Entertainment
Producers Who Changed Nollywood
The past three years has witnessed a big leap in movie production in Nollywood. The industry has in this period witnessed the rise of didactic story lines modern directing and production of movies that match up with the second rated movie industry in the world called Bollywood.
With the crop of few seasoned producers such as Teco Benson and Emem Isong who launched the big screen movies with ‘Mission to Nowhere’ and smithy Pleasures respectively, Desmond Elliot, Uche Jumbo, Kunle Afolayan, Stephanie Okoreke, Lilian Amah Aluko, Vivian Ejike efc followed suit and have presented films that defeat the hitherto all low quality movies.
This report focuses on the achievements of these actors and actresses in changing the industry for better, and moving it to the next level.
Uche Jumbo: This popular screen goddess and Glo ambassador has scripted series of block buster movies such as ‘game men play’ before venturing into movie production late last year. She produced the high quality picture movie titled ‘Hollywood Hustlers’ which extrayed controversial story of life in Nollywood with state of the arts equipment that gave the movie that standard which Bollywood has used as an edge over the Nigerian movie industry.
Desmond Elliot: Star actor Desmond Elliot is a household name in Nollywood. He produced “Shit on the Kak’ which went home with an award. Early last year, he made ‘Before the Light’ a movie that saw the light of the day in 35mm format and was premiered in TV’s GAMA Film executive theatre. From last year till date, Desmond has co-produced three movies with Emem Isong one of such movies is ‘Guilty Pleasures’ which was equally premiered in Ghana. Aside turning a superlative movie producer, Desmond equally directs his movies.
Stephanie Okereke: This top actress, producer cum director had the world in mind while making war movie ‘Through the Glass’ with which she placed Nollywood on the same level with Hollywood. The movie was produced in Hollywood with rated equipment ‘Through the Glass’ was rated as one of the highest budgeted movies that Nollywood has ever made. Through this movie, Stephanie towed the line of contributing her quota in taking the industry to the next level by skyrocketing the name Nollywood to Hollywood.
Kunle Afolayan: Top actor turned producer hit the industry with ‘Irapada’ a movie he produced in 35mm format, he also dazzled movie buffs with ‘The Figurine’ also produced in 35mm format on the premiere of this movie on Silverbird gallerie, Kunle projected Nollywood as an industry where movies should possess word standard story lines and high picture quality.
Lilian Amah Aluko: She is not new in the art of movie making as she has produced lots of soap operas that are gracing the screens of local television stations. She also produced a movie titled ‘Jungle Ride’ which tells the story of what Nigerian youths pass through as a result of unemployment. Premiered at the Silverbird galleria, the movie is produced in 35mm format, with high picture quality and standardised production cum directing techniques.
Vivian Ejike: She has been a movie producer for many years. In December last year, she premiered her movie titled ‘Silent Scandal’ which has been rated among the high quality picture movies. Apart from the twisted and suspense filled story line, the movie was done with state of the arts equipment which rates at par with the 35mm format and premiered at Silverbird Cinemas.
Jeta Amata: This vibrant actor, producer and director will stand tall as one of those who pointed the way to the best practice in movie making with his production of the wave making picture ‘Amazing Grace’ which grabbed attention not only in Nigeria but also internationally.
Kingsley Ogoro: Years after masters like Hubert Ogunde, Eddie Ugboma etc did their stuff; it was Kingsley who took the initiative of doing movies in celluloid format in this generation through his flick, “The Return’. Although the movie was not a commercial success, it opened the vista for the return to making films in the big picture format.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’