Joseph Benjamin

Arts, Entertainment

Movie Review: Isoken | By: Jerry Chiemeke

Movie Title: ISOKEN
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Year of Release: 2017
Cast: Dakore Akande, Joseph Benjamin, Tina Mba, Funke Akindele, Lydia Forson, Patrick Doyle, Marc Rhys, Damilola Adegbite
Director: Jadesola Osiberu
“Isoken” is about a independent, 35-year-old lady (played by Dakore) who is being pressurised by her mother (played by Tina Mba) to get married. She has three friends; Agnes (Funke), Kukua (Lydia) and Joke (Damilola), the latter going through a marriage bedeviled by miscarriages. She gets acquainted with a man named Osaze (Benjamin), and later on, an Englishman named Kevin (Rhys), who works at her office on a contract basis, and keeps bumping into her in awkward situations, from panties forgotten in washing machines to faces smeared with flour. Osaze seems like the perfect guy, but Kevin with his dry British humour, Afrophilia and love for the arts begins to get through to Isoken, and things get complicated.
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For one, the script and the plot are non-cliche, the plot is well acted out, and the dialogue is pretty top notch. There are no excessively long scenes, Dakore shows us what we have missed for so long, Marc Rhys makes British humour really appealing, Joseph Benjamin sticks to his lines, Funke does not try too hard to be funny, and Tina Mba plays the classic Benin mother to perfection, drama and all, down to the accent. All in all, it makes for a great movie.

There are, however, a few observations. Isoken’s character is artsy and feminist in nature. That appears to be a major theme in the movie, and that is fine, but in about four scenes, the cameras seemed to focus a little too much on Isoken’s pile of books. We get it. she is an independent woman, can we move to other parts of the room? Again, the plot seemed a bit too “obvious” in trying to paint Kevin (Rhys) as a better fit for Isoken. The point is clear to see, but Osaze’s character could have used a little more flesh and personality, the shallowness seemed a tad too deliberate.
At the end of the movie, Kevin feels defeated and intends to leave Nigeria, seeing that his contract is up, but Isoken professes her love, and he agrees to stay. That is as improbable an ending as we can get! Yea yea, Love makes us do things, but ditch England for Nigeria? Oh well. I don’t know. There is also the wedding choreography at the end, similar to that overly hyped you-know-which-movie, but ultimately, the movie is watchable.
Rating: 6.5/10

Jerry Chiemeke is a lawyer and freelance writer who lives in Lagos. An amateur photographer and sports enthusiast as well, Jerry’s works have appeared on Blanck Digital, Elsieisy, Oshodi.tv, The Kalahari Review and Brittle Paper. He is the author of ‘The Colours In These Leaves’. Get the book Here 

You can follow him on Twitter @J_Chiemeke, and also check out his craft on his blog at pensofchi.com

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Entertainment

Doris Simeon, Joseph Benjamin, Oge Okoye, others nominated for 2014 Zulu African Film Academy Awards (ZAFAA)

After a thorough screening by the British Film Institute, the nominees for the 2014 edition of the Zulu African Film Academy Awards, (ZAFAA) have been unveiled. Notable names on the list include Obi Emelonye whose film Onye Ozi got many nominations, Doris Simeon, Joseph Benjamin, Oge Okoye, Yinka Quadri, Yemi Blaq, Ayo Adesanya, Van Vicker, Tope Oshin-Ogun, Okey Bakkasi, Odunlade Adekola, Bimbo Oshin to mention a few.
Nominees list
(1) BEST AFRICAN TV STATION IN THE UK
(a) ABN TV SKY CHANNEL 290
(b) OHTV SKY CHANNEL 199
(c) NOLLYWOOD MOVIES TV SKY CHANNEL 329
(d) BEN TV SKY CHANNEL 182
(e) VOX AFRICA TV SKY CHANNEL 218
(f) ARISE TV SKY CHANNEL 519
(2) BEST AFRICAN ENTERTAINMENT PR/PROMOTER IN THE UK
(a) DJ ALODIA
(b) DJA MEDIA
(c) THEODORA PR
(d) GHAJI-BASH (INT’L) PROMOTIONS
(e) J2KONSULT
(f) COKO BAR
(3) BEST UPCOMING PERFORMER UK
(a) PRINCESS ABIYE – THE SOUL
(b) TOYIN MOORE -18 CARAT MAMA
(c) ALEXANDRA JOHNSTON -ORTEGA AND HIS ENEMIES
(d) WALE ODUDUWA LABO (LIFE IS A JOURNEY)
(e) ROSELINE SANNI AJOSE LABO (LIFE IS A JOURNEY)
(4) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR UK (FEMALE)
(a) BELLA GASSAMA- THE SOUL
(b) LIDYA NAKWAKILO – MARIA’S VISION
(c) MABEL OSABUTEY – 18 CARAT MAMA
(d) DORIS SIMEON LABO (LIFE IS A JOURNEY)
(5) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR UK (MALE)
(a) COLLINS ARCHIE- PEARCE THE SOUL
(b) LANRE BALOGUN – 18 CARAT MAMA
(c) DEAN EKPERIGIN – ORTEGA AND HIS ENEMIES
(6) BEST DIRECTOR (UK)
(a) SIDI DIALLO – THE SOUL
(b) TENDAI G MUDHLIWA – MARIA’S VISION
(c) TITI JACOBS ASEROMA – 18 CARAT MAMA
(d) MALCOM BENSON – ORTEGA AND HIS ENEMIES
(7) BEST ACTOR UK (FEMALE)
(a) FATIMA JABEE MAADA BIO- THE SOUL
(b) MEMORY SAVANHU – MARIA’S VISION
(c) HELEN ADENIKE OSABUTEY – 18 CARAT MAMA
(8) BEST ACTOR UK (MALE)
(a) SIDI DIALLO – THE SOUL
(b) FRED ASEROMA – 18 CARAT MAMA
(c) DARREL LAS QUEVAS – ORTEGA AND HIS ENEMIES
(9) BEST SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS ACTOR (FEMALE)
(a) BIMBO OSHIN – AREMO ITE (NIGERIA)
(b) CHRISTIANA AWUNI – HAD I KNOWN (GHANA)
(c) BUKOLA FAGBUYI – ASEPAMO (NIGERIA)
(10) BEST SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS ACTOR (MALE)
(a) OGUNSAKIN DAYO – SEKUNOLA (NIGERIA)
(b) IDOWU ADENEKAN – INA LOJU EKUN (NIGERIA)
(c) NKANSAH KWADWO – OBRONI HIANII (GHANA)
(11) BEST ACTOR INDIGENOUS (FEMALE)
(a) NGOZI THOMPSON – IGWEBIKE ONYE OZI (NIGERIA)
(b) PEJU OGUNMOLA -AREMO ITE (NIGERIA)
(c) VIVIAN JILL – HAD I KNOWN (GHANA)
(d) AYO ADESANYA – ASEPAMO (NIGERIA)
(12) BEST ACTOR INDIGENOUS (MALE)
(a) MUYIWA ADEMOLA – SEKUNOLA (NIGERIA)
(b) VAN VICKER – OBRONI HIANII (GHANA)
(c) ODUNLADE ADEKOLA – INA LOJU EKUN (NIGERIA)
(d) OKEY BAKASSI – ONYE OZI (NIGERIA)
(e) KWADWO NKANSAH- HAD I KNOWN (GHANA)
(f) YINKA QUADRI – AREMO ITE (NIGERIA)
(13) BEST PRODUCER (INDIGENOUS)
(a) OBI EMELONYE – ONYE OZI (NIGERIA)
(b) IDOWU ADENEKAN – INA LOJU EKUN (NIGERIA)
(c) KENNETH YEBOAH -MADE IN AGEGE (GHANA)
(d) BUKOLA FAGBUYI – SEKUNOLA (NIGERIA)
(14) BEST DIRECTOR (INDIGENOUS)
(a) ODUNLADE ADEKOLA – INA LOJU EKUN (NIGERIA)
(b) TAIWO ODUALA -ILU OBA (NIGERIA)
(c) OBI EMELONYE – ONYE OZI (NIGERIA)
(d) MUYIWA ADEMOLA -AREMO ITE (NIGERIA)
(15) BEST EDITOR
(a) ERIC AGHIMIEN -A MILE FROM HOME (NIGERIA)
(b) BEN NUGENT/OBI EMELONYE- ONYE OZI (NIGERIA)
(c) NANA AKUAH MANSO – CONTRACT (GHANA)
(d) NIYI TOWOLAWI – TURNING POINT (U.S.A)
(16) BEST SCREENPLAY
(a) AIAH MOMOH – THE DEVIL IN FREETOWN (SIERRA LEONE)
(b) TAIWO ODUALA -ILU OBA (NIGERIA)
(c) SHITU TAIWO – BEAUTY OF THE MIND (NIGERIA)
(d) OBI EMELONYE – ONYE OZI (NIGERIA)
(17) BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
(a) EFE EPHRIAM – OFF THE HOOK (NIGERIA)
(b) KENNETH YEBOAH -MADE IN AGEGE (GHANA)
(c) JAMES MICHAEL COSTELLO – ONYE OZI (NIGERIA)
(d) YIBAIN EMILE AIMECHAH -A LITTLE LIE A LITTLE KILL (CAMEROON)
(18) BEST UPCOMING PERFORMER
(a) NANA EKUA ADDO NKULI – THE MASKED (GHANA)
(b) LYNDA EJIOFOR – MEETING (NIGERIA)
(c) JUDE CHUKWUMA ODOH – HAD I KNOWN (GHANA)
(d) CALISTA OKORONKWO – CAREER WOMAN (NIGERIA)
(19) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (FEMALE)
(a) BHAIRA MCWIZU – CONVERSATION AT DINNER (NIGERIA)
(b) OGE OKOYE – TURNING POINT (U.S.A)
(c) LIZZY GOLD ONUWAJE – MOTHERS HEART (NIGERIA)
(d) PAULINA ODURO NKULI – THE MASKED (GHANA)
(20) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (MALE)
(a) EMEKA AMAKEZE – SILENT KING (NIGERIA)
(b) JOSEPH BENJAMIN – CONTRACT GHANA
(c) CHIDI MOKEME – OUR DIFFERENCE (NIGERIA)
(d) CHET BASHARI ANEKWE – BUSTED LIFE (U.S.A)
(21) BEST PRODUCER
(a) FATI ZANNA/JOHN LAWRENCE – OUR DIFFERENCE (NIGERIA)
(b) KEN ATTOH – CONTRACT (GHANA)
(c) TOPE OSHIN OGUN – CONVERSATION AT DINNER (NIGERIA)
(d) ERIC AGHIMIEN – A MILE FROM HOME (NIGERIA)
(e) UCHENNA MBUNABO/OSITA IHEME- CAREER WOMAN (NIGERIA)
(22) BEST DIRECTOR
(a) ERNEST OBI – OUR DIFFERENCE (NIGERIA)
(b) SHIRLEY FRIMPONG MANSO – CONTRACT (GHANA)
(c) AIAH MOMOH – DEVIL IN FREETOWN (SIERRA LEONE)
(d) PAUL PAPEL – BLUE FLAMES (NIGERIA)
(e) NIYI TOWOLAWI – TURNING POINT (U.S.A)
(f) BAYO AKINFEMI – BUSTED LIFE (U.S.A)
(23) BEST AFRICAN FILM
(a) SILENT KING (NIGERIA)
(b) CONTRACT (GHANA)
(c) ONYE OZI (NIGERIA)
(d) OUR DIFFERENCE (NIGERIA)
(24) BEST FEMALE ACTOR
(a) CHINYERE WILFRED – SILENT KING (NIGERIA)
(b) JACKIE APPIAH – TURNING POINT (U.S.A)
(c) NSE IKPE ETIM – BEAUTY OF THE MIND (NIGERIA)
(d) YVONNE OKORO – CONTRACT (GHANA)
(e) RITA DOMINIC – MEETING (NIGERIA)
(25) BEST MALE ACTOR
(a) RAMSEY NOUAH -BUSTED LIFE (U.S.A)
(b) KALU IKEAGWU – BLUE FLAMES (NIGERIA)
(c) HLOMLA DANDALA -CONTRACT (GHANA)
(d) FEMI JACOBS – MEETING (NIGERIA)
(e) YEMI BLAQ – OUR DIFFERENCE (NIGERIA)
(26) BEST SHORT MOVIE
(a) DEJI AROSHO – NEW MORNING (NIGERIA)
(b) YUSUF AL-RAHMAN – FATHER MUST DIE (U.S.A)
(c) EMMANUEL OLABODE – RENDEVOUS (UK)
(d) AFAM CHIAZOR- ONE OUTAGE TOO MANY (NIGERIA)
(e) CHARLZ BONJA – ARCHIBONG KARIN
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#4NL: Joseph Benjamin, Ego Ogbaro, Ruggedman, Ronke Odusanya, others back Jimi Agbaje for Lagos 2015

As the 2015 Lagos Gubernatorial election draws near, a select group of entertainers have pledged their support for the election campaign of the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Jimi Agbaje. The group is called Think Thank of #4NL.
#4NL, a Non-Governmental Organization which stands for For a New Lagos is a project extension of the umbrella body called #4NN- For New Naija. 4NL whose maxim is “New thinking, New character, New Lagos” is aimed at agitating, re-orientating and motivating all progressive Lagosians, young or old, not only to dream or see the possibility of a New Lagos but to actually be challenged to the point of taking effective action to be instrumental or be an active participany in the actual realization of this dream.
Acclaimed Nigerian entertainers who have identified with the campaign include Alex Okoroji, Yemi Blaq, Femi Branch, John Njamah, Femi Brainard, Wale Adebayo, Kalu Ikeagwu, Grace Amah, Segun Obe, Ruggedman, Bayray Mcwizu, Mayowa Adewale, Ronke Odusanya, Biodun Okeowo, Tokunbo Coker, Joseph Benjamin, Denrele Edun.
Adducing reasons for throwing their weight behind Jimi Agbaje, Femi Branch, 4NL think-thank media secretary affirmed that, ” As responsible artistes, we are not card carrying members of any political party and by so we are non-partisan but we have chosen to support the person we believes shares our ideology for renewal and reform. That’s why we are supporting the incredibly loved Jimi Agbaje.
He continued, “He represents a new face, a freshness that is devoid of politics of the same. Yet has the credibility to lead us by serving. Jimi Agbaje appeals to us because he is an outsider and has not been influenced by corruption, indifference and negligence that is common with public servants. He represents the qualities a capable leader willing and ready to serve.”

“While dealing with Government to make sure change remains a recurring decimal in all of their policies, we will also be rendering countless community services because we believe that we cannot leave it all to government. This will be in different areas like Environmental Sanitation, Traffic De-congestion, Re-orientation of Area Boys or other Social Delinquents, Orphanages and Correctional Institutions, Community Policing, Youth re-orientation and empowerment amongst other things.” He concluded.
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Entertainment

Bolanle Olukanni joins MTN Project Fame as new co-host

Bolanle Olukanni, a regular co-host on Mo Abudu’s Moments with Mo programme has been named co-host of the MTN Project Fame music reality TV show. She will be replacing TV star, Adaora oleh who has co-hosted the programme for 5 seasons.

Meanwhile Joseph Benjamin has been retained as the main anchor of the “#GalaShow backstage #MTNProjectFame7.0 with my lovely Co-Host Bolanle Olukanni”, He wrote on his instagram page.

Photocredit: NET

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Entertainment

Julius Agwu to Host Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Insurance Convention

Ace comedian and singer, Julius Agwu has been announced as the host for Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Insurance Convention while veteran media personality and CEO of Inspiration FM, Mr Soni Irabor and top actor, Joseph Benjamin have been announced as the moderators for the convention respectively.
The event which is billed to hold on Tuesday July 22nd, 2014 at the Grand Ball Room of Eko Hotel & Suites is increasingly garnering momentum as more entertainment industry stakeholders continue to identify with it as novel project that is timely and laudable.
Aside launching the ‘Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Trust Fund and making public the Board of Trustees, it is widely believed that this convention will help the practitioners of the entertainment industry to preserve their own future and that of their families. This will help them save a fraction of their earnings today for their health insurance schemes against rainy days instead of blowing all on life’s frivolities. It will also come at an affordable rate owing to the unique nature of the health insurance cover design being planned for the entire entertainment industry.
Under this plan, entertainers will have easy and ready access to a network of good doctors across several hospitals with standard medical facilities and information. They would also be encouraged to embark on regular checkups whereby potential life threatening ailments may be uncovered early and dealt with before degenerating. Adequate arrangements for timely intervention to save the lives of practitioners within the industry in case of eventualities will also be prominent on the agenda. At the end of this convention, entertainers would have been convinced on the need to put more premium values on their health as well the importance of health insurance.
The convention is presented by Nigerian Entertainment Industry Lecture Series (NEILS) and is in partnership with National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Lagos State Ministry of Health.
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Entertainment

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
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Entertainment

Watch the trailer of Iyabo Ojo's new movie, Silence

 
 
We brought you the behind-the-scene photos of the movie months back, actress, Iyabo Ojo has released the trailer of her highly ‘anticipated movie, Silence. The movie which premiers in April centres on Child Abuse, its effects and solutions. Written and produced by Iyabo Ojo and directed by Alex mouth, the film starrins Iyabo Ojo, Benjamin Joseph, Alex Osufo, Tina Mba, Faithia Balogun, Doris Simeon and many more.
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Entertainment

MARRIED BUT LIVING SINGLE PREMIERES IN JUNE

The premiere of the highly expected drama flick – “Married but Living Single” will take place at the Silverbird Galleria on Sunday 3rd June 2012.  The event will kick off with a red carpet session at 5pm followed by the screening of the movie by 6 pm.
The movie inspired by a book written by a man of God is directed by Tunde Olaoye and produced by Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul (KAP).
 
It revolves around challenges faced by career women in the contemporary society as to their ability to blend between career and the family.  It stars Joke Silva, Funke Akindele, Joseph Benjamin, Tina Mba, Femi Brainard and a host of others.
 
 
SYNOPSIS
Mike (Joseph Benjamin) is an entrepreneur who is happily married to Kate (Funke Akindele) the creative director of an advertising agency owned by an overbearing boss played by Joke Silva. She is so much engrossed with her career that she wins big brands for her company.
Mike is diagnosed with cancer of the lungs in consequence of the smoking habit he cultivated in his school days, he needs to go to India for surgery and the Doctor advised that his wife should take a leave and come with him to hasten the recuperating process, Kate agrees to go with her husband, but as they are about to travel, the biggest telecoms company in the middle east has just been licensed to operate in Nigeria, Kate’s company stands the chance to win the bid for their adverts, and they will not be able to do the bidding without the creative director.  Kate is torn in between travelling to help her husband recuperate and winning the biggest account ever for her company.
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Entertainment

MONALISA CHINDA, JOSEPH BENJAMIN, DESMOND ELLIOT&JACKIE APPIAH COVER HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE

This is what hardwork and persistence will do for you. It isn't easy to get such a distinct mileage.
Nigerian&Ghanaian actors/actresses; Monalisa Chinda, Joseph Benjamin, Desmond Elliot&Jackie Appiah did not only attract the attention of the Hollywood team, but they also had their awesome faces flaunted on the distinguished Hollywood magazine.

Hollywood Weekly Magazine  is located on the iconic Sunset Gower Studios lot in Hollywood. These stars will have their profile on the magazine's website&will be published on iPad&iPhone this weekend. Dope!!!

They started somewhere, worked in silence and now their success is speaking loud (infact using a microphone) for them. Congrats!

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