By David Ajiboye

The 13th African film Awards formerly referred to as the Afro Hollywood Awards has come and gone but the memories linger on. The awards came barely eight days after the first African-American won the US presidential election. President-Elect Barack Obama predicated his campaign message on change and hope. According to him, the change we need and the change we believe in are most important constructs that must now move the world forward.

Perhaps it was this change element that was preeminent in this year’s African Film Awards ceremony, which took place on the 12th of November, 2008. First the venue was changed from the traditional West End Hilton Hotel where the award has always been in the past. This year the venue was at The 02 (indig02), in North Greenwich London, an unfamiliar terrain for black events. But the event was full of glamor and glitz. What with the beautiful faces of film stars, politicians, VIP guests and a coterie of supporting musical artistes who accompanied the entertainers, the show can be regarded as a huge success.

Ace comedienne, Princess Adekoya, ably supported by veteran actress Binta Ayo Mogaji Oduleye made the show lively by her hilarious, and sometimes acidic comedy. Guests who attended the show attested to her ability to actually make people giggle and laugh at themselves. From the start to finish it was a lively atmosphere and even the most serious-minded individual would have fallen under the spell of laughter.

CEO of the African Film Awards, Mike Abiola said the show had come of age and would like to thank those supporters of the awards who have made it a successful journey this far. Mike Abiola who is also the publisher of the African Voice Newspaper was however full of praises for the talented artists and art patrons who made this year’s event despite the difficulties. For the umpteenth time, he informed the audience about the concept of the African film awards, which among other things, is to promote the image and culture of Africa and celeberate the growing film industry, and showcase the achievement of the professionals. Emphasizing that the event presents a vehicle for corporate communication.

The awards ceremony was a huge success as more than 1000 Londoners from all works of life, hue and color thronged the magnificent 02 architectural edifice. As early as 8:30 pm, the venue has been besieged by enthusiastic fans who wanted to see screen idols especially the Nigerian film stars they have watched in the Nigerian home videos.

Veteran actress Golda John, the UK event coordinator, said the turn out for the event on a Wednesday was a testimony to the strength of the African Film Award as a brand. She enjoined corporate sponsors to take advantage of the popularity of the awards.

In recent times the Nigerian movie industry has become very popular within the diapora and film stars have become household idols. We have the likes of Richard Mofe-Damijo, Desmond Elliott, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Ramsey Nouah, Patience Ozokwor, Liz Benson, and producers such as Tunde Kelani, Tunji Bamishigbin and a host of other talented personalities in the film industry.  It can be rightly said that the Nigerian film industry has come of age.

This year’s awards featured an array of musical stars, such as Olu Maintain, MaY 7, Komoblastic, Mr. Solek and the latest wave making gospel music sensation Caleb Alalade. The entertainers all put up electrifying performances.

The highlight of the event came when Olu Maintain created the scintillating atmosphere that wowed the audience. About two months ago, he brought the former US Secretary of State Collin Powell on stage to dance to his YAHOOZEE music at the Royal Albert Hall during the African Rise Festival. But this time around, Olu Maintain (full name, Olumide Edwards Adegbulu) caused a great stir when he rocked the audience with his YAHOOZEE dance music, which rounded off the show.

As the audience went berserk, one of his female fans joined him on the table dance just after the African music icon was pronounced winner of the Most Promising Musical Act. Among the VIPs who graced the show were Minister of Trade and Economic Matters at the Nigerian High Commission, UK; Ambassador Garba Zakari and his wife, who represented the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK; Director-General Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Olusegun Runsewe; Former Mayor of Newham Council; Mrs. Joy Laguda, Cllr Elisabeth Tinuke Davies, Cllr Tayo Situ, Barrister Godwin Okri and his wife, Victoria who just gave birth to a baby girl; Mrs. Stella Ideh of Bantuway Foods and Miss Lakie of Colourful Radio.

Otunba Segun Runsewe, Director General of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) was presented with an Outstanding Recognition Award for the promotion of tourism in Nigeria with his introduction of Satellite Navigation Aid into Nigeria. Award was sponsored and presented by Diaspora Organisation UK.

Another outstanding award this year was presented to O.T Fagbenle, a RADA trained actor who is recognized for roles from Doctor Who to Hollyoaks and Agatha Christe’s Miss Marple. He burst onto the scene in a series of fantastic stage performances of Romeo and Juliet as Mercutio in a national tour culminating at the Hong Kong Arts Festival. Later that year, he was awarded M.E.N. Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in Six Degrees of Separation.

In October 2006, Fagbenle was greeted with critical acclaim for his performance in Trevor Nunn’s Tony Award winning world premiere of Porgy and Bess The Musical.

Following Cab Calloway in the opera and Sammy Davies Jr. in a feature film, O.T. Fangbenle played the infamous role of Sportin’ Life at the Savoy Theatre in the West End of London.

Roll call of Awards recipients:

Uche Jumbo                         Best Actress, English Film

Fathia Balogun                     Best Actress, Yoruba Film

Saheed Balogun                   Best Actor Supporting Role, Yoruba Film

Bisi Ibidapo                          Best Actress Supporting Role, Yoruba Film

Awilo Longomba                  Africa’s Most Outstanding Musical Act

Olu Maintain                        Most Promising African Musical Act

Mike Ezuruonye                  Best Actor, English Film

Binta Ayo Mogaji Oduleye   Veteran Artiste of the Year

Yemi Solade                        Best Actor, Yoruba Film

UK Most Outstanding Nollywood Actor:

Erick Nwadinobi                 Best Actor, English Film

Rotimi Aberuagba               Best Actor, Yoruba Film

Special Recognition Award:

O. T. Fagbenle                    Stage and Film in the UK

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe Tourism Development

By David Ajiboye

“…you have to pass through darkness to get to dawn”, Mike Ezuruonye.

Top Nollywood actor , Mike Ezuruonye, reveals in this chat with David Ajiboye, for africanmoviestar.com, why he’s a reserved person and why he keeps to himself. Excerpts:

Is acting all you wanted to do at the beginning?

Let us just say acting chose me. While growing up, I’ve been involved in acting one way or the other. But professionally I was dragged into it by Ruke Amata.

Which was your first movie and which year was that?

Funny enough, my first movie hasn’t seen the light of the day. The film was shot in 2005. The movies that took me into peoples’ consciousness are Broken Marriage and Critical Decision.

How does it feel to go through so much stress all in the name of acting?

Though tiring, it is fulfilling. The demand is quite much but we have to keep doing what we know how to do best.

I’m sure the money you’re making is worth your while?

I don’t know about that, but we thank God for everything.

Is it true you’re making lots of money?

Let me just say I can afford to pay certain bills and attend to some needs.

Recently you were in America for a tour..?

(Cuts in) I was there, but not for the tour. I didn’t go for it because I had a certain disagreement with their contract. The conditions were not right.

How does it feel when fans are all over you when you go out of the country?

Trust me; the love we get out of the country is great and enormous. It is so large. But to me, it means people are watching me and I have to improve on what I’m doing.

An A-list actor said you have displaced Ramsey Nouah Jr ?

I am not going to say I’ve displaced anybody. Let’s not forget that Ramsey is one actor you cannot disrespect at all because whether we like it or not, as a result of Ramsey, we have a lot of young men in the industry today. Everybody has her own talent, so nobody can displace anybody and, I have respect for Ramsey any day any time. He is one of the greatest actors Nollywood has ever produced.

I heard that lots of women are finding abode under your tent?

If you see women around me, It’s just that they appreciate my work. I’m only building my tent in Nollywood where I express my craft with passion.

Are there women who want to go the extra mile for you?

I don’t know about that. All I know is that when people appreciate my works, I thank them in return.

Do you appreciate them in cash or in kind?

You are getting me wrong. I don’t appreciate them in cash or in kind. It’s just an act of goodwill, a smile, and thank you very much.

Has being on tv changed your life?

Most definitely. It has it’s merits and demerits. Demerit in the sense that your privacy is taken away from you. Some people are out to see you make a wrong move, while some are out to crash your image without any reason. The merit is that doors open up for you here and abroad. People welcome you to their homes, you are given a lot of pleasure and people are happy. To me that is very fulfilling.

I learnt that the Ghanians are taking over the market because the marketers want to use them as market leverage in Ghana, how true is that?

We should be our brothers keeper. If there is any alliance, it is okay but the people who run the industry should know how to balance the equation.

Are you feeling the pinch like other actors?

I don’t want to sound selfish, but I’ll like to thank God.

How many movies do you do in a month?

When you get to a level, you have to be very careful. I do a lot of screening regarding the script I take, and that is why I don’t think I do more than two movies in a month.

You’ve been accused of many things and one of them is that you kiss passionately on set, what do you say to that?

This is the first time I’m hearing that. I just do my things and get out of there.

Which actress do you enjoy working with most?

I have a working relationship with every actress, both the upcoming and the stars. My motto is to be as natural as possible. If you want me to be friendly, I will be friendly and If you want me to be harsh, I will be harsh and you will forget that you are watching a movie.

I read something about you taking a girl abroad and dumping her?

I told you earlier that some people want to scratch your image. Why will I need to borrow from somebody? My father used to tell me that a borrower would go a sorrowing. I can afford to buy certain amenities with what I do. I never borrowed from any girl, it is so unfounded.

Why do you think such allegation was made against you?

I told you that people just want to scratch your image.

Have you had any fan that has gone to the extreme with her emotions or her anger with you?

That happens all the time. One of such is an experience I had sometime ago when I was outside the country. Some group of fans worked up to me, I think they’re from Aruba, in the Caribbean and they were so crazy, the madness was too much and my cloth got torn and I had to buy another shirt at the mall.

Which of your movies has been the most memorable.?

Lots of them, I can’t pick anyone now, I just put my best in all I do.

Who is the lucky woman in your life?

She doesn’t want to be made public now. By God’s grace, If we get married, you’ll know her. But I’m into relationship.

How many times Have you fallen in love?

No comment.

How many frogs Have you kissed before meeting your princess?

(Laughs) I’ve not. I guess I don’t like talking about my relationships. Let’s put it this way, you have to pass through darkness to get to dawn.

What is it that you look for in a woman?

She has to be God-fearing because He is the reason why I’m here today. He has put me on this pedestal and she must have a good character and be down-to-earth. Those are the basic qualities. She also has to be beautiful.

Is Mike a heart breaker?

I don’t consider myself a heart breaker.

How do you end a relationship that you feel cannot work?

Relationship start with two people, it is a mutual agreement. And If it should end, it should be mutual.

When is Mike getting married and what does love means to you?

When that time comes, you will know. Love is a feeling where you float in happiness and joy and you don’t feel any hurt.

By David Ajiboye

Silent Cry is one of the latest movies from the stable of foremost gospel movie company in Nigeria, Mount Zion Film Productions.

The story revolves around a man of God, Pastor Joseph Mayowa who does not have time for his family. He devotes his whole life to his secular work and his church. This attitude of negligence greatly affects his wife and two children. Mrs. Mayowa secretly bears the pains of her husband’s unbecoming attitude alone especially as she does not want to expose his behavior to the congregation. Despite this, the duo has the ability to counsel  other couples and mend their broken homes.

Along the line, Pastor Mayowa’s old time girl friend in secondary school, Moji, meets him after they have lost contact for about 24 years. Moji pressurizes Pastor Mayowa to refresh their old time love, but Pastor Mayowa refuses all her advances with the reason that they are now both  married and more so that, he is now a born again child of God, and even being a pastor. However, this does not stop Moji from continuing in her advances to Pastor Mayowa.

The last plan for Moji is to trail Pastor Mayowa from Port Harcourt to Lagos, where the latter has been invited to preach in a sister church. Moji craftily ‘smuggles’ herself into Pastor Mayowa’s hotel room. This leaves the innocent Pastor puzzled as he wonders how the woman get to know about his programme, and even knows the hotel he’s being accomodated.

Meanwhile serious battle ensues between them in the room. His host Pastor Joel happens upon the event in the hotel room, and reports the incident to Pastor Philips, the General Overseer of Pastor Mayowa’s church, and after the emergency Ministers meeting, Pastor Mayowa is suspended.

During the spiritual incarceration, Pastor Mayowa changes his attitude towards his family by the power of God and his suspension is lifted and he gets restored back to his pastoral work.

This ninety-five minute movie proffered solutions for everyone passing through situations they cannot share or discuss with people. Silent Cry features artistes like Israel Ore-Adewole, Florence Adegunle, ace gospel singer-Tope Alabi, Lekan Asikhia and many others. The executive producers are are Evangelists Mike and Gloria Bamiloye and directed by Elvon Jarrett.

Photos by David Ajiboye