Some personalities in Nollywood have been in the news in the last one week. Here is a pick of those who have continued to be in the news…
Chidi ‘Scar’ Mokeme Is Still Trending
If Chidi Mokeme’s over the top performance in Shanty Town, the new series on Netfix has engaged fans since the series was released, the revelation on why he has been off the radar for a while now is likely to also engage fans.
The renowned actor who delightfully lived the role of ‘Scar’ in the series that was directed by Demiji Ajibola had revealed on a television programme recently that he took a short break off Nollywood because he had Bell’s Palsy, which is a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face.
Speaking on the programme, Mokeme said, “I came down with something called Bell’s Palsy; it was the first time I was hearing it. Bell’s Palsy comes like a stroke and it’s something that affects one side of your face and sort of gives you a drop. So, as an actor, if you come down with something that affects your face, you can imagine what I must have been going through that time.”
Although Mokeme didn’t say if the condition has been medically addressed, he noted that he stayed off Nollywood, because he had to take time off to try and sort out the problem.
“So, in the meantime, I just focused on doing my other business,” he added.
Asked elsewhere if he is back on the beat, he snapped and replied, “I am back.”
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EVEN though he took the decision to revert to his father’s religion Islam almost two weeks ago, fans and even colleagues of the filmmaker AbdulRasheed Bello, who is popular as JJC Skillz, have made his decision a talking point. Some folks took to the comment section of a popular blog during the week, to advance reasons why they think the estranged ex-husband of popular actress Funke Akindele took the decision.
While majority acknowledged that the singer has a right to choice of religion, a few suggested that JJC Skillz took the decision to foreclose any plan to have him re-united with his actress ex-wife. There were those who suggested that he might have found a new lover who is Muslim. But JJC has consistently maintained that God designed it for him to return to Islam.
Speaking with Muslims News, an Islamic platform, JJC who announced his separation from Funke Akindele in June 2022, revealed that he was originally born into a Muslim family but he never practiced it as he chose to follow the faith of his mother.
He also said, “It is God’s design that I will return to Islam. I thank Allah for sparing my life. I am so happy I found Islam again because it has given me peace. It has given me direction and focus. I was truly lost but now, I am found.”
Kunle Afolayan’s Ijogbon Is Coming
IF you have been wondering why prolific filmmaker, Kunle Afoloyan, has been missing in social circles lately, wonder no more. The actor, director and producer, has commenced principal photography on his new film titled Ijogbon.
Written by award winning screen writer Tunde Babalola, the movie is promoted as a coming-of-age family adventure about four teenagers from a rural community in South West Nigeria who stumble on a bag full of diamonds and conceal it, much to their regret. Starring some of the industry respected actors, including Sam Dede, Yemi Solade, Yemi Sodimu, Femi Branch, Tana Adelana, Gabriel Afolayan, Bimbo Manuel, Adunni Ade and Dorathy Bachor, the Netflix film will be directed by Kunle Afolayan.
According to Afolayan, the new movie will explore human emotions defined by peculiar cultural belief and cultural background. A source close to the filmmaker hinted that shoot, which will predominantly take place at the KAP Film Village in Oyo, South West Nigeria, will span three months.
Queen Blessing Ebigieson Mobilizing Nollywood For Peace Anyiam-Osigwe
IF you are a producer in Nollywood or a leading player and you have not received any message via whatsapp from the producer, philanthropist and Vice President of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) Queen Blessing Ebigieson, then the dutiful VP of the AMP probably doesn’t have your contact.
The actress has been up and doing, trying to mobilise the industry to give a befitting farewell to the President of AMP and Founder of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, who passed on in Lagos on January 10.
Queen Blessing recently set up a whatsapp group for the purpose of mobilising the industry and resources for a befitting industry night of tribute for the creative amazon, who was not only the President of Association of Movie Producers, but also the President of the Federation of Registered Nollywood Guilds and Association of Nigeria.
Planned as an all-white industry night of tribute, Queen Blessing disclosed that the event, which will begin at 4pm and closes at 7pm, will hold on February 2, 2023, at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
“The AMP is working with the Federation of Guilds and Association to give our biggest Icon a farewell befitting her status,” she said.
Celebration Of Life For ‘Stand-in Papa Ajasco’ Femi Ogunrombi
THE family of the late actor, musician and music teacher Femi Ogunrombi, has announced that the remains of the ethnomusicologist will be laid to rest on February 8, 2023, after a funeral at SDA Church, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos.
The late Ogunrombi who became notable after he featured for about two years as the stand-in for the comic character, Papa Ajasco, in the popular Papa Ajasco series by Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), passed on, on January 14, at age 63. A well sought after music composer, arranger and conductor, Ogunrombi trained as a nurse, but studied Music at the Obafemi Awolowo University. Ogunrombi served as a music instructor at the National Troupe of Nigeria between 1993 and 1998, and was a major part of the troupe’s theatrical exploits.
A service of songs at SDA Church, Lekki Phase 1, will precede the interment ceremony on February 8 according to a notification signed by David Abiola Ogunrombi on behalf of the family.
