligned Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, immediate boss of GEJ around year 2000. With dizzying state support and elaborate razzmatazz, the duo of Alams and GEJ wallowed in the sudden euphoria of showbiz and the attendant media opulence only comparable to IBB’s romance with PMAN’s ding-a-long of 1989 – 1992 when Tony Okoroji was the majordomo.
It was no surprise GEJ flowed with the momentum when fortune made him supplant Alams as Gov. of Bayelsa in December 2005. Yet, for all his enthusiasm for professional revelries, the make-believe could not have believed their luck when good ol’ providence thrusted GEJ, again, into greater prominence.
In quick succession, he moved from Vice-President to Acting President and eventually President within years! By 2011 when he assumed office, on his own stamina, the Nollywood romance had blown out of the creek waters. The two lovebirds were careering giddily on a thoroughfare peopled with great thespians, gifted producers, immaculate directors and of course a coterie of charlatans and ‘waka-pass’.
With technocrats within the federal service and the movie industry, different modules of foundational interventions were crafted – and cash-backed like never before. Millions of naira were mentioned, which ballooned, to the consternation of nay-sayers, to billions of naira in creative “stimulus packages”.
In the past ten years of GEJ’s unstinted romance with a powerful sector of the entertainment community, it is very uncharitable (even for inveterate detractors) to say that Jonathan has not “performed”. You may quarrel with the impact or management of his interventions; you may yap him and his people for mystifying the process and access to the several GEJ interventions in the Artsworld.
You may claim he has lost similar interest or attention to details in other critical sectors of the Nigerian state. However, no ONE can simply dismiss his unprecedented regard, affinity and seeming devotion to the people, practice and promise of Nigeria’s movie-making community and allied sectors. In his six years as President, GEJ has arguably awarded more national honours to our artistes than all the past regimes rolled together!
So, when you hear and see leading lights of Nollywood rooting aggressively for GEJ; when you read famed voices shouting on the roof of their cyper-pages and declaring the ceaseless glory of GEJ; when you read otherwise quiet prima-donnas spit fire and engage in internet-‘gra-gra’ with many of their tele-fans…for the sake of their beloved Moses (Jonathan) – you really must understand and appreciate their position – enlightened self-interest (a completely natural instinct).
They are not ‘bought’, ‘turn-coats’ or ‘ass-licking’ – against their will or legacy. They simply are paying good back to the man who has brought them a load of luck – and thus enhancing their means of livelihood, and embellishing their relevance. No pun intended.
This 2015 presidential election is a watershed for Nollywood. They cannot see anything in the “Change”-troopers to indicate that their groovy-train will go on; GMB has not even for once coughed about any plans for Nollywood, one of the major revelations of the 2014 rebasing parameters! It does appear that GMB does not even know that Nollywood exists – beyond gyrations at campaign rallies!
So, stop yakking at Nollywooders if they have little or no sympathies for GMB – he is disconnected from them in the past decade, at least. And within that same period, GMB’s main opponent has been their God-sent. Most assuredly I say to you: a good friend is difficult to find – and keep; Nollywood can’t afford to lose this Goodluck. God forbid!!
Filmmaker, Charles Novia lists 10 things wrong with Dorobucci video. Don Jazzy reacts
Seasoned filmmaker/actor, Charles Novia recently aired his opinion about the newly-released Dorobucci video. He listed 10 things wrong with it. According to him, it’s a “Great song, hit song. But the video wasn’t all that IMO.” Below are his tweets:
(1) Cinematography was cool. Concept was skewed. Video only sizzled at the beginning when Don Jazzy had his bit. The Head Honcho. However…
(2) Because it’s an ensemble song, to shoot an ensemble video requires more than what was given. The dysfunction started from the locale
(3) A song composed and hitting all nooks in Nigeria gets its video shot in South Africa. The organic steam of the track got lost in the vid
(4) The vid lacked the energy and originality of a Nigerian earthy dance visual. The SA dancers were just glib. That beat is unique to Naija
(5) There was a lack of charisma too in the ensemble segments. Only IDJA and Tiwa had screen presence. Others looked overwhelmed.
(6) Then, like that same house in Enugu they shoot those Osuofia movies over n over, the house in the Doro vid did look like the one P2 used?
(7) Or maybe it was bc the crowding of girls on the patio looked like the ‘Testimony’ concept? An overused concept though. Anyway…
(8) It was a good visual effort 4 a fantastic audio hit. But it cld have been better. Maybe a Sesan or Clarence could have interpreted better
(9) Just my thoughts. But anyday, I doff my hat for Don Jazzy’s musical ingenuity. 1of the greatest producers ever in Naija’s music history
(10) Total score for Doro video (over 10 in each category): concept: 4, cinematography: 9, interpretation: 5 originality: 4, choreography: 4
He also added. “And my opinion is basically my opinion. I nor force am for your throat. All said, go watch the ‘Dorobucci’ video and support Naija music”
Don Jazzy’s reaction.
“Points taken Bo$$. We ll definitely use them to make future projects better. Thanks a lot. #BeBetter #Mavin #Naija”
I’m sure most of you were expecting him to blow his tops or lambast him.
Ramsey Nouah, Biola Alabi, Charles Novia, 9 others join OSCARS committee
12 Nollywood stakeholders; Ramsey Nouah, Biola Alabi, Charles Novia, Mildred Okwo, Chineze Anyaene, Ngozi Okafor, Olumide Amure, Kene Mkparu, Emeka Mba, Chioma Ude, Akin Salami, Mildred Okwo and Shaibu Husseini have joined members of the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC). The selection was approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
Committee members will pave the way for Nigerian entries to be considered for the world’s most prestigious prizes for films. Each year, countries with an approved selection committee may submit one film for consideration for the Foreign Language Film Award Oscar; only 5 films are chosen from all international submissions for Academy members to cast their votes and choose a winning foreign language film.
“This is a great opportunity for Nigeria to have a voice in the international film arena”, said Chineze Anyaene, filmmaker and committee chairperson.
Shuiabu Husseini, another member of the board agrees. “The Nollywood film industry needs to play globally so people begin to look towards us.”
The NOSC comprises twelve outstanding professionals who have over time proved their mettle as some of the finest in the movie industry and will select one Nollywood movie each year to be submitted for the Oscars. According to Academy rules, the members will consider submissions on seven criteria, which are: story, direction, acting, cinematography, sound, music and universal theme.
Every Nollywood movie selected each year will compete with movies from eighty-five (85) other countries for the coveted Best Foreign Language Film Award. Academy members will then pick a shortlist of five foreign language pictures ahead of the awards ceremony.
The approval of NOSC represents a milestone for the nation’s movie industry which has been recognized as one of the top largest movie industries globally. For years, stakeholders have been trying to further improve its standards and this represents a move in the right direction. Sooner or later, Nollywood movies will win – maybe consecutively even – the Oscar statuette for Best Foreign Language Picture.
Amaka Igwe: Nigerian celebrities pay tribute
Nigerian celebrities, mostly Nollywood stars/colleagues/proteges have taken to their social media accounts to pay tribute to the late veteran film-maker and writer, Amaka Igwe, who passed on two days ago shortly after an asthma attack.
Genevieve Nnaji: “This is the darkest day of my entire career. That I believe sums up how I feel right now. Your legacy will leave on Aunty Amaka. I promise you. #RIPAmakaIgwe
Stephanie Okereke: “I’m still in shock! Oh! How we’ve lost a great one! Rest in Peace Amaka Igwe.
Joseph Benjamin: Amaka Igwe passes on. It is appointed to man. Wt will you be remembered for, She positively affected her generation
Susan Peters: “Another Icon gone too soon! RIP Amaka Igwe! Sad News!
Stella Damasus: “RIP aunty Amaka. I just can’t understand this. Too painful to even begin to think about it. My prayer goes out to uncle charles and the children.”
Kate Henshaw: “Some die, Some are born! That’s life..its a cycle. Aunty Amaka Igwe, rest in peace..
Desmond Elliot: “Anty Amaka will be greatly missed. Our condolences go to Uncle Charles and the family, R.I.P great woman. Very shocking indeed.
Rita Dominic: “your body of work will be an inspiration to many generation. Adieu Aunty Amaka till we meet to part no more.”
Don Pedro Obaseki: “Tears rain down. Rest in Peace, Great Amazon. Rest. We Won’t Miss you, because everywhere we turn in Nollywood, we see you! We feel you, Amaka! I remain your friend, even in the afterlife!”
Lala Akindoju: We’ve lost an icon..A teacher. .she taught everything I know about acting for screen. I had never heard of method acting till I met Amaka Igwe. .this is hard..very hard #gonetoosoon
Charles Novia: She guided me, as with many others, at the infancy of my career to what I have become in Film business. A confidant gone. R.I.P
Uche Jombo: Sad sad sad day, my prayers are with her family.RIP amaka igwe.God knows Why. #veteranFilmMaker #nollywoodGreat –
Biola Alabi: I am terribly saddened to learn of the sudden passing away of Aunty Amaka Igwe, she was a true storyteller and an entertainment mogul RIP
Julius Agwu: Death visits the wrong home at the wrong time and snatches the wrong person ?#AmakaIgwe
Funmilola Iyanda: I am very sad to hear Amaka Igwe has died. She’s left us with a great creative legacy so she lives on. My prayers r with charles n children.
John Njamah: WORDS are not ENOUGH to say GOODBYE to this AWESOME WOMAN that CARVED MY YESTERDAY and DEFINED MY TODAY AS A FILM MAKER.. Farewell MRS
Chika Chukwu: My friend, Sister &the woman who gave me my best character in a TV series 7yrs running – the amazing Amaka Igwe has passed away, RIP Sis. – Chika Chukwu
Daniel Ademinokan: RIP Amaka Igwe! One of Nigeria’s media Icons. Gone too soon! #gonetoosoon #RIP
Ayo Shonaiya: Sad news. One of the people I respect the most in Nigeria just passed away. RIP AMAKA IGWE. God be with your soul.
Obi Emelonye: A giant has fallen but your lagacy lives on. Rest in peace my sister. And may God grant your family, particularly my brother Charles, the fortitude to bear this tragic loss. – Obi Emelonye