Nollyst rz Magazine
ABOUT US
MEDIA
INTERVIEWS
King Solomons Mind
CONTACT US
ABOUT US
Presidents Message The Distinctive Premier of NollyStarz MagazineA Message from the PresidentNonso Ikenna Okudo It is with great humility and love that I gladly present to you the first edition of NollyStarz Magazine. We have carefully gone through crannies and Corners to bring you the best of Articles, stories, events, movies, music, Arts, Health, culture and drama that is embedded in this great umbrella called Nollywood. It is obvious that the industry has graduated to be the worlds number 2 greatest Movie industries in the world. This is a great achievement considering the difficulties the industry has been through in the past years. Our aim at NollyStarz Magazine is to filter through the negativity of Nollywood and bring you the best that the industry has to offer. It is very remarkable to note that the achievements were a result of individual efforts. Much Kudoss to the producers, Marketers, Artiste, Make-up artistes, location managers, and the entire Nollywood crew. Their combine efforts speak for Nollywood all over the world. In this edition, we decided to give you the best photo collection of our A-list actor, the stone cold gentleman, the pride, honour and heart of Nollywood, Mr Ramsey Tokunboh Nuoah. We also revisit the Nuptial knot between a Nollywood icon pretty Ms. Ini-Edo and a U.S. based business man Mr. Phillip Ehiagwina. Although this news is fading away in the media, our fan bases are still eager to see the pictures. This wedding took place n Houston, Texas. We do hope you find it faultless and enjoy it. We also visited the premier of a Ghanaian movie at Howard University in Washington, D.C. We shared a wonderful moment with a Ghanaian super star, Ms. Nadia Buari. It was a great moment and we do hope you enjoy it, as well. The industry cannot be complete without the great genre of musicians. This edition, we kindly show you the making of a video of an outstanding Artiste Tuface Idibia as he celebrates his 10th year anniversary. Its a never seen before classic pictures of 2Baba doing his thing with his crew. Included among the features in this edition is an Article on health titled Prostate Cancer in Men. We also share tid-bits straight from Nollywood, I heard it through the Grapevine column, as well as Nollywoods tribute to the king of Pop. Hollywood stars adore Nollywood, King Solomons mind, Nollystarz hot shots, Stephanie Okerekes interview and much more. We hope you enjoy this edition and we promise that the best of Nollywood is alive in NollyStarz Magazine. Remain blessed. If you have any comments for the president, kindly send them to nollystarzmagazine_gmail.com
MEDIA
Articles
NOLLYWOOD ACTOR FRED ASEROMA ACCUSED OF BEATING WIFE SILLY.....Nollywood actor, Fredrick Akpowene Aseroma, was on Friday, March 26, 2010, arrested and detained at the Ojodu-Abiodun Police Division, Ogun State Command, over allegations of beating his wife, Blessing Aseroma, who he has been married to for 10 years.Mr. Aseroma, 40, along with his younger brother, Temotighe, 30, was detained after they both allegedly tried to strangle Mrs. Aseroma, 38, bruised her arm and almost stripped her naked because she reported them to a non-governmental womens rights organisation, Project Alert.Cant take it anymoreI went to Project Alert on Wednesday (March 24) because that same morning, they both beat me until the neighbours intervened. What caused it then was that our children have been out of school because of non-payment of school fees, Mrs. Aseroma said.The wife, who has three children for Mr. Aserome, claimed that the husband has always been abusive right from the University of Lagos, where they both schooled.Even in school, he had been beating me. But I thought that it would stop and things would change. I dont know why I tolerated it. I guess because of love I overlooked everything, said Mrs. Aseroma, a graduate of History.State of shockThe executive director of Project Alert, Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, said Mrs. Aseroma came to the NGO in a state of shock. She said it was evident that, over the years, the lady had lost her self-esteem, as a result of the physical and psychological abuse suffered.We invited her husband to try and resolve the issue, but he refused to come. We have now taken the case up with the police. Her case is a very sad one, and a reminder that women are being abused at an alarming rate. So now its about naming and shaming people who violate women, Mrs. Effah-Chukwuma said.
News
Naija acts making waves in Hollywood By KATE HALIM Today, many Nigerian actors and actresses are mega stars in Hollywood. Many of them; men and women, have withstood different challenges fighting for what they believe in, their dream. Faced with stiff competition and at times, racial discrimination, these worthy Nigerian embassadors are still making the country proud with their talents abroad. Kae-Kazeem Daily Sun spoke with some of these artistes recently on how they have been faring and making their marks in the American motion picture, known as Hollywood. Rick Famuyiwa- Director Famuyiwa is a Director who was born on June 18, 1973. He made his debut as feature film director with The Wood from an original script he developed at The Sundance Institute. Recently, Famuyiwa served as one of the writers on the upcoming film, The FightingTemptations and he is currently writing a script entitled Feeling Aretha for Fox Searchlight which he will also direct. Famuyiwa played Division I basketball for USC where he was a double major in Cinema/Television Production and Critical Studies. During his senior year at USC, he wrote and directed his critically-acclaimed thesis film Blacktop Lingo, a 12-minute short film about basketball. In 1996, the film was one of only 29 films selected from 1,500 submissions to be screened at the Sundance Film Festival and it earned Famuyiwa the distinction of becoming the first undergraduate from USC to ever have a film shown there. His movies include Brown sugar and the wood, and Our family wedding. Hakeem Kae Kassim - Actor Kae-Kazim is a Nigerian. He grew up in South Africa as an actor. He lives in Los Angeles, California, US. Born on October 1,1962, Hakeem is best known for his role as warlord and terrorist Colonel Ike Dubaku on the television movie 24: Redemption (2008) and Season 7 of the action series 24 (2009). He also made a notable guest appearance as Emeka in the 5th episode of Season 3 of the television series Lost, entitled The Cost Of Living, in 2006. In 2007, he was seen in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End, The Jinn, Hurricane in the Rose Garden, and Big Fellas. Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje - Actor Agbaje was born in August 1967. He has a Masters degree in Law and speaks Swahili and Yoruba. Agbajes first time on camera was in Mary J. Bliges Love No Limit in 1993. Almost at the same period, he appeared in the video for the Pet Shop Boys hit song Jealousy in which he played the part of a roguish adulterer. He is best known for portraying the criminal Simon Adebisi in the HBO prison series Oz, and Mr. Eko on ABCs survivor drama Lost. He has numerous films to his credit since he began acting in 1994. He has appeared in many top movies, including The Bourne Identity, in which he played a deposed African dictator, Lock-Nah in The Mummy Returns, and Heavy Duty in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. He also said he would direct a movie on himself. On Friday August 14, 2009 Adewale starred in the second episode of season 8 of Monk. He also acted in Get rich or die trying. Chiwetel Ejiofor - Actor Ejiofor was born in Londons Forest Gate to Nigerian parents who hailed from the Igbo ethnic group. He was born on July 10th, 1974. His father, Arinze, was a doctor, and his mother, Obiajulu, a pharmacist. He started acting plays in school at the age of 13 at Dulwich College and joined the National Youth Theatre and played the title role in Othello at the Bloomsbury Theatre in September 1995, and again at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow in 1996 when he starred opposite Rachael Stirling, who played Desdemona Movies. His movies include Dirty Pretty things and American gangster. He equally acted alongside Denzel Washington in Inside Mani (2006). Carmen Ejogo - Actor Born and raised in London, Ejogo is the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Ejogo Douglas. She was born on January 1, 1974. Her father is a Nigerian entrepreneur and her mother, a Scottish tour guide. During her childhood, Ejogo said her mother was very active. Her younger brother, also called Charles, was the first successful candidate on the British version of the business reality television programme Dragons Den. Sophie Okonedo-Actress Born in London to a Nigerian father and a British mother on January 1, 1969. Okonedo was 18 years old when she came across an advertisement for a writers workshop in Time Out magazine. It didnt take long for Okonedo to realize that she was more proficient in offering dramatically rendered readings of her fellow classmates stories than penning her own, and with the encouragement of writing coach Hanif Kureishi, the aspiring actress was busy honing her skills at the Royal Court Theater. A scholarship to the Royal Academy was quick to follow, and in the succeeding years, Okonedo would earn glowing reviews for her many other roles, her stunning performance in Shakespeares Troilus and Cressida. Some of her television productions are: The Governor, Deep Secrets, Hotel Rwanda (2004) and In Defence. She is also Jewish, her recent movie is Skin (2009). Ene Oloja - Actress She was the no-nonsense, stern looking elder sister of Nosa in Behind the Clouds, a Nigerian soap in the 1980s. She was recently in the Brave One alongside Jodi Foster. Ene Oloja migrated to the United States in 1991 and her career has been largely quiet since 1993 when with other professionals, she staged a theatre production entitled, Echoes from the Diaspora, telling a powerful story of the experiences of immigrants of colour in the West. She is the first home- made Nigerian actress to be cast alongside an Oscar Award winner. The likes of Ene Oloja who were forerunners of the booming Nigerian film industry, could play a bridge-building role by drawing the attention of Hollywood to the avalanche of Nigerian theatre practitioners and film professionals. Yemi Ajibade - Actor A lot of people might not have heard of him but he has been acting in Hollywood for a while. His movies include Flawless in 2007 and Dirty pretty things. Ebbe Bassey - Actress Born in the Bronx and raised in Calabar. She is also making her impact felt in Hollywood. Her movies to date include: Snitch, Taboo, and the series NYPD blue and Law and Order.
Videos
In what must be the biggest piece of news to hit the entertainment scene this year, it has been revealed that two of Nigerias biggest stars in the music and film industry DBanj and Genevieve Nnaji are reportedly in a sizzling hot romance! Our sources reveal that the two have been meeting on the down low for sometime now but unfortunately some eagle-eyed journalists gotwind of it and tried to black mail them in a bid to make some quick money. It was then that Dbanj decided that rather than being blackmailed he would come out with the news. He granted an interview to gist merchant, the effervescent Stella Dimoko-Korkus of Stellas Groove. Find bellow some excerpts.SDK: So you are in a relationship with her and you used her for the shooting of the video of ''fall in love''.you must have been looking at her whilst you were singing.were you really telling her your feelings?were you just singing or talking to her?DBanj: ....I am in love with Genevieve, its been long I felt this way about anyone. I dont know what other words to use to qualify my feelings but when you see the video,you will know that its not just a video,it was me talking to my girl for real.SDK-Dbanj you have been reportedly spotted with a lot of ladies,you have supposedly dated high profile celebrities,they say you are into sexual orgies,you like to have sex before you go on staget to perform and after .Why have you chosen to step out with Genevieve Nnaji officially as a couple?DBanj: ...None of them have has been true,like you said ''rumoured'' but it is Genevieve and this is the first time because this is the truth.
Articles
News
Videos
Articles
News
Videos
INTERVIEWS
Page 1
Nouah Ramsey Nouahs face is better known around the black and African world than the face of the president of Nigeria. Born in July 1973, his face has sold many Nigerian home movies at home and abroad. Ladies melt with love for him, especially for his numerous lover boy roles in romantic movies. This writer has chased him across three continents just to have this conversation. Ramsey was in the US at the inauguration of the Filmmakers Association of Nigeria, USA, and that gave Naijarules.com editor Sola Osofisan an opportunity to sit him down. Now, lets unwrap the Ramsey Nouah you have never seen.Sola Osofisan: Mr. Nouah, I see you here in the gym. Do you work out regularly?Ramsey Nouah: I try to.S.O.: And what does it do for you? Is it to keep the belly in (laughing)?R.N.: Oh yes. Absolutely. You have to like stay fit to be an actor actually. You must. In our profession, you cant have (a) port belly or a paunch. Its not good for the profession at all.S.O.: The staying fit aspect of it Do you need energy to be an actor? Why is staying fit important aside of the looks and the physical fitness part of it? Why is it important?R.N.: As an actor, there are so many things you can be called to do. In Nigeria, were not big; the industry is not big enough to have a body double in doing some of your stunts and all that and some very dangerous parts. But if youre fit, then you will be able to go through it. And then if you have the heart too of course.S.O.: Whats the wildest stunt youve done?R.N.: Oh, I cant rememberS.O.: Just tell me one or two that youve done.R.N.: Ive done quite a few. I actually tried Zach Orji directed that one. It was in Ghana. I jumped from a story building down. Then I tried to like save a woman from an oncoming car and it was pretty risky. It was pretty close. And then in My Lover, I was thrown in a 15ft deep well, artificially dug well. What else? Cant remember Ive done so many stunts: jump, fall, break, bruises and stuff like that.S.O.: Its all so risky. Do you think actors should be doing their own stunts?R.N.: I like to do my own stunts. S.O.: You love taking risks apparently.R.N.: Yes.S.O.: Is taking risk an outlook of yours to life? Do you take risks in things that you do?R.N.: Well, life is all about risks. In business, physically, however you wanna put it, its all about risks. You take risks sometimes you dont even know. Sometimes you do know. The ones you know, you fear. And if you dont fear, you go ahead and do it.S.O.: And do you fear anything?R.N.: Yes, God. S.O.: What role is God playing in your life?R.N.: The role that he made me what I am today and who I am and whom I will ever be till I die. S.O.: Your name, Ramsey Youre Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah, Jr. Where is the Tokunbo there from? In addition, explain your name.R.N.: Yeah, Ramsey is my fathers name. Hes the senior. Im the junior. Thats why you have Ramsey Nouah, Jr. The Tokunbo was Of course my grandmother gave it to me. Thats my mothers mother. I adopted the name when I was having problems with Nigerian government because they needed for me to get a passport, certain business registered and all that they needed to know if I was a true Nigerian or a foreigner because of the name. So I had to adopt Tokunbo.S.O.: But you know you look more foreigner than Nigerian.R.N.: Yes.S.O.: Has that worked in your favor?R.N.: Em I wouldnt know. A lot of people believe that colored guys are highly highly endowed as in God Its a mixture of two races and it shows that theyre always very very healthy and strong. Even scientists said so. Now, its helped me, yes, in that aspect of life. I hardly ever fall sick. I dont know, but I hardly ever fall ill.S.O.: Has it helped you in your movie career? I mean the mixed race nowR.N.: Em, would I say help? S.O.: I really mean has it been useful. I dont mean help in the actual sense of the word.R.N.: (HESITANTLY). Maybe. Just maybe. As a light skinned fella, you sort of like cut across somehow very quickly amongst the black race, you know, in Nigeria. Because Im light skinned, in everything people quickly get to notice me. I mean if I walked alongside most of my colleagues, Id be picked out by fans from a distance (before) they will ever pick my other colleagues like Emeka Ike, Jim Iyke Because they are dark you know. Because Im light skinned, Im walking along ah, thats Ramsey Nouah. They quickly know me. So, sometimes, its good. Sometimes its not.S.O.: Have you ever felt like youre in competition with some of the other big name actors in any way?R.N.: Competition, yes, possibly. Rivalry, no. S.O.: Okay, maybe competition is for the heart of the ladies? (Laughter).R.N.: (Laughing) I really do not know.S.O.: They call you Lover boy. What does it feel like? Even right here, there are ladies hanging around looking at you, waiting for a chance to talk to you What does it feel like?R.N.: Its just the same way they would like to have a chance to talk to Jim Iyke, Emeka Ike, RMD and the rest of them. Were TV personalities. I dont think theres anything special to it particularly (smiling as the ladies around freak out) that theyre really interested in or something. S.O.: But its very flattering?R.N.: (Playfully modest) Maybe (Laughter).S.O.: Hes being very modest. (laughter). Ramsey, back to your name briefly, there are different spellings of it. Give us the real spelling of your last name.R.N.: Nouah.S.O.: So there is a U there.R.N.: Theres U.S.O.: Good. Lets wrap up this issue of the mixed race before moving on. Your mom is from where and your dad is from where?R.N.: My mom is from Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria and my father is Isreali.S.O.: And you grew up in Nigeria or where?R.N.: I grew up in Nigeria, on the streets of Nigeria.S.O.: What streets specifically? Maybe we can go to that area to pick up the talents that you haveR.N.: Ebute Meta for a start. Thats where I started. Then I moved on to Surulere.S.O.: Surulere I grew up in Surulere too. I never met you.R.N.: I was inconspicuous at the time. (Laughter).S.O.: You walked into this Ralph Nwadike soap opera and you just walked into the lap of stardom. And over the years you have grown as an actor as you got more experience. Tell us the story of your evolution from that soap opera was it Palace?R.N.: No, it was Fortunes.S.O.: I saw that episode when you came in. I saw the beginning and I see you here today as a different person. Tell us the story of that evolution please.R.N.: Alright. Em I had this fan I still have the fan. She looked at me and said We get to talk and laugh a lot and Jill can crack all kinds of jokes. And then she looked at me and said Ramsey, youre just an actor. Shes always saying that you know. Sometimes I go ahead and I tease her and I look at her and I laugh. She said I could act in one of these soaps in Nigeria. And I said me, Ramsey? Why would I want to act in Nigeria? Abeg. If I was going to act at all, let me be in Hollywood, let me look at my idols at the time you know: Stallone, Schwarzennegger and the rest of them. She now said something that really motivated me, something that actually changed my point of view, which was Ramsey, charity begins at home. Now, thats a very normal phrase and line. Apparently, it worked perfectly well for the scenario at the time and I looked at it and I said to myself, thats true. If youre going to do something at all, you have to start from somewhere. You have to build it from somewhere. Like Johnnie Walker says, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I went over to see her again and said this soap opera thing, lets go. Alright. We went and we did some few things and all that and that was in 19990. In 1991, she took me to Ralph Nwadikes then, it was Zeb Ejiros office somewhere in Oyekan Street, in Aguda. And then we walked in and there was this soap going on for Fortunes at the time. It wasnt running. We were about shooting the pilot. And they said okay they wanted this role and I performed and Ralph Nwadike just screamed like this is the guy Im looking for. This is the guy Ive been waiting for. Well, I laughed.S.O.: I can picture him saying that.R.N.: And so that started my fame, my stardom, what I am and what Ive become today. So we got into the soap. The soap We shot a pilot in 91 but the soap didnt get to go on air until like 93. It ran for just a year due to logistic problems and all that, and then it became defunct. And then, about two years thereafter came the advent of home video. And then I was in (some) home videos.S.O.: Which was the very first one you did?R.N.: Well, I did a few which were not like major roles (before) I now hit my major, which was Silent Night. After Silent Night, I now shot another major which was Blind Trust. S.O.: A lot of people remember Silent Night.R.N.: Yeah. It was a fantastic story and movie.S.O.: Over the years, you have exploded in terms of your acting capabilities, range and depth. How did this come to be? Is it that you have had more experience or you were able to dig deeper to become characters? What happened?R.N.: Fortunately for us, we shoot movies like no man in the world, you know (laughing). We churn out movies and that gives you very quick adaptation to professionalism. I shot quite a number of movies and with each movie, I grew, became matured and got professional. Now, within all these times, I learnt along the way mannerisms, gestures, eye contact, lines, modulation and several other things that makes you a good actor and makes you deliver properly. That is how I have come to become what I am.S.O.: I look at you and I feel envy. I mean you have everything: fame, youre well paid so you have some fortune, you have a family youre happy with, and you have all the girls. (General laughter). What does it feel like to have everything?R.N.: (Laughing). It feels good to have everything. But sometimes, its usually not always good to have everything. Trust me. If you walk a mile in my shoes, then you would probably hand me back my shoes. (Laughing). S.O.: Is there anything else youd like to have that you dont have right now? Something you would like to be able to do that youre not doing right now?R.N.: Well, I wish that I could have my privacy, my life back without the fame. Yeah, I wish so.S.O.: Why would you want that back?R.N.: Well, because I dont know. Somehow, Im not enjoying the life of stardom. You have no life. You live for the people. You live for everybody. You live for everybody. Nobody thinks about you. Nobody cares about you. They just want from you. Particularly where I come from where we do not have enough money and fortunes to take care of certain needs and stuffs, its a bit difficult. Some people might enjoy it. Some of my other colleagues might like it, but for me, its not really rosy. I just wish I was an ordinary Maybe a businessman, a pilot, engineer, whatever Who gets his salary, does his work, has his family, and lives a normal life without the fame. S.O.: Ramsey, theres a whole load of people out there who would like to be what you are today.R.N.: Oh yeah, like I said, I would like them to walk a mile in my shoes. S.O.: Is this like what The price we pay for fame?R.N.: You could say that. You could say that. S.O.: Are you happy?R.N.: Yeah, I am. I am. I try to be. (Laughing). I mean I have no choice. If I think about Its not as if its that bad. No, its not as if the fame is so terrible and all that, its weighing me down, no. Its just that I wish, I just only wish I could have my normal life back without the fame. Theres something about we humans, alright? I long for my life without fame, but at the same time, if I go out and Im not being recognized at certain times, I feel bad sometimes. Its just the human nature, but deep down in me, I wish I wasnt recognized sometimes in places.S.O.: So fame is a lot of hard work?R.N.: Yes. I mean in Nigeria, yes. From where were starting from, the recognition we have supercedes what we have as a financial base. It supercedes it absolutely, so the fame is a lot much more than what we have.S.O.: An initiative like this, the Filmmakers Association of Nigeria, USA, event that brought you to the US hopefully will help repatriate some of the money spent on Nigerian movies here to the producers in Nigeria who will now be able to pay actors better. Is that how you also see the FAN event?R.N.: Oh yes, I see the FAN event without a doubt creating a new avenue, you know I mean this is a new horizon to the Nigerian home video. I wanna thank them most profusely for the event, for taking this step, the Nigerians who got together in America to try and make our community and our industry and culture grow. Its a big thing. Its very very big. Were hoping. Were not looking right now at what we will get from it like financially. Were not looking at that. Were just looking at expanding our horizon away from the African continent and beyond. Thats what were doing. If it does increase the artistes fee, to God be the glory.S.O.: Talking about expanding your horizon now, how far do you want your acting to take you?R.N.: Oh, take me? (Laughing).S.O.: I think youve already conquered Nigeria and Africa. So what else would you like to do as an actor?R.N.: Okay, as an actor, I think Ive gotten to a point where Im satisfied and sufficed with what I am and what Ive become. As a director, no. I want to direct movies. I want to make impressions, you know, pictures and do stuffs like Mel Gibson did with Passions of The Christ. Hes an actor and now hes directing and hes a great director. And he directed Braveheart too. It was a fantastic movie. Tremendous movie.S.O.: Is this always a natural progression - for the actor when he gets to a particular point to want to become a director?R.N.: (Laughing) I do not know. I really cant speak as regards that. Now, like you (know), Denzel Washington too has directed too, you know. Its just that as an actor, if for you, youre lucky to have a bit of directorial ability in you, as an actor you see certain shots from particular points of view that some times, whoever is directing you will not see and you wished you could ask for that shot, and you wished you could make that shot possible. Do you understand me? So, given all these indices, you now look at it and say ah, alright, let me do it. Let me see if I can do it myself. With my contribution to the industry in all these years, Ive been able to learn things and tricks along the line. I can very well say when I do go into directing, Ill probably become a success.S.O.: So when will you go into directing?R.N.: When God calls.S.O.: And when God calls, what would we be seeing differently from your directorial perspective? What would you be doing differently from what they are doing right now?R.N.: Well, as it were, virtually everything is done. What would probably be different would be your storyyour storyline. Technically, I mean God! What else? Except I want to go sci-fi. (Laughing). And we dont have that yet in Nigeria. S.O.: Ramsey, you speak Yoruba?R.N.: Absolutely.S.O.: Say something to us in Yoruba.R.N.: Bawo le se wa? Ki lo n happen? (General laughter)S.O.: Your new movie, Tade Ogidans Dangerous Twins, is hyped all over the place. I hear there are huge billboards all over the place. I hear theyve already spent 4 million Naira at least on publicity alone. Tell us about it.R.N.: Tade is one hell of a risky businessman and director, but I like him. Hes a fantastic director. In fact, I could say categorically, that hes the best director in Nigeria technically and artistically. Its very rare for you to get a mixture of both in a director in Nigeria. They only have good technical director or a good artistic director. But having a mixture of both is rare and Tade is one of those directors that are like that. And hes also a very risky businessman. Tade is putting so much and everything he has in that movie. Weve always known him to be like that because even when he did Hostages, he sold his fathers cars and he almost sold his fathers house under him too to publicize the film. But one thing I know about him is that he believes so much in himself, which of course is a stepping stone, which of course is a great way of putting yourself in confidence that yes, I know what Ive done. I know if I even take everything Ive got, I will get it back because Ive done something good. Dangerous Twins is an awesome movie. Its off the hook. Its beyond the Nigerian imagination, beyond the Nigerian movies that youve already seen and all that. Im not boosting this movie out of its proportion in any way. Im saying it categorically that even when some of maybe Hollywoods very good, technically strong director sit down and watch Dangerous Twins and they hear its from Nigeria, Africa, they will probably stand up and give it an applause because its quite a good movie. Its the first movie of its kind in Nigeria where you see two characters I mean two guys, the same guys, standing one in one S.O.: Yes, the promotional CD was brought to me by some of our guys who came in from Nigeria. How did you guys achieve the effect of Ramsey talking to Ramsey?R.N.: Well, I dont know. (Laughing) Its Tades trick. S.O.: Okay, acting-wise, how did you achieve it? I mean you had to play the other twin, the mannerism had to be different, the acting and expressions, not just the costumes What was that like for you playing two people in the same scenes simultaneously?R.N.: That is the most demanding job I have ever done in my 14years in this industry. It was so tasking. It was so so exhausting. You know I was I dont know if I can explain it to you and you will probably understand. Were talking about you standing on this side and talking to an empty space, right? You have a different costume here and a different make-up. And then you have different gestures and different mannerisms. Now, you come back on the same shot! You do not change the shot you go change to the other guy, come back here and answer to everything this guy has said. And then you change back to that one That scene probably takes you a whole day. The scene where the two characters are involved, it takes you like a whole day. So sometimes you have to take a break because its so so demanding. I doubt if I will ever play a twin again.S.O.: Someone said to me that you said in passing and you just confirmed it now that the role in Dangerous Twins is the most challenging thing youve ever done. Is it just because you had to transit from one character to another that makes it so challenging, or the range of the characters now?R.N.: The range of the characters themselves. Yeah, physically, it was quite exerting, but now Im talking about the range of the characters because that way of course you show your ability, your versatility as an actor.S.O.: And you shot scenes in the UK for several weeks?R.N.: Yeah, we shot in different parts of the UK.S.O.: Then you shot in Nigeria too.R.N.: Yes. S.O.: This is the first time youre working with Tade Ogidan. What are you taking away from the experience thats different from what youve done with all the other people you have worked with?R.N.: Im taking away another side of professionalism. Tade taught me a lot on set. He is a very very patient director. He is not in a hurry to achieve and get the best. That also goes to say that possibly, you can also say that he has the money to take his time. But even if he doesnt have, he will still take his time. And thats one attribute Ive learnt. Its better to be calm, take things easy and get the best than rush and then bring out some rubbish. S.O.: Wrapping up now Ramsey. Theres a lot of crossover work going on. People are doing Yoruba movies, doing this and that. I dont know if youve done any. Ive never seen you in any.R.N.: Ive done a Yoruba movie. I was the first crossover actor from English to the Yoruba sector. And it was a tremendous success. Ive been called several times after that, but because I saw that it was very successful, I now said to myself, its better for me to shoot my own Yoruba film and make the money instead of me making the money for all these producers. And so I refuse to do other Yoruba movies. Thats why.S.O.: This is your first time in the US?R.N.: Oh yes. My first time.S.O.: Have we treated you right? Have you had fun here so far?R.N.: (Laughing). Well, you could say Ive had fun. Im still trying to adapt to (US time) jet lag and all the rest of it, but I know I will adapt to it. Its fun. America is not like Heaven like most people think in Nigeria. Its everywhere, you know. Ive been around Ive been to some parts of the world and this is my first time in America and I could say America is just like one of those other countries Ive been to. Nothing spectacular.S.O.: And the fans here Are they any different from the fans in Nigeria? Are we crazier?R.N.: Well, yes. The fans in Nigeria are already used to me, so they dont go Aggghhhhh! over me like that, you know (Laughing). The ones here are not used to me and they just see me in the movies and now they see me in life so I expect a reaction. Its okay, yeah. S.O.: You have a wife?R.N.: I do.S.O.: Whats your wifes name?R.N.: Emelia Philips-Nouah.S.O.: And you have a son? Daughter?R.N.: A son.S.O.: Whats his name?R.N.: Quincy Camil Nouah.S.O.: I know that information is going to break some hearts out thereR.N.: (Laughing). No, if I had the chance and if I had the money, I would actually marry all my fans. (More laughter).S.O.: Ramsey, just say anything you like to your fans out there in the international community. Remember that they are all over the world.R.N.: Oh yes. To all my fans, to all my loved ones out there, I wanna thank you. Like Ive always said, without you, there is no Ramsey Nouah and thats a fact, for real. I wanna tell you that you have to believe in something. When you believe in that thing, never give up on it, and that way, you will have a breakthrough. We all need a breakthrough in our lives. Everybody needs a breakthrough. Thank God for me, I have my breakthrough already. I know you will get yours if you just believe in it. Thanks and Shalom!S.O.: Thank you Ramsey.R.N.: Youre welcome Sola.
Page 2
Love is so sweetTop Nollywood actress/director, Stephanie OkerekeBY AZUH AMATUSSassy and sexy actress, Stephanie Okereke's tenacity, wit, intelligence, grace and natural acting abilities has no doubt earned her a reputation as one of the best actresses in Nollywood and indeed, the African continent.The graduate of English and Literary Studies, made a bold entry into Nollywood in 1997 and by 2003, had already won the Reel Awards Best Actress, for her superlative role in the movie "Emotional Crack. In 2005, she was a nominee for the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). On her way to AMAA, however, tragedy struck when she was involved in a fatal car accident that left her with a broken leg and burns on her face and hands. Determined and hard working Okereke, eventually bounced back in 2006, and won the Afro-Hollywood Awards and the Film Makers USA Award for Excellence. She continued her winning streaks in 2007, with the Miriam Makeba Award for Excellence and Beyond the Tears Humanitarian Awards, for her work against rape and vesico vaginal fistula and HIV/AIDS, in 2008. Okereke also studied film at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios, Los Angeles. As the honcho of Next Page Productions, she recently expanded her rich resume to include the titles of director; writer and producer with her first feature Hollywood-Nollywood blockbuster film, "Through the Glass," which will be hitting cinemas nationwide on September 16.Well-traveled Miss Okereke, in this exclusive chat with Daily Sun, spoke passionately on a wide range of issues, including her recent US award, latest movie, humanitarian projects, re-branding, love life and many more.You were recently honoured with a foreign award in the US. We would like to know more about that memorable event?I was told that I have been nominated for an award in the US by the organizers.But before then, I got a couple of awards last year when I premiered my movie,Through The Glass, in the US. I remember getting an award from the CaliforniaState Legislature and the City of Council. But the highpoint was the AfricanJewel Award, which I received alongside Chaka Khan, Monique and a whole lotof other foreign celebrities. Till date, I cannot say how I got the award, but I thinkit is from strong recommendation by people, based on the good works that I have beendoing for humanity.So, in essence, the award has opened up more doors of opportunities foryou, especially outside our shores?Yes, because it is a good thing and the fact that you are being appreciated forwhat you are doing. It feels good being recognized outside your shores. It wasalso a way of helping to promote Nigeria and Africa. It also afforded me theopportunity to meet a lot of people and make contacts too. It is a good thing, astepping stone and I have a feeling that I am also moving somewhere. I alsoknow that I am doing the best that I could do for myself and humanity.What was it like standing side by side with great names like Chaka Khan,Monique and the rest of them?Monique is very down to earth, Chaka Khan is so cool and Isaiah Washington isnice, but I had met him before the awards, so the award was our secondmeeting. In fact, our first meeting was in Sierra Leone, when he came to openhis foundation. Monique and I spoke a lot at the event. It was sweet and nicemeeting and talking with them. I hope to do something with them in the future.Did the award come with some monetary rewards?Do you want us to share the money? The fact that you were recognized in thatmagnitude was enough. On the humanitarian pedigree that it was given, oneshould not think about money.You and a few of your friends are planning to bring the famous NewYork Film Academy to Nigeria. When exactly are you doing this?Very soon, you are aware that I am an alumnus of the Institute, we are currentlydoing a lot for the smooth take off of the school, here in Nigeria. Lots of peopleare partnering with us. The response so far from people have been wonderful.Application is also in progress, just go to www.delyorkinternational.com We areon course and are looking at October or November for the full take off. DelyorkInternational, has Mr. Linus Idahosa as its Chief Executive Officer and I, asits Executive Director alongside other members of our team.Your first movie as a producer/director, Through The Glass, which wasshot in the US, is yet to hit the shelves almost two years after being completed.What is delaying it?No, it is not being delayed, it is coming out soon, in fact, by September 16,Nigeria and the world will have a feel of this great movie, first on cinemasnationwide. Our world premiere holds a week before the premiere. I amvery happy with this film. People longing for it, should go to any theatre or cinemanearer to them and watch the film. It will be on DVD, hopefully, after a month.What concerted efforts are you making to ensure that the September 16,release date for cinemas nation wide, would be grand and memorable?We are working round the clock and currently doing all the media campaigns andplans right now. The world knows we are working towards making that daygrand. We are very sure that people will love the movie when they see it. Wealso know that they will surely look out for more things coming out from nextpage production, which is our outfit.As a famous actress, you recently veered into directing, why?You as an actress, does not have full control most of the time. Especially,the final process of the work. I just felt that the best way for me to berepresented fully is by going behind the scene. However, I know I have flair fordirecting, so why do I have to restrict myself to only acting. I also know Ihave talent for various things. Besides, in this industry, we all need toimprove.I needed to actually diversify and go into other things, and also build newgeneration of people along the line. Then, whenever I worked with Izu Ojukwu,he tells me that I have the eyes for directing, and he knows that I respect him somuch. Truth is that I surprised myself with the kind of good work that I came outwith in Through The Glass. I started with a music sniper, which I put on YouTube, it was called the New Dawn, people watched and applauded my effort.How soon do you intend going behind the cameras to shoot another goodmovie?Right now, I am acting, because I am first and foremost an actress. I keeprotating from one job to another, as far as I can do it well. Very soon, I will beshooting a new move.In a nutshell, we would like you to tell us the story of Through The Glass?The move talks about commitment, responsibility, parental love to their childrenand the tings they say to them. It is a mixture of two cultures, and I had to addthe Nigerian angle to the film. I did so because most of the Nigerian films shot abroad,always portray our people as those always looking for visas or going abroadillegally. So, in my film I needed to present the Nigerian woman as strong,focused, determined and also knows why shes there, in the first place. I alsoportrayed the fact that most people do not understand what goes on in othercountries. It is a mixture of two cultures discovering themselves, trying tounderstand themselves. The title was because the lead act, a guy was goingthrough a lot of problems in his life and needed to see through himself. And ababy coming at that point in time in his life, made him see through the glass, ofall the things happening in his life. And he had to go out to find solutions or waysof dealing with the situation.In putting together this lovely movie, what did it cost you financially?We have spent quite a lot of money and we are still spending I cannot give anyexact figure until the film is released. We still have a lot of spending to do fromnow, till the movie is released.Was it wholly your funds or you collaborated with some financiers toshoot the movie?It is my money, which I also worked very hard for.You are the honcho of Next Page production, when was it established andwhat are the services rendered by this outfit?Next Page production was established in 96, it is also registered in the US. It is aproduction company and Through The Glass, is our first major production. Weare hoping to go into more productions and collaborations. We are exploring tosee how we can grow bigger and expand. We are also doing something called FantasticDate, a TV show on HITV, currently on every Tuesday 4-to-5 p.m. We haveproducers who always come up within ideas. We hope to do our second movieand a soap opera soon.Are you in support of the re-branding project of Prof. Dora Akunyili, in fact,are your views in tandem with the project?Well, I think she is a very dynamic woman, is just that in Nigeria, we are quick tocondemn, and say this is not working. The whole re-branding process is thework of all of us Nigerians. I think I do support it and with more of orientation of ourminds and our thoughts, it would definitely work. She has set it out, let us run with it. How do we start re-branding ourselves and changing our orientations? It is left for each andeveryone of us to see how we are going to change things around us. Yourfamily, environment, community and everything, even your work place and everysingle thing you do as a Nigerian. I think it is a fantastic idea and we just need togive it time for it to spread out, instead of condemning it. We really do need re-orientation in this country. We all sit down and complain always. We know theseproblems, but what are we doing to change them, nothing? We the citizens ofthis country do not even know our rights or the powers that we have. Agreed, thegovernment is not doing the work, but are we actually exercising our rights. Arewe actually calling the same government to order? Nobody is protesting orwanting to take the risk, we only sit indoors and protest. We are too scared.Collectively, we all owe it to this country to make sure that things change for thebetter. Let us focus on how we can change this country.Going down memory lane, when you had your very fatal accident, severalpeople thought that was the end of your career, but you eventuallybounced back stronger and better. What has been the secret of yourforging ahead, despite that challenge?Nothing much, just my belief in God and He has been merciful by saying no, thatthis would not happen to this wonderful little girl. He actually saved me. It is justHis mercy and favour. I am happy that I have a testimony right now. I thank Godfor His mercies, strength and love. Everyday I wake up, I beg and pray to Him togive me the direction to make the right decisions in my life. You know, for mysituation, you need to turn it around for your own good. All the people I metduring my accident were fantastic. The accident was yesterday, today and thefuture have a lot to offer me. I am very strong and happily going after all thegood things God has in stock for me.But then that you were lying critically at the hospital bed, did it ever occurto you that you were going to come out this fine and very strong, takinginto cognizance the magnitude of injuries you sustained?It is funny, it had different stages, when I was in Port-Harcourt and my leg was tiedup, it had not really dawned on me that it was very severe, though my face waspeeling off. May be, because I had people all over me. Meaning, there was notime to think, people kept trooping in to show me love. At the point when I brokedown and really cried was when I was at Igbobi Hospital, after the operation I hadin Port-Harcourt, failed. After one-month stay, they told me I had to be operatedupon again. That was the moment I cried and asked why do I have to go throughthis again. There were moments, but I did not regret or felt I was not going tocome out a better and stronger person. I had a very positive mindset about thewhole thing. I shot movies then and also drove my cars by hanging my leg. Itwas a really down time in my life, but I knew it was not the end. God was thereall the time. I later went to the US for another operation when the leg was nothealing properly, in 2007.The thought of amputation, did it ever cross your mind?Yes, I asked the doctor that was the first question I asked him. But I wasassured that would not happen. It was not easy, but I thank God that today, Icould walk and smile again.What would you say was the biggest lesson you learnt from that fatalaccident? Never say never in life and anything can happen to anybody at anypoint in time. Check yourself and the things you do. Try to use your time wiselyand see how you could affect people positively. Love is just the ultimate. Ourhospitals should read this. The way they treat patients is sometimes veryhorrible. Some hospitals do not show love to patients, which is very bad. Weneed to start putting values on human lives. We need quick responses to accidentvictims and other emergencies. That is something we do not have here.Why not set up a foundation to help this kind of people?I have a foundation called The Extended Hands, it is relatively new sand we aredoing our best. We will talk about it when we are fully set. I have worked withthe UN and some African countries, on humanitarian initiatives. I am also anAmbassador for the Nigerian Red Cross, what we are doing right now, is trying tobuild some emergency hospitals across the country. It is sad that we do notvalue human lives here in Nigeria, it is something we should start doing.In the midst of these things that you do, what would you say stands youout and makes you unique?How will I know if I am unique. Well, it is just because I am true to the things thatI do and believe in. I also do not want to be caught up in the bunch. I alwaysthink out of the box. I do not wait for things to happen to me, I make thingshappen. I always think and ask why.Do you believe in love?Like I told you, love is one of the greatest things you can actually think of, yes, Ido.Has love been fair to you?Yes, I think it has.Why are you still single and when are you getting married?If I am still single at this age, I do not think it is strange.Are you currently seeing somebody?When it comes to my relationship, I really do not have anything to say. Nocomment. Just tell my fans to expect something great from Through The Glassand the New York Film Academy, that we are bringing to Nigeria. A lot of goodthings will be coming from me.
Page 1
Page 2
King Solomons Mind
KING SOLOMONS MIND. Question#1: Dear King Solomon, I am a 30year old beautiful black woman. I recently got married to an African man that was introduced to me by my African parents. The reason being that he will treat me better, after I had been ill treated by my American lovers. This guy looks great and I love him. I filled in the paper work with United States Immigration for him to become a permanent resident. It has been 2 years in the marriage and he is no longer the sweetheart that I use to know. Our inability to have a child has worsened the situation. I think Im losing him and he has gotten his green card, although it was never about that. Please the wise one help me, What can I do to keep my marriage. I really love him Michelle ManfaudiasaAnswer#1: My dearest Michelle, marriage is the biggest institution of learning. Its a continuous learning process and nobody knows it all. Although dating before marriage has not provided all the answers as to why couples break up, but it has help individuals to at least know a little about their partner before the commitment. In the beginning, God created one man and one woman, so it doesnt matter where the man comes from. You are not specific about what the problem is and I think your marriage could be saved with dialogue. However, do kindly and not arrogantly remind him of how far you guys have come. Be careful with this, because you dont want to put it to his face that you took care of his immigration status. Men with ego and pride are very sensitive when a woman reminds them about the help they have rendered to them. We dont count and hold on to stuff in a marriage. Do not forget to take it to God; he has the ultimate answer to all our problems. Good luck and God Bless- The KingQuestion#2: Hail to the King, the wise one, I want to know why do men withdraw suddenly after pursuing a woman aggressively? Anonymous Answer#2: Dearest, Thank you for pointing out this issue that a lot of women deal with. The point is that this doesnt apply to all men. Meanwhile, men that I spoke with seem to share a different view on this. The 1st man thinks that some women over play the Im too hard to get game to the point that when they eventually say yes, the man in question is exhausted and have no zeal or momentum to move on. The 2nd man believes that men tend to have too much expectation about a new woman they meet, that they get disappointed when they find out that she was just like the last one he left. While it doesnt make sense, this is what it is. My advice to men is to stay with what they have and make it work. Lastly, women should stop making men think less of them just because they had sex. Make the man hold you in high esteem regardless of whether you are his wife, his whore, his mistress or girlfriend. Remember, people treat you the way you let them treat you. What you put out in the beginning of a relationship is always what you get at the end. Be smart, be nice, be beautiful and you will be loved. The KingQuestion#3: The wise one, I joined my husband here in the U.S. from Africa 5 years ago. I was a successful lawyer back home, but due to pressure from my husband, I went to a nursing school and became one. The money is good but hard to get. I work long hours including over night shifts and weekends. We have been able to acquire a beautiful home in a decent neighborhood with affordable luxury cars. While all these are being paid for from my overtime pay and my husband real estate job, the real-estate is down and Im tired of over working myself. My entire body is aching and I fear that one day I might get sick or drop dead and will not be able to see my kids grow. My husband has not gotten a consistent and sustainable job and I have been living off pain meds to keep going. What do I do, cut down the hours at work, loose my property, loose my good credit? Please help ASAP!Answer#3: Dearest, it is true that the Medical field has been very lucrative for immigrants, especially those of the African descent considering the high rate of discrimination and racism that has crumbled our efforts in other fields of study. It is also obvious that real-estate investors have reaped tons of cash when the property values were sky rocketing. However, over stretching beyond your limits at work will over- time weigh you down. It will affect your efficiency at work, your state of health, your marriage or relationships, your ability to raise your kids (because you are hardly home) and your lack of social life. It pays more to work smart not hard. I suggest you contact your mortgage and loan manager and negotiated for a lower rate. There is nothing wrong with trying especially since your credit is good. I believe a woman should not have to work so hard to support a family when a man is suppose to be the head of the household (My Bible tells me so). I would also suggest that you pursue more degree in Nursing; perhaps this will help you work less hours and earn better pay. Good luck with your desire and God bless. - The Wise King. E-mail King Solomon: nollystarzmagazine_gmail.com
CONTACT US
Adaeze-Igwe-Joseph-Yobo-Wedding-4.jpg
African Art (12)a.jpg
37-genevieveN1.jpg
1iniedo.jpg
Nollyst rz Magazine
This website was designed by
Dreams And Visions Unlimited
copyright 2011
INTRO
