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I’m still not rich after 60 years in Nollywood – Jide Kosoko

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Veteran actor Jide Kosoko has stated that despite his fame and over 60 years of experience in Nollywood, it hasn’t led to significant wealth.

Featuring on The Honest Bunch podcast, Kosoko explained that he is comfortable but doesn’t consider himself rich by Nigerian standards.

“I have been in this [movie] industry for this long. I thank God that I can eat three square meals. But can I claim to be a rich man by Nigerian standards? No,” he said.

The 71-year-old film star emphasized that piracy has significantly impacted the Nigerian movie industry and called for harsher penalties for pirates.

“The punishment in the copyright law for piracy is still not strong enough as far as I am concerned. Somebody who has been pirating people’s works for years is a billionaire, so how much do you want to fine him?

“Fine him N500 million, and he will just bring it out of what he has sold. But if you attach a 20-year jail sentence to it with no option of a fine, people will refrain from piracy,” he said.

Jide Kosoko began his acting career as a child actor in 1964 in a television production named Makanjuola.

Since then, he has featured in hundreds of Nollywood movies in both English and Yoruba languages.

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Entertainment

FG Bans ‘Money Rituals’, Other Vices In Nollywood Films

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), says the Federal Government has approved the prohibition of money rituals and glamorising of vices in Nigerian films.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Husseini disclosed this at a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu on Wednesday.

The event was organised by the NFVCB and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

Movie producers, directors and actors drawn from different parts of the country, as well as leaders of various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry were present at the event.

Husseini said that Nigeria was facing an industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions from all parents, guardians and stakeholders.

“When my predecessor approached the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, on the need to make subsidiary legislation to curtail the display of smoking in Nigerian movies, he saw the need to include money rituals.

“Others included in the regulation are ritual killings and glamorising other crimes in order to further sanitise the film industry.

“Today, I am delighted to announce to you that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, pursuant to section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004 has approved the regulation.

“The minister has approved the ‘Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion and Glamorisation display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits Regulations 2024’.

“We have also forwarded the approved copy to the Federal Ministry of Justice for Gazette,” he said.

Husseini said the sensitisation programme was to educate stakeholders on the danger inherent in smoking in Nigerian movies.

According to him, besides the health implications, glamorising smoking in films poses a negative influence on teens and young adults who constitute the largest segment of Nigerian movie viewers.

He said that the board was set to undertake detailed enlightenment programmes in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups and other institutions.

“As you all know, the film industry occupies a central position in the entertainment and creative sector, and it is imperative that we continue to place the highest premium on the progress of the film industry.

“The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and smoke-free Nollywood, and we, therefore, seek your collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.

“After a series of engagements, the NFVCB in collaboration with the CAPPA decided to do a ‘subsidiary regulations’ to cater for smoking in movies since this aspect was not expressly spelt out in the extant Law.

“The NFVCB is well prepared to take leadership in this regard and has planned and begun implementing innovative ways to achieve its mandate,” he said.

NAN reports that it is the duty of the Board to register all film and video outlets across the country and to keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions.

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Entertainment

Shock as 10 Nigerian Nollywood members died in 4 months

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian film industry suffered a string of losses in 2024, with not less than ten actors and actresses giving up the ghost between January 1 and April 10.

Leading Reporters gathered that Nollywood covers the different regional and languages in an industry, contributing to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Here are ten actors and actresses who died in the sector during the first four months of 2024.

Olofa Ina

Veteran actor Adedeji Aderemi, often known as Olofa Ina, died in January aged 73 after battling an illness. He was born on May 15, 1950.

In 1972, he formed a theatre group with his friends named “Olofa Ina Theatre Group”.

He started his major acting career in 1980, with his debut film being ‘Ejo Ngboro’ by Tunbosun Odunsi

Jimi Solanke

The veteran actor, poet, and playwright died on February 5 after a prolonged illness. He was 81.

He was often referred to as Uncle Jimi and was well-known for his roles in Kongi’s Harvest, Sango, Shadow Parties, Death and the King’s Horseman, Kurunmi, and The Divorce, among others.

Ethel Ekpe
Ethel Ekpe, a veteran Nollywood actress known for playing the role of ‘Segi’ on the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom, ‘Basi and Company’ died on February 7 after a long battle with cancer.

Sisi Quadri

The actor, whose real name is Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, died on March 1 at the age of 44 after an undisclosed illness.

He rose to fame in 2004 after his role in Seniyan Seranko and the 2020 film Ebundola.

He also starred in Kunle Afolayan’s Netwlfil original, Anikulapo: The Return of Sceptre, which was scheduled to be released on the day he died, March 1.

Mr Ibu

The death of actor John Okafor, popularly called Mr Ibu, occurred a few hours after Sisi Quadri died.

Mr Ibu died at the age of 62 on March 2 after a prolonged illness that led to a series of surgeries.

He was one of the famous faces in Nollywood and admired for his comic roles in films.

Andy Best
The Nollywood producer, Ikechukwu Nandi, also known as Andy Best, passed away on March 19.

He hailed hailed from Umunkwo, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State and was a famous producer and marketer with decades of experience in the industry.

He was the chief executive officer of Andy Best Production.

He produced several movies, including Lion of Africa, White Poison, and My Father’s Cup.

Amaechi Muonagor

Amaechi Muonagor, died on March 24 after suffering from kidney disease.

He was 61.

He was in the industry as an actor and producer for over three decades and was well known for his comic roles in Nollywood films.

Adejumoke Aderounmu
Aderounmu, famous for her role as ‘Esther’ in the popular sitcom Jenifa’s Diary, died on April 6. She started her acting career in 2008, appearing in various Nollywood sitcoms and films, including Jenifa’s Diary, Dazzling Mirage, Alakada 2, and Arugba.

Saratu Gidado
Gidado, often known as Saratu Daso, was a famous Kannywood actress who died on April 9.

She was 56. A successful and prominent figure in the Hausa film industry for over two decades, her death was shocking to many because days and even hours before her death she was active on social media.

Jnr Pope

Actor Junior Pope Odonwodo, mostly known as Jnr Pope, died Wednesday, April 10, after he was involved in a boat mishap on his way back from the location of a movie shoot.

He joined Nollywood in 2006 and rose to fame after starring in the hit movie Secret Adventures, directed by Tchidi Chikere.

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Two Nollywood Actors Kidnapped

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Two Nollywood actors, Clemson Cornel popularly known as Agbogidi and Cynthia Okereke have been reportedly abducted yesterday, while filming in Enugu State.

According to a statement released on social media, by the Director of Communications, Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Mrs Monalisa Chinda-Coker, the family of the actors confirmed that they haven’t returned home since they left a film location at Ozalla Town, Enugu.

The statement reads in part: “The two members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Cynthia Okereke and Clenson Cornel aka Agbogidi were suspected missing after their family members confirmed they didn’t come back from a film location at Ozalla Town, Enugu State.

“The two members were suspected to have been kidnapped and this has increased fear amongst members about the safety of actors filming in the country.

“In view of this sad development, the National President of the Guild, Mr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, has instructed all actors to avoid going to the outskirt of cities to film except full security cover is provided to ensure their safety,”

Mr Rollas, however, expressed shock over the ugly development while urging the security agencies to speed up investigations that would lead to their safe rescue.

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Nollywood: Leaving the Movie Set for Politics, In whose Interest?

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Historically, the Nigerian Political Scene was usually exclusive to full-time politicians, ex-military officers or business mogul with divergent of ‘interest’.

However, things seem to be changing as celebrities mainly from Nollywood are now showing interest and vying for various political positions nationwide.

A number of them are gradually leaving the movie set considering the anomaly in governing the people and some to boost their wealth and fame.

Political roles are not new to Nollywood celebrities, although they have been previously limited to political appointments from governors, ministers or even the president.

Nollywood veteran actor, Richard
Mofe-Damijo popularly known as ‘RMD’ was appointed as the Special Adviser of Culture and Tourism to the then Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2008, later on, he became the commissioner for Culture and Tourism of Delta State, Nigeria in 2009. His tenure ended in 2015.

Beautiful and versatile actress
Mercy Johnson Okoije was on March 15th 2017 appointed a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Entertainment, Arts and Culture.
Ini Edo a professional actress and movie producer was in 2016, appointed as the Special Assistant to the Awka Ibom State Governor on Culture and tourism.

This appointment was renewed in 2020 when governor Udom Emmanuel was re-elected into office.

Kate Henshaw the beautiful Nollywood veteran was appointed as special Adviser liaison, Lagos by the Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade in December 2015

Zubby Michael the Nollywood bad boy was in 2019 appointed by the former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano to be the special Adviser on Media to the Governor.

However, as we approach the 2023 general election, the scenario seems to be changing from mere political appointments to active political participation and contesting for elections.

Here are some Nigerian celebrities who will be contesting for various electives positions.

Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele popularly known as ‘Jenifa’ is a popular Nollywood actress and producer with over 25 years industry experience.

News has come out that she has emerged the running mate for the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Lagos Dr. Abdul Azeez Olajide Adediran popularly known as ‘Jandor’ for the 2023 Lagos governorship election.

Nigerians received the news with mixed reactions. Some faulted the selection of the actress as ‘silly’ due to her political inexperience and recent drama with her ex-husband, while others think she has a good track record that will help in making Lagos a better place for Lagosians.

Desmond Elliot

Desmond Elliot, 48, is an award-winning Nigerian actor and Director. He made history by becoming the first Nollywood actor to win an elective position when in 2015, he won the Surulere constituency 1 house of representative seat in Lagos, under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

After four years in office, he won his re-election bid for the second term as a lawmaker in 2019.

During the End-Sars protests of 2020, the former actor and Lagos lawmaker came under fierce criticism after he was actively pushing for social media to be banned saying, ‘if Nigeria does not ban social media, social media will be the end of Nigeria’.

He has however apologized for such comments and will once again be contesting to retain his seat for the third term as a member representing the Surulere 1 Constituency in the up-coming 2023 general election.

Olubankole Wellington

The popular rapper and Wedding Party actor popularly known as ‘Banky W’ is also trying his hands for an elective position as a member of the Federal house of assembly.

Banky W first dived into Nigerian politics in 2019 when he contested to represent the people of Eti-Osa in Lagos in the lower chamber of the national assembly under the platform of the Modern Democratic Party (MDP).

Banky W lost the election to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress Mr Babjide Obanikoro. Not relenting however, he dumped the MDP for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) where he contested and won the primary ticket of the party ahead of the 2023 general election.

The singer will once again battle the incumbent APC lawmaker, Babajide Obanikoro and others in the forthcoming election.

Tonto Dikeh
Tonto Charity Dikeh, 37, is a popular Nigerian actress and humanitarian.

She is an indigene of Obio-Akpor local government in Rivers State.
Mr Tonte Ibraye the gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the forth coming 2023 election selected Tonto Dikeh to be his running mate.

Many individuals have kicked against her selection, saying that the actress is too controversial to lead the people of rivers state. Others however believe she will use her popularity to garner votes for her party in elections.

She and her principal, Tonte Ibraye will battle the top Rivers State seat with Siminialayi Fubara and Tonye Cole, who are aspirants of the PDP and APC respectively.

Reasons

The reason for these active interest in politics by celebrities cannot be firmly ascertained, but different reasons seem to come up. Some have attributed the interest as celebrities seeking to leverage their popularity in seeking political positions. They believe that their wide following could translate to votes at the polling units, thereby giving them the juicier political positions which they contested for.

The reason for others might be to expand their portfolio’s and better their lives financially. It is not a new occurrence where actors or actresses who leave Nollywood become financially challenged after some time.

We see videos of them appealing to Nigerians for help in footing their medical bills or for feeding or housing. It is no surprise then why some Nollywood celebrities might want to use politics as a hedge to secure themselves financially.

Finally, it might be for the genuine reason of effecting a change for the people who they wish to represent. Actors like Yul Edochie have always stressed the need for youth participation in politics, stating it as his reason for wanting to run for President.

Since celebrities are close to their fans, they would be able to know their various pain points and how to help them when or if they get elected.

Reception for pollical interest by celebrities has been mixed. Many criticize them for being too controversial to hold a political position. The life of a celebrity is always on the spotlight. All their dirty fights and secrets are always known by members of the populace. Many feel this will inhibit them from actively performing when they hold elective positions.

Praises and Criticism

Also, some have described the celebrity political interest as a fool’s errand. Many feel they are inexperienced politically and only depend on their fans for votes. They would always been beaten by the more experienced though less popular candidates.

Still others have applauded the courage exhibited by celebrities in vying for elective positions. They say it is because the celebrities care enough to want to effect change in our society, that is why they are stepping outside of their comfort zones to seek elective posts.

Whichever reason though, I believe it is a welcome idea for celebrities to try their hands in politics. If they win, they would bring fresh ideas and perspectives into the game which would go a long way in transforming the Nigerian society.

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Nollywood Promotes Money Rituals – Samklef

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerian Music producer, Samklef has claimed that a lot of young Nigerians “are into ritual” because of what they see in Nollywood movies.

Samklef alleged that Nollywood promotes “fetish stuff in all their movies”.

The music producer further advised Nollywood to have better scripts, adding that everything is not “religion or juju”.

His tweets read, “These Igbo Nollywood, English, and Yoruba movies are the reason why a lot of young boys are doing rituals. They keep promoting fetish stuff in all their movies.

“Nigerian movies producer can do better. Everything must not be based on juju and religion.”
Recently, there have been reports of young men using human parts of women for money rituals.

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