The Nollywood Movie Industry - Forward or Backward?

Recently I found myself in an argument with my roommate as to whether Nollywood was really worth the attention. According him, Nollywood was going down the drain in value and worth. He compared early Nollywood blockbusters and how movies "sucked". I dared to ask why. He told me that movies made by Nigerians were become less believable and real, more predictable and stereotyped. I quickly opened my browser sourced for information on Nollywood. I found Wikipedia still acknowledged that it was the second biggest movie industry in the world in terms of number of movies produced a year. Being Africa's largest motion picture industry and having a with a 3.5 billion dollar net worth, I had a rethink.

Really, more than once have you heard people criticise Nigerian movies. But when I reviewed the tremendous source made by this giant movie industry, I tend to wonder if it was befitting to really see Nollywood as far behind. Nollywood was rated above Chinese, Japanese and Pakistani film industries. I was poised to wonder why. If Nollywood movies really "sucked" as my concerned roommate harmlessly said, why was Nollywood receiving global attention? Why were movies by revolutionary movie makers like Kunle Afoloyan and others making it into global cinemas? Since movies where an indirect or direct revelation of a people's style, I told my self that my room mate was really actually comparing Nigeria to America!

I strongly believe that movies are strong ways of showing the technical power and technological strength of any country. Nollywood is a seedling in growth. Even for the masters, it was not easy getting where they are. Since we are technological advancement has improved the world interest in movie making, Nigeria is not left out. Remember that bigwigs in the Nigerian movie industries like Omotola and others are getting international too.
Let us also give credence to the fact that Nollywood is lucrative for the successful or superstar acts. The truth is that people watch these movies. They learn from it. And the actors earn from it. The good ones become stars. What is the primary motive of entertainment industry if not these things?

Therefore, if Nollywood has this kind of global recognition and is the only African country to be rivalling other industries of entertainment, why don't we support it to become better? What if we gave Nollywood chance and time like Hollywood? What if our government encouraged good moviemakers into full time movie entrepreneurs by supporting them financially? Would Nollywood not be a point of global interest and the world's leading movie industry in the near future? Think about it.

Baskethmouth confirms rob incident

Bovi Ugboma, the fellow comedian friend of Baskethmouth recently
reported that Baskethmouth was robbed in his house in Lekki. Baskethmouth confirmed the incident on his social media page. Here is what he posted:
"Yes I was robbed, yes they made away with a lot of valuables.......the great thing is that they didn't steal my sense of humour. Myself, my wife and kids were not harmed, so we thank God. Big thanks to everyone that reached out, may God bless you abundantly".

Our thing: 9 Most used expressions in Nollywood movies!

There are words you can never cease to here in Nollywood movies. Whether most Nollywood scriptwriters have the same thinking pattern or their actors are too cliché-minded, it is a fact. Perhaps, the directors or producers find them interesting and selling points. Maybe it has to do with our language structure. The truth remains, we hear them always and we like them. We do not complain about them or find them boring. In fact, we use them in our daily conversations and even write them. Here, the top 10 most used phrases/words in Nollywood movies.

1. WHAT!: This shows us a sense of surprise or shock. the continued usage of this word makes it difficult to say if the correct pronunciation is "wot" as in "hot" or "wat" as in "cat" Maybe Olu Jacobs just realised his daughter Chioma Chukwuka Akpota fainted at school or his wife had an accident. This word always attract attention to the screen as to what happened.

2. OVER MY DEAD BODY!: Patience Ozokwor(the Queen) just got told by her son Mike Ezuronye(the Prince) that he will marry Tonto Dike(a village girl) and she be like "Over my dead body! You will never marry that girl" Sometimes I wonder if the speaker thinks she/he would never die or is not on their way to death.

3. ABOMINATION(ARU)!: The Igwe just died and the elders hear he died on his throne. The shout this to show detest over what happened and how tragic they find it. Elder Maya is an expert in this expression.

4. EWOO!: A son's death may have been reported to a mother or a woman's husband was battering her. She lets out that painful yell to show the suffering state of her heart.

5. GBAM!: This shows agreement in an opinion or and idea. The village youths might unanimously say this when the elders decide that the village thief will be banished. It is always accompanied by an earth-word pointing, showing that the decision has dropped heavily on the ground.

6. HOW DARE YOU!: The wicked king Pete Edochie is confronted by the Chief priest, and he burns in rage and throws this at the priest who tells him "Do not challenge the gods" with that supernatural voice that goes on a high pitch. The king will always try to murder the priest.

7. WILL YOU MARRY ME?: Desmond Elliot may have discovered his first love Mercy Johnson after five years of leaving school. They discover they are still in love as strong as ever. He kneels down before her inside a restaurant and asks the impossible. She would mostly say yes and hug him. Someone like Cha Cha Eke might reject it by kicking him in the ass.

8. CALM DOWN/ I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL: Words of consolation. From a friend to a friend or from a mother to her enraged son. The after that something like "but . . ." follows.

9.HOW COULD YOU?: Heart break and disappointment.

Maybe there is one that skipped my mind or I haven't heard. Let me in!

Alert! 5 things you should never post on Facebook.

When majority of people in our generation want to be social, so it poses no big deal for people to post information and flex with their life online just any way they like. Posting about personal lives and activities seems to be normal. But before you post that info out for the world to see, did you know you never can tell who sees your posts unless you locked it to yourself alone? Did you know painstaking information passed could never be retrieved from public knowledge ever again? Unless your personal security and private life means nothing to you, here are six things you should never, NEVER post on Facebook, no matter for what short periods they stay.
1. YOUR DATE OF BIRTH- It generally a norm for most people to conceal their birth dates, and for some others, it's really nothing. but the truth is that it matters who see and who know your birth dates. Getting enough Birthday wishes and many likes might be in for it, but its not worth it. Your identity might be stolen. As a matter of fact there are experts in impersonation and your Birth dates is many miles helpful to them. You might make it know however to your trusted friends. If you must put info about your birth, leave out the year at least.
2. MARITAL STATUS: Maybe you find this a way to get people look away from you and know your are not single. Or perhaps you put it up to tell people you are single and searching. The truth is that it gets you nowhere pleasant. Stalkers learn to follow your relationship status and gain knowledge of your personal inclinations if you bare it all. The best bet is to leave the space apparently blank.
3. NUDIES: Sure we are all in a free world. One could do almost everything he/she likes. Even on online platforms. But to face the truth, this act plays a lot of roles in people's psychology. You never can tell who will get to see your posts. This might be a direct way of proving yourself immoral and arrogant. You might think it doesn't matter. But know that the receiver of an information matters and should matter to the sender. Without knowing, you let people know what kind of person you are and what you have in your mind.
4. YOUR LOCATION: Nobody loves being tracked or followed, whatsoever the reason might be. So it is rather better not to give away your location on Facebook or any other online platform. It might be just the info your tracker might need.
5. YOUR FRIEND'S BAD PICTURES: Sometimes we think it fun to share picture of our close friends or relative doing watchable things. But the truth is that no one wants to be made mockery of. So long as it displeases you to have people see you at your bad moments, it good to let them be such times. If you find your fun just a few uploads away from you, remember you too got your bad moments too.

Masters of Jokes! Top 9 Nigerian comedians of all time.

No doubt, comedy is one of the major pillars of the entertainment industry. As a matter fact, hardly do everyone not enjoy jokes. We no doubt have comedians around that have made unforgettable landmarks in the history of comedy in Nigeria. Here are the top ten of Nigeria's all time comedians. While these might not suit your immediate taste, be aware that this list is subject to change and absolute to current rating.

9 ALIBABA:

Ali Baba’s real name is Alibaba Akporobome and he is popularly called the Grand Comedian of the Federal Republic (GCFR), a title he carved out for himself as not only the Father of all Comedians but the best in his field. Ali Baba is said to be the very man who invented the concept of Stand Up Comedy in Nigerian History. This great feats has taken him inside Aso Rock as he no longer crack jokes for the masses as it were but for top Shots. He is also an Event pioneer and MC for most top celebrations in Nigeria; ranging from the Presidency to other Political figures in and outside the country.

8 JULIUS AGWU:

Julius is one of the few comedians with a future to serve their state. Julius Agwu has also carved a niche for himself in the Comedy sphere. He goes by the nickname “Julius d’ Genius” He also delves in to music with his very brand called “Reel Liaf Band” He has also notified his intentions to be the next Governor of his state after the people of Rivers “verbally told him to”

7 GORDONS:

Gordons is definitely one of the most hilarious Comedian in Nigeria with his self-composed jokes especially his flair for Ministry-Based jokes “movement to the permanent site” and his steady slang of often saying “Hallelujah” in between jokes.
Gordons who calls himself Comedy Barlusconi under the ODP political party (Osusu Democratic Party) is just a natural. He has released many joke compilations likewise under his Gordons Comedy Klinic Wards.

6 AY:

Ayo Makun happens to be one of the most creative comedian in Nigeria with his AY LIVE lines of Entertainment. AY as many calls him is not just a Stand-up comedian; he is an Entertainer, an Actor, a Musician and a TV host of his popular who wants to be a Billionaire which often features other comedians especially Bovi. He has acted his mini-movies with top celebrities like Genevieve Nnaji, Tonto Dikeh, Nadia Buhari and many more.

5 SEYI LAW:

Seyi Law is said to be Gordons’ partner in crime as he displays the same agility as Gordons when on stage. His mini-skits in which he played Jesus Christ on the way to be crucified while he carried a cross and been flogged has won many audience over the years too.

4 I GO DIE:

This guy is dope. If you ever sit under his Comedian influence, you will laugh your ribs out with his fast-mouth kind of comedy as he often takes on his guest and those in the crowd. Known for his funny jokes on poverty, politics with his off-colour suits – He lies too. E.g I Go dye will tell the crowd “i was in UK recently to see Barack Obama” We all know Barack Obama is in USA!!! or He was in Aso Rock last week to see President Jonathan to discuss his ambition to run for Presidency!! lol. He’s a real rib cracker and natural.

3 AKPORORO:

This guy is damn funny. He once made it known of his intention in adding Dettol to his enemies soup and his fans were like “WHAT!!!”. Akporo is a Stand-Up comedian who also diversifies and often delves into music.

2 BOVI:

Bovi Ugboma, who goes by the stage nameBovihas over the years aligned himself with other comedians as he climbs the comedy ladder in greatness. The Benin City Born Comedian is known for popularizing the words Akpos in most of his jokes and just so you know, Bovi is not just a comedian as many thought; he has been in the NollywoodIndustry acting funny 30-mins plays before finally switching to Comedy full time. I remember him cracking a joke on basketmouthabout God telling basketmouth to “go to hell” on Judgement day. Basketmouth was seen almost climbing the stage immediately with bottles to break his head.

1 BASKETMOUTH:

Oh Yes!!! If you don’t know who Basket Mouth is, then you are not in this great country of ours. Well, many dubbed him the king of Comedy for his natural physics especially as a stand-up comedian and his frequent mini-movies in collaboration with other artiste, musicians and comedians alike. He’s a Glo Ambassador with a difference. His real name is Bright Okpocha and he’s also won the heart of many other African nations like Ghana.

Do you think the list is perfect? Add the missing link(s) if there is!