Soul_Kate VOL. 2:: POWER AND MONEY…

Written By Kate Henshaw | Published on Saturday Vanguard 17th Sept 2011

When I was approached to write this article, I did not think I could do it. My first attempt at writing anything was at the behest of my sister’s friend, Nonye, to write for a free paper Wakapedia. I wrote on fitness. I was asked to come up with a name for this column and I hooked up with two good friends, Folake and Funke. We kept vigil for 3days and 3nights before the light bulb went off in Folake’s brain and she whispered it but Funke echoed/shouted it out and the name SOULKATE was born! Sorry folks, I tweaked it a bit, (laugh out loud). It took only a few minutes for the name to be born and so here I am. Now that I have hit the limelight so to speak, now that I have the power of the pen as they say it is mightier than the sword, will I wield it against all those who have sought my downfall in the past or will I use it to correct the ills in our society and contribute my own quota towards making Nigeria a better place for us all to inhabit? Time will tell.

Power they say corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Why does having power and money translate to lording it over the other who does not have? Why does it translate to the ‘money-less’ and powerless feeling the full weight of brutality and uncaring attitude from the powerful?
In a marriage where two have sworn before God and man that they will love and cherish, honour and protect through sickness and health, be there for each other, how bad does it get that those vows just don’t mean a thing anymore? Surely if it is not working out, each one can go their separate ways without fear or favour and without rancour. If the husband has the power over the wife as the head of the home and she has to submit to his will, why then will he not use that power for good and not evil? I believe it is unfair not to allow your wife/spouse to explore her own dreams, if she wants to (for those who would rather stay home and then have tea at cactus by noon time every day, I say good luck). She too needs to be fulfilled apart from being a wife and mother, maybe she wants to fly over the moon, who knows.
A single mother also faces challenges in that she is alone without the “support” of a stable man whom she can call hers; she also wants to provide for herself and her child without having to compromise. Here comes the one she thinks will be there for her and her child but he has another at home who has borne him children. He has the power and the money to give you that ‘castle in the air’ but you must be subject to his rules and regulations, nothing  goes for nothing , no visitors to the house (whether male or female), no outings unless you have given 3weeks notice, while he does as he pleases and this is meant to be love?
In the work place it is no different, power holds sway here and you must ‘bend’ to the rules or be shown the door. You must let your ‘oga’ fondle you whenever he so wishes or be relegated to the filing section. You must be willing to do the unthinkable just to show you are worthy of the position you got. If perchance a woman with beauty, brains and brawn gets to the pinnacle of success in her career, her own power is attributed to her backside.
Why must there always be a Sword of Damocles hanging over one when you do not have power and money?  Proverbs 3:27 says “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it”. Having power and money and using it for a greater good will make the world a much better place for all, it would rid the world of evil and heal the pains that so many go through on a daily basis. It would bring blessings untold to the giver and succour to the receiver. Power is also transient and can at anytime be taken away by Him who has the real power, God Almighty.

I dedicate this article to these two wonderful women (Christy Essiens Igbokwe and Titilayo Arowolo), both married, both had children, one the husband loved till death and the other the husband caused the death. I pray their gentle souls rest in perfect peace. Amen.

SOURCE: http://www.katehenshaw.com/blog

Kate Henshaw-Nuttall, a Globacom & ONGA Ambassador - Over 17years in the Movie Industry, Still waxing strong and making waves in the industry!

Exclusive Interview With Nigerian Tribune

Kate Henshaw Nutall was recently under the spot light when it was reported of her untoward comments regarding marriage to native Nigerian as opposed to their foreign counterparts. In this interview however, Kate focused her comments generally about her career which has spanned over seventeen years, and motherhood.
                                                                                                                                                                        

SEVENTEEN years in the movie industry and you are still giving no sign of getting tired, what as been the Secret?
My brother, the secret is God. I try as much as possible to put my best in my profession and I am very committed to my job. Our job is very demanding so you have to be up and doing to meet up, I always try to relax when I can, do a little exercise to calm my body. Basically, the stage is hard work and one needs God in every stage to bring out the best from what one does. I thank God for everything I have attained and what I am aspiring to become. I don’t rush things and I treat issues as they come. For seventeen years I have gone through the whole thing as an actress, God has been so wonderful and I can say I have enjoyed tremendous time in the industry.

What was your growing up like?
Growing up for me was quite a lot of fun with my siblings and my parents. We were very comfortable. We travelled a lot as a family and were taught good values as children; to be respectful to elders, to do house work and homework. My parents did not spare the rod and spoil their children. Our growing up was very disciplined.

How did the seventeen years journey start?
I have always grown with the passion for acting and music but all I needed was a perfect opportunity. The late J.T. TomWest took me to my ver-y first audition for a film titled “WHEN THE SUN SETS” and from there began my journey into the industry now known as Nollywood. From that very point, roles started coming in, from soap operas to top Nigerian movies and to the level we are today. It has been a superb transformation for me and I thank God for my career.

But we learnt that you were said to be turning your back against Nollywood, what prompted this?
I never said anything like that, as a matter of fact I have a film which I featured and was released last week, a movie produced by Saidi Balogun, ‘Eti Keta’. There is nothing like being out of movies for me. In fact, I do not remember saying such a sweeping statement. I have had quite a number of scripts and have turned down some because they didn’t go well with me but I have no intention of quitting, at least not yet. The industry is large and I don’t have to be jumping up and down because I want to get scripts. I am comfortable with the level I have attained so far as far as the movie industry is concerned. I am planning quite a number of things; when I am done you will see them.

You can barely speak Yoruba, how did you manage to cope with the script and the faces on set?
The experience was very interesting and fascinating. Being a part of the cast of the movie was very exciting for me andI took it on as a challenge. I do not speak Yoruba fluently at all. A few times in the past I have tried to string sentences together but I always got laughed at so I never summoned up the courage to speak again. So, to be asked to be part of a Yoruba film was a bit nerving for me but I never back down from a challenge. At the end of the day I got compliments for my role and everybody was happy together because of the love that exists.

Why did you take the role?
I love challenges a lot and I always want to do new things that would task my ability. Apart from that, I took the role because many years ago, Saidi was a part of the cast of a film I also starred in a Charles Novia film “YOU BROKE MY HEART” and he had said to me then that he would want me on one of his film projects and I had said yes to him. My word is important to me. I kept my word. The pre-production stage was very lovely, I was treated very nicely. The producer of the movie, Saidi Balogun was fantastic and quite good. We all worked together like one family and the experience was lovely.

What is your take on Nollywood?
Nollywood has come some distance. It has thrived and has survived on its own steam and effort. It is getting better and the quality has improved tremendously. We are developing very fast and people are becoming to see the beauty that is enmeshed in the industry, we are growing bigger everyday because of opportunities abound in the industry. Nevertheless, we are not resting on our oars. We keep trying to find new ways to improve. A few years ago Nollywood films were not in the cinemas, now they are, alongside western movies. We have so far recorded a landmark achievement and this is as a result of hard work and dedication to our job. From the point we are now; It is clear that we are moving on.

But some of your colleagues have pulled out because of poor remuneration?
Well, compared to seventeen years ago that I joined, I believe the remuneration for actors are a lot better but in this economic clime that we are in, I guess the naira does not go very far. The fees could be a lot better. Things can only get better and I also believe that what we do is no joke and doesn’t come easy; I think we should be paid well so that we can continue to give our best and everybody can laugh in the long run. The industry is growing extensively; with new beautiful faces coming up, I believe things will continue to improve for the better.

With the new charming faces springing up, are you not jittery that they may take your place?
Why would I? My driving force over the years has been my belief that what I have is a gift from God since I am not a theater arts graduate. My desire to be professional and to be associated with good work. Giving my best to every project that I am a part of to the best of my ability. I am a professional actress to the core with thriving and fulfilling years. We are all one family and nobody is competing; we are happily united. Our people are still out there, but still need to do good work. They still fight to do the things that are important.

You are married to a white man, what attracted you to him?
What is the issue with being married to a white man? I just wish the press would stop asking me that question one day. I am happily married and I thank God for every blessed day. My husband has been quite supportive of my career as an actress, even before we got married.
You are one of the many nollywood screen divers that scooped the Globacom deal, how did you achieve this?
I think you will have to ask the company how I got the deal, because it is not in my place to tell you that, but what I can tell you is that the deal came to me and it put all of us who are the brand ambassadors on a different level. Globacom showed its support and love for nollywood in this way. We appreciate the company for recognizing our work and the industry. It is a big advancement.

But some people alleged that some of you came in through the back door?
The truth is that I didn’t know anybody at Globacom before they called me. They just called me up. I have been a brand ambassador for ONGA SEASONING going to four years now. I also have a few charities that I support, like Project Alert on violence against women and children National Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme and I am also an ambassador of The Nigerian Women Trust Fund.
How have you been able to juggle the two roles together without conflict of interest?
There has been no conflict of interest because one is a seasoning and the other is telecommunications.

As an Ambassador, do you feel different and what has it cost you?
It has kept me busy and made me recognize the fact that apart from being an actress, I also represent big brands that should benefit from my status in the society. I must not adversely affect the brand. It has not cost me anything other than the fact that I am an ambassador and I have to always live like one. A big price has been paid in terms of the loss of my privacy. That is the sacrifice I made for the job I love. Another thing is trying to be an inspiration for others.

You studied Medical Laboratory Sciences, why the change of focus?
I studied Medical laboratory sciences and majored in Medical Microbiology. The change of focus was by chance and I actually found my real passion in acting. So, basically it was not planned at all. But I thank God for the way things have turned out.

So what are your turn-off and turn-off?
Definitely, my turn-ons are good people with a kind heart. People that are generous to others around them. I also admire people with a good sense of humor. Selflessness is the final but not the least. My turns off are greed, wickedness and selfishness.

With all these commitments, how do you relax?
I have a very wonderful family that I can always go back to, then once in a while I go out with my daughter.

Source: Nigerian Tribune Website.

FIGHTING PIRACY WITH LAMENTATIONS

Written By Ayo Solarin, an intellectual Property/Music &; Film Business Lawyer 

LAGOS STATE Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, is wise. His antidote for piracy in Nigeria – a strategic constructive engagement with the “pirates” - is probably the most intelligent thing as yet from anyone on piracy in Nigeria.

The record companies which ruled the Nigerian music industry between 1980s and 1990s distributed their products through local distribution networks which controlled the retail markets. Most of these record companies collapsed because they did not adopt new business strategies to meet technological changes of the time; from vinyl to cassettes and CDs. The skeletal music labels thereafter continued on the same risky path. Same applies to the home video industry (Nollywood) which started life as a result of business ingenuity of local distribution networks.

 Piracy is fuelled by sheer technological opportunism with easy access to readily available electronic devices that can mass produce copies within minutes. We have “home taping pirates” who ‘dub’ music/videos to save themselves the cost of buying original copies, and “commercial pirates” whose business is illicitly mass producing copies of original products for distribution into retail outlets.

The Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) recently reeled out a new distribution scheme based on registration of distributors. This is not pessimism: it took years of commitment and resources to create the existing local networks which extend to West Africa and other parts of Africa; so it iswishful thinking to expect the newly-licensed distributors to immediately establish national networks to dislodge them. The necessity of economic survival as rightly pointed out by Governor Fashola is the primary reason why those who earn their livelihood through the local networks will not go away in a hurry. Even so, what is NFVCB’s guarantee that they too, sooner or later, will not get caught up in commercial piracy?

Anyway, why would music/video producers wait and hope that the Nigeria Copyright Commission and NFVCB will wield magic wands that will eradicate piracy? This kind of lackadaisical attitude and unprogressive expectation was the undoing of the record companies and the primary cause of Nollywood’s plunge into recession in recent times. It is suicidal for producers to abandon their business caps and allow non-business-oriented government bodies to make crucial business decisions that would shape the future of the entertainment industry and the pockets of its practitioners.

Commercial piracy is fuelled by financial deficiencies in the market place rather than by anti-social behaviour. The most pronounced deficiency is producers not controlling or getting involved in the reproduction and release processes. And in situations where they do carry out the reproduction themselves, they hardly press enough products to meet market demands. Nigeria is a nation of 150 million people; therefore the release of fewer than 1.5 million cds or vcds, cannot meet market demand. The unmet demand is what commercial pirates meet with illegal copies that run into millions. This opportunism is definitely not unique to Nigeria; what is, is that producers are doing little or nothing strategic to redress the threatening situation. The time has come when music labels and home video producers must work collectively in seeking practical business solutions that will remove or at least reduce this market deficiency to the barest minimum. The good news is that encryption technologies that can restrict both home taping and commercial piracy are now available. When this is combined with carefully planned marketing strategies and value-added promotional incentives, it will spur on more consumers to buy original copies and errant local distributors/retailers would have to rethink their trade.. These are necessary fundamental business steps that have to be taken to woo interest and encourage the corporate banking and finance sector to invest in the entertainment industry.

The foregoing must be supported by other key strategies that will re-orientate and assimilate the local networks/retailers bringing them in as stakeholders and partners forming an important economic base of the entertainment industry. Similar strategies are known to be working successfully in Jamaica, a developing nation like ours, and the largest exporter of internationally acclaimed reggae music, where pirate distributors were offered a new deal and assimilated into the business. Interestingly, they are now the foot soldiers giving protection to music products within given territories. New legislations, tweaking the copyright laws to give more powers to NCC or NFVCB, or legal actions that unfortunately linger in court for years and resolve practically nothing in the market place at the end of the day are clearly not the business way forward for an ailing entertainment industry.

Music/video producers establish private infrastructure that will act as 24/7 vigilante/inspection bodies to protect their products and watch over them in the markets. Section 21 of the Copyright Act allows: “Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, it shall be permissible for both criminal and civil actions to be taken simultaneously in respect of the same infringement under this Act.” Thus, while NCC handles criminal proceedings, affected producers can bring collective civil actions for financial restitution in addition to organising strategic marketing through private infrastructure. After all, producers earn nothing from criminal actions. The proposed infrastructure would act as a one-stop shop for all producers to bring civil actions, rather than piecemeal, and use that power to sanitise the markets.

Ayo Solarin is an intellectual Property/Music & Film Business Lawyer and Member of the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers

(c) Ayo Solarin, Zedakah Entertainment Consultants UK, 2010

 Source: http://ayo-ipmattersandbusinesssolutions.blogspot.com