9jaNollywoodstars

Nollywood actor and veteran broadcaster,Pete Edochie was kidnapped by an armed gang two Sunday ago at Afor-Nkpor in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State,as he was returning from Asaba in Delta State back to the family house in Enugu when the kidnappers intercepted his Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and whisked him away.Twenty four (24) hours later he was freed.The actor in his statement after his release said,his kidnappers seized him in protest at the obscene display of Nigeria's stolen wealth by politicians.Edochie said his kidnappers told him they were not happy at the situation in the country.

He said the kidnappers told him that although people were repulsed by the act of seizing people,there was nothing else they could do.He said they refrained from shooting victims to show Nigerians that they were just focused on making money and not taking lives.Edochie described them as young men,explained he was grateful to them for the respect they accorded him, “but this does not portray the image of Nigeria positively.”

He stated earlier that the movie industry has no future if government does not take an interest in it.“I am still talking about the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.It has not shown any commitment to the industry. Nigeria by now should be in a position to produce a film that can be taken outside this country and commented upon by the international community, that this originates from Nigeria. We can do a good film on Slave Trade because we have never really told our own story,” he said.

Barely some months back,popular actor and singer,Enebeli Elebuwa was attacked by a young man who tried to pluck his left eye,allegedly to make him blind.The attack left Elebuwa with a major injury such that he could hardly see until many good Samaritans home and abroad came to his aid.The 62-year old entertainer was however sighted at a film location recently as he was preparing for shooting.Though he is yet to see clearly with his left eye ut can go on working and expressed his gratitude to all those who rallied round him and prevented him from going blind.

Again,Nigerian star actress,Eucharia Anunobi-Ekwu cannot understand all the rumour about her family problem.She wonders why her case should be brought to the public domain,just because she is an actress.In her statement, she said “I am too grounded with my God and with a precept of Christianity; you don't go to defile your matrimonial bed. And I want to use this opportunity to say loud and clear that those seven years with my ex-husband, I remained one of the best women any man could have and I kept my matrimonial bed undefiled.

She said she also denied that her husband abandoned her because she was too possessive stressing that “you don't possess something that is not there and you don't fight over something that is not worth fighting over. I do not think anyone would say I am possessive. You are going to fight over a man who is not worth your time, who is not worth your value, if you really have something and it is supposed to be yours, are you not supposed to protect it?

“And you will even go out of your way to protect something that is worth it,” she said, explaining that what is important now is to strengthen her career and other challenges and future aspiration to find a new husband who will love, cherish and appreciate her worth in life.

Ever since she began her career in the Yoruba movie industry,she has made more headlines than some of her older and contemporary colleagues.Born Mercy Aigbe to Edo parents,this beautiful lady and mother of one,has been at no one's mercy.Rather,many producers are at her mercy for she can't just be wished away in the Nigerian movie industry.Her selling point is the talent God has given her.Aside this,her humility also contributes to her selling point.

She got her break from Wemimo Films in Ibadan,and it was through one of the movies they produced then.She got help from people like Uncle Yinka Quadri and several others.Many have attributed her sudden rise in the industry to her ability to 'roll with those that matter.'Instead of losing sleep over such weighty remark,Mercy simply accepted the insinuations as her price for being in Nollywood.Imbued with sound intelligence,a result of her stint with soap operas and her study at the University of Lagos,where she read creative arts.

She studied creative arts at the University of Lagos simply because of her love for the arts.Before then she had an OND in accountancy from The Polytechnic,Ibadan.She joined the movie industry in 2005,and started acting in 2006.She started with soap operas like Super Story,Images and Treasures,she later Yoruba flicks.Her first Yoruba flick was Sebeyan Ni, but got her break after acting in the flick known as Ara.She has featured in close to 80 films and also been able to produce her own flick and it is entitled Abimbola.

It hasn't been easy for her as a single mother but thank God.She is having a wonderful time bringing up her child.Although she agree that at the time she became a single mother,she was badly traumatised.In fact,the most traumatising period for her her was when she parted ways with the father of her child. It was so upsetting for her because she went into the marriage with naivety, but came out as a single mother,.Her relationship with the father of her child is cordial but no room for reunion,they are just friends.Aside that,she is in a relationship with another man at the moment, and my daughter has taken so much to my fiance that she calls him 'daddy'.It's challenging enough that she is in the public eyes and he is private person, but,she simply want to do as he wishes and keep him away from the public.

She is enjoying her current status,but the challenge comes mostly from what people choose to believe about actresses from what they read.Another thing is that she doesn't go unnoticed;she doesn't have her privacy anymore,but in all,it's what she prayed and worked hard for and it has come to reality.

With Nollywood becoming more and more like America's Hollywood,the true colours of Nigeria's leading actresses are being regularly revealed.Some of these actresses actually came into the limelight through their bad or good movie roles, while others through scandals and controversies.

STELLA DAMASUS
She is natural and real whenever it is time to give life to movie scripts.Stella Damasus has a charismatic mystique around her that has made her the darling of numerous fans.This sexy screen diva obviously leads Nigeria’s best young actresss. Apart from that,Stella is well schooled - a Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Benin – and acting is an in-born thing for her.

CLARION CHUKWURA
The University of Ibadan-trained star actress is actually one of the first generation of Nollywood thespians.Clarion Chukwura’s acting prowess in the English and Yoruba genres of the Nigerian movie industry give her an edge in the industry. Clarion is also natural and can play ‘bitchy’ roles perfectly well.

MERCY JOHNSON
She has been in the industry for quite some time.The pretty, ebony complexioned actress is a pick among the pack of Nigeria’s hottest actresses at the moment.Apart from the media hype,Mercy Johnson is well endowed in the right places,blessed with acting skills, natural on movie set and her good delivery of lines is another quality that has earned her respect among her peers.

RONKE OJO
Her heavy twin-towers, which have become part of her identity, are what actually fetched her the sobriquet Oshodi Oke. The tall and fair complexioned Yoruba star actress has no rival in the trade. Ronke Ojo’s acting prowess, rare sense of honour and ability to switch between roles in movies are qualities that separate her from the rest. Although Ronke Oshodi Oke, as she is fondly called, sometimes talks very fast when she is acting, there is always strength in her voice.

MERCY AIGBE
Although Mercy Aigbe is quite new in the industry, her acting prowess coupled with her seductive looks are qualities that set the Creative Arts graduate on the fastest lane to fame. And today she is one of the hottest Yoruba star actresses. Mercy is also good, real and natural on set.

JOKE SILVA
She is exceptionally talented, an icon and role model to many rising star actresses. Joke Silva’s diction is excellent, her carriage and fitness unrivaled in the industry and she has won several awards both at home and abroad. Even at her age, the dark complexioned wife of veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs still radiates charm and beauty and has never lost her brain whenever it is time to interpret her roles in movies.

EUCHARIA ANUNOBI
She is obviously among the fading movie stars but this list would be incomplete without Nigeria’s own Sharon Stone. Eucharia Anunobi, the sexy, tall and fair complexioned evergreen actress has over the years maintained her reign as one of queens of the tube. Nobody plays those ‘bitchy’ roles better than UK, as friends and fans fondly call her.

IRETI OSAYEMI
Despite the fact that she was brought up in Liberia, with little understanding of Yoruba language, how Ireti Osayemi has been getting lead roles in many Yoruba flicks remains a puzzle. The now chubby-cheeked screen beauty actually sneaked into the industry through the English genre of the Nigerian home videos, but the popular TV drama series, “Super Story” shot her into limelight. Ever since the bold and blunt Ireti pitched her tent with the Yoruba movie industry, the sky seems to be her limit, as she has been featured on covers of movie jackets than any of her colleagues she met in the industry. This actress could be naughty in real life, which has never over-shadowed her humility. She is a natural interpreter of roles.

GRACE AMAH
Forget her small stature and petite look; what the upwardly mobile actress who recently graduated from the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos has upstairs makes up for what she lacks in size. Grace Amah could be rated among the younger faces of Nollywood, but she remains one of the most prominent pretty faces in Nigerian home videos. She has featured in quite a number of soap operas and box office hits. Aside natural beauty, which she combines with brain, Grace is also natural while interpreting scripts..

OBY EDOZIEH
This is another screen diva known for seductive roles and scandalous dresses in home video. Oby Edozieh has been around for a while, and despite her occasional appearances in movies nowadays, her excellent performance in some of her previous movies is one of the reasons why the mutterings about her acting skill continued to grow. This actress has also acted in a couple of Yoruba films, which she performed brilliantly.

INI EDO
She actually sneaked into the movie industry when the movie marketers slammed a ban on famous faces like Omotola, Genevieve and Rita Dominic few years back. Even with the return of these actresses, Ini Edo has continued to rise in the movie circuit. Although some people did not vote Ini as one of the very best, her strength lies in her sensuous moves in movies and a body to die for; which are reasons men cannot get their eyes off her and why she is the choice for most of the movie posters and jackets.

BUKKY WRIGHT
She is a very good actress, a beauty with brain that always loves to express herself whenever she hits the movie set to interpret her roles. Bukky Wright is very vocal, natural and she has the ability to maneuvre her way into both the Yoruba and English genre of the Nollywood industry with her acting prowess.

SHOLA SHOBOWALE
Many fondly call her ‘Toyin Tomato but this ageless actress has shown over the years that there is a difference between acting and in-born actress. Shola Shobowale has acted across all ages and featured in quite a number of Yoruba and English home videos. Apart from being a rare breed actress, she is very natural on screen.

LIZ BENSON
Ranking her among the faded star actresses,one may not be wrong but ever since this actress turned evangelist and quit the movie scene, her name never fails to grace the lips of home video followers, who have described the disappearance of the ageless screen diva as a big loss to the industry. Liz Benson is undoubtedly a knockout when it comes to character interpretation. She is real and dynamic.

FATHIA BALOGUN
Her troubled marriage to star actor Saheed Balogun has not stopped her numerous fans from appreciating her acting skill. Fathia Balogun’s beautiful look, good skin complexion and acting prowess explain the reason the star Yoruba actress is being admired by men and adored by women. And why some critics believe that she is not natural on movie set is best known to them.

ALEX LOPEZ
How the model cum actress known for sensuous moves in home videos is able to maintain respect among her peers and numerous fans may not be far-fetched.. Alex Lopez’s versatility and how she normally breathes life into her characters in home videos stand her out. Although it is not in doubt that she is one of the fading Nollywood star actresses.

EMPRESS NJAMAH
Apart from the allegation of being kleptomaniac, which always puts her in the news, Empress Njamah is a born actress, sexy and real on set. Despite her great acting skill, most home video lovers are still wondering why Empress is not enjoying prominence like her contemporaries in the Nollywood industry.

JENNIFER ELIOGU
You may rank her among the fading movie star actresses, but the frontally endowed actress still maintains her position among Nollywood evergreen star actresses. Though Jennifer Eliogu is not too dynamic with her style of acting, her full lips and good understanding of movie scripts may probably be the reason she is being voted among the best.

BENITA NZERIBE
The small-framed star actress is synonymous with bad roles and skimpy dresses in movies, but Benita Nzeribe is a good actress, very vocal and real on set. Her interpretation of a bitchy daughter of a billionaire in the old soap opera, Beyond our Dreams marked the beginning of her journey to stardom and it has not stopped her bad roles, which she is now known for. But today, the fair-complexioned star actress has been able to make up with other challenging roles in the English genre of Nollywood.

BIMBO AKINTOLA
Whether you like or hate her, the sexy Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Ibadan is in a class of her own and has been able to break all barriers with her acting prowess, which is one of the reasons she has been tagged ‘movie bad girl’. Choosing between Stella and Bimbo as the leader of the Nigerian star actresses is very close to call. Forget about sexy moves on screen, Bimbo Akintola is a brilliant actress, real and natural while interpreting her roles in movies. Her good stage-craft and command of language are some of the qualities that place her ahead of other Nollywood queens.

GENEVEIVE NNAJI
She has shown that acting skills are not necessarily got from within the four walls of the classroom, because when her mates were busy writing JAMB, Jenny, armed with her in-born talent, had her name written among top Nigerian movie stars. And today, the former face of LUX Soap has left her peers at the lower rung of the ladder to ensconced herself at the highest place reserved for the best. Genevieve Nnaji’s natural beauty and cool nature cannot but reflect positively in most of her movies. Apart from being real on set, the highly gifted screen siren is a cameraman’s delight.

KATE HENSHAW
It has been established that Kate is vocal and natural. Ever since the ebony-complexioned screen diva made her debut with When the Sun Set in the year 1984, Kate Henshaw has left no one in doubt of her versatility in the Nigerian movie industry. She is real, cool and calculating.

STEPHANIE OKEREKE
Although her diction is averagely okay, critics believe that Stephanie Okereke does not have good command of grammar on set. Her captivating smiles coupled with her good character interpretation are some of the reasons her numerous fans and video followers cannot get enough of her and why she is being rated among the best. Being a model turned actress is probably one of the reasons the sexy actress always makes the cover of most movie jackets and posters.

OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE
Even after four beautiful children, Omosexy still rose to stardom as a teenager and her amazing character interpretation of a dying girl in the old flick Mortal Inheritanc” which also won her an award, was what stamped her feet in the Nollywood industry. Omotola Jalade knows her onions and can fit into any kind of role.

RITA DOMINIC
She is also a very good actress. Her baby face, sexy figure and excellent character interpretation in movies are some of those qualities that make the Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Port-Harcourt a choice among other star actress. Rita Dominic’s acting skill is wholesome, even though she may not be very real on screen.

MAUREEN SOLOMON
Although her pretty baby face is rarely visible on posters and movie jackets, the chocolate-complexioned actress is among the few highly gifted actresses around. Maureen Solomon’s natural look, which always reflects in her acting, actually won her a place on this list.

BIMBO AKINSANYA
The busty actress came into prominence after her appearance in Super Story and ever since, she has become a darling of most Yoruba movie producers, who now regale the pretty face of the sharp-voiced actress on posters and film jackets. Bimbo Akinsanya is one hell of an actress that always understands her lines very well, and it always reflects whenever she is interpreting her roles.

LOLA ALAO
Call her tattoo girl, you may not be wrong because the Yoruba actress has tattoos drawn on several parts of her body. Lola Alao is a controversial actress to some people but her beautiful looks, unique ways of interpreting roles and her trendy life style are some of the reasons people find it difficult to distinguish her from the character she plays in most of the home videos.

IYABO OJO
Though, critics would be wondering how the name of the slim, petite Yoruba actress got on the list, they must not forget the fact that Iyabo Ojo is a better actress, if not the best among her mates. She is very real but could over-act at times.

TAYO ODUEKE
Sikiratu Sindodo was actually the title of the popular Yoruba flick that catapulted her into the mainstream of the Nigerian home video industry and also earned her that nickname. Although different tales have been trailing her relationship with MC Oluomo, Tayo Odueke is very real and natural. She has featured in lots of Yoruba home videos and also produced one or two.

FOLUKE DARAMOLA
Apart from her large size boobs which give her out wherever she goes, the Obafemi Awolowo University graduate’s good delivery of lines and how she usually handles her roles in movies, are some of the qualities that place Foluke Daramola among the best.

DORIS SIMEON
Apart from her youthful and pretty looks, the fair-skinned Doris Simeon is another good role interpreter of roles; very real and natural. She is obviously one of the rare breed Nigerian actresses. The cool, calm and highly gifted screen beauty would rather allow her acting skill to speak for her than be a rabble-rouser.

QUEEN NWOKOYE
She is a head-turner any day, most especially when she is wearing her seductive look. Queen Nwokoye is one of the rare talents to emerge from Enugu, and her pretty face has found its way to many posters and film jackets. Queen is cool and highly gifted when it comes to interpretation of roles.

MOSUNMOLA FILANI
Her captivating voice and natural artistic display have won her greater admiration among her numerous fans than her pretty looks and nice body. Mosunmola Filani is another of the hottest chics in the Yoruba movie industry. Her consistency ever since she hit the movie scene couple of years ago and her ability to give life to most of the characters she interprets in films are some of those qualities that turned the Abeokuta, Ogun State-based actress into a pick among young star actresses.

EBUBE NWAGBO
She is one actress whose profile could be said to be on the rise. Ebube Nwagbo who was hitherto based in the East, seemed to want to make up for missing out of the Lagos fun as she can be seen at most showbiz events these days. The actress could be said to be a party bird but what many have come to notice is that apart from some stubborn pimples on her face, she is fast winning accolades as a good dresser.

ZAINAB BUKKY AJAYI
She is unarguably one of the most experienced and fantastic Nollywood actresses. The Britain-trained grandmother leaves no stone unturned to please her fans anytime she is on set recording a movie or on stage doing it live. Bukky Ajayi is charismatic and very down to earth. At locations, she teaches younger ones the ropes, encouraging them on their career and always telling them they can do better than her only if they are hardworking. Mama, as she is fondly called, has featured in various national and international movies with series of accolades and awards coming her way all the time.

SHAN GEORGE
She has played many controversial roles in movies and this has made many to label her a bad girl but she gives no attention to what they are saying. She is a mother of two and a Mass Communication graduate from the University of Lagos, and she is still glowing day by day. Shan George is a screen goddess who has been one of numerous ladies who have sworn to wear low hair-cut till death. A popular actress in the Nigerian movie industry, she is a musician with a single to her credit.

NGOZI NWOSU
This is one lady who has held on to her single parent life as if her life depends on it, despite her roles in home videos and soap operas. Ngozi Nwosu featured in Checkmate, a soup opera in the early 90’s and currently plays Peace in Amaka Igwe’s Fuji House of Commotion. She is a strong member of the single parent club and this has seen her act freely any role she wants to play in the movie industry without caring about who will say what.

IBINABO FIBERESIMA
This is one actress who featured widely in movies in her early years. However, Ibinabo Fiberesima has been a single parent for a while since her separation from her first husband and she is presently the wife of the popular Nollywood producer and actor, Fred Amata. This Bayelsa State-born actress and ex-beauty queen was on the 20th February, 2009, sentenced by a Lagos State High Court presided over by Justice Deborah Oluwayemi to five years imprisonment for manslaughter after many months of anxiety. She has however been granted bail pending the hearing of her appeal.

ANITA JOSEPH
She is always in the news these days. The reason being that she has been described as one of most new controversial actress the industry has ever seen.. Anita Joseph recently revealed that why she is the most controversial actress in Nollywood today is because she hardly wears any underwear and hardly can any other actress in the industry match her in a sexual contest.

DAKORE EGBUSON
Naturally, an encounter with her will leave you stunned by her beauty, carriage and very amiable disposition. Dakore Egbuson, despite her run away success does not have airs around her but her relationship with Olumide Akande, Chief Harry Akande’s son, has generated a great uproar around her in the industry. There have been insinuations about whether the Akande family will admit her into their family. Remember her role in the movie Emotional Cry, which brought her to limelight? This actress is a multi-talented award-winner.

OGE OKOYE
This tall, light-skinned and very beautiful mother is also a force to reckon with in Nollywood. Oge Okoye is free of scandals but her foreign-based husband was recently accused of being a drug dealer. The star actress came into the make-believe industry in 1999 and was shot into limelight by her role in her early movies like Spanner, Black Bra and a host of other blockbusters.

UCHE JOMBO
Despite the fact that she is a very good Nollywood actress, Uche Jombo is a notorious for quarrels and fights with fellow actresses, majorly over men issues. This Abia State-born actress also has another bad habit of smoking. Uche is bold, beautiful and brainy, qualities that stand her out among her peers, but her seductive roles in most home videos have arguably earned the ebony-complexioned Nollywood star actress the reputation of a movie bad girl.

PATIENCE OZOKWOR
This experienced Nollywood actress, years back lost her husband and has since been battling with widowhood and loneliness. This Udi in Enugu State-born actress knows how to act the ‘bitchy’ role perfectly as if in real life she is that way. Patience Ozokwor, has won a lot of awards as a result of her acting prowess. She is fondly called Mama G by her numerous fans.



UCHE IWUJI
She came into the Nigerian movie industry in 1999 through her godfather, Zeb Ejiro. As at today, Uche Iwuji has done like 30 movies. Two years back, her nude pictures were circulated through phones via Bluetooth. It was a period when many took her to be a wild girl. She is a Creative Arts student of the University of Lagos. Uche acts very well in any role given to her.

MONALISA CHINDA
Monalisa Chinda is a household name in the movie industry, having featured in over 30 home videos. Despite her popularity, Monalisa turns out not to be a celebrity like most other actresses. She had her first child early last year, which explains her absence from the screen.

ADAORA UKOH
This busty Abagana, Anambra State-born Nollywood actress began her acting career in 1998 and came to prominence when she starred in Black Bar and Total Control. Adaora Ukoh is a Law graduate who acts so well in home videos. This actress also dances so well, and many that have come across her in clubs can attest to this.

BISI IBIDAPO-OBE
Popularly known as Olabisi Omologbalogba, she has made a remarkable mark in the Nigerian entertainment industry referred to as Nollywood, especially the Yoruba genre. Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, born thirty-something years ago to the Ibidapo-Obe family of Ilesha, has over the years impressed her fans with her acting skills, making her the toast of a lot of people, especially the men folk, thanks to her beauty. She is involved with the Odunfa Group, a prominent group in the Yoruba sector of the movie industry that gave her the breakthrough she is enjoying today.

FUNKE AKINDELE
Undeniably the most popular Nollywood actress as far the Yoruba section is concerned, Funke Akindele’s performance in the movie Jenifa is still making her the toast of many. A school of thought believes that, had Femi Adebayo not been married, Funke would have gone for him a hundred times but unfortunately, Femi is living happily with his wife in Ibadan. Right now, this actress who came to limelight through a TV drama series I Need To Know is romantically linked with Olasco Films boss.

PORTIA YAMAHAN
In a recent report, this Edo State-born actress was quoted as saying that she is so much in love with coloured underwear that she can do anything to get one because she loves playing with colours. Portia Yamahan, aside the fact that she emerged the winner of the 2006 Next Movie Star TV Reality Show, has turned out to be one of Nollywood’s celebrities. Despite that, Portia is still single and very controversial when it comes to acting sense but she finds white and black underwear less attractive.

Source:Newsofthepeopleng.com

Suliat kan. Ayetoro kan.
If you dont 'get' the words above then you haven't been touched by the 'Jenifa' phenomenon.'Jenifa' is the brainchild of actress, Funke Akindele.

Funke has been a successful actress for over a decade.She got her big break on the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) sponsored youth-oriented TV show, 'I Need To Know'. Since then she has completed her law degree at the University of Lagos and now she is pursuing her movie career in full throttle. Acting in English movies and then producing, writing and starring in Yoruba movie productions.

Her new movie 'Jenifa' is making major waves and is selling out fast! 'Jenifa' tells the all too familiar story of a young 'village girl' who moves to the city to enrol in university. Suliat (Funke Akindele) is a local champion in her humble hometown, Ayetoro. She is the most popular babe of them all and highly influential amongst her peers. She gains admission to university in Lagos and moves there with great expectations. At university, she is ridiculed for her style (or lack-there-of), her accent and manner of speaking then she meets a group of girls, things begin to change and Suliat is transformed to JENIFA….

The movie is actually pretty predictable but the humour, costumes and acting performances carry it along nicely.Its so commendable that Funke also wrote the script and produced the movie.The movie also stars Ronke Odusanya, Iyabo Ojo, Ireti Osayemi, Odunade Adekola, Eniola Badmus and Tola Oladokun.

This is definitely the movie of the moment! You can hardly go anywhere without hearing a conversation about it or some quips from the movie like Suliat/Jenifa's buzz words 'ooouushhh' 'Bigz Girlz' etc…

The movie is so popular that it has inspired a song by Amplifyd Ft ID Cabasa

She sneaked into Nollywood with such humility and worked with such tenacity that her image became larger than she could have imagined as her fan base expanded across borders within and outside the country. When Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde took up the microphone, many wrote her off but she proved that she is a good musician as she is an actress.In this chat,she opens up on some issues about the industry,her music career and Nollywood.

Choosing entertainment.

I would say I've been in entertainment all my life. I started out as a model. My father was in entertainment business. He was at one time a manager of Lagos Country Club. So naturally, I used to be around entertainment a lot. My mother was a dancer and was one of the dancers at FESTAC '77. So, I would say entertainment is in my blood. And when I was in secondary school, I was in a club that had to do with entertainment.

After school, during the time of awaiting result and Jamb, the first thing that came to my mind was entertainment. So I went into modeling. I was a model for over a year and was doing very well. It was from modeling that a colleague of mine told me that she was going for a movie casting and I escorted her. She didn't get the part. But she encouraged me to go in and try. And that was how I landed my first role. That was 1995.

Getting into music.

I'm an entertainer so I would do whatever I can to entertain.There is nothing peculiar or strange about my going into music.

Music career?

I've always said to everybody that I wasn't going to be releasing an album every other time. My projections to bring out an album every three years because I want to be able to grow and I want to be able to deliver the right quality. And because I have other interests, I want to be able to dedicate time to it. When I want to work on my music, I stay off other things so that I can concentrate. And I don't know if I can do that all the time. That's why I space it out. My second album is ready. Right now I'm in the process of putting finishing touches to it. Basically, I'm working hard to see that everything in the album is tight. It should drop during Easter.The kind of money I made from my first album,were not made by so many big artistes.

Competing with the artistes

It's not going to be easy for any artiste crossing over in the world. It's not something peculiar to Nigeria . There are so many Hollywood stars who have crossed over to music and who have found it tougher. There are so many artistes who have had to go through the same procedure. But because people have already perceived them in a particular way, it's hard for them to now see you in another light. It's okay. But I guess, over time, everybody will adjust to the change. Actually, they have no choice. I'm not going to die either so let's leave it to God.

Nollywood and the Music Industry

Concerning Nollywood, I would say keep your fingers crossed.Big things are going to happen soon.I understand people's frustration.I feel the same way.Some of us actors are more frustrated than our fans.You're doomed if you do,you're doomed if you don't.It's a frustrating situation but we keep struggling to make it better.I have done movies that I was embarrassed about.Most times people who put a lot of quality into Nollywood movies

Sex for roles in Nollywood.

It happens everywhere in the world. It's not a big deal. It's only a big deal if it becomes harassment. If you say no and someone tries to harass you, then it becomes a big deal.It has not and will never work with me;it will virtually not be possible with me. It's a capital NO! I would also want to say ladies too should know how to carry themselves.It would help.

Rivalry with Genevive Nnaji

It's not true. It's not true at all. Though we don't visit each other, we talk. We don't have to visit each other.I can understand if people want us to be close friends because we act together in films.I can understand people's expectation. We're cool.We're okay but we're not necessarily close friends.We're good colleagues. It's the same relationship that I would have with any other actor that I have with her.We don't have to be best buddies.

Secret to happy marriage.

I'm not going to sit down here and act like a super angel.I would just talk from what I think I know.First is the grace of God.And I believe and know that I'm married to my husband.My marriage is not necessarily perfect.It's not necessarily always rosy.I've been married for 13 years and we keep working at it.

Over protective of hubby.

That's crazy! That's strange!How do you stop ladies from getting close to a pilot? This is the first time I have heard that in my life!It's crazy for anyone to say I don't let ladies get close to my husband.

Hubby's attitude to stardom.

I'm going to give him a lot of credit.He's a very good man.I'm not saying that because I'm married to him.I'm saying it because that's why I'm married to him.He lives above petty talk and jealousy.Before I married him I used to think there were no men like that.He is a very contented man.Sometimes I even get angry and ask him “are you sure you've not done something that's making you this confident.He's a very confident person and he has helped me as a human being.I have learnt from his wisdom.There are times when he's sad and gets angry.But before he gets there,you must have really pushed him.So it's easy to live with him and we have understanding. We give each other space and that is very important in a relationship.When you're in your spouse's face all the time, there's an overload.

Snub?
I am not,I'm very simple.I'm sure a lot of people would not believe it but I can understand that Really,I'm of two extremes.I can be very hot and I could be very cold.It depends on where the pendulum swings.One thing you can be sure of about me is,what you see is what you get! I don't pretend and that's the only thing I can say to people about me.I deal with people the way they deal with me.

Secret to looking young and beautiful.

I'm restless.I'm just myself.I don't try to impress anybody.I think that helps me to relax and ultimately become who I want to be. I have found happiness within myself.

Infidelity temptations.

Everybody gets tempted including men of God.I would be lying to myself if I say I don't get tempted.I will not answer you if you ask me if I have ever fallen,I will not answer that.I only answer to my God.I don't answer to men.I would only answer to my husband and my God.So the point here exactly is I raise my head high.I remain to be challenged by anybody.And that's good enough.

Source:National Daily,Nigeria

One thing that Saint Obi Nwafor, an A-list Nollywood actor has going for him is his undeniable good looks. In fact, in the Nigerian movie industry today, he is known as one of the most handsome studs in the business. Little wonder in time past, he was like the proverbial golden fish which has no hiding place - as everything about him became juicy gossip.

While his surname Nwafor wouldn’t ring any bell among his teeming fans, the name, Saint Obi, does. At a time when he was still single and appeared not ready to settle down, he was regarded not only as a gay, some people even rumoured that he was impotent. All these rumours withered away last December, as this Nigerian-born action hero announced to everyone upon a return from the United States of America (USA) that he has finally found his missing rib. The announcement sure shattered the hearts of a few women. A few months after this, he again announced the birth of his son in the state of Texas, USA.

But do not expect to hear Nwafor, who is popularly known as Saint Obi, talk publicly about his wife, Linda. This, he said, is because he hopes to shield her from “unneccessary publicity and make her enjoy her marital life not as a celebrity’s wife with the attendant exposure to media scrutiny.”

Saint Obi’s sojourn into the movie world sort of began when he was in primary four. He was influenced by the various Cowboy and Indian movies shot in Hollywood and Bollywood. He dreamt of going to Hollywood from then on. So, when it was time for him to go to an higher institution, he opted to study Theatre Arts. Thereafter, he appeared in a number of Soaps in the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Jos. In 1995, he decided to come to Lagos to work as a model. A few months later, Opa Williams featured him in a movie, then Zeb Ejiro called him up for another, and so began his enthralling journey into Nollywood. Today, he has featured in over 60 movies which includes Sleeping With the Enemy, State of Emergency, Blue Sea, Fantasy, Dapo Junior, Benita, Street Fame, Check Point and Crime Planner, among several others.

Although Nwafor was born on November 16 in Port Harourt, he was raised in Jos where he had his primary, secondary and university education.He originally hails from Alaenyi, Ogwa of Mbaitolu Local Government Area in Imo state.“Jos is my roots. It formed my foundation.That city has been very good to me and I love it a lot,” he says.

Obi is from a family of nine but his father passed away just a year before he gained admission into the University of Jos.Not many know that apart from him being an A - list actor, Obi is also an activist for social causes– a trait which he exhibits in the movies he makes. The most recent, though not released yet, is entitled True Colour.

How does it feel being a daddy?

It feels good!

Is that all?

(Laughs) I mean it feels real good. You know when people ask me this question, I often say ‘I am not different from that person up there or down there who has a child.’ It’s the same way. It feels good to be a daddy. Glory be to God. It’s a miracle for a woman to get pregnant, carry the foetus and then deliver at the right time. You can’t get it better than that. It shows you the reality of God and the mystery of life.

You were one of the most eligible bachelors in Nollywood, but you surprised everyone when you suddenly announced your marriage. Tell me about this lucky woman and why you settled for her?

Well, I usually don’t discuss my relationships, but I think for the purpose of this interview, I’ll just say sometimes some things should be left unsaid. Also sometimes, a man has got to do what a man has got to do.

So, you won’t tell me how you met your wife?

That’s a story for another day. Because I will tell you when the time is right.
Ok, if you say so.

But can we talk about how you came into Nollywood?

Nollywood, well, that was sometime in 1995. I had left Jos to Lagos. First, I felt I had something to offer. But before then, I had the dream of going to Hollywood, that was why I read Theatre Arts in the University of Jos, but along the line, the whole thing evolved and I decided to go to Lagos to see what would happen, how I could be a part of what was happening, and wait for Hollywood. So, when I came to Lagos, I started out as a model, I did Peugeot 306 commercial, it was on national network for months and the producer of a movie called Without Love, Opa Williams, was looking for a fresh face but not one that is totally strange to Nigerians. He saw me and hired me. That started the journey into Nollywood. After that, I was called by Zeb Ejiro to feature in his movie.

What is the title of the movie?

It was called Goodbye Tomorrow.

So, Without Love was your very first movie?

Yes, it was. But before then also, I had done series of Soaps on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Jos. As an actor, NTA created a platform for me. But let me quickly say this: I didn’t read Theatre Arts in school because I saw that Nollywood had started booming. I knew what I wanted, I knew I wanted to be an actor since when I was in primary four. I had the vision from way back then.

What inspired you?

I used to watch those Cowboys and Indians movies on tv. I really wanted to be like them.

You mentioned a while ago that you also wanted to break into Hollywood, the movie capital of the world. Tell me, have you been able to achieve that aim after all these years in Nollywood?

Not exactly. You see, as the day progresses, you find out that priorities differ, so to speak. I am not as desperate for Hollywood as I was years back. I now feel that if I don’t help develop this system that we have here, at some point it might go down the drain. So some of us must help in as much as we have bigger ambitions. We must help the system, not just to evolve but also to have a footprint of what movies are all about. That’s where I stand right now. If I want to go to Hollywood now, it will have to be on a kind of collaboration arrangement. I don’t just want to let go of this environment. Yes, I want to make an impact in Hollywood, and also in the Asian movie industry for instance, so that we could incorporate or integrate Nollywood in the world spectrum.

Have you had offers so far?

Well, one or two but when the time comes, I’ll surely do it. But for now, like I said, going to Hollywood for me wouldn’t be through the back door. I see myself not just as a Nigerian brand but as an A-brand. So, if I must go to Hollywood, it must be as an import/export material. If it comes at that level, then it means that they put value on you. It’s just like if you want to bring in Hollywood artistes like Kevin Cosner and Tom Cruise to Nigeria. They are A-level actors so, they have got to understand this. The problem is just that some people who negotiate for us sell us cheaply and when they do this to us, Hollywood begins to look at us differently. Cruise can’t do what I do here and I can’t do what he does there, so there must be a platform where we can meet and accentuate each other for our good.

One thing many people feel works magic for you is your loverboy looks. In movies, your roles are mostly based on this fact. Do you enjoy playing this role. Don’t you atimes crave for tougher roles?

(Smiles) Well, I do not understand the “loverboy looks” you said I have, but it obviously shows that you have not watched a lot of my movies. With all modesty, I see myself as one of the very few versatile actors in Nigeria. I have played the good, bad and the ugly roles. Just name it, I’ve done it all. I have been a criminal, a policeman, lawyer, the lover boy you talked about, the Amadioha priest, a Catholic priest, etc. I have been very blessed because there have been very few actors who get such array of roles. So, people look at me and don’t know what to expect.

When you get a script, what is that thing you look out for that makes you want to feature in it?

Well, I want to see the message it has. The impact it has. Is it something that will teach the society? If it is voodoo movies, I honestly do not like associating with such. Yes, I did it in the past but lately, I do not want to be associated with it again because the reality is, those things don’t exist and Nollywood, sadly, helped to perpetrate such things. And I think Nollywood is helping to impoverish Nigerians.

Really?

Yes; because if you help to increase that myth, then the man down there thinks its real, ok? He doesn’t know that its mere special effects that you are using, some people don’t know this difference. In that regard, Nollywood has failed woefully. So, we must push our people to understand that we must go beyond this level. Some people now believe that you can use a babalawo (witch doctor) to become rich.
Tell me, how expensive can you be if one wants to hire you to do a movie?
Ha! It all depends. I can be nice, if it’s my friend. If it’s strictly business you’ve got to be ready to part with something to have me on board. I tell you, it’s got to be a seven-figure thing. Some of us have paid our dues, some of us have made the biggest hit. If you are a Ronaldo, you’ve got to be paid well so that you can show more skills and score more.

So, do you see yourself as Nollywood’s “Ronaldo?”

There are so many Ronaldos in the movie world. Even in the soccer world, we have Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, e.t.c. We’ve got great players and there is room for so many A-level players. In Nollywood, with all modesty, God has put one in that class.
A few years ago, you produced a movie entitled Take me to mama. It later generated a lot of controversies.

Why was it so?

There was no controversy. I don’t think any actor has produced a movie that made the kind of impact that movie made. You can quote me anywhere. In terms of sales, storylines, name it. It was a big hit. The first Nigerian movie to get a corporate endorsement in the Coca-cola level. It was marketed and promoted, by the NTA. I was the first non-Catholic to get the Catholic endorsement and the movie got eight nominations.

In what year was this and have you made a follow-up movie?

It was in 2003. And based on that success , I decided to raise the bar, so I made another called True Colour. You know, at this stage of my life, I realise that its not just about making money. You get to a stage when you want to change lives and leave a mark. So, I looked around me and saw that our society is suffering today principally because our image abroad is very bad... I tell people that our biggest problem is not corruption but our image. In every country in the world, you find corrupt people, but people don’t look at them as terribly as they look at us. And I thought that except we, the honest people, speak out, the bad people among us will continue to destroy our image.

So what do you think about the project Nollywood issue?

It is a one-off thing. What I mean is that the system should be what should affect the movie industry but what will go across board.
You’ve never been involved in the administrative aspect of Nollywood. I mean like Nollywood politics?
I don’t like politics. I am more of a social commentator.
I am making a difference in my own little way. If I have to change Nigeria’s image, Nigeria’s economy will change for the better. We are one of the most blessed countries in the world. There are very few things we lack as a country and we must harness those things. One of my greatest wishes is that Nigeria’s oil should dry up!

Why?

Because we’ve become a lazy people because of oil. Some nations are not as rich as Nigeria but they are better off.

Let’s go back to your primary call, movies, how many would you say you have featured in so far?

I can’t really put a number to it but if I must, it is over 60.

What is your candid opinion about Nollywood. Do you believe it is the third largest movie producing industry in the world?

In terms of quantity, but not quality. We must call a spade a spade. We are still evolving. Hollywood, I think, is close to 100 years, if not more. Bollywood is more than 60 and we are less than 16 years. The charlatans are almost fading off, and a time will come when real professionals will run Nollywood. Now, you’ll see some people who shoot movies for less than one week. My movie, True Colours, took four years. Even in Hollywood, if a movie is shot in one week, then know that they made plans for one year. We have the market and if we want to harness it, we should give the people quality movies.

Do you think you will make a better director?

I am an actor first, then a producer, followed by being a director. I direct my movies because it’s my vision and no one can do it better than I can.

How rich is St. Obi?

I can also say that God has been faithful and I can also drink garri when I want

What informs your style of dressing?

Simplicity. Some of us try to create levels, but I say there is nothing as such because they are all vanity. You just need to be yourself and be happy about it.
After all these years of being the “centre” of the lives of many women, who practically drooled over you, would you say you miss being single?
(laughs). There is nothing to miss. At every point, in terms of one’s life, one should be contented. Be happy. Nobody wants to be alone.

Where is your wife from?

I have told you, I do not want to discuss my private life

A few days from now, shouts of Happy New Year will rent the air. Real or imagined, give or take, 2008 was filled with events, with some people giving it strength of character.

Distinctively so, the happenings were either making or marring ones, but whichever way, it put words in our mouths and enlivened our lives.

Where were you when history was being written? Supposing you missed out on some of the defining moments /glorious of drawbacks, Showbiz leads you by hand through the street named history as a recap of activities takes centre stage and for those of you that were privy to it all, this is just a reminder that hey, 2008 rocked.

Anita Baker
The famed multiple Grammy award winning American songstress did the unexpected in August. It was her first visit to Nigeria when she disappointingly stood up scores of high-profile Nigerian personalities, including Stella Okoli, Toyin Subair, and Nike Ogunlesi, who had paid N50,000 each to watch her perform live at a show organised by Kilimanjaro Entertainment, thereby incurring their wrath.

In a shock last minute decision to boycott the show, Baker had the day before performed at a private party. The A-List that had turned out in their Sunday best for the command performance bemoaned the incident in loud tones.

Ebube Nwagbo
One of the most talked about actresses in 2008, she decidedly became more socially active in 2008. Arriving at events in heart thumping attire that put on display her curvaceous body, Nwagbo is purportedly close to Kingsley, one half of the crooning duo KC Presh. Though she has termed the report fallacious, the duo has been found in questioning postures and places.

Anita Joseph
The budding actress will give anything to have a shot at fame, including name dropping. She has featured in a few movies and is easily one of the most recognised up-and-coming actresses on account of her controversial stance.

Tonto Dikeh
Her fame soared in 2008, no thanks to her attention grabbing mannerisms. An old flame of Don Jazzy, she helped herself to some of his credibility, coupled with a few roles here and there in Nollywood to arrive at where she is today.

Toyin Aimakhu
Talks of a fiancée based abroad have not saved her the agony of being labelled a man snatcher. If she has played the role so well in movies, she will not fall short of your expectations in a real life drama. Ask Portia Yamahan.

Aremu Afolayan
Although he shares the good looks of his now deceased father, Ade Afolayan (aka Ade Love), one could not tell for sure if the former shared the latter's love for members of the opposite sex until the story broke in town that he was fishing in murky waters. At least, his rumoured alliance with the wife of a socialite turned thoughts in that direction.

Ayo Adesanya
The imminent split from her husband, Goriola Hassan came to fore in the year 2008 when the crossover actress could endure the beatings no more and scurried to safety.

Mercy Johnson
One of the fastest rising actresses, it was a good year for Johnson, as she featured in more films than she can conveniently learn by heart, asides taking several pleasure trips abroad. Her rumoured romantic liaison with crooner D'Banj that pitched her against Ruky Sanda, an up-and-coming actress, tainted her near scandal free year.

Uche Iwuji
Long before now, she has been labelled one of Nollywood's bad girls and the appellation stuck in 2008 as she courted more controversies and less goodwill. It is hoped that 2009 will unravel the many unresolved issues surrounding her.

Jim Iyke
Highly controversial movie bad boy shot fewer movies, but acted out more real life punching scenes. His co-actors include Emeka Ike and Olisa Adibua.

Maryann Apollo and Joy Agbor
The hitherto friendly pair became sworn enemies in the dying days of 2008. The former flatmates fell out swiftly over issues bordering on insensitivity and of course, man snatching.

Saheed and Fathia Balogun
Having dispensed their energies throwing accusations and counter accusations bordering on infidelity and wife battering, the disenchanted couple no longer cohabit. Fathia has found a new lease of life, courtesy of a sizzling romance with a foremost Yoruba movie marketer, as opposed to her husband, who has not realigned in the love department.

Alec Godwin and Kefee
Their messy separation put paid to beliefs that theirs was a match made in heaven. Branama exponent, Kefee and her music producer husband threw caution to the winds when they washed their dirty linen in the full glare of their fans.

Shan George and Momoh Osigwe
Twenty-six-year-old Osigwe and forty-something-year-old mulatto actress had been an item for upwards of two years when the centre began to disintegrate. George accused her former lover of a calculated attempt to defraud her. So messy was their break up that the police were involved.

Annie Macaulay
After recently delivering a baby girl in the United States of America, she now completes the trio of women, who have had children for 2face.

Just when bad belles thought she was down and out following an armed robbery induced miscarriage in the first quarter of this year, she bounced back into reckoning, spotting the tell tale signs of a second pregnancy.

Source:http://nigerianfilms.com

Veteran actress,Zainab Bukky Ajayi, says she is nearer to 70s than 50s. but she loves what she does for a living with passion.She converted to Islam in the early eighties and choose the name Zainab.

Her love for the theatre started as a young girl when her father used to take her to the cinemas."I used to tell him that one day I am going to be like one of those actresses, but unfortunately he never lived to see me become an actress,it's a pity but that's God's will. When I was a very young girl,my interest was so much that I used to do a cardboard sort of cinema for children, and I used to charge them half a penny to come and watch.

"Later, the opportunity came for her to study in England. She was abroad for six years, as a Federal government scholar.She left England and came back to Nigeria after her education in 1965 and started out working in Nigeria Television as a presentation assistant in 1966."Then we had an extremely good leader in Dr. Christopher Kolade,who was always monitoring what we do.

"Back then,we had this Thursday meeting, which all announcers all over the states must attend, and this kept all of us on our toes. Then it was not a question of being glamorous, because unknowingly, you will be recorded off transmission the night before the meeting, the tape will now be played back on that day whilst we are having the meeting, and the best part is that, a younger person who is just coming in will be asked to criticize you, so that kept all of us on our toes."

Afterwards,she became a presenter and then a news reader.She presented a couple of children's programmes and 'Nigerian's Sketches',a programme which was all about Nigerian culture,and Diran Ajijedidun of blessed memory was her producer.She was later transferred to Port Harcourt and later back to Lagos, and it was at that time she started her acting career.

She started with the 'Village Headmaster' in the 70's,and she later got a role in Amaka Igwe's 'Checkmate'.She has featured in so many home videos that she has lost count.Shooting of international film Critical Assignment in South Africa, is one of the events of her life that she will never forget."It gave me an opportunity to see how it is done elsewhere, other than Nigeria,where a movie is shot in five days. I went round the country. I saw how a star is treated.For once in my life, I was a star, I was treated as a star, and I believe I am a star.I had my own caravan with my name on it, my own car with a driver who doubles as my security man. And on days when I am not working the car is there to take me wherever I want to go. I had a lovely time, I enjoyed it and I said to my almighty Allah that Hollywood is the next step."