Entertainment
Celebrities Who Will Be Missing In Action In 2022
Nollywood lost some of its notable players in 2021. Death dealt a blow on the industry and got tears flowing freely in 2021. The spotlight is on some notable players in the industry that will be missing in action in the New Year.
Folake Aremu aka Orisabumni
Death snatched veteran actress Folake Aremu aka Orisabunmi in 2021. The fiery screen goddess who rode into prominence in the 80’s playing Orisabunmi in a TV series ‘Arelu’ reportedly died at her Ibadan, Oyo state residence late on January 5. Aged 61, the actress was buried on January 28 in her home town Olla in Kwara state. An actress of vast credit, Folake earned the alias Orisabunmi after she delightfully interpreted the role of a pacifying priestess Orisabunmi in a 1987 TV series ‘Arelu’ produced by her former husband Jimoh Aliu, who passed on in October 2019. She was later to feature as the priestess Orisabunmi in most stage and screen productions of the 90’s. Star of critically acclaimed films such as Yanponyarin and Fopomoyo the veteran actress will be remembered for her inimitable role interpretation and for her chants and oratory.
Rachel Oniga
Death dealt a blow on the industry when it snatched notable actress Rachel Oniga. Tears and tributes flowed freely when news broke on July 30 that the veteran actress, Rachel Oniga, had passed on. Online news sources said the actress, clearly one of the queen mothers of Nollywood died of COVID-19. But family sources confirmed that the mother and grandmother died of heart related disease. An actor’s actor of vast credit, Oniga’s strength as an actress in Nollywood was in her ability to act both in Yoruba and English language movies, a reason she was described freely as a cross over actress. A native of Eku in Delta state and recipient of several industry awards including the Best Yoruba actress by the organisers of the THEMA awards in 1998, Oniga would be remembered for her beatific performances in movies such asx ‘Take Me to Mama’, ‘Onome’, ‘Owo Blow’, ‘My Mothers Pregnancy’, ‘Big Time Chick’, ‘Kada River’, ‘Lady in the Forest’ and ‘Naija Christmas’ as directed by Kunle Afolayan for Netflix.
Ernest Asuzu
Light dimmed on one of Nollywood’s most sought after actors of the 90s and 2000s Ernest Asuzu in 2021. Tributes flowed for the actor whom producers made their first choice for an actor who could delightfully live the role of a lover boy or a mean fellow in a crime movie. For most fans of Nollywood movies, a crime, adventure or love story was not complete without Ernest Asuzu. His deft handling of crime and romantic roles earned him the sobriquet ‘Original Bad Boy’ and made him a darling of the movie crowd. But the multitalented actor and singer has passed on. Aged 43, Ernest, who hailed from Imo state, grew up in Lagos. He had his early education in Lagos and joined the movie industry in 1997.
His first appearance in a movie was in ‘Dirty Game’. It took Asuzu’s performance in ‘Dirty Game’ and a few others after it such as ‘My Guy’, ‘Chain Reaction’ and Teco Benson’s ‘Broad Day Light’ for Asuzu’s talent to become noticeable. Another pronounced performance in Teco Benson’s ‘Formidable Force’ and other movies such as ‘Passionate Soul’, ‘Another Campus Tale’ and ‘Power of Trust’ earned Asuzu a comfortable listing on the unofficial list of recognisable and A-list actors. Star of a number of Yoruba language movies including ‘Ogidan’ and ‘Ago Kan Oru’, Asuzu later veered full time into music production and launched a 7-tracker album in November 2020 titled ‘The Truth’. Asuzu reportedly declared at the launch that he was back, better and stronger and was set to make a loaded comeback to the movie turf. But that will no longer be as light has dimmed on the beloved Nollywood actor who will be remembered for his stunning run in movies such as ‘My Guy’, ‘Power of Trust’, ‘Last Wedding’, and ‘Broad Daylight’.
Victor Olaotan
Nollywood was thrown into deep mourning when news broke that Tinsel Actor Victor Olaotan has taken the final curtain call. The actor who was bedridden following a ghastly motor accident he had nearly five years ago passed on in October. An actor’s actor of vast credit who for about seven years breathed real life into the character of Fred Ade Williams on the Mnet flagship soap ‘Tinsel’, Victor who was born in Lagos in the early 50’s studied drama at the University of Ibadan, at the Obafemi Awolowo University and at Rockets University, USA. An accomplished stage and screen actor, Olaotan warmed his way into the consciousness of television viewers, playing the leading role in Tinsel. Only few episodes of the soap that started airing in August 2008 and Olaotan has become a household name. With the Rhythm stopping for him in 2021, Olaotan will be missing in action in 2022.
Prince Ifeanyi Dike
The industry had hardly smarted off the news of the death of Rachel Oniga and Victor Olaotan, when news broke again that another veteran actor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Prince Ifeanyi Dike had passed on. The actor and guild administrator reportedly passed early on August 27. President of the AGN Emeka Rollas who broke the news on an industry whatsapp platform confirmed that the actor who few years back had a successful surgery in India had been ill. A founding member of the AGN and at a time President of the guild, Dike was until his death the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the AGN. He made name as a television producer, presenter and was involved in industry politics before his demise.
Sam Obiago
Nollywood is still mourning the death of one of its illustrious members Sam Obiago. Popular as Daddy Sam, the actor and creative designer passed on December 22 after a brief illness. Sam has featured in over 100 movies and was an executive member of the Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN). Described as a jolly good fellow by his colleagues, Daddy Sam has graced the cover jacket of movies such as ‘The Kings Decision’, ‘Blood Brothers’, ‘The Orbit’, ‘Battle of Kings’, and ‘My Decision’. among others.
*The Roll Call: Babatunde Omidina, Abiodun Aleja, Bruno Iwouha, Sadiq Daba, Rich Oganiru, Jim Lawson Maduike, Dan Nkolaogu, Victor Decker, Stanley Okoro.
Entertainment
Ijaw Nation Day Festival Begins, Today
All is now set for the three-day cultural event tagged, Ijaw ‘Nation Day Festival’ expected to commence today, in Lagos State.
The fiesta is organised by Miebaka Aggo, a professional cyclist and an Ijaw son who is currently based in Lagos State.
Aggo, who disclosed this to The Tide Entertainment yesterday, said that the cultural event which is organised annually, serves as a reminder of the Ijaw culture to the ijaws residing in Lagos State
’For the cultural festival is to show the Ijaws in Lagos our tradition, so they don’t forget,’ he said.
According to him, the fiesta will feature cultural displays such as masquerades, Ijaw dance performances, boat regatta and traditional wrestling, arts and crafts displays and musical performance.
Meanwhile, preparations are ongoing to host a traditional sports festival this year end in Bayelsa Sate or Rivers State of the Niger Delta region.
‘“The traditional sports festival will be held in Niger Delta this year end or early next year. It is a big budget,” he explained.
He mentioned that the organisers are hopeful of sponsorship from companies and well-meaning individuals in the region.
Sports to be contested for include
1. Wrestling
2. Swimming
3. Canoeing
4. Draft
5. Aquathlon(run, swim, run respectively)
6. Triathlon (bike, swim, run)
“However, 5 and 6 are borrowed Olympic sports that favour our region because we can swim, but the major sports to expect are wrestling, swimming and canoeing,” he said.
Nancy Briggs
Entertainment
Life And Times Of Goddy Oku
“In his book, ‘The Wings’, drummer-turned-guitarist, Manford Best, wrote extensively and glowingly of the pivotal role Goddy played in his music career, in the face of his (Manford’s) natural challenge”
On Friday, January 19, 2024, Chief Tony Okoroji, the Chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Uche Emeka Paul, Sir Angus Power Nwangwu and other members of COSON were in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State to pay the last respects of COSON to Engr Goddy Ogomegbunam Oku. Describing Oku as an “iconic musician…long-term motivator of the music industry…leader of the Hygrades, proprietor of Godiac Studios…a great man and a true genius”, Chief Okoroji draped the casket with the flag of COSON. To perform this rite of passage, Okoroji flew in from Lagos, Paul flew in from Abuja, Nwangwu drove in from Enugu and other members arrived from various states reflecting the esteemed regards Goddy Oku commanded in the COSON family. My experience with Goddy Oku and those of others as contained in the following dirge epitomise the essence of Okoroji’s graveside oration. Goddy was really a “long-term motivator of the music industry”.
During the Nigerian civil war, my family took refuge in Umuchima, down the valley at the outskirts of Orlu, Imo State. One evening, my father returned from Orlu with a message from my friend, Emeka Ifejika, that Biafra Army Officers Training School (BAOTS) was setting up a pop band and they were searching for a bass guitarist. Goodness gracious!!! I was the bassist of The Hardnuts, my defunct teenage band in Port Harcourt; so, I saw it as the opportunity to avoid conscription, which had intensified at the time. Very early the next morning, I sneaked through the back into the sprawling scenic compound of Bishop Shanaham College, Orlu, which housed BAOTS and, as God would have it, I met Goddy Oku. For three hours, he drilled me on bass guitar playing, basic chord progressions and eventually accepted me as bassist/vocalist of the proposed band. An identity card and a “Pass” were quickly prepared to enable me return to Umuchima the next day, pick up my personal effects and report for duty.
With Dona Dyke (Donatus Nwadike) on drums and Goddy on lead guitar/vocals, we became The Silhouettes, a power trio that played side-by-side Sunny Nwamama of “Umunwanyi ji ukwu achodi” fame. That was at a time Jimi Hendrix Experience, James Gang, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Cream, Grand Funk Railroad and other Power Trios were hip in Europe and America but hadn’t emerged in the West African music scene; so, our ensemble was peculiar or odd, if you prefer.
One day, Warrant Officer Murphy introduced a young man by name Justus Nnakwe (JU-Xperience) to Goddy and appealed that he (Justus) should be taught an instrument. Within two weeks, Goddy drilled Justus and transformed him from a complete neophyte to a rhythm guitarist. Eventually, JU had his first outing and The Silhouettes morphed into a four-some at an event for the Commandant of BAOTS, Colonel Tim Onwuatuegwu. Thereafter, Goddy groomed a singer whose entry gave the band a greater body and earthy sound. At the end of the civil war, I returned home to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, cofounded The Blackstones Band in January 1970 and chased the stars until 1972 when societal and family pressure leashed me back to school in the United States where I consistently earned pocket change thru playing guitar; the trade in which Goddy Oku groomed and gowned me.
Goddy mentored numerous artists in his days; the list is virtually endless. Sonny Okosuns, John Kerry, Nelly Uchendu, Panam Percy Paul, Chris Okotie, Felix Liberty, Felarday, Clement Amaechi and a host of others. Kenny Koburn (KK) once reminisced on how he broke bounds in high school to watch The Blackstones perform at Golf Course Hotel, Owerri in the early 1970s. Enamored by the performance of the bassist of the band, KK said he dropped out of school and headed to Enugu where he was tutored to play bass guitar by Goddy Oku. Subsequently, KK co-founded Founders Fifteen of Port Harcourt. In his book, ‘The Wings’, drummer-turned-guitarist, Manford Best, wrote extensively and glowingly of the pivotal role Goddy played in his music career, in the face of his (Manford’s) natural challenge. Before his demise, Prof Frank Onyezili (Frank Zilly of The Fractions) narrated to me the crucial role Goddy played in his music career before he returned to school. Goddy it was who played the classical guitar interlude in “Igede” by Celestine Ukwu. Arguably, “Igede” stands out as the first instrumental music in the Highlife genre and one of the most memorable songs of Celestine Ukwu.
Over the years, Goddy and I maintained contact and I visited him periodically. We even planned that he’d do one week with me in Port Harcourt and we’d embark on a musical pilgrimage to Abak, Akwa Ibom State to visit Emmanuel Ntia of Solo Hit fame, but that didn’t come to fruition. However, when JU came home in April 2021, I hopped into Enugu on the 13th and the three of us spent one night of reminiscences. We put two mattresses on the floor in Goddy’s parlor and played guitar and talked all night. We relived our collective experiences and walked through the engagements we played during the civil war. It was a memorable night.
JU Xperience, Goddy and
The next morning, April 14, 2021, we took a group photograph without realising that that would be the last time we’d see each other. First, JU sailed to the great beyond in far away China and now Goddy is gone; a rather grim reminder of my sitting at the “Departure Lounge of Life”.
May the creative soul of Godfrey Ogomegbunam Oku rest in the Bosom of God, Amen.
Jason Osai
Entertainment
TB Joshua:This Is Why Victims Do Not Speak Up -Seun Kuti
Seun Kuti has weighed in on the ongoing controversy regarding late Nigerian Prophet, TB Joshua, and states that the vilification of victims is why they do not speak up.
Seun Kuti does not believe that all people who do good things are completely good people.
“I don’t care if he took your family to space, you aren’t everybody,” he said.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the singer aired his views on the issue on Wednesday, charging “religious people” to “do better.”
“Eyin Elebi. Once person someone shares money and rice for people, he is a good person automatically,” he said.
”When this man was alive, he was sooo powerful that his criminal negligence, according to state coroner in Lagos led to the death of 84 people and he didn’t spend one second in police station and you want some young women to come and do what?! When Timis wife came out, you all turned a married woman to a prostitute like magic! That’ is why victims do not speak up!! E du Betta, religious people!!”
Going further, he slammed people who defend the late prophet on the grounds that he helped them one way or another, stressing that the experience of some is not the experience of all people.
In his words, “I don’t care if he took your family to space, and he was good to you, you are not everybody! Because a politician helped one person he would prove to the world that the man is a ‘good person!’ News flash- YOU ARE NOT EVERYBODY!!!”
The late prophet and his church have become the subject of controversy after a three part documentary produced by the BBC, highlighted the negative experiences of ex-Synagogue Church of all Nations members, who called the church “a cult”. Some women also accused TB Joshua of rape, forced abortions, child abuse and overall abuse. These claims have become a topic of discourse ever since with some siding with the church and others choosing to believe the victims.
However, the church has denied all the allegations.
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