I was born to act — Omoni Oboli
Omoni Oboli is an actress that can best be described as humble and meek. Her gentle disposition sweeps her fans off their feet. Tall, dark, mother and wife, Omoni interprets her roles in such a way that has gained her numerous admirers. In this interview, she reveals a lot about life and career. Excerpts:
You seem to have taken over took the industry by storm. What did the magic?
Honestly, I don't know if there is a magic. A lot of people don't know that I was actually in the industry when I was a teenager. In 1996, I was here and I played a couple of lead roles. But then, I left after about a year plus because I was in the university at the same time, and it wasn't working. So, I couldn't get back till almost a decade after. When I got back, it was not easy trying to get back my position because nobody remembered me for over 10 years. You don't leave something for 10 years and come back and think it would still be there waiting for you. I had to work my way back with the help of some people like Emem Isong, Desmond Eliot and Lancelot, who I had worked with then.
Why did you choose acting?
I have always loved acting right from when I was a little girl. I was in every church and school plays. I don't know why. I guess some people are born to act. If there are people who are born to act, I think I am one of them. I didn't choose acting, it chose me instead.
What's your family background like?
I am from Delta State. My mum gave birth to two girls. My sister and I. She had problem with my dad who went and married another wife and had other children. I grew up with my mum. We were very close and happy while growing with mum. I am like my mum. She was a very happy woman. Even when there was nothing, she still had that joy.
Why do you think Figurine brought you to limelight?
I have done a lot of movies that people talked about but because Figurine was so big, went to the big screen, everyone was talking about it. It was in the cinema and in the press for months. It made it look like another level. It took me to the next level. Then Anchor Baby supplemented it. Couple of months ago, someone said I was the biggest cinema actress in Nigeria because some of my movies were premiered in the cinema and it actually made more money than every other actor that has gone to cinema.
Which other movies have you acted?
Apart from the Figurine and the Anchor Baby, I did Entangle-ment with Emem. I also did Sweet Tomorrow, Behind The Smile and many others I can't remember now.
What are your expectations?
I expect to get to the topmost of my game. I don't expect to just be the biggest Nollywood actress and artiste. I expect to be big in Africa and indeed the world. For me, I feel that what is worth doing at all is worth doing well. If I can't go all the way, there is no point even starting it at all.
What are your challenges in the industry?
Nollywood has a lot of challenges but we have grown a great deal in the last two years. We have great quality movies now that are being released in cinemas. One of my movies, Bent Arrows is actually at the cinema right now. It is a great movie for every parent to get their kids to watch especially their daughters. The story is centred on three girls who somehow along the line, missed it because of peer pressure, undue parental control, societal ills, etc. It is a Christian movie buy you may not know. It has a Christian message at the end of the day.
Have you had a situation where you were asked to come to a hotel to pick a script?
No, I have not.
Do you know that it exists in the industry?
I guess it would but I have never had to do anything like that. It does not make sense to me.
How do you get your roles?
My roles get me. I don't know but I think the harder you work, the more you put yourself into a role. Also, the more people take note of you and decide that you are the best for the job. I think that is what has been happening over the years.
Have you had an embarrassing moment?
None that I can remember in the last couple of years. Maybe earlier when I was younger but for now, no.
What is your most memorable day?
It was my wedding day.
What made it memorable?
I feel so happy the way things turned out because then, my husband and I were both young and we hadn't enough money. We are just very care free people so we decided to do the wedding any how but, it turned out so well which we did not expect. We were pleasantly surprised how it turned out but it was possible because of friends and family. Our traditional marriage too was great. My dad handled everything and he did a great job.
What would you like to change in Nollywood if you have your way?
I will change our distribution pattern. I will also create bigger and more cinemas.
nigeriafilms.com
Kannywood goes cinema
Maryam Garba Hassan
A Hausa movie titled KEYA CE"
produced by Alsram Ink
Communications, Abuja, is to be premiered today at the Silver bird Cinema, Abuja.
According to the organiser and producer of the movie, Hajiya Hajara Yusuf, the movie, which is a Hausa saying meaning "had I known," is a story on the travails, agonies and challenges of a woman brought up by a drunkard father who abused her mother.
'Basically, it is about family values, nemesis and betrayal. It encourages people to plan well so as to reap well in the end. We are premiering the movie in Abuja as a way of rebranding the industry, which has recorded tremendous changes in the last two years".
Starring in the 2 hours 15 minutes movie, are popular multi-talented Kanny wood actress, Hausa Maina, the oldest female actress in Kannywood, Hafsat Sharada (me Aya),Kabir Nakwango, Bashir Nayaya, Fauziyya Aminu, Aminu Sheriff Momo, Aisha Dan kano, zainab Idris, zainab Ahmed and Isma'ila Koli.
Directed by Amina Aminu and Al-Amin Hassan and produced by Hajara Yusuf.
The making of Bakan Dabo, Hausa movie on Ooni of Ife and Emir of Kano
The palace of the Dan Adala
Tofa, Alhaji Isyaku Umar
Tofa, was a beehive of activities when the cast and production crew of Bakan Dabo stormed the ancient town of Tofa, headquarters of Tofa Local Government Area of Kano state in continuation of its production. The assemblage was in the old town to shoot some important scenes of the epic film, which is primarily based on ancient history of the Kano Emirate Council and its emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero. As the cast and crew arrived the location, the people of the town, both old and young, surged forward in unison in same direction. It was to the Dan Adala palace moments after the artistes and production crew arrived.
From the way the crowd cheered and welcomed the Bakan Dabo set, it was obvious the appreciative people had never witnessed such a collection of stars in the Hausa film industry in one fell swoop.
Production had to be stopped intermittently to ward off the crowd which stormed the palace. But one particular star that drew attention and accolade from both the crowd and crew alike was Salihu Othman Isah, popularly called Hotman in showbiz circle. Hotman played the role of Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse 2, the Ooni of Ife who is a bosom friend of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero (played by veteran actor, Dauda Galadanci).
In fact, Hotman dazzled and was a delight on location. The way and manner he interpreted the role left no one in doubt that Nigeria is blessed with natural stars in the film industry, which is presently rated third best globally. What more, the entire crew expressed its satisfaction with the ease with which he delivered the role.
Though, Hotman was not originally cast for the Ooni role as he was supposed to play that of an Ambassador, the situation however changed because the actor slated for the role couldn't make it at the eleventh hour.
In the words of the producer and director of Bakan Dabo, Mahmud Sarkin Fada and Auwal George, "We were cautious not to get just anyone; someone that will make a mess of that role. You know the Ooni is a bosom friend of the Kano monarch and whatever we do out of it will make an impression not only to both of them, but to the viewing public".
According to George, "Though we didn't know he will deliver so well, we however had confidence in his ability. And one thing we also got going for us in his choice because of all the options before us, he had the closest resemblance to the revered Ooni of Ife and that just endeared him to us".
Among some of the stars on location that day were Alhaji Dauda Galadanci, (Ado Bayero), Isa Ja Bello (Wazirin), Kabiru Maikaba (Wambai), Shuaibu Yawale (Chiroman), S. Bello (Makaman), Hamza Indabawa (Walin), all kingmakers in the Kano Emirate Council who sit in court with him.
Other acts were Auwal Marshal, Yusuf Abdallah, lsa A. Isa, Jazuli Kazaza, Aminu Mahiru and Gymnastic Osuji.
Singer Nikki Laoye gets engaged
Gospel music sensation, Nikki Laoye is engaged.
She got engaged to her man of many months Odi Alexander a few weeks ago and friends say the singer is over the moon.
Nikki’s fiancé, Alex who is from Abia State, is quite the romantic. Here's how he proposed. While the two were out having lunch at an eatery, he told Nikki he had read something about her on a website, and asked her to go to check it out, which she did, unaware it was a proposal letter from her man.
By the time she got to the last line which read: “Nikki Laoye, Will You Marry Me?”, Alex was already on his knees in the public glare of the ever busy Chicken Republic in Ikoyi. An overwhelmed Nikki says it was the best day of her life.
Nkiru Sylvanus is SA to Imo state gov
The Imo state governmentt released a list of 50 special assistants to Governor Rochas Okorocha and actress Nkiru Sylvanus was named Special Assistant, Lagos Affairs.
SA, Lagos Affairs? If you understand what that means, please explain to the rest of us. The gap-toothed governor sure knows what he's doing?
Kate Henshaw-Nuttal clocks 40
Happy birthday to one of the most beautiful and talented actresses in Nigeria. Wishing Kate Henshaw-Nuttal more successful and fruitful years ahead.
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