Renowned Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, who recently welcomed his son Clinton Mbaise into the world of filmmaking, decided to honour African traditions by accepting his first paycheck for his work on set and gave him fatherly blessings.
Kanayo emphasized the significance of ancestral customs in fostering progress within the nation, reflecting on how these traditions have shaped the lives of many.
Clinton received a payment of N50,000 upon the completion of their joint movie production.
In a video shared on Kanayo’s Instagram account, he was seen requesting N500 from his son’s earnings and then invoking prayers for Clinton’s success in the film industry.
The seasoned actor urged Nigerians to honor the tradition of presenting their first earnings to their fathers for blessings, highlighting the unique role a father plays in bestowing blessings upon their children, as opposed to religious leaders.
Kanayo O Kanayo
Kanayo said, “I want to observe a culture from our ancestors which has led to the progress of many people you see today, ”Father blessing.’
“Clinton my son just concluded a few production management with us and he has earned his first salary, his first salary is N50,000 for a movie.
“Clinton from your pocket in the N50,000 give me N500.
“The first salary of a young man, he goes to his father to say Nnayi my salary is N50,000, the father may decide to take the entire money, he may also decide to take any amount and his father will now bless him.
“The idea of his father asking him to know the salary is, so his father would teach him financial management.
“All you going to pastors to give your salary, you are wasting your time, is not part of our culture.”
Over the years in Nollywood, movies have been premiered with themes surrounding motherhood, womanhood, and the girl child. These movies teach morals and serve as a pointer to unearth secrets and enlighten women about core values.
Today, we bring you a list of Nollywood movies every Nigerian woman should watch. The list is curated from films that span across years.
1. Maami (2011)
This film leaves you with a re-echoing sound of ‘Maami’ in your memory. Maami is what most Nigerian Yoruba children call their mothers. It means ‘my mother’. As the name implies, the movie surrounds motherhood’s beauty and struggles. This movie is not the regular mother-child narration with cliches and cliffhangers.
Maami is a Nigerian film produced and directed by Tunde Kelani in 2011. Tunde Babalola adapted the movie from a book Femi Osofisan wrote with the same title. The film starred Funke Akindele, along with Wole Ojo and Olumide Bakare. Funke Akindele as Maami gave a thrilling performance that moved viewers to tears. The chemistry between Funke Akindele and Ayomide Abatti who acted as Kashimawo was out of the screen.
Mainframe Productions produced the movie but it was pirated just a few days later. Maami received mixed responses from viewers but one cannot deny that the movie had an amazing storyline. The storyline evolves around a successful footballer who reminiscences on his childhood when he visits his hometown. Maami implored and used flashbacks to narrate the story and keep you warped in.
2. Elevator Baby (2019)
Elevator Baby is a 2019 Nollywood movie directed by Akay Mason and produced by Niyi Akimolayan under his production company, Anthill Studios. The Nollywood movie was released on October 11, 2019, and was a Nollywood phenomenon that graced the mouths of Nigerians for a long while. The Anthill Studios produced movie was one of the highest-grossing Nigerian films of 2019.
While some critics would say the casting of Toyin Abraham and Timini Eguson was the game changer for the movie, others would praise the cinematography of the movie. The 83-minute film captures the story of Dare, a wealthy and unemployed engineering graduate who got stuck in an elevator due to a power failure with Abigail, a pregnant domestic worker.
Right here, we are talking about the first release of the KOB sequels Kemi Adetiba struck us with. Kemi Adetiba, one of the top Nollywood directors made a masterpiece that cuts across the political and socio-economic dealings in Nigeria. The story has a woman named Eniola Salami at the frontline. Sola Sobowale who acted as Eniola Salami was the perfect cast for that role and she sucked up the characters.
KOB starred actors like Sola Sobowale, Remilekun Safaru, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and many other incredible actors who brought the movie to life. This is a movie every Nigerian woman should watch.
4. Blood Sisters (2022)
Temidayo Makanjuola created the Blood Sisters series for Netflix in collaboration with Mo Abudu’s media company, EbonyLife TV. Its arrival on May 5, 2022, sparked positive critical reviews from viewers. The 4- part series was directed by Biyi Bande and Kenneth Gyang. Stars like Nancy Isime, Ini-Idima Okojie, Ramsy Nouah, Kate Henshaw-Nultal, Gabriel Afolayan, and many others.
‘Blood Sisters tells the story of two friends Sarah (Ini Dima-Okojie) and Kemi (Nancy Isime). Sarah is engaged to her dream man, Kola (Deyemi Okanlawon.) However, their seemingly idyllic union has a dark side.’- IMDb.
5. Sugar Rush
Sugar Rush is a 2019 Nigerian crime action comedy film written by Jadesola Osiberu and Bunmi Ajakaiye. Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bimbo Ademoye led roles in the movie. The movie which premiered on 23 December 2019, was the 4th highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time despite mixed criticisms.
‘The Sugar Sisters discover a whopping $800,000, and the financial crimes commission and the supposed owners of the money come for them. Now they team up with unlikely allies and it’s a race against the clock to set things right.’- IMDb
The ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ star admitted that it was a “big” challenge for him during his days as a struggling thespian.
“I remember all so clearly when I started. It was a big problem for me,” the 40-year-old actor told Pulse in a recent interview.
“There was a time in this industry when it was mostly about Instagram and Twitter followers, and stuff like that. I didn’t understand it but knew it was something I had to be at peace with, because a production house wants to hire you and they’re looking at your numbers. ‘But can he act?’ That is the question I always ask. But there are some people who are blessed who are fantastic actors who have numbers and they’ve been doing well.”
The Nollywood action thriller, Criminals will be in cinemas from May 31.
The movie director, Niyi Akinmolayan has taken to his social media platforms to disclose how his production crew were able to construct a medical center and seek professional advice from medical practitioners for the upcoming blockbuster movie, Criminals.
The production crew working on the Criminals movie production (Photo Credit: X)
Writing on Twitter (otherwise known as X), Niyi Akinmolayan wrote,
“Anthill Studios Built an entire hospital from scratch… worked with a team of real ER doctors. Some became actors. Delivered a baby… Killed a lot of… wait…,” he shared on his official Twitter account.
Anthill Studios Built an entire hospital from scratch… worked with a team of real ER doctors. Some became actors. Delivered a baby… Killed a lot of… wait… #CRIMINALS in cinemas nationwide from May31st
In a previous tweet, the veteran moviemaker mentioned that the movie was specifically produced and handled by burgeoning talents in the movie industry.
“Last year, I decided to train a new set of Nollywood directors and storytellers!! People willing to push boundaries and tell bold stories. New voices!!!. I’m happy to present the first from one of the trainees, the brilliant and fantastic @the_dollapo
With a race against time, every decision can make all the difference.”
Last year, I decided to train a new set of Nollywood directors and storytellers!! People willing to push boundaries and tell bold stories. New voices!!!. I’m happy to present the first from one of the trainees, the brilliant and fantastic @the_dollapo
In a video shared on his Instagram page, Kanayo said with the way Nigerian actors have ‘’rubbished” the use of YouTube, the platform is not going to last in Nigeria. He said most new-age actors charge ridiculous prices so producers try to make the most of the money spent by overworking these actors.
‘’We built Nollywood, brick by brick, block by block but the guys who have besieged YouTube, the actors not the producers, do not have any sense of purpose or process to create a procedure for a lasting videography or creating content.”
He continued, “Take for instance, the whole irony of one-day shoot. It is not sustainable. Some of them now make it so difficult for producers. They tell you one day shoot is N1 million or N1.5 million. It isn’t sustainable.”
The veteran thespian continued, “Unfortunately, my very high standing colleague who started this one-day shoot is unfortunately not in good health. Why? I know for everyone who gives you a job, they want it done. They pack you with enough to finish in one day. Thirty scenes, thirty-five scenes..Most of you think you are enjoying ‘I am fully booked for the next six months’ but your health…I hope you enjoy good health like those of us who started 38 years ago because what you are doing is not sustainable.”
He added, “I bear you no malice. Earn all your money but the disservice you are doing to professionalism is not going to last long and the way I see it. YouTube is not going to last long in Nigeria as a platform.”
Emeka Rollas, the president of the Actor’s Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has denied allegations that Nollywood actor, Zack Orji has died.
There are reports across social media that the veteran actor, Zack Orji has died after undergoing two brain surgeries.
According to Emeka Rollas, Zack Orji needed to be flown abroad for a post-surgery evaluation, expressing his disappointment at those who spread false information about Zack’s death.
Emeka Rollas x Zack Orji (Photo Credit: Within Nigeria)
“Because of the internet age, people just want to grow their page and they can spill nonsense, that was why somebody woke up yesterday morning and said Zack has passed on and I quickly reacted.
Nollywood actor Zack Orji
“Zack is never in a position of seriously needing attention as we speak, if not because of privacy I would have just connected him on the phone here, you will see him.
“He just needs a post-surgery evaluation abroad which we are gradually gathering money to send him abroad for that.
“He has survived two brain surgeries, he is in good health, and he is speaking. For somebody to wake up and say that Zack has passed on, is inhuman,” he said.
Nigerian actor, Ayoola Ayolola has recounted how he almost took his own life after impregnating his partner in a phase he wasn’t prepared for in his life.
According to the actor, he wasn’t prepared to become a father at the time.
Speaking in a recent interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Ayoola Ayolola who gained prominence after appearing on the television series, The Men’s Club and Skinny Girl In Transit spoke about some heinous part of his life.
Ayoola said looking at his son now he regretted his action.
He said, “The time the pregnancy for my son came, I wasn’t prepared to be a father. I got depressed and almost took my life. In fact, I deliberately miscalculated while crossing the road so that I would be hit and the car just brushed me.
“I look at my son now and I’m like, ‘This is what I was about to miss? This is whose live I was about to destroy?’ Like, this little boy would have been fatherless.”
Rita Dominic was one of the most popular Nollywood actresses in the early to mid-2000s. She has explained why she decided to take a break from appearing on the screen.
The Nollywood actress mentioned that she left the movie industry 2002 due to some personal issues.
Speaking at the 2024 Women of Valour Conference in Accra, Ghana, Dominic said while some might view her job as a caregiver as a “step-down”, she didn’t because taking care of others brought her joy and purpose.
She said, “In 2001/2002 I stopped acting. I left the [movie] industry and moved to London because it was a very dark period in my life. I fell out with some friends I considered family. And I just gave up acting for a while. I needed to get out of that space for a minute.
“And then I moved to London and gave up stardom. You won’t believe this, this is something I’ve never told people before. While in London, I was trying to make ends meet so I started working in a care home as a caregiver for adults with special needs. While some might view it as a step-down, I don’t. Taking care of others brought me joy and purpose at a time I needed it most.”
Rita Dominic is one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian movie industry.
In a recent interview with Joy FM, Rita Dominic spoke about her acting career and the success she has found over the years.
The leading actress said, “Fame is a beautiful thing; it opens doors, grants opportunities, and offers a platform to inspire others. However, the pressure to conform to societal expectations and maintain a certain image can be overwhelming,” says Dominic.
The actress reflects on the constant scrutiny celebrities face, emphasizing the challenge of staying true to one’s identity in an industry that often demands conformity.
Rita Dominic
“Maintaining authenticity can be a struggle. The public eye is unrelenting, and there’s a constant need to meet certain standards. It’s like living in a gilded cage; you’re admired, but your true self may be obscured,” she adds.
She highlights the need for celebrities to strike a balance between the public persona and their authentic selves.
“It’s crucial to find that equilibrium, where you can appreciate the perks of fame while staying grounded in your true essence. The journey to self-discovery and staying true to who you are is ongoing, and it’s okay to evolve,” she said.
Late Mr. Ibu was one of the most celebrated and beloved actors in Nigeria. He became famous for his hilarious roles in comedy movies, frequently portraying a mischievous or juvenile character.
He made millions of Nigerians laugh with his antics and expressions, earning him the nickname Mr. Ibu, after his breakthrough movie of the same name.
Mr. Ibu was born John Ikechukwu Okafor on October 17, 1961, in Enugu State. He had a humble background and faced many challenges in his early life. He worked as a hairdresser, a butcher, and a firewood seller before he ventured into acting. Mr. Ibu joined Nollywood in 1978 and started with minor roles in soap operas and dramas.
Mr. Ibu rose to fame in 2004, when he starred in the movie Mr. Ibu, alongside Osita Iheme. The movie was a huge success and established him as a comic star. He went on to act in more than 200 movies, including Mr. Ibu and His Son, Police Recruit, Mr. Ibu in London, Husband Suppliers, and many others. He also produced and wrote some of his movies.
Mr. Ibu was not only an actor, but also a singer and a philanthropist. He released two singles in 2020, titled This Girl and Do You Know. He also supported various causes and charities, especially for children and the less privileged. Mr. Ibu received several honors and accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry and society.
Mr. Ibu married Stella Maris Okafor and they had three children together. He was a devoted husband and father, who loved his family dearly. He was also a man of faith, who believed in God and prayed regularly.
Mr. Ibu passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62. He died of cardiac arrest at Evercare Hospital in Lagos, after battling ill-health for several months. He had suffered from an infection of the arteries at his ankle, which led to the amputation of one of his legs in November 2023.
Mr. Ibu’s death is a great loss to Nollywood and Nigeria as a whole. His fans, colleagues, friends, and family mourned his passing, recalling him for his kindness, generosity, humor, and talent. He left a legacy of laughter and joy that people will never forget.
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