I might sound cliche but I don’t wear pant anymore – Actress Nazo Ekezie reveals

Nigerian actress Nazo Ekezie has joined the list of women who made this decision. The actress revealed that she has decided not to wear underwear anymore and also keep them safe whenever she goes out.

The actress who made her decision known during an interview with The Sun, noted that she would not joke with her destiny.

She wrote:

“I might sound cliché but I don’t wear pants anymore. I’m not going to joke with my destiny, and if I’m taking my clothes off anywhere, my underwear is going straight into my bag.”

Ekezie also talked about her love life. She revealed that she is single and available, but she wants a man who loves her for who she is not for her fame.

The actress said:

“I’m single and available. I am looking for someone who fame doesn’t entice or affect. I want someone who would be patient enough to know me and not look at me from the movie angle. I would love someone who sees me as Nazo and not as an actress all the time.”

“Right now, I seriously want to be in a relationship. I want to be with someone I love, someone who loves me as me, but not as an actress or movie star. I want to be with a person that actually knows me, a person who loves me and willing to relate with me as Nazo and not as an actress. That one is so important. I’m not looking out to marry a (Aliko) Dangote but my man needs to be comfortable. He has to be able to provide for me.”

Basketmouth’s debut film, `The Exorcism of Alu,’ set for Jan. 15

Poster of Basketmouth first Feature Film,“The Exorcism of Alu”,

Ace Nigerian comedian, Bright Okpocha, a.k.a , Basketmouth, has announced his first feature film , “The Exorcism of Alu”, set for release in Cinemas across the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Basketmouth shared a scary poster of the film on his Instagram Page, stating that the film is scheduled for release on Jan. 15.

He wrote: “For 6yrs I’ve been working on my very first feature film, my most challenging project.

“I kept it on the low because everyone I told doubted my ability to pull it off.
“Today, I present to you……The Exorcism of Alu, a horror/thriller movie. Brace yourselves for this one.”

He however did not give details of the cast and crew of the anticipated film.

Basketmouth, won the National Comedy Award and the awards for Best Stand-up Comedian of the Year in 2005 and 2006 respectively, having conquered the stand-up comedy world.

His venture into the movie industry, will make him be counted among Nigerian standup comedians such as Ayo Makun (AY), Julius Agwu, among others, who have delved into acting.

Popular Nigerian Football Star And Arsenal Player, Alex Iwobi Is Featured In A Nollywood Movie Titled "Trailed"

Arsenal and Super Eagles football star, Alex Iwobi is to appear in hos first movie not long after a producer invited him o feature in his project. The title of the movie is 'Trailed ' produced by Compact Way Production.

The movie was shooted in the United Kingdom with the football star playing a heroic character in which he did some stunt in the movie.

The first trailer is set to be released soon.

The London based player was born in Lagos, Nigeria before moving to England at the age of four. Alex Iwobi is the nephew of former experienced footballer, Jay Jay Okocha. He is “best mates” with former Arsenal teammate Tyrell Robinson.

Wedding Party 2 hits the cinemas soon( Watch the Trailer)

‘The Wedding Party 2-Destination Dubai’, a sequel to the blockbuster Nollywood romantic movie, ‘The Wedding Party 1’, is set to hit cinemas on Dec.15, its producers say.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that ‘The Wedding Party 1′ premiered in cinemas across Nigeria, in December 2016, and reportedly grossed N203 million in just two weeks, topping the 2016 Nigerian Box Office.

The producer, ELFIKE Film Collective; a partnership between Ebony Life Films, FilmOne Distribution, Inkblot Productions and Koga Studios, has released the trailer of the acclaimed movie.

The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai’ plot, focuses on Dozie (Banky W )the groom’s brother, Nonso (played by Enyinna Nwigwe), who has continued his romance with Deirdre (played by Daniella Down), the bridesmaid from London.

Nonso proposes by accident, while on a dinner date, and that sets off a chain of intriguing events.

Although, Deirdre’s British family, as well as some members of Nonso’s family was against the pairing, the ‘love birds’ seemed bothered.

However, after an unpleasant introduction ceremony in Lagos, both families reluctantly agreed to a wedding in Dubai, setting off other comic and chaotic episodes of the Wedding Party Story.

Besides the original movie’s main cast, other Nollywood stars including Patience Ozokwor, Omoni Oboli and ace comedians Seyi Law and Chigurl are also featured in the sequel.

The original cast includes Banky W, Adesuwa Etomi, Daniella Down, RMD and Ali Baba.

Others are, Ireti Doyle, Enyinna Nwigwe, Beverly Naya and Somkele Idhalama,among others

The producer said further that The Wedding Party 1, also grossed a total box office in excess of N450 million in less than 10 months, and became the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever.

NAN reports that his feat surpassed the total earnings of other acclaimed highest grossing Nollywood movies incluiding, ‘A Trip To Jamaica’, ‘Wives on Strike’ and ‘The CEO’, which grossed N168 million, N71 million and N60 million respectively.

 

 

​Photos From Actor Daniel K Daniel’s Traditional Wedding In Nnewi, Anambra State Today

Nollywood actor Daniel K Daniel today married his lady Teena traditionally in Nnewi, Anambra state .

More photos below:

I don’t have a problem with homosexuality — Nse Ikpe-Etim

Nse Ikpe Etim

Nse Ikpe Etim, hostess of the 2017 African Movie Academy Awards,AMAA, is a screen diva who has featured in over 30 N se Ikpe Etim, hostess of the 2017 African Movie Academy Awards,AMAA, is a screen diva who has featured in over 30  movies, including Akin Omotosho’s soon-to-be-released feature film, “A Hotel Called Memory.”In this interview with  Showtime Celebrity,  the Akwa Ibom State-born actress  discusses her personal values and what it’s like to be in the spotlight, orchestrating Africa’s most prestigious awards ceremony.

Tell us a little bit about hosting this year’s AMAA?

The only thing I can tell you, is that I’m an actress. I enjoy cooking. And I like reading a lot. I’m not a big fan of television—which is rather strange, since I’m an actress. Then, I just live!

What inspired you into acting?

I think it actually began, after I studied “Theatre Arts,” at the University of Calabar and I was exposed to the stage. Many years ago, I featured in a film called “The Scars Of Womanhood.” But I never really wanted to be an actress. Consequently, my career didn’t take off immediately.

So, officially, I’d say my career began with “Reloaded”—which was produced by Enem Isong, with Lancelot Imasuen as director.

How  were you selected to host this year’s AMAA?

I must say, AMAA came as a surprise. I was approached and told that I’d been chosen—and asked if I’d like to do it. I thought it would be a challenge. I need to tell you though, that I’m different from some people, who say they “like” challenges. No! I like an easy life!  [Laughing].But in life, whether its “easy” or “hard,” you just get on with it…

How does one prepare, to be Mistress of Ceremony at a programme like AMAA?

You don’t prepare! You just go with it. Even when it’s scripted. You don’t prepare. Life has its own script…

Was your role scripted?

Yes. To a certain extent, it was. But like I’ve said, life has its own script. Sometimes things happen. But you just need to get on with it.

What were some of the things you thought you could have done better—and developments you delighted in?

I think I was so afraid, when I started! It’s always good to have a constant flow of communication. And when it’s not there…When there’s a break in communication, you can be phased.

Did this happen when you were on stage?

Yes. It’s bound to happen. I think a case in point, is when I didn’t know who the representative of the Lagos State Government was. I was already moving out onto the stage, when the representative arrived.    “Oh, my God!” I thought. “This is the point where I introduce the person. And I don’t know who it is!” I had no name. And I’m like, “This is my first blooper!…”

But I had fun. If it were perfect, I could never learn anything. That was a learning experience for me.

What is the thing that you enjoyed most?

I think it was the fact that I was able to just be me—and not be another character. When you’re acting, you constantly have to be other people. But on stage, I’m me. I’m goofy. I held onto it a bit—held onto being goofy. And I’m like, “You know what, Nse? You need to let go! Just be goofy. Just be you!”  Then, there is the fact that it was a lovely audience. They were really kind to me—which is good. I enjoyed that.

You’re an actress. What is your most successful film?

I think a lot of people remember me from “Mister and Misses”. There’s also “Fifty,” directed by B. Bandele”. And people loved “Fun Swap” as well, which Kunle Afolayan directed. Robert Peters directed another popular film, called “A Trip  To Jamaica “

I have been very lucky. If you mention five films in which I’ve appeared, people will say, “Yes. That’s my favourite!”…

You are married right?

I am married.

Is your husband British?

He’s a British Nigerian—a black British. His name is “Clifford”; and he was my first boyfriend. We met about 21 years ago and got married later. Clifford and I live together, in the U.K., where he lectures in “Computer Networking,” at Middlesex University—a far cry from what I do.

Do you plan to resettle in Nigeria?

I’m not quite sure. I can’t say. In terms of where we live and what we do, I’ll leave that to my husband.

Are you going to continue as an actress? Or do you have your sights set on directing?

I’m not sure. I enjoy being an actress. I’ve always thought directing was a good idea. But can I be patient enough? Am I a good manager of people? I don’t know.

What do you have in the offing?

I’ve got “A Hotel Called Memory”—an experimental film I did with Akin Omotosho, director of “Vaya”. I can’t wait for that to come out! It premiering next month, at a Black Film Festival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Do you have any other ties to Nigeria, other than the fact that you’re from here? How often to you come?

I come here to work—i.e., when I’m filming. But my mother lives here. So I do have ties in Nigeria. But I don’t have a regular visiting schedule. After all, home is where the heart is! And my husband is not here. So I can’t come, when he’s not here! [Laughing]

What are your views, on the state of the cinema in Nigeria?

We are building a cinema culture. It used to be there, a long time ago. Once again, I think we are re-directing our audiences to go out and enjoy cinema. The more we do that, the more we’ll aspire to make better film—because we are going to be competing with other film makers, around the world.

What is your advice to young aspirants, who want to get into acting?

If you’ve got a choice, don’t become an actor. Do something else. Do not choose the life of an actor—unless you are absolutely convinced, that you cannot do anything else, except be an actor.

It’s not just about the glitz and glamour that you see. It’s gritty and dirty. It takes so much out of a person, that sometimes you wonder, “Why am I doing this?” Without passion, you can’t do it.

During the opening sequences of AMAA awards night, somebody came out and delivered a monologue that included support for gay rights. Being a married woman, do you share those sentiments?

I don’t have a problem with homosexuality. I think there’re bigger issues than who I love….

  Vanguard News.

PHOTOS: Makeup Artist Transforms A Lady Into The Late Sam Loco

In honor of Sam Loco Efe of blessed memory, Africa's foremost make up artist, Hakeem Onilogbo transformed this pretty lady into a splitting image of the legend.

What do you think? 

My Sex Scene in ‘Alter Ego’ was Risky but Hubby Understands…Actress, Omtola Jalade

Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade Ekehinde, is just one of many actresses that is fortunate to have a good and understanding hubby who knows the craft his wife is into.

Omotola has just completed the much talked about movie, ‘Alter Ego,’ where she was seen playing some s3x roles that will sure get many talking but to her hubby, it is nothing but work.

The actress while speaking with Premium Times about the s3x role and how her hubby perceived it after watching it, she explained that her hubby has always wanted her to be grate and to him, it was nothing.

In her words, “Some of the sex scenes in Alter Ego were downplayed because I’m married. But I won’t play the sex scenes if it wasn’t necessary to be included in the film. I know by starring in this movie that my fans would either hate me or love me forever.

“While shooting the film, I knew I was doing something quite risky. There are several ways to shoot a sex scene tastefully. I’m all for playing a sex scene convincingly and my husband knows this. I tell my husband, “You know what darling, you married an actor”; and secondly, he is my biggest fan. I tell him, “Do you want me to be great or do you just want me to be good?” He will say, “I want you to be great, sparklingly great”.

“Then I’ll say, “ Ehen, we go love o” and he’s fine with it. He understands but just like every other human being and the professional that he is, he too wants to be convinced that I played a sex scene because it was necessary. I know when he watches movies sometimes he would say, “Did they have to kiss if they were not going to kiss well?” When I wasn’t even confident, I starred in a movie called a prostitute, which was released 22 years ago. If I didn’t die then, is it now? I’m ready.”

Source: Nathan Nathaniel Ekpo/Nollywoodgists.com

Nollywood At It Again! Releases New Movie "Evans The City Of Crime" (PHOTO)

My s3x scenes with Omotola Jalade were real – Actor, Wale Ojo

UK-returnee Nollywood actor, Wale Ojo, who played a key role in Omotola Jalade’s new movie, has revealed that all the sex scenes that happened between him and the veteran actress in the movie were real.

Social media followers of the respected actress reacted to the sex scenes, wondering how her husband, Captain Matthew Ekeinde would react.

But the actress had earlier cleared the air, saying she had discussed with her husband before engaging in such an erotic role.

Mr Ojo, although not married also said he spoke with his partner.

Ojo who spoke with Nollywood site, Golden Pearl Media, said, “Whenever I want to play sex roles in a movie, I discuss with my partner.

“I enjoy myself more without marriage or its pressure.”

Wale went further to confessed that all the sex scenes he played with Omotola Jalade were real and natural.

“My sex scenes with Omotola are very easy.

“After all, I am a sexy person. I don’t see it as that hard. Omotola and I are great friends, so it was very easy for us to have that chemistry and do what we had to do.

“It wasn’t difficult at all. Our kisses were real. We grabbed each other, we were passionate, it is natural. It is real.

When asked if he felt something emotionally while the act was going on, the United Kingdom returnee said, “Of course, you have to have an emotion to do this. We are good friends, so things worked out well. It wasn’t that hard. I always love playing the bad guy role.”

Dailypost

PHOTO; Photoshop artist transforms Aki and Paw Paw to tall men

Photoshop artist transforms Aki and Paw Paw to tall men

Another Nollywood actor, Victor Eze passes on.

 

According to CKN Nigeria, the veteran actor died after a brief illness, and this sad news comes just weeks after the demise of actress Moji Olaiya who died in Canada after giving birth. Recall that her body was recently brought home for burial.

It is unclear what ailed the veteran actor, but CKN Nigeria adds that his death has been confirmed by the former President of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr Segun Arinze.
Victor Eze was a highly respected stage actor and dancer. He was famous for his roles in numerous movies and dance productions, but most especially for his role as Alika in epic series, Fuji House of Commotion.

We wish his family fortitude to bear this grief. Meanwhile news of his passing is already causing a stir among the ranks of actors.

Why I Played Strong Sex Scenes in My Latest Film – Actress Omotola Jalade

 Top Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has returned to Nollywood. After a three-year hiatus, the 39-year-old is lined up to debut “Alter Ego” alongside Wole Ojo and Jide Kosoko.
Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Omotola opens up about her career, marriage and playing a controversial character in Alter Ego.

PT: You went off the scene for three years. Was this deliberate?
Omotola: Yes it was. I knew I was going to embark on a break so I starred in a few movies, which have not been released. I shot Blood on the Lagoon with Teco Benson, and another one in London called Amina, which are yet to be released. I got to that point when I felt like nothing was challenging me anymore and I began to feel like my standard was dropping. I went through that period and I knew I needed to stay away and wait for Nollywood to catch up with some of our ideas.
PT: Do you think starring in Chineze Anyaene’s 2010 movie, Ije, in the United States, sort of placed you on a pedestal?
Omotola: Well, I knew cinema movies were the next step for me. After starring in Ije I knew that the industry was not moving fast enough and I knew the only way out for me was to make that sacrifice and just dropout. So I starred in movies that I thought could hold forth for me while I concentrate on other things like building my business. Coming back was hard for me because I was aiming for that movie that would challenge. I was looking for something as strong as or better than Mortal Inheritance. I knew I had to reset my mindset, I was looking for something that would excite me the same way Mortal Inheritance did. I got a lot of scripts and none of them filled that gap. I could have taken up some of them for the sake of money. But I have gone past that point.
Omotola in a scene of Alter Ego
PT: Your fans can’t stop talking about your sex scenes in Alter Ego. Was your husband comfortable with you playing the role?
Omotola: Some of the sex scenes in Alter Ego were downplayed because I’m married. But I won’t play the sex scenes if it wasn’t necessary to be included in the film. I know by starring in this movie that my fans would either hate me or love me forever. While shooting the film, I knew I was doing something quite risky. There are several ways to shoot a sex scene tastefully. I’m all for playing a sex scene convincingly and my husband knows this. I tell my husband, “You know what darling, you married an actor”; and secondly, he is my biggest fan. I tell him, “Do you want me to be great or do you just want me to be good?” He will say, “I want you to be great, sparklingly great”. Then I’ll say, “Ehen, we go love o” and he’s fine with it. He understands but just like every other human being and the professional that he is, he too wants to be convinced that I played a sex scene because it was necessary. I know when he watches movies sometimes he would say, “Did they have to kiss if they were not going to kiss well?”
PT: You got pretty raunchy with your co-stars in your latest movie, Alter Ego. Are you ready for viewer’s criticisms?
Omotola: When I wasn’t even confident, I starred in a movie called a prostitute, which was released 22 years ago. If I didn’t die then, is it now? I’m ready.
PT: Playing a believable sex scene would mean going extra lengths. Do you think Nigerians will embrace such films?
Omotola: You don’t even have to “chop” somebody’s mouth if you don’t want to. If the scene is not about you showing real mad crazy love then you can’t now be showing mouth to mouth kissing or removing of clothes. In Nigerian movies, we have downplayed chemistry. I hope we can bring that back. Back in the day when I shot Mortal Inheritance in 1995, I had to spend time with my co-star, Fred Amata. He was already a renowned director and in those days, directors were revered. So imagine, my director who had directed me in a movie prior now acting as my lover. I was really afraid but we broke the ice by spending time with each other. So, he demystified himself and we had chemistry and you could tell. So, I’m hoping all of this returns to Nigerian movies. So, as professionals, we need to ask ourselves if it is necessary for a movie to have a sex scene and when it is, it should be done well.

PT: With regards to Alter Ego, how were you able to build some on-screen chemistry with your co-star, Wole Ojo?
Omotola: I was working with Wole Ojo for the first time, so we had to spend time together and we played very rough. I understand the power of being friends with your love interest in a movie so we became like a couple. We ate together and basically just broke down the walls to make sure we were both comfortable with each other and have each other’s backs and interest at heart. So, it spilled into the movie without you even noticing.
PT: Alter Ego appears to be the first Nollywood movie to truly address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Do you think it would appeal to the Nigerian Nollywood audience?
Omotola: We don’t talk about PTS that much in Nigeria, so, when you see someone that is mentally traumatised, the first thing that comes to your mind is, “this person is crazy!”. We don’t talk about depression in Nigeria. We don’t talk about how it affects children, especially those that have been abused.
When you ask a lot of adults, you might find out that some people have been abused as children. And if we want to tell ourselves the truth, how many of us were actually able to tell our parents about this?
In Africa, it’s always a taboo to say, “uncle, somebody touched me”. They will practically ask you one million questions. “What did you say to him? How were you sitting? What were you wearing?” As if it’s your fault, you become the victim. Alter Ego sets out to address how sexual abuse affects victims as kids and as adults.
Sometimes, you see people as adults behave in a certain way, but because we have not diagnosed this problem – because in Africa, you are either just crazy and should go to Yaba Left; but we don’t think about the fact that people actually have psychological trauma and that PTSD actually affect Africans. We think it’s an Oyibo disease.
PT: Why were you drawn to Alter Ego?
Omotola: It’s the soul of the movie. It must come quickly in a movie and must also be underlining throughout the film. Some come naturally while some don’t. The movie got me on time because I switch very quickly; so if I read through the first 10 pages of a movie script and I don’t get the story, I get bored. I loved the film from the beginning but it was a diamond in the rough. I knew what was lacking in it. So, I called the director and told him we will have to tear the script apart and rebuild it and he gave me his nod. It takes a big mind to shoot Alter Ego.
PT: You once hinted of plans to build a film village in Badagry in conjunction with your husband. Will it be ready anytime soon?
Omotola: I hope it will be ready next year hopefully. I also began another project on Mobolaji Bank Anthony,Lagos, which is supposed to be annex of the film village first called, Double Doors. So, these are some of the things I was busy putting together when I went off the scene. I have always said that what we need in Nollywood is infrastructure. So, I needed to start building infrastructure.
PT: Do you think the Buhari administration has done enough for Nollywood?
Omotola: I think this government needs to wake up. The sad part is that they go around the world and they brag about Nollywood. That’s why I don’t understand how to brag about something you are not helping enough. They need to understand that Nollywood in itself is a force and it should have its own ministry. We have a problem in Nigeria which is that we are afraid to allow ourselves be great. So, instead of allowing someone who knows his or her onions do the job we put stumbling blocks because of “see finish”. But if a white person comes along, we will support him or her. We need to start supportting ourselves. You will be amazed to know that Nollywood is the second (highest) employer of labour in Nigeria after agriculture. I think if they want to be sincere they will say Nollywood is number one. Why don’t we forget our immediate petty jealousy and begin to invest in this industry?
PT: You have yet to star in a Yoruba film?
Omotola: I starred in one a long time ago titled No Rival and Oyato. I might be shooting one soon. It’s not a fully Yoruba film; it’s a collaboration. I’m currently reading the script.

Mike Ezuruonye set to release new movie, ‘Divorce? Not Allowed’

Following the astonishing success of his debut production ‘Brother Jekwu’, Nollywood star actor cum producer, Mike Ezuruonye has revealed that he is working on releasing a new movie titled ‘Divorce? Not Allowed’.

The romantic comedy movie which will be released to the cinemas later in the year will be the actor’s first production since his training at a film school in Toronto. The star actor explained that the movie though a romantic comedy, has a strong message; one that will teach a lot of lessons and engage the viewers.

‘Divorce? Not Allowed’ focuses on men who although are going through a difficult marriage but are not bold enough to divorce their wives, and instead go as far as setting up scandals for themselves just to get away. It highlights different situations of different men; one who would not divorce his wife because he is too comfortable in her riches and would rather take any nonsense from her than leave and be uncomfortable; and another who couldn’t comprehend the changes in his recently born again wife and so looked for different means to divorce her, but she wouldn’t leave.

He speaks about the coming movie:  

‘The movie is a romantic comedy and the story we are telling is one that will engage the viewers, such that they are not just viewers but also participants, as it will ignite discussions among them.

On what viewers should expect, he said, 

“we are going to be shooting this movie on a different pedestal; people get to see my directorial skills, and what I have to offer after going to film school. That’s something a lot of people don’t know; I went to film school in Toronto to advance in my craft, so we are bringing something fresh and new. We are introducing many new and unfamiliar faces and they will be playing major roles in the movie. Giving this opportunity to these new and talented people is one of the ways I am giving back and that is the way it will be for every movie I will be producing”

The movie stars Mike Ezuruonye himself, Iyabo Ojo, Bolanle Ninalowo, Kehinde Olorunyomi, Angel Okorie and many new faces. 

Tears as Moji Olaiya is finally laid to rest in Lagos today. PHOTOS

Nollywood actress, Moji Olaiya has been buried. The mother of two who died on May 18, 2017 at the age of 42 was buried at Ebony Vaults, Ikoyi Cemetery today. The very gloomy and sad atmosphere saw her close friends, colleagues and family members burst into uncontrollable tears as her body was lowered into the grave. More photos after the cut.

Photo credit Linda Ikeji