Vivien Stephen, a rare combination of Gospel and grit

VIVIEN STEPHEN

A rare combination of Gospel and grit, Vivien Stephen has been in the Entertainment industry for nearly a decade. With her strong, beautiful and distinctive voice, she has help groups like Sharp Band and Perception Band to prominence in the City of Lagos .

An only child, Vivien is married to the Fuji crooner of the award winning gospel group ‘Midnight Crew’. Mother of one and firm believer in miracles, Vivien is always quick to acknowledge her talent as God’s gift. Energetic and decisive, this daughter of the Delta was born to lecturer father and travelling businesswoman mother, Dr. & Mrs Stephen. Music seemed to come naturally to Vivien from when she was six. By sixteen, she was leading choirs and getting invited from all around Lagos .

With her coarse and raspy yet silky depth that would make Angelique Kidjo and Yinka Davies turn their heads, Vivien’s voice places her in contention as the next big female act in Africa .


Click the link below to listen to the outstanding track of our time! I mean a track with a touch of difference!
Performed by Vivien Stephen, Written by Michael Abdul, Produced by Wole Oni.----------IJO by Vivien Stephen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP5WTQFSvEo

Also this remarkable track! GOOD MORNING SIR by Vivien Stephen, Performed by Vivien Stephen, Written by Michael Abdul, Produced by Wole Oni.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-6ne0a5nEQ

EGBERUN MAILI (One thousand Miles) premieres in Africa & UK from 14th November 2009

Ace cinematographer Tunde Kelani says “If every other movie can at least be of this standard, I can assure you that our movie industry would have been bigger than this.”

Directed by Dotun Taylor,One thousand Miles tells a story of young Omolola Adebayo, an intelligent Chartered Accountant Spinster, who mistakenly sends a text message meant for her Fiancée to a stranger’s phone. This stranger turns out to be a conservative artist who is a Farmer in Osogbo; Iwintunde Kupoluyi. Iwintunde responds to this text, writing one of the best love poems Omolola has ever read. Omolola on the other end gets really curious and begins to speak with this stranger on the phone. She notices that her already existing relationship may be threatened, so she tries stopping her friendship with this stranger but could not. One day she gets too curious and wants to add a face to the voice of this stranger, who is a sworn enemy with the Lagos ’ ‘fast lane’ life style. She made the journey all the way to Oshogbo, and her life turned around.

Subtitled in French and english by MOSUNMOLA AGORO, the movie parades movie stars like Legend and Top Yoruba Actresses in  Nollywood, Bukky Ajayi, Binta Ayo Mogaji, Remi Surutu, Actors like Bayo Bankole and featuring Alhaji Ahmed Abubakar and Funmi Fiberesima as lead characters.

“We intend to start our world premiere from November 2009 London, Manchester, Birmingham, Chester and Ireland. As it has to do with VCDs and DVD, that is not happening till next year but we will begin random Cinema shows at about November in Nigeria ” said Dotun Taylor.

The director/producer OLADOTUN ALFRED TAYLOR is a graduate of the University of Ilorin, with a degree in History in the year 2000.  He then went for his NYSC service year in Jos, Plateau and served at Nigerian Television Authority as a producer and presenter, by the end of the service year, he was retained and moved to National production Jos, where he worked in the capacity of assistant producer and at the same period, he attended the Nigerian Film Institute  Jos, and finished his course in 2002. He had a stint in acting when he played the part of a young athlete hooked on drugs in a television series titled Crucible on the Nigerian Television Network.  Dotun Taylor after his stint with NTA Jos moved to Lagos.  He co-wrote and produced a film titled Jeun Soke by Saheed Balogun, directed by Patrick Doyle and featured notable artists like Alariwo, Orlando Julius etc.

Dotun Taylor returned to television, as a presenter –producer on Galaxy Television in 2003 on Be My Guest and Sound of My Land, his love for filmmaking  and independence took him out of television again to set up his own production outfit called Aroba – Aroba meaning oral tradition or history.In 2004, he produced and directed Adewale Ayuba’s Ijo Fuji, which went on to win an award at the 2005 Kora Awards. Aroba as he is known to his peers and colleagues in the entertainment sector, has come to be known as one of the best traditional music video directors, having done the videos of artists like Pasuma, Yinka Ayefele, Saheed Osupa, Jesse King (Buga), Jide Chord, Midnight Crew (Igwe) etc.

Dotun directed the film Halimat in 2007, written and produced by Toyin Aimakhu, and his directorial prowess was put to show in this film, that got reviews for the wonderful camera shots .Dotun is married with a son.  Egberun Maili was shot in October 2008 with the script written by Dotun a few years ago.

Apologies!!!

We would like to apologise for not given you any update on your favorite blog since April.
We are now back in full strength now and we hope to bring so much positive orientated articles as regards to the awareness on some news things going on in the Entertainment industry, in terms of the movies, music and all so please logged on to this blog.

Should you have any article that you will like us to publish for you on this blog please do not hesitate to email us on info@afrikkreations.com

Thanking you for you ceaseless support.
Esteem Wishes
Management

Nollywood Stars Give Verdict On AMAA

The African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), has come a long way since its inception five years ago. It is today regarded by many as the African version of the American OSCAR Awards and enjoys international recognition for its laudable achievements.

In the last edition held at the Cultural Centre Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Saturday April 4th, some of the Nollywood Stars spoke with our Correspondent on their impression about the continental events; Excerpts:

Hakeem Rahman: National Vice President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, (AGN) 

- AMAA is one of the best things that has happened to the African Movie Industry as it affords movie makers and marketers the opportunity to come together every year. It has also encouraged excellence, hardwork and competition. Nollywood has not done much in terms of producing films that can compete favourably with that of other African countries in terms of production of films of international standards. This is probably why most of the awards were carted away by other African countries like Kenya, but we hope to get better in future.

Andy Chukwu (Actor)

AMAA has really done well over the years and the organisers have succeeded in bringing us together every year, particularly our counterparts in Nigeria and Africa. In terms of the choice of winners, they are doing well, that is why the number of participants continue to increase every year. AMAA improves every year, this is why this year’s event is better than last year.

Tom Njemanze (Actor)

Nollywood is a great thing that has happened to Africa. Without Nollywood, no African Magic we are going to do more great things to show our people of Africa that we are one. In terms of choice of winners, the judges follow due process, there is no bias in their choice of winners.

Gloria Young (Actress)

For AMAA, I will say so far so good, it is something that is bringing some kind of unity in Africa and Africa in diaspora.

Abiola Akande (Madam Kofo) Actress

AMAA is a welcome development, at least we have something to look up to every year and we have not been disappointed.

Ejike Asiegbu (President AGN)

AMAA has grown from strength to strength, but it can get better. We are happy that the governors of Bayelsa, from Alamesiegha, who started the event to the present administration have been very supportive.

The relevance is to bring Stars together which translates to rapid development of the tourism sector in the States. We have to sustain the tempo.

Kate Henshaw – Nuttall: (African Best Actress 2008)

AMAA has been good. It is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria and we will keep doing it because we have the talents here in this country.

Grace Amah -(Actress)

AMAA is simply great, it is a name that has come to stay and I am happy for the organizers of the vent for the good job they are doing.

Colins Mcdon:  (Actor)

AMAA has exposed Nigeria and Africa in diaspora to the world. AMAA has gone beyond Nigeria. In the next five years when you will be talking of the Grammy awards, you will also be talking about AMAA. The choice of winners has been fair so far, we have college of judges who are men and women of intergrity, I feel their choice is strictly on merit. Those who have been chosen deserve the Awards.

Stephanie Okereke (Actress)

AMAA has helped to expose movie practitioners the more. It has also helped to encourage those involved in movie making by rewarding excellence and hardwork. The Bayelsa State government deserves commendation for encouraging AMAA. 

(Culled from The Tide Online)

The Result of the AMAA 2009

 BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT) 

a. Per Second Killer (Nigeria)

b. Coming of Age (Kenya)

c. Santos the survivor (Kenya)

d. Lost in the South (Rwanda)

e. Congo my foot (FAR) 


BEST DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE) 

1. Private Files – Egypt

2. Shit on the Rock – Nigeria

3. Grandma’s not Home – South Africa

4. For the Best and for the Onion – Niger (Joint winners)

5. Malcom’s Echo – Dami Akinnusi 



BEST SHORT FILM 

1. Pamela – Kenya

2. Who is Best? -Zimbabwe

3. The Sharing day – Cameroun 

4. Love Is …..

5. Killer Necklace 


No winner announced


BEST ANIMATION 

1. kono (Burkina Faso)

2. Lolo (Burkina Faso)

3. Little Learning is different – Kenya 

4. Manani Ogre – Kenya 

5. Cheprono – Kenya 


AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND 

1. From a Whisper 

2. Battle of the Soul

3. Seventh Heaven

4. Gugu and Andile

5. Grey Focus 



AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING 

1. Cindy’s Note

2. Reloaded

3. Modupe Temi

4. Battle of the Soul 

5. From a Whisper 


AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION 

1. Small Boy – Michelle Bello

2. Five Apostles – Ifeanyi Onyeabor

3. Agony of the Christ – Jude Odoh

4. Gugu and Andile – Kay Tickerman

5. Revolution – Eddybongo Uka 




AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP 

1. Agony of the Christ 

2. Live to Remember 

3. From a whisper 

4. The Assassin 

5. Ase n’tedumare 




AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECT 

1. Five Apostle 

2. Battle of the Soul

3. Smoke and Mirrors

4. Agony of the Christ

5. Revolution 





BEST ORIGINAL IN SOUNDTRACK 

1. Arugba 

2. Beautiful Soul

3. From a whisper 

4. Agony of the Christ

5. Jenifa 



MOST PROMISING ACTOR 

1. Litha Booi – Gugu and Andile

2. Mavila Anthana Keriario – Battle of the Soul

3. Ruffy Samuel – Dead End 

4. Segun Adefila – Arugba

5. Sherrif Ramzy – Seventh Heaven 




MOST PROMISING ACTRESS 

1. Bhaira Mcwizu – Cindy’s Note

2. Bukola Awoyemi – Arugba

3. Lydia Farson – Scorned 

4. Lungelo Dhladha – Gugu and Andile

5. Mfouemon Bea. Flore – Ma Saah Sah 




BEST PERFORMANCE BY A CHILD ACTOR 

1. Celia Greenwoood - The Assasin 

2. Richard Chukwuma - Small Boy 

3. Shanlar Kirunga – Battle of the Soul

4. Samara Milgwi – From a whisper 




BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE 

1. Godfrey Odhiamba – From a whisper 

2. Mike Ezuruonye – The Assasin

3. Michel Majid – Agony of the Christ

4. Peter Badejo – Arugba

5. Farouk Alfishawi – Seventh Heaven 




BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE 

1. Stephanie Okereke and Nse Etim – Reloaded

2. Stella Damasus-Aboderin – State of the Heart

3. Corine Onyango – From a whisper 

4. Nadia Buari – Agony of the Christ 

5. Funke Akindele – Jenifa 




BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE 

1. Femi Adebayo – Apaadi

2. Abubakar Mvenda and Ken Ambani – From a Whisper 

3. Neil Mc Carthy – Gugu and Andile

4. Yemi Blaq – Grey Focus 

5. Joel Okuyo Prynce – Battle of the Soul 



BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE 

1. Aggie Kebirungi – Battle of the Soul

2. Mercy Johnson – Live to Remember 

3. Mosunmola Filani – Jenifa

4. Daphney Hlomoku – Gugu and Andile 

5. Chika Ike – The Assassin 



BEST FILM IN AFRICAN LANGUAGE 

1. Gugu and Andile – South Africa

2. Arugba – Nigeria

3. Mah Saah Sa – Cameroun 

4. Uyai – Nigeria

5. Apaadi – Nigeria 




AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY 

1. From a Whisper – Marius Van Graan

2. Seventh Heaven - Ramses Marzouk

3. Cindy’s Note – Izu Ojukwu

4. Gugu and Andile –Greg Heimann

5. Battle of the Soul – Stephen Njero and Tony Matomi 



AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME 

1. Agony of the Christ

2. Apaadi

3. Live to Remember 

4. Arugba

5. Seventh Heaven 



HEART OF AFRICA AWARD FOR BEST FILMS FROM NIGERIA 

1. Cindy’s Note – Izu Ojukwu

2. Arugba – Tunde Kelani

3. Beautiful Soul – Tchidi Chikere

4. State of the Heart – Kingsley Omoife and Richard Mofe-Damijo

5. Jenifa – Funke Akindele 



BEST SCREENPLAY 

1. From a Whisper – Matt Bish

2. Seventh Heaven – Zainab Aziz

3. Through the Glass – Stephanie Okereke

4. Reloaded – Emem Isong

5. Beautiful soul – Tchidi Chikere 



BEST PICTURE 

1. From a Whisper – Kenya 

2. Arugba – Nigeria

3. Gugu and Andile – South Africa

4. Battle of the Soul - Uganda

5. Seventh Heaven - Egypt 



BEST DIRECTOR 

1. Wanuri Kahiu – From a Whisper (Kenya)

2. Tunde Kelani – Arugba (Nigeria)

3. Minky Schlesinger – Gugu and Andile (South Africa)

4. Math Bish – Battle of the Soul (Uganda)

5. Saad Hendawy – Seventh Heaven (Egypt)

African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) 2009 was a success!!

The fifth edition of the annual African Movie Academy Award (AMAA), which ended last Saturday night, April 4, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, sprang up surprises among the audience. Many least expected the outcome of the award ceremony. The fiesta saw films from other African nations dominating their Nigerian colleagues. Stakeholders in the entertainment industry were in agreement that the awardees deserved the feat, given their hard work and commitment.

However, the hosting of the event had attracted negative comments from concerned Bayelsans, who alleged that the 'project' was a waste of government funds. They argued that the N70m used for the function would have been channelled into paying teachers salary and other meaningful ventures. But, Director General of the State's Tourism Bureau and Publicity, Nathan Egba, dismissed this view, insisting that the hosting of AMAA would go a long way in showcasing the rich cultural heritage and tourist potentials in the state. Egba maintained that the state would reap the benefits of AMAA in future.

At least, artistes and producers from 11 African countries, including the Nollywood members such as Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Ejike Asiegbu, and other numerous guests thronged the expansive auditorium of the Gloryland Cultural Centre situated on Ovom to grace the award ceremony. Night crawlers from Bayelsa and neighbouring states also besieged the venue to experience what they knew best. 

Stand-up comedian, Julius Agwu and Kate Henshaw-Nattall were co-comperes of the function, attended by Governor Timipre Sylva and other top government functionaries. Agwu as usual, displayed his ingenuity with rib-cracking jokes that arrested the audience. Selected musicians were not left out at the function.

Interestingly, the AMAA jury included celebrated players such as American festival designer, Ayoku Babu, German Film programmer, Dorothy Wenner, Kenyan-born British festival director, Keith Shiri and Editor, The Punch, Steve Ayorinde. A total of 25 categories were nominated for the prestigious award.

At the award ceremony, A Kenyan film, From a whisper directed by Wannri Kaliu won five choice prizes, even as the Nigerian entries that had earlier dominated the nominees' list crumbled to the surprise of Nigerian spectators. The movie won the best director, screenplay, picture, original soundtrack and AMAA achievement in editing in categories that had Nigerian entries such as Tunde Kelani in the film Arugba, Tchidi Chikere Beautiful soul and Modupe Teni. Incidentally, nobody won the best-shut film.

Again, South African film, Gugu and Andile, Egyptian film Seventh Heaven and Ugandan film Battle of the soul floored Nollywood entries, as best performance actor in a leading role and best performance actor in a supporting role, including AMAA achievement in visual effect. There was reprieve among Nigerian audience when Funke Akindele won the best female actress in Jenifa film, while Tunde Kelani won the AMAA achievement in costume and non-continental best for Nigeria scenes.

Best performance actor and male actor was clinched by Egyptian-born artiste, Farouk Alfishawi in a film titled Seventh Heavens. Izu Ojukwu, defeating Stephenie Okereke, Stella Damasus, and other artistes, won the best cinematography in Cindy. Nigerian filmmakers may likely redouble their efforts in winning choice prizes in the next edition of AMAA. Analysts say their performance in the recent award was not quite encouraging.

In his comments, Governor Timipre Sylva tasked filmmakers in the country and beyond, to take advantage of the state's rich cultural heritage and tourist potentials by investing in the area. Sylva said films could be shot at several locations that are many in the state, to showcase its rich culture and tourism potentials.

While arguing that the state depicts a typical African setting with fine beaches and rich mangrove forests, the governor said the move would go a long way in promoting the state tourism potentials, as well as providing employment for the people. Sylva observed that the movie industry was a vibrant business, saying that AMAA was a veritable platform in uniting the people of African descents in the Diaspora.

The Governor assured that the hosting of next edition of the movie academy award would be better, as government would have put in place the necessary infrastructure to make it more successful.

"With the issue of militancy coming to an end, Bayelsa will witness unprecedented development. I commend President Umaru Yar'Adua for granting amnesty to all militants," he said.

Earlier, Chief Executive of AMAA, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, expressed appreciation to Sylva for taking the annual movie award to the present level. Anyiam-Osigwe remarked that it was imperative for Africans to tell their own stories to the globe, in a bid to change the wrong perceptions before the developed countries of the world.

The AMAA boss paid tribute to the late celebrated musician, Mariam Makeba, Francis Agwu, Kwame Ansah and other moviemakers, who passed on during the period under review.

One of the awardees, Funke Akindele, acknowledged that she attained her feat by dint of hard work. She dedicated the award to God and her crew.

Culled from www.nigeriafilms.com

Funke Akindele (Jenifa) is African's Best Actress AMAA 2009-2010

NIGERIA's Funke Akindele has been named by the jury of the 2009 edition of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), as Africa's best actress in a leading role.

Akindele was the jury's choice out of six other actresses nominated in that category, including a Ghanaian and Kenyan. Although, the actress, who interpreted delightfully the role of Jenifa, the lead character in the movie of same title, was not present at the award ceremony at the Integrated Glory Land Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, a resounding applause greeted her declaration as the continent's best actress for this year. 

But it was Kenyan's day at the award, which was witnessed by Governor Timipre Silva and members of his cabinet. The Kenyan filmmakers made it up the dais five times to receive the highest number of awards of the evening. 

From a Whisper, the movie by Kenyan Director and Scriptwriter, Wanuri Kahiu, which commemorates the 10th anniversary of the infamous August 7, 1998 terrorist bombing in Kenya in which over 250 people died and 5,000 were injured was adjudged the best African film for 2009. 

The movie, which examines the aftermath of the bombing on the lives of the indirect victims of the blast, also got the award for the best screenplay, best director, best editing and best original soundtrack. 

The award night also featured stand-up comic acts and musical performances. Filmmakers from South Africa, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Rwanda and Niger Republic also got rewarded for their artistry in the make-belief world of the movies.

South Africa's Gugu and Andile got the awards for best promising actress and actor category as well as the best film in African Language. 

Uganda received the award for the best film with visual effect with its only entry Battle of the Soul, while Burkina Faso got garlanded for the best animated film with Justin Zerbo's Kono.

Nominations for this year's African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)

The African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) is an offshoot of the African Film Academy. The Academy founded on the best film tradition, is geared towards research, training and propagating film making in Africa. Behind it are film producers, directors, designers, writers, critics and scholars who share in the belief of a renaissant African film.

AMAA is thus conceptualized as an annual celebration of the brightest and the best in African movie. It is about class and style, blitz, glitz and razzmatazz. It is the biggest gathering of movie makers across the African continent and the diaspora. It is to show to the world that the rating of Nollywood (Nigeria) as the third largest producers of movie is real.

The 2009 edition of the awards billed to hold in Yenagoa, the capital of the oil-rich but politically volatile Niger Delta state of Bayelsa on April 4 2009.
1. BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT)

• Per Second Killer (Nigeria)
• Coming of Age (Kenya)
• Santos the survivor (Kenya)
• Lost in the South (Rwanda)
• Congo my foot (FAR)

2. BEST DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)

• Private Files – Egypt
• Shit on the Rock – Nigeria
• Grandma’s not Home – South Africa
• For the Best and for the Onion – Niger
• Malcom’s Echo – Dami Akinnusi

3. BEST SHORT FILM

• Pamela – Kenya
• Who is Best? -Zimbabwe
• The Sharing day – Cameroun
• Killer Necklace
• Love Is …

4. BEST ANIMATION

• Lolo (Burkina Faso)
• Leila (Burkina Faso)
• Little Learning is different – Kenya
• Manani Ogre – Kenya
• Cheprono – Kenya
• Wanuri Kahiu - Kenya

5. AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND

• From a Whisper
• Battle of the Soul
• Seventh Heaven
• Gugu and Andile
• Grey Focus

6. AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING

• Cindy’s Note
• Reloaded
• Modupe Temi
• Battle of the Soul
• From a Whisper

7. AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION

• Small Boy – Michelle Bello
   
• Five Apostles – Ifeanyi Onyeabor
• Agony of the Christ – Jude Odoh
• Gugu and Andile – Kay Tickerman
• Revolution – Eddybongo Uka

8. AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP

• Agony of the Christ
• Live to Remember
• From a whisper
• The Assassin
• Ase n’tedumare

9. AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECT

• Five Apostle
• Battle of the Soul
• Smoke and Mirrors
• Agony of the Christ
• Revolution

10. Best ORIGINAL IN SOUNDTRACK

• Arugba
• Beautiful Soul
• From a whisper
• Agony of the Christ
• Jenifa

11. MOST PROMISING ACTOR

• Litha Booi – Gugu and Andile
• Mavila Anthana Keriario – Battle of the Soul
• Ruffy Samuel – Dead End
• Segun Adefila – Arugba
• Sherrif Ramzy – Seventh Heaven

12. MOST PROMISING ACTRESS

• Bhaira Mcwizu – Cindy’s Note
• Bukola Awoyemi – Arugba
• Lydia Farson – Scorned
• Lungelo Dhladha – Gugu and Andile
• Mfouemon Bea. Flore – Ma Saah Sah

13. BEST PERFORMANCE BY A CHILD ACTOR

• Celia Greenwoood - The Assassin
• Richard Chukwuma - Small Boy
• Shanlar Kirunga – Battle of the Soul
• Samara Milgwi – From a whisper

14. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

• Godfrey Odhiamba – From a whisper
• Mike Ezuruonye – The Assassin
• Michel Majid – Agony of the Christ
• Peter Badejo – Arugba
• Farouk Alfishawi – Seventh Heaven

 

  

15. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

• Stephanie Okereke and Nse Etim – Reloaded
• Stella Damasus-Aboderin – State of the Heart
• Corine Onyango – From a whisper
• Nadia Buari – Agony of the Christ
• Funke Akindele – Jenifa

16. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

• Femi Adebayo – Apaadi
• Abubakar Mvenda and Ken Ambani – From a Whisper
• Neil Mc Carthy – Gugu and Andile
• Yemi Blaq – Grey Focus
• Joel Okuyo Prynce – Battle of the Soul

17. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

• Aggie Kebirungi – Battle of the Soul
• Mercy Johnson – Live to Remember
• Mosunmola Filani – Jenifa
• Daphney Hlomoku – Gugu and Andile
• Chika Ike – The Assassin

18. BEST FILM IN AFRICAN LANGUAGE

• Gugu and Andile – South Africa
• Arugba – Nigeria
• Mah Saah Sa – Cameroun
• Uyai – Nigeria
• Apaadi – Nigeria

19. AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

• From a Whisper – Marius Van Graan
• Seventh Heaven - Ramses Marzouk
• Cindy’s Note – Izu Ojukwu
• Gugu and Andile –Greg Heimann
• Battle of the Soul – Stephen Njero and Tony Matomi
• Saad Hendawy - Egypt

20. AMAA ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME

• Agony of the Christ
• Apaadi
• Live to Remember
• Arugba
• Seventh Heaven

21. HEART OF AFRICA AWARD FOR BEST FILMS FROM NIGERIA

• Cindy’s Note – Izu Ojukwu
• Arugba – Tunde Kelani
• Beautiful Soul – Tchidi Chikere
• State of the Heart – Kingsley Omoife and Richard Mofe-Damijo
• Jenifa – Funke Akindele

22. BEST SCREENPLAY

• From a Whisper – Matt Bishanga
• Seventh Heaven – Zainab Aziz
• Through the Glass – Stephanie Okereke
• Reloaded – Emem Isong
• Beautiful soul – Tchidi Chikere

23. BEST PICTURE

• From a Whisper – Kenya
• Arugba – Nigeria
• Gugu and Andile – South Africa
• Battle of the Soul - Uganda
• Seventh Heaven - Egypt

24. BEST DIRECTOR

• Wanuri Kahiu – From a Whisper (Kenya)
• Tunde Kelani – Arugba (Nigeria)
• Minky Schlesinger – Gugu and Andile (South Africa)
• Matt Bish – Battle of the Soul (Uganda)
• Saad Hendawy – Seventh Heaven (Egypt)

Jenifa - "Sulia Kan, Ayetoro Kan" - Written & Produced By Funke Akindele

By now, you all should have gotten the words on the title bar of this article, if not, then you have not gotten the drift of or touched by the ‘Jenifa’ phenomenon.

‘Jenifa’ is the brain work of Funke Akindele. She started from ‘I Need to Know’ , a soap opera on student and AIDS which shetook part in . Since then she has completed her law degree at the University of Lagos and now she is pursuing her movie career.

She has been taking her chances and playing it big in the movie industry. She is one actress every producer always seek after. She is making waves in the industry. Funke Akindele has now become a household name that everyone always look out for.

Her new movie ‘Jenifa’ is making major waves and is selling out fast! ‘Jenifa’ is a film that sheds more light to the fake lifestyle most female undergaraduates live. Suliat is one of the girls, She used to be a village chapion before coming to Lagos for her university education. Upon her arrival she met her long time friend (Becky) who introduced her to some other girls; Franca and Tracy. Suliat then changed her name to Jenifa in order to fit in to the click. All these girls live a fake and wayward life. They Jump from one trouble to another in a bid to belong to the high class. In one of their wayward trips, Franca who is one of them met her untimely death. You need to get a copy of the movie to find out what became of the other three girls.

Even though the movie is quite predictable, the humour, costumes and acting performances take it to another level and carry it along in a nice way.

Also starring in this movie of the moment are as follows: Mosun Filani (Tracy), Ronke Odusanya (Becky), Iyabo Ojo (Franca), Ireti Osayemi (Shakira), Eniola Badmus (Gbogbo Big girl), Odunade Adekola, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Ricardo Agbor, Tola Oladokun, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami and many others.

Applaudable efforts by Funke Akindele for a well written script. Apart from this outstanding movie of the moment she also produced, she had the written and produced the following movies in the past: Agbefo 1 & 2, Ekuro 1 & 2 and few others that I can't remember right now.

Funke who was born in 1976 has been a successful actress for over a decade. She is so humble and she is one of the actresses in the Nollywood industry of good reputation and know what they're doing. She is definitely go places.

Written By 'Teju Ibukunoluwa

Yoruba actors and actresses that rocked 2008!!!!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year. 2009 is a year of progress, increase, advancement on every side and unspeakable joy and peace in Jesus name.

In our last article dated 15th December 2008, we brought to you a list of some top Nollywood actors and actresses who soared in 2008. This week, we serve you some Yoruba movie actors and actresses who made 2008 tick.

Lola Alao: Lola Alao has been in the Yoruba movie industry for some time, but her skills have not waned. Although she has pulled her weight in the industry over the years, the outgoing year has been particularly eventful for the actress. She has appeared in virtually all the Yoruba movies. Besides, she also produced some hit Yoruba movies.

Ronke Oshodi-Oke: She is not only well endowed in the upper region, Ronke Oshodi-Oke knows her onions when it comes to acting. Having made a mark in the Yoruba movie industry, it is not a surprise that directors and producers are always running after her. 2008 has not been anything different. For her, it has been a fruitful year.

Toyin Aimakhu: Irrespective of the scandals that have trailed her in the outgoing year, Toyin Aimakhu sustained her wonderful acting skills. A young producer, Toyin came into the movie industry not too long ago but has taken the industry by storm.

Bukky Wright: Bukky Wright has been able to sustain her reputation as a versatile actress who is always at home with any role she finds herself playing. In spite of having been in circulation in the Yoruba movie industry for many years, she remains a strong actress who would give any other actresses a run for her money.

Saheed Balogun: He sure has many reasons to count his blessings this year. Last year, he survived an accident that nearly claimed his life. But he came back on track in 2008. In spite of his marital problems, the actor remained on top of his game in 2008.

Femi Branch: Femi Branch, is the man of the moment in the Yoruba movie industry. His profile in the industry has enjoyed a meteoric rise and the actor does not seem prepared to slow down the pace. He has had a lot of movies to his credit this year and seems to have overtaken many who were there before him.

Fathia Balogun: Formerly married to Saheed Balogun, Fathia is one actress who never allowed scandals or marital problems to affect her career. She has always been a wonderful actress, and she continued to endear herself to fans with her skills in the outgoing year.

Funke Akindele: She took part in ‘I Need to Know’, a soap opera on student and AIDS. Ever since she has been taking her chances and playing it big in the movie industry. She is one actress every producer always look out for. She is making waves in the industry. Funke Akindele has now become a household name that everyone always look out for.

Other actors and Actress are as follows: Yomi Fash- lanso, Funsho Adeolu, Muyiwa Ademola, Odunlade Adekola...

Nollywood Actors & Actresses who made the year 2008 tick!!!

The movie industry boomed like never before in the outgoing year. For many actors and actresses, it has been an eventful year. Life and Beat takes a look at some of the individuals that ran the show.

Mercy Johnson

Without a doubt, Mercy Johnson’s acting career assumed a new height during the outgoing year. She featured in virtually all the top movies and even won some awards. Her calendar was one of the busiest in terms of jobs.

Stephanie Okereke

This actress did not only retain her position as one of the top actresses in Nollywood, she took a step further by joining Hollywood and even premiering her movie, Through the Glass, in the US.

Uche Jombo

Jombo has been simply larger than life during the year. The fact that she played the lead role in many movies and capped that with an Afro Hollywood award in the UK may have lent credence to the belief in many quarters that the actress who abandoned Statistics for acting may have made the best decision.

Rita Dominic

Although she has been in the movie industry for a long time, Rita may not have had it as good as she did in 2008. She was nominated for several awards and won the best dressed actress contest organised by Gistmaster

Kate Henshaw- Nuttall

She is one of the longest serving actresses in Nollywood, her commitment, dedication and contributions to the movie world was rewarded during the year when she was adjudged the Best Actress in the 2008 edition of African Movie Academy Awards. Moreover, her role in Stronger than pain also obtained her the award.

She is the first Nollywood Actress on the discussion panel at the Berlin Film Festival 2008, alonside the Bollywood Super Star, Shah Rukh Khan and the German Actress Maria Schrader. She did not only feature in some movies and soap operas this year, she featured in couple of productions in Berlin. Furthermore, She's been working behind the scenes on some productions lately, she has had events to compere in addition to shooting till the end of the year.

Mike Ezuruonye

Mike Ezuruonye is not only blessed with the kind of looks that many a lady would fantasise about, he is also endowed with acting talent. In 2008, he was the butt of ‘rushing’ by many movie producers who wanted him to appear in their movies.

Nonso Diobi

This is another Nollywood hunk that rose to a great height in 2008. He was great in the movies this year, and the number of movies he featured in was simply unprecedented.

Nkem Owoh

Popularly known as Osuofiah, Nkem Owoh is still doing what he knows best–making people laugh. He featured in very many movies in 2008 but his role in Stronger Than Pain fetched him the Best Actor award in AMAA 2008.

Ini Edo

Like her or hate her, Iniobong Edo is another actress who was a complete hit in the Nollywood industry in 2008. Her calendar was filled so much that the screen diva rejected some scripts. In terms of acting, Ini is still on top of her game. That much she proved with the movies she featured in this year.

Ebube Nwagbo

Pretty actress, Ebube Nwagbo suddenly became a hot cake in 2008. She stepped up in the industry, gained more popularity and wowed a lot of directors and producers with her talent.In 2008, the budding actress blossomed and became the rave of the moment.

30 DAYS The movie, an outstanding production of Nollywood Industry.

This movie highlights the corruption endemic in Nigeria and the consequences that may result if corruption is not addressed.

30 days is such an OUTSTANDING, a TREMEDOUS, REMARKABLE, an EXCEPTIONAL and EXCELLENT movie, written and directed by Mildred Okwo and produced by Ego boyo. The movie is an action thriller and a political drama set in various parts of Nigeria.


Featuring the notable and distinguished Actors & Actresses in the Nollywood Industry, the likes of Joke Silva, Genevieve Nnaji, Segun Arinze, Chet Anekwe, Gbenga Richards, Kunle Coker, Susan Peters, Nobert Young, Kalu Ikwegu and many others.

It is the story of Young Chinora, played by Genevieve Nnaji, daughter of the Chief Justice. Chinora and a group of women, having been tired of corrupt Government officials decided to lead a revolution they perceive will eradicate corruption once and for all in their country. Other prominent actors in the Movie include Joke Silva as minister of state and Segun Arinze, as Inspector General of Police.

Here are some of the reviews 30 days has received:

“30 days has thrown down the gauntlet not only to Nigerian Filmmakers but also to Nigerians and fans of Nollywood”
- Kola Munnis, (Executive producer Osofia in London)

“30 Days gets a thumb up for taking the time in pre-production, on location and in post to do all kinds of things right.”
- Sola Osofisan, Founder of Naijarules and Nigerians in America

“30 Days is a film bristling with lethal gusto. It shocks, grips, and entertains; all elements which make for exciting viewing. In the heat of the tension, passion, and suspense is the unsuspecting mastermind who only the clairvoyant will begin to suspect until events unfold in the course of the movie.”

“A timely piece, especially as the Nigerian government tackles corruption and abuse of office by public officers. It pays special attention to sound, lighting and other technical qualities.”

“The film reeks of pervasive vengeance and un-conformist tendencies, which culminates into a richly contrasting pool of the league of rebels who now see themselves as the last bastion in a morally decrepit society.

“Be warned: not all pretty girls have lipsticks in their handbags, some of them carry guns! 30 Days is a terrific thriller set in modern-day Nigeria.”
- Joy Bewaji, Founder of Festacbreed Magazine

"The movie’s technical work is impressive. It is entertaining! it’s got the thrills and the frills! The plot is extensive and the story is very touching."
-Abimbola Adelakun, Nigerian Punch Newspaper

30 days was nominated in three categories in the recently concluded African Movie Academy Awards. AMAA, (African equivalent of the Hollywood Oscar)
AWARDS…
1. Best Actress - Genevieve Nnaji, 30days
2. Best Director - Mildred Okwo, 30 days
3. Best Movie - 30 days
4. Best Female Supporting Actress - Joke Silva, 30 days
5. Best art direction in a Film - 30 Days
6. Best Screen play - 30 Days
7. Best Edit in a Film - 30 Days
8. Best Costume - 30 Days
9. Best Cinematography - 30 Days

To get a copy of this fantastic movie, log on to http://www.afrikkreations.com and click on the banner. Thanks