The Guardian (Nigeria)

Around And About Nollywood In One Week

- By Shaibu Husseini

It s a new week and some Nollywood practition­ers are in the news...

SSteph- Nora Okere Rebounds With Executive Premiere of Roberta TEPH- NORA Okere’s movie, Roberta, which the actress produced with funding support of the Bank Of Industry Nollywood Fund is ready and the Imo State- born actress and star of critically acclaimed Nollywood movies such as, Indecent Girl, Angels Forever, Lagos Babes and Sharon Stone, is leaving no stone unturned in her bid to deliver an executive premiere on February 17 at the Silverbird Galleria in Abuja. Originally directed by Ema Odosio, Roberta is a message of hope, which centres on a music talent. “The movie sends a clear message of hope. You can be whatever you want to be irrespecti­ve of your past or challenges in front of you. That s the message in this thrilling encounter, Steph- Nora explained, adding the movie stars actors such as, Kalu Ikeagwu, Somkele Iyamah Idhalama, Wale Ojo and Nigerian dance queen, Kaffy.

Fans Eagerly Await Kunle Afolayan’s Series

IAnikulapo T’s still early in the year and usually practition­ers use this period to take stock. But the buzz in moviedom is that Kunle Afolayan s Anikulapo - Rise Of The Specter - the 4 part Netflix original series by KAP Motion Pictures, in partnershi­p with Golden Effects Pictures, is ready. The series is a sequel to the award- winning Netflix original movie, Anikulapo. The series takes viewers on a journey through time, exploring the concept of reincarnat­ion and the idea that souls are connected across lifetimes. Rise of the specter welcomes back some of the old cast of the original movie Anikulapo and introduces new actors such as Lateef Adedimeji, Owobo Ogunde, Gabriel Afolayan and Titi Kuti and other exciting characters. Owobo Ogunde, who is based in the UK, is son of the late doyen of Nigerian Theatre Chief Hubert Adedeji Ogunde. The highly anticipate­d series will be released on March 1, .

Pa Dejumo Lewis Finally Journey off Stage

THERE was a massive turn out of quality guest at the Requiem Mass held at St Leo Catholic Church in Ikeja on Thursday in honour of the late actor and broadcaste­r Pa Dejumo Lewis. The mass for the late actor, who is famous for playing the role of Kabeyisi in the defunct and the remake version of the long rested Nigerian Television Authority Series Village Headmaster, attracted senior and junior colleagues such as Ibidun Alison ( Amebo of defunct Village Headmaster), Bimbo Oloyede, Semore Badejo, as well as friends, associates and family members from home and abroad. Born Adejumoke Lewis, but popularly known as Dejumo Lewis, the remains of the Erijiyan Ekiti- born actor was laid to rest on Friday February 2, in Lagos. Light dimmed on the veteran actor on December 23. He was aged 80. A cultural activist and one who is passionate about cultural communicat­ion, Dejumo, star of critically acclaimed screen production­s such as, A Place in the Stars, Otelemuye and Agogo Eewo, played the role of Oloja of Oja until the programme that was created by the late Chief Segun Olusola as a radio programme in 1958 was rested in the early 80 s. When it was recalled in 1984, Dejumo was given the opportunit­y to bring the programme back to life as producer. When it was recently recalled by Wale Adenuga Production­s, Pa Dejumo also got his role back as Oloja of Oja. With his passing, Pa Adejumo swells the list of other prominent members of the original cast and crew of the Village Headmaster that have passed on. Chief Elsie Olusola ( Sisi Clara) passed on over three and half decades ago. Others who have transited include Chief Wole Amele ( Councilor Balogun), Sam Agbebi ( Lawyer Iyanda), Chief Funso Adeolu ( Chief Eleyemi), Joe Layode ( Teacher Garuba), Jab Adu ( Bassey Okon), Chief Femi Robbinson, Ted Mukoro, Chief Justus Esiri, Jimmy Johnson and Yinka Ogundaisi.

Garlands Still Pouring In For Prince Jide Kosoko At 70

THOUGH he clocked 70 on January 19, garlands have continued to pour in for the legendary actor and producer, Prince Jide Kosoko. Sources close to the Prince of Lagos hinted that the veteran actor of vast credit has continued to receive garlands and unwrap gifts that have come from home and abroad on the occasion of his 70th birthday. The source also squealed that the actor has asked that some of the letters he received from prominent Nigerians including that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu be framed and hung in his expansive living room. The source also said that Kosoko has reserved a special position for the frame that will contain the letter of best wishes he received from his family of Isale Eko Descendant Union ( IDU). The IDU had extended warm congratula­tions to the iconic actor as he

celebrated his birthday, saying the actor has projected the ancient city in positive light. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, the union said the milestone is a testament to Kosoko s incredible contributi­ons to the Nigerian entertainm­ent industry and his unwavering commitment to the arts. The group, which aptly described Prince Kosoko as a true Omo Pataki , who has continued to preserve the dignity of the revered Eko royalty, added that Kosoko has proven to be a distinguis­hed figure, not only for his inimitable talent as an actor but also for his versatilit­y and dedication to the world of film and theatre. The group submitted that Kosoko s artistic endeavours have become a source of pride for the Isale Eko community and the entire nation. “Beyond the glitz and glamour of the entertainm­ent industry, Kosoko s commitment to cultural and community engagement­s further solidifies his status as a cultural ambassador. May this milestone birthday celebratio­n be a beacon of joy, reflecting the impact of a career that has touched the lives of many the group said in the statement. Congratula­tions Prince. We at moviedom wish you continued success, good health, and happiness in the years ahead.”

 ?? ?? Owobo Ogunde on set of anikulapo series
Owobo Ogunde on set of anikulapo series
 ?? ?? Steph- Nora Okere
Steph- Nora Okere
 ?? ?? Dejumo Lewis
Dejumo Lewis
 ?? ?? Jide Kosoko
Jide Kosoko

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