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Action Star, Lover Boy and Legend: A Breakdown of Saint Obi’s Most Iconic Roles

Saint Obi was as iconic as they come. The late actor was the blueprint for most of the leading men Nollywood has today. With a filmography that covers a wide range of characters and films ranging from high-octane action projects to tear-jerking romance dramas; no one did it like him, and no one is now.

While Saint Obi might be gone, his work’s impact on the Nigerian entertainment scene will continue to live on. Here are some of the actor’s most iconic roles.

State of Emergency

James Bond, Jason Bourne and Jack Reacher have nothing on Saint Obi’s Detective Smith in State of Emergency. He was in his action star bag when this Teco Benson film was released in 2000. The action thriller follows Detective Smith on a mission to rescue politicians held hostage by his now evil colleague Charles (JT Tom West) at the National Arts Theatre. Yes, you read that right. Of all places for the president to hold a conference, the movie expected us to believe he chose the National Arts Theatre.

State of Emergency is complete with a weird CGI shootout, a bomb scare in a hospital and people getting shot in the head. It looks like camp now, but this film will always be iconic to us 1990 kids.

Festival of Fire

Festival of Fire was peak Old Nollywood with Saint Obi and Regina Askia playing twins who get separated at birth. Regina becomes a reverend sister; passionate about spreading the gospel, while Saint Obi chooses to become a hot babalawo who supports the killing of twins and other ritualistic extracurricular activities.

After a couple of back and forth about whose God is right, Saint Obi eventually realises that Regina is his twin sister after noticing a birthmark similar to his on her chest (Nollywood and birthmarks sha). Remorseful, he helps her escape when the village tries to unalive her, offering himself as the village’s sacrificial goat instead.

Take Me to Mama

This list will be incomplete without Saint Obi’s directorial debut, Take Me to Mama. The film finds Obi as director and lead character, playing a man who tries to escape a life of crime only to discover that it might be too late. Take Me to Mama was also the first Nollywood film I ever saw successfully pull off a non-cringey CGI car explosion.

Final Whistle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kInKuToTssI&t=1421s

Are you really an iconic Nollywood actor if you haven’t played the role of a man who defies his parents for love? In Final Whistle, Saint Obi gives us his version of Romeo and Juliet, playing Richard, an IJGB who falls in love with one of his mother’s maids. In classic Nollywood rich mummy fashion, Mummy Richard (Bukky Ajayi) doesn’t stand for this poverty romance. But how can their love fail when they both take time to sing to each other by the beach like they’re in a Bollywood musical?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwMzpvfMKf0&t=113s

Love conquers all when you know how to lip sync for your life.

Sakobi the Snake Girl

In Sakobi the Snake Girl, Saint Obi plays Frank, a man who gets a short lifespan (but with plenty of money) for using his child for money rituals. He seems comfortable with his short life until he meets Sakobi (Susan Patrick), a femme fatal who fucks his life all the way up. Tony Umez makes an appearance in this film because, for some weird reason, I guess you can’t make a film about sacrificing children without him popping up.

RECOMMENDED: 5 People You Can Use For Blood Money According To Nollywood

Wanted Alive

Look at that iconic image and tell me you don’t feel the nostalgia? Directed by Chico Ejiro, Wanted Alive is a 2001 film that follows Saint Obi as the leader of an infamous armed robbery gang; who’s trying to turn his life around and away from crime. The film also features Old Nollywood bad guys like Hanks Anuku, Emeka Enyiocha and Jerry Amilo.

Deadly Proposal

Deadly Proposal is the perfect entry into the “men are scum” genre of old Nollywood movies. Co-starring Pete Edochie, Dolly Unachukwu and Alex Lopez (I’ve always wondered if this was her real name), Saint Obi plays Steven, a guy who makes his girlfriend (Obot Etuk) promise to wait for him, only to return from “obodoyinbo” with an Americana fiance. For context, this babe rejected other men, and stayed cooking and cleaning for his parents while he was away.

This film proves that the moment you say “My man will never” is the exact moment that man will start to never all the nevers he never nevered before. Word.

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More than a Woman

Outside of Stephanie Okereke’s love for leather and power bikes, this film has little to no similarities with the Aaliyah song and video of the same title. In More Than a Woman, Stephanie Okereke plays a beautiful young thief named Tricia, while Saint Obi plays the hot Inspector Daniel on a mission to stop her. And yes, they fall in love because small romance here and there is more important than crime fighting.

When the Going Gets Tough

I love how Old Nollywood was very pro “Love is more important than the bag” because, sis, it doesn’t fly in this day and age where a dollar is almost N1k. In When the Going Gets Tough, Saint Obi plays Dan, a millionaire who pretends to be poor to weed out fake friends and find true love. Dakore Egbuson-Akande plays the girl who dips as soon as the going actually got tough, while Chiege Alisigwe plays the girl attracted to poverty. The whole pretending to be a poor man thing is a bit dramatic sha.

ALSO READ: The Rock and Vin Diesel Have Nothing on These Old Nollywood Action Stars

Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

May 23, 2023

Movies & TV, Pop

Nollywood, Old Nollywood, Saint obi
These Nollywood OGs Are Serving on Instagram

Maybe it’s the social media handlers or their Gen-Z kids, all we know is that these Nollywood OGs serve delightful content on their Instagram pages and we’re here for it.

Shaffy Bello

Source: Instagram (@shaffybello)

She’s not only excellent at acting, she’s also good at fashunz. If you’re looking for fashion inspiration for your mum and aunts, Sheffy’s IG page is the blueprint. She just gets it.

Richard Mofe Damijo

Source: Instagram (@mofedamijo)

The youngins have got nothing on Pa Damijo and his IG page is a testimony. Whether he’s modelling new outfits or working on set, there’s a swag just that stays with him as he ages like fine wine.

Sola Sobowale

Source: Instagram (@solasobowale)

Since her return to the scenes in Kemi Adetiba-directed Wedding Party, Mummy Sola has won the hearts of Gen-Zs. She’s a delight, and her IG page is proof.

Chidi Mokeme

Source: Instagram (@chidimokeme)

He was MIA for a while until his epic return in Ini Edo-directed series, Shanty Town. Mokeme has a new Gen-Z fan base and you can tell his IG page is now giving life. We love to see it!

Kate Henshaw

Source: Instagram (@k8henshaw)

Being a fitness inspiration to young people at 51 is not beans but Kate Henshaw does it so well. Her IG page is colourful mix of dance and exercise videos. We love it!

Mo Abudu

Source: Instagram (@moabudu)

The media executive and owner of Ebony Life Studios IG page screams hot girl all day, every day. Whether she’s delivering a speech at Harvard or having a daiquiri, her photos are always a hit.

Ramsey Nouah

Our resident Nollywood bad boy’s IG feed says he’s still got it. Whether he’s playing polo or travelling the world, the moments are nicely captured.

Speaking of hot girls, have you gotten tickets to the hottest women-only party going down on May 27 In Lagos? Grab your HERtitude tickets here.

Adeyinka Odutuyo

May 23, 2023

Pop

Funny, Nigeria, Nigerians, Nollywood
AMVCA 2023: The Big Winners and the People Who Should’ve Won

The 2023 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) might’ve come and gone, but everyone is still talking about the fashion moments and awards that went to the wrong “African filmmakers”.

It’s important to note that the award is mostly fan-voted, so in the end, it’s a popularity contest. If people don’t vote for their fave, there’s a high chance they won’t win. That said, as someone who watched almost 80% of the films nominated and awarded, here’s my hot take.

Best Actress in a Drama (Movie/TV Series)

Source: Netflix

Who Won: Osas Ighodaro for Man of God

Who Should’ve Won: Bimbo Ademoye for Anikulapo or Ini Edo for Shanty Town

No award shocked the audience more than Osas Ighodaro’s Best Actress in a Drama win for Man of God. The actress picked up her second consecutive win in this category after winning in 2022 for Rattlesnake. While Osas has established herself as a movie star, this Best Actress win is a reach. Bimbo Ademoye’s arch as Queen Arolake in Anikulapo had more meat. I mean, this look alone has become an iconic meme:

Source: Netflix

Then there’s Ini Edo’s long-awaited return to form in Shanty Town, taking up dual roles and giving us one of her best performances in decades.

Source: Netflix

Shanty Town and Anikulapo could be better projects, but these women’s performances made them watchable. I can’t say the same for Osas Ighodaro, or Man of God, which happens to be one of the worst movies Netflix has ever released — and Chief Daddy 2 exists.

Best Actor in a Drama (Movie/TV Series)

Source: Prime Video

Who Won: Tobi Bakre for Brotherhood

Who Should’ve Won: Blossom Chukwujekwu for The Trade or Chidi Mokeme for Shanty Town

Tobi Bakre’s performance in Brotherhood is a masterclass in carrying a film on your back and making it your own. Breaking out of the “They just cast BBNaija housemates for clout” mould, Tobi proved to audiences that he’s not just a bankable name slapped across a movie for marketing. Knowing all this, I was actually stressed because I knew two other actors who deserved the award for giving the best performances Nollywood has seen in a long time.

Source: Netflix

No one can talk about TV shows this year without mentioning Chidi Mokeme’s terrifying turn as Scar in Shanty Town. Reminding us that no one does it better than the foundational members of Nollywood, Chidi completely morphed into his character, commanding every scene and frame he appeared in. Like Sola Sobowale’s Eniola Badmus, he didn’t just make us hate the villain he created; he made us curious to know more and understand how someone could get to that point of no return. Scar will go down in history as one of Nollywood’s most iconic villains.

Source: Prime Video

Like Chidi Mokeme, Blossom Chukwujekwu completely shocked audiences with his performance in Jade Osiberu’s The Trade. Another well-crafted villain, Blossom leaves everything on the screen, scaring and making us laugh at the same time. While the heavy Igbo accent might’ve sounded forced from some of his co-stars, with Blossom it sounded natural, like it’s the only way he’s spoken since birth. As an actor who’d shown great potential but was never offered a role he could sink his teeth into, this felt like Blossom’s moment.

Source: Netflix

By the way, why wasn’t Kunle Remi on the nomination list?

RECOMMENDED: 20 Crazy Questions Everyone Who’s Seen “Shanty Town” is Asking

Best Online Social Content Creator

Source: Africa Magic

Who Won: Elozonam and KieKie for Back From the Future

Who Should’ve Won: Bimbo Ademoye for Iya Barakat Teropi Secxxion

In a different world, Bimbo Ademoye should’ve been cradling multiple AMVCA statues at Saturday’s ceremony. Her online alter ego, Iya Barakat, was first introduced to audiences as one of the many characters created to market her many endorsements. However, Iya Barakat quickly won over an audience of loyal followers with each video, making way for the smash hit, Iya Barakat Teropi Secxxion. The series is hilarious AF, with everyone from Falz to Jemima Osunde making cameos.

Source: YouTube

Although Elozonam created an exciting project with Back from the Future, neither the show nor the episode with KieKie carries the same level of humour or genuine heart as Iya Barakat Teropi Secxxion. Iya Barakat is the Ted Lasso to Bimbo Ademoye’s Jason Sudeikis, and it totally deserved this award.

Best Costume Designer

Source: Zikoko Memes

Who Won: Adeola Art Alade for The Real Housewives of Lagos Reunion

Who Should’ve Won: Toyin Ogundeji for Anikulapo

As a Real Housewives of Lagos die-hard stan, it’s killing me to say this, but “What?!” How did RHOL win over Anikulapo in the costume department? I know my girls served during that reunion, but it pales in comparison to the research and intentionality behind the looks in Anikulapo. The intricate detailing of the aso-ofis had me gagging. Anikulapo served cunt in iro and bubas.

Best Writer

Source: Netflix

Who Won: Sola Dada for Anikulapo

Who Should’ve Won: Sodi Kurubo, Stephanie Dadet and Victor Aghahowa – Diiche (Episode 5)

Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo was a major moment for Nollywood. The sheer ambition and scale of the epic made it a subject of conversation months after it was released. However, the fifth episode of Diiche is by far one of the greatest episodes of Nigerian TV ever. Like, no contest.

Source: Showmax

Providing an interesting backstory that solves a puzzle even the audience wasn’t fully aware of, the Ifeoma Chukwuogo-directed episode takes a simple story that’s been told over and over again in Nollywood, and makes it more impactful for a new generation. If for no other reason, Diiche should’ve taken the award for being a more cohesive story than Anikulapo.

Best Director

Source: Prime Video

Who Won: Loukman Ali for Brotherhood

Who Should’ve Won: Jade Osiberu for The Trade

Source: Prime Video

Jay-Z once said, “Nobody wins when the family feuds,” and honestly, I get it. This category was hard for me as a fan of both movies and their directors. However, remove the showy stunts, explosions and shootouts on bridges from Brotherhood, and we’ll all agree The Trade had more meat. The pacing, Jade Osiberu’s script, Blossom Chukwujekwu’s acting and the project’s ability to make us root for a serial kidnapper/killer? Chelsea, come on now. The Trade deserved more love at the AMVCAs, and Jade deserved a Best Director trophy, especially considering that this film was shot back in 2019.

ALSO READ: How to Make a Badass Nollywood Action Film, According to “Brotherhood” Scriptwriter, Abdul Tijani-Ahmed

Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

May 22, 2023

Movies & TV, Pop

amvca, awards, Nigerian films, Nollywood
The Greatest Nollywood Films According to ChatGPT, Ranked

As someone who’s seen iRobot, Westworld and that Transformer-esque film with Osas Ighodaro, Ratnik, I’d like to announce with my full chest that I don’t trust Artificial Intelligence. Sure, it’s cute to hear an AI version of Drake singing Sungba, but what happens when they take over everything and enslave humans?

Source: Zikoko Memes

Maybe I’m exaggerating. But before any of that happens, I asked ChatGPT — the Beyonce of AI — for its top ten Nollywood movies of all time. While the list looks good, I don’t quite agree with everything.

Let’s get into this ranking.

10. 76

Rita Dominic giving the performance of a lifetime in an afro wig, Chidi Mokeme and Ramsey Nouah competing for “who looks sexier while under duress” and tons of wide-legged trousers — what’s not to love about Izu Ojukwu’s 76? This film works well because of its perfect casting, set design and costumes that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into one of your grandparents’ pictures from the 1970s.

My ranking: 5

9. The CEO

Despite a star-studded cast of Angélique Kidjo, Wale Ojo, Jimmy Jean-Louis and a cameo from AG Baby himself, nothing could stop Kunle Afolayan’s corporate crime thriller, The CEO from being a bore. How do you have all the right actors and a killer premise and still fail to excite an audience? The CEO isn’t one of Nollywood’s best films. Hell, it’s not even one of Kunle Afolayan’s best films.

My ranking: 10

8. Half of a Yellow Sun

Finding a movie adaptation of a book that actually does its source subject justice is hard, and unfortunately, Half of a Yellow Sun isn’t one of them. While the book cemented Chimamanda Adichie’s name as one of the best storytellers of our time, the film adaptation of Olanna and Odenigbo’s love story set against the backdrop of the Biafran War doesn’t quite translate the tension and heart of the book on screen. Half of a Yellow Sun, the movie, would’ve been great if we didn’t already have something to compare it to, but we do, and that’s the problem.

My ranking: 8. It’s right where it’s supposed to be.

7. The Wedding Party

Films like A Sunday Affair, Your Excellency and Chief Daddy may have tainted EbonyLife’s image, but let’s not forget the time they captured lightning in a bottle with The Wedding Party. This ensemble comedy kickstarted the “ensembles at a wedding or funeral” trope in Nollywood. The Wedding Party made Adesua Etomi a superstar, reminded us of Sola Sobowale’s greatness, showed us that RMD had officially entered zaddy status and warned us about all that could go wrong if amala finishes at a Yoruba wedding. Kemi Adetiba, the woman that you are.

My ranking: 7

RECOMMENDED: 7 Nollywood Ensemble Films that Didn’t Give Us Headaches

6. Lionheart

Genevieve is mother, and that’s on period. After years of giving us iconic performances, the actress pivoted to directing with 2018’s Lionheart and slayed again because why not?

Source: Zikoko Memes

The best thing about Genevieve’s Lionheart is how it holds your attention with a simple and familiar story about family. Relying on beautiful shots of Enugu, the acting skills of legends, Genevieve’s killer wardrobe and a cringe singing scene between Peter Okoye and its director, Lionheart has earned this ChatGPT-given spot as one of Nollywood’s best films to date.

My ranking: 3

5. October 1

Kunle Afolyan’s October 1 is ambitious AF. From getting real-life Peugeots from the 1950s to casting the incredible Sadiq Daba as the lead, Kunle Afolayan pulled all the stops on this psychological thriller. Although the big reveal at the end falls flat because almost everyone can spot the serial killer from the start, October 1 is still an enjoyable ride, proving that Kunle Afolyan thrives best when helping his audience solve a mystery.

My ranking: 6

4. The Figurine

The Figurine is hands down one of my favourite Nollywood films of all time. Kunle Afolayan’s twisted, haunting tale delivers the most unexpected twist in its third act, leaving you at the edge of your seat screaming, “WTF?” Ramsey Nouah, the underrated Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Omoni Oboli and Kunle himself gave a masterclass in acting. If aliens ever came to earth and asked to see a Nollywood film, best believe this is the film I’ll be showing them.

My ranking: 2

3. Ije

Chineze Anyaene’s Ije didn’t reunite Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Genevieve Nnaji on screen for the fourth time, or use Asa’s Awe in its trailer, for ChatGPT not to include it on its list of the most iconic Nollywood films of all time. But while Ije is a beautifully shot and acted movie, giving it the third spot is a reach, dear. Not even the intense acting between two titans could elevate a mid script.

My ranking: 9

2. Osuofia in London

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8ID3gAcMMQ

Maybe it’s nostalgia for when Nollywood comedies were funny without being forced or watching a Nollywood film shot abroad was a novelty. But something about my memories of Osuofia in London makes me incredibly happy. This film was so big back then, everyone practically aired Nkem Owoh’s real name and started calling him Osuofia. I heard a remake is in the works; honestly, they can keep it. I know I’ll prefer the original.

My ranking: 4

1. Living in Bondage

I know I said I couldn’t trust any AI, but it looks like ChatGPT snapped with their choice for the number one film. Nostalgia aside, the 1992 original is one of the best Nollywood movies ever.

Source: Zikoko Memes

From an original story that started Nollywood’s obsession with money rituals to its unforgettable lead characters, Andy and Merit, Living in Bondage was chaotic but iconic. It’s hard to talk about Nollywood without talking about the film that started it all, and Living in Bondage will always be THAT GIRL.

My ranking: 1

ALSO READ: Nollywood Needs to Go Back to Making Films About Juju

Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

May 4, 2023

Movies & TV, Pop

entertainment, Films, Nollywood, Pop
I Reviewed Ridiculous Nollywood YouTube Titles So You Don’t Have To

Once again, my coworkers have shown normalcy is beyond far from us. Our resident Christopher Columbus, Dami, said something about Nollywood YouTube titles being the stuff from a fever dream.

So today, I went down a rabbit hole on Youtube and found all the wild AF titles for your viewing pleasure.

These titles should make me pissed, but they’re just so fucking stupid

Yes, it is by force

No, the titles and covers have absolutely nothing to do with either film. But whoever put them together must have obviously thought himself a marketing genius.

It’s giving destiny

Can she please send me the number she dialed? I want to check something.

I just want to know if it worked out for this billionaire man person

The amount of “She didn’t know he’s a bilionaire pretending to be a poor (insert menial job)” on youtube is ridiculous, and while I’m all in support of delusion, this one is delusion’s older sister, Imagination. Imagination wan finish everybody.

Stranger danger has left the chat

I’m just going to IGNORE the horrible Photoshop job and the lack of self-care and awareness in both the title and poster.

God when?!!!!

If this is how billionaires are just roaming the streets looking for whose life to change, please, I’m available and ready.

Will something shocking actually happen?

In Nollywood, good must always prevail. They need to start letting the evil step-sister take the man and keep him. Actually shock us for once.

*Plays Brick and Lace – Love is wicked*

If she’s already ended his life, who’s telling us this story?

Cinderella takes Nnewi

ANOTHER Nigerian version of Cinderella? I’m here for it.

Master Jesus in action!!

The title is giving testimony time, overcomers time, and if the running time of the film is any indication, she’ll definitely need like 30 minutes to tell her story.

Hybrids deserve love too

I just want to know what his other half is because it could be anything from a fish to a werewolf from this poster.

Mummy, I too want to be a Fuman juice

I need all the maidens to take several seats because it can never be worth it.

What is love without money?

I completely understand where she’s coming from. How am I supposed to know your love for me is true if you haven’t dropped a stack and bought me a Tesla?

Wisdom is profitable to direct

I’m on the side of the village wife, forward ever, backward never.

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Chioma Munachi

April 29, 2023

Pop, So You Don’t Have To

Nollywood
Ranking Nollywood Bridgerton Looks from “God, Abeg” to “I Burn For You”

I’m not the biggest fan of fashion reviews, but since Nollywood has refused to let me rest, I, too, will not let them rest.

Source: Zikoko Memes

This week, I’m breaking my fashion silence to review looks from the 2023 screening of Netflix Bridgerton prequel, Queen Charlotte in South Africa. The theme was “Regent Era” just like the show, and you know Nollywood actors live for themed premieres.

Let’s get into this ranking.

Erica Nweledim

Source: Instagram/EricaNweledim

I love me some Star Girl Erica, but no amount of love will make me stand for this look. What is going on with the dyed baby chicken feathers? Don’t even get me started on that helmet on my girl’s head. Is this the new Gokada uniform? Do I need to call my estate gate to let in delivery girl Erica? Miss Mamas probably heard there was a Bridgerton character called Lady Featherington and decided to run with it.

Bimbo Ademoye

Source: Instagram/BimboAdemoye

“My skirt of many colours that my father made for me,” or whatever Dolly Parton sang. No, but seriously I don’t have a problem with the style of this dress or the layering. My problem is how cheap the fabric looks. As someone who’s worn a satin suit to dance to Diana Ross’ He Lives in Me in primary school, this fabric is giving me PTSD. The top half looks great, but the bottom half is a wonderment.

Nancy Isime

Source: Instagram/NancyIsimeOfficial

Nancy Isime saw what Tems did at the Oscars and said, “Hold my cup”. This dress is stunning on its own and works perfectly with the regency theme of the event. But once again, why are Nigerian stars pulling up with different structures on their head? Everything else looks stunning, but this satellite dish she has on her head keeps throwing me off.

Sharon Ooja

Source: Instagram/SharonOoja

Sharon Ooja is a fashion girl. People can debate everything else about her, but when it comes to looks, Sharon never misses. That is, until now. I’m obsessed with this dress and the corset transition that reminds me of Zendaya’s look from the 2019 Emmys:

Source: Fashion Bomb Daily

But just like my other fashion girl, Zendaya, Sharon should’ve kept her accessories to a minimum. Girl, the dress is already a statement on its own, why do you have the big hair? The fascinator? And those “I will worship the Lord for he is worthy” choreography gloves? This look is a classic case of doing too much, yet doing absolutely nothing at all.

RECOMMENDED: We Replaced the Bridgerton Season Two Cast With Nigerian Actors

Kunle Remi

Source: Instagram/KunleRemiOfficial

Can we give Kunle Remi a round of applause for redeeming Nollywood men, especially after that condom look Deyemi pulled off at the Domitilla red carpet?

Source: Twitter

I really hope this redemption for Nollywood leading men lasts. But then again, I remember this magazine cover from 2021, and I know it’s only a matter of time before one of them strikes again.

Source: ThisDay Style

Lily Afe

Source: Instagram/LilyAfe

Lily Afe’s dress is a classic example of how styling can elevate what could’ve very easily looked like a boring aso-ebi dress. The hair, earrings and sceptre are the only accessories here, and they do their best to compliment, not overpower the dress. This look isn’t the most memorable on the carpet, but it’s stunning enough to get a second glance and make a statement.

Mercy Eke

Source: Instagram/Official_MercyEke

Look at this dress and tell me Mercy Eke doesn’t look like a Disney princess who’s broken free from the clutches of her evil stepmother, and is ready to use her prince’s money to order an entire collection from Monsieur Fashion De La Nova? She’s giving regency, but with an edge. The pulled back hair and minimal accessories allows focus on her dress and her lantern since there’s no power in South Africa. Love it.

Priscy Ojo

Source: Instagram/Its.Priscy

I love it when a new fashion girl enters the scene and snatches everyone’s wigs, frontals included. Priscy Ojo ate down. This look licked the plate and not one grain of Egusi could be found. The dress, ate. The hair, ate. The jewellery, ate. And finally, someone wore gloves that actually slayed. Priscy Ojo, the woman that you are. It might be too soon to pull out the Wendy gif, but who cares? I’m sold on Project Priscy.

Source: Giphy

ALSO READ: Nollywood Needs to Answer for These Criminal Fashion Moments

Can you handle the hotness of Zikoko’s Hertitude? Click here to buy your ticket and find out.

Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

April 17, 2023

Fashion, Pop

Bridgerton, Fashion, Nollywood
Lagos State Vs. “Gangs of Lagos”: Why Nollywood Shouldn’t Be Silenced

It’s hard to scroll through the internet these days without seeing something about Gangs of Lagos. From clips of Chioma Akpotha’s viral monologue to screenshots of the bloody fight sequences, everyone is gushing about Jade Osiberu’s ambitious action project. Everyone, that is, except the Nigerian government.

Source: Prime Video Naija

Lagos State Vs. Gangs of Lagos

Barely a week after the Prime Video original premiered, the Lagos State government put out a statement accusing Gangs of Lagos of being “derogatory to our culture” and an attempt to “desecrate the revered heritage of the people of Lagos”.

Source: Prime Video Naija

The Lagos State government that famously unlooked and aired everyone who was attacked during the February 25 and March 18th elections of 2023 had time to make a statement dragging a Nollywood film?

Not the first time

Source: Greoh Studios

This isn’t the first time the Nigerian government has dragged a Nollywood film. Ironically, the last film to experience something like this was 2019’s Sugar Rush, which was also co-written and produced by Jade Osiberu. The film, which starred Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Bisola Aiyeola and Bimbo Ademoye as sisters who must deal with the numerous owners of the $800,000 they stole, was removed from Nigerian cinemas by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) because it portrayed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a “bad light”.

However, thanks to the #BringSugarRushBack social media campaign, the Censors Board caved, and the film returned to the cinema before making its way to Netflix.

Why is the Nigerian government so pressed and bothered by Nollywood all of a sudden?

One word: “accountability”.

For the longest time, Nollywood has focused on basic Nigerian issues: looking for love, hustle culture, a sprinkle of backstabbing and juju here and there. But now, the focus is turning towards the corridors of power and how the people and their deals affect the average Nigerian.

Source: Kemi Adetiba

Kemi Adetiba’s King of Boys is a typical example of a story that shifted the veil between Nigerians and politics through film. In the first act, we get to see how politicians use mob leaders to do their dirty work then frown when they ask for a crumb of power for themselves, especially when the said leader is a woman like Eniola Salami.

RECOMMENDED: Kemi Adetiba’s King Of Boys Is A Modern Classic, Here are 7 Reasons Why

King of Boy: The Return of the King delved even deeper into the drama behind the scenes of an election. The bodies, the kingmakers, the role religion plays and the family’s hoarding power for themselves; Kemi Adetiba went there. As realistic as the series was, the Nigerian government seemed unmoved.

To start off 2023, Netflix released Shanty Town, a limited series starring Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme and Nse Ikpe-Etim. Shanty Town focused on a group of women navigating sex and organ trafficking, violence and intimidation in a fictional shanty town in Lagos.

Source: Netflix

While audiences praised Chidi Mokeme’s acting and debated Peter Okoye’s Femi Fernandez’s Igbo accent, we noticed slight similarities between the show’s antagonist, played by Richard Mofe Damijo, and a popular Nigerian presidential candidate.

Source: Twitter

Tell me you can see it too.

While the similarities between Shanty Town‘s antagonist and this political figure might be limited to their filas (Yoruba hats), Gangs of Lagos strikes an even deeper nerve with a political character hellbent on ruling Lagos state. The story is fictional, but the audience has done the math and found “x”.

RECOMMENDED: 20 Crazy Questions Everyone Who’s Seen “Shanty Town” is Asking

Nollywood isn’t the first to tackle politics, and it won’t be the last

Like new Nollywood, Hollywood AKA the gold standard of filmmaking, hasn’t shied away from holding its government and political structures accountable over the years.

Martin Scorcesse’s 2006 film, The Departed, unearthed corruption within the American police force and ended up with a Best Picture Oscar at the 2007 Academy Awards. Similarly, Aaron Sorkin’s 2020 film, The Trial of the Chicago 7, was a masterclass in dragging the American police force, judiciary and the FBI for their role in the unfair 1969 trial of seven defendants charged with conspiracy against the government. Most recently, 2021’s Judas and the Black Messiah, directed by Shaka King, showed how the FBI murdered African-American activist, Fred Hampton, in his sleep.

These Hollywood films premiered, showed at cinemas and walked away with awards despite flipping a middle finger at the American government. Regardless of their exaggerated storylines, they offered nuanced insight into political issues that affect people, making them relevant works of art. So why must Nollywood face a different battle?

We need films like Gangs of Lagos

Whether or not we liked the plot, films like Gangs of Lagos are important.

Source: Prime Video Naija

Although it’s hard to believe people in Isale Eko fight like they’re part of Vin Diesel’s Fast and Furious crew, there’s no denying the existence of countless Obalolas, Gifts and Ifys — people who don’t get to live for themselves. They fight other people’s political battles, sometimes with no idea how their actions will impact their communities in the long run. These are the people we see snatching ballot boxes during elections.

Films like Gangs of Lagos humanise Nigerians who live on the margin, reminding us of the puppeteers who create unfavourable conditions for Nigerians and then take advantage of the victims. If we allow the Nigerian politicians and government to silence creatives who hold up a mirror to their actions, we may never hold them accountable for their actions in the future.

ALSO READ: Chike on the Hardest Scene He Had to Shoot in “Gangs of Lagos”

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Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

April 14, 2023

Movies & TV, Pop

Amazon Prime Video, Gangs of Lagos, nigerian government, Nollywood
We Ranked the Fight Scenes in “Gangs of Lagos” From Survivable to Sorry for You

There’s no better way to put it: Gangs of Lagos is iconic.

The trailer promised an abundance of fist swinging, high jump leg kicking and hard head nods that’d destabilise anybody. And the movie didn’t disappoint, so now, it’s time to rank all the fights that took place in the Isale Eko of Gangs of Lagos.

Serious ones

The avenging of Nino

Why does this look like a scene out of Game of Thrones?

After Nino’s killers delivered his body in a wheelbarrow like they were alabarus delivering goods in Balogun market, Isale Eko was drenched in blood and chaos. Deservedly so because why would anybody kill Nino “Money is for spending” and not think there’d be consequences?

Verdict: Survivable

But the only way you’re surviving this is if you’re there to avenge Nino, or you have odeshi like London. If not, it’s sorry for you.

Obalola and Gift’s collection job

They walked into that garage in stealth mode and cleared out the place in minutes. We know it wasn’t the life Nino wanted for them, but still, he would’ve been proud.

Verdict: Survivable

You could escape the garage through the back door, or point Wemimo out to Gift and Obalola.

The unfair non-fight fight

Look, we’re still sour over this. All Ify wanted to do was sing, blow and leave the trenches with his family, but Kazeem’s bad character goons ambushed him on a lonely street. We’d ask God to judge him, but Gift took care of that.

Verdict: Sorry for you

It was a lily-livered ambush, but the survival rate is a very strong sorry for you.

Isale Eko’s Mama Ify-inspired unrest

After Mama Ify called for vengeance and a general lack of peace (she was very specific), the streets flowed with blood once more. It wasn’t the same as when they were trying to avenge Nino, but still, everyone showed up pissed AF. Once Gift blew someone’s brain off in the first 20 seconds of the fight, we knew this was it.

Verdict: Sorry for you, on all sides.

A fight that almost cost Obalola and Gift their lives? Everyone was ready, so if you were caught up in it, you’d have to be dodging blows and broken bottles till you got home.

Kash and Obalola’s 1-on-1

After fighting through the streets, a very tired-looking Obalola thought dropping his weapon and engaging in hand-to-hand combat with Kash would end well for him. It didn’t.

Verdict: Survivable, as long as you don’t cut Kasope’s neck ice.

The great massacre

RIP to the odeshi carrying London, and sorry they used your funeral to squash beef. But there was no better moment than that first pow and Kazeem’s realisation that this could be the end.

Verdict: Highly Survivable

If you have strong survival skills, and amebo is not your calling, you could easily crawl away and save yourself.

Obalola and Kazeem’s 1-on-1

RIP Kazeem, the evil you’ve done is enough.

This fight didn’t even have to be a fight. All Obalola had to do was shoot Kazeem in his wicked head and call it a day. But he wanted to form Bash Ali with hand-to-hand combat, a recurring character trait he needs to abolish because he keeps getting his ass handed to him.

Verdict: Survivable

But only if you’re on Obalola’s team, or you lie down flat, hold your breath and pray they pass you by.

Chioma Munachi

April 13, 2023

Movies & TV, Pop

Action, Gangs of Lagos, Jade Osiberu, Nollywood
All the Reasons Why Chioma Akpotha Is a Nollywood Icon

It’s hard to see Jade Osiberu’s Gangs of Lagos and not gush about how incredible Chioma Akpotha was in it.

Rent was due. Her landlord was knocking on her door, and all she had was an all black outfit and a pulpit. pic.twitter.com/6wdwiiEEfb
— Harper Stern’s Pixie Cut (@TheConradJay) April 9, 2023

In an ensemble cast that combined some of the best from new and old Nollywood, Chioma’s performance was one of the film’s highlights, and the rest of the internet agrees.

Chioma Akpotha’s performance in this scene in “Gangs of Lagos” is amazing, she carried 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9DCNEM7pM8
— King Monye 👑 (@iamkingmonye) April 7, 2023

✯ One of My best scenes from Gangs of Lagos was definitely the church scene with Chioma. The emotions, the switch from Igbo to English, everything. Too real. 10/10 performance. She’s incredible.
— JustinUg (@JustinUg_) April 8, 2023

In all of these GANG OF LAGOS talks, I have just one thing to say.

CHIOMA AKPOTHA IS FUCKING GOOD AT WHAT SHE DOES 🎤
— your_videographer🎥📷 (@IamMarvine) April 10, 2023

While Gangs of Lagos may have started a conversation about how great Chioma is, I’m here to remind everyone that she’s always been an icon.

Source: Giphy

Chioma was in the first and second highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time

Source: Omo Ghetto, SceneOne Productions

Chioma is one of the highest-grossing Nollywood actresses, with over five films on the top-grossing films of all-time list. While being on the list is a feat in itself, she’s taken it a step further by being in both the first and second highest-grossing films of all time: Battle on Buka Street and Omo Ghetto.

There are levels to this Nollywood thing, and Chioma is at the top after over 20 years in the game.

Who do we have to beg to join Chioma’s iconic friendship group?

Source: KemiFilani.com

Source: Instagram/UcheJombo

Imagine being in the same squad as Rita Dominic, Omoni Oboli, Kate Henshaw, Uche Jumbo, Ini Edo and Ufuoma McDermott? These Nollywood baddies are always making fun of each other, going out for dinners and living their best lives together. I’m sorry, but Taylor Swift’s girl squad of 2014 has nothing on Chioma’s elite Nollywood posse.

No one plays the naive good girl like Chioma

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g30XWcGEvng

Chioma Akpotha’s Sister Rose character from The Handkerchief is why I’d rather sweat like a goat than let anyone use their handkerchief to clean my face. What if they use juju on me?

Source: Sins of the Flesh, YouTube

Her characters in The Apple and Sins of the Flesh are also cautionary tales that fornication is bad and we should all superglue our legs until marriage. No one carried the “good girl who ends up in a bad situation” trope like Chioma did back in the day.

But she still has range for days

Source: Nneka the Pretty Serpent, Zikoko Memes

While Chioma might be known for her good girl roles, the actress has incredible range and can be a badass anytime she wants to. She was Bianca the diva actress in Traumatized; area queen, Chummy Choko, in Omo Ghetto; and a villain in the remake of Nneka the Pretty Serpent.

She’s also not afraid to tell the real-life Nigerian government to soro soke

Source: ReportMinds.com

2020 was an insane year for Nigerians, and just like most of us, Chioma was on the streets, demanding justice and more from the Nigerian government during the #EndSARS protests. At a time when it would’ve been easy to maintain silence and ignore all the chaos, the actress was an active part of the movement. Love to see it.

RECOMMENDED: Everything You Need to Know About Jade Osiberu’s “Gangs of Lagos”

Looking for an actress who serves looks? Holla at Chioma

Source: Emmanuel Oyeleke

Chelsea, come on now. Every look is a hit, back-to-back.

Source: Tonie Grapher

Source: Emmanuel Oyeleke

We stan an actress who doesn’t take herself too seriously

@
♬ –

I dare you to keep a straight face while scrolling through Chioma’s TikTok page. From collaborations with skit makers to random rants and commentaries, Chioma isn’t afraid to go there when it comes to making her fans laugh. We need a good writer to cook up an epic comedic role for her to sink her teeth into. Nollywood, make this happen, please.

Chioma and patriotism are like five and six

Source: Instagram/ChiomaAkpotha

Remember when we called out some of our fave musicians for failing to show up during the elections? Chioma wasn’t on that list, and for good reason. The actress was a major part of the 2023 elections, reporting live from her polling unit, encouraging people to vote, and even going as far as racking election disruptors who tried to steal ballot boxes at her polling unit.

Chioma was part of this iconic Nollywood choreography from back in the day

@burnaboy no even need find music video go far.
😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/B9z4RpTB1R
— #thatmelanin_girl🥰❣️💦 (@MMakjay) July 13, 2022

P-Square is shaking. Kaffy is vibrating. This iconic scene featuring her with Kate Henshaw, Dakore Akande, Ini Edo, Jim Iyke, Mike Ezuruonye, Monalisa Chinda and Uche Jombo, dancing in all white at the end of Games Men Play lives rent-free in my head. We need a reunion, ASAP.

Unsurprisingly, she wears many hats

Source: On Bended Knees, IrokoTV

Chioma is also a producer and singer. It’s giving talented multi-hyphenate, and I’m here for it.

Once again, Gangs of Lagos

Source: Gangs of Lagos, Prime Video

I hope Chioma’s mouth is doing okay after eating up all her scenes in Gangs of Lagos? Because I’ve checked, and nary a crumb is in sight.

ALSO READ: Chike on the Hardest Scene He Had to Shoot in “Gangs of Lagos”

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Conrad Johnson-Omodiagbe

April 11, 2023

Movies & TV, Pop

Chioma akpotha, Gangs of Lagos, Movies, Nollywood
7 Onscreen Nollywood Ships That Should’ve Sunk

Love is a beautiful thing, but while we like to clamour to see our onscreen faves linked up, here are seven instances where we wouldn’t have minded if the writers sunk the ship.

Shalewa and Femi Fernandez in Shanty Town

RELATED: 20 Crazy Questions Everyone Who’s Seen “Shanty Town” is Asking

Shanty Town is a great movie. We’d rate it a solid 7/10, losing a point each to the casting of Femi Fernandez *cries in his Ameri-igbo accent, a couple of questionable scenes and the underwhelming chemistry between Femi (Peter Okoye) and Shalewa (Nancy Isime).

Toyin and Sunday in A Sunday Affair

Image Source: Filmstarts

Why are you dating someone you know your friend is with, the same person you discouraged them from getting involved with in the first place? Even then, these two still didn’t give the type of energy you’d expect from people in a forbidden, risk-my-friendship-for-you type of love. It just fell flat.

Emmanuella and Zeribe in Glamour Girls

Nothing about this failed attempt at a haters-to-lovers trope made sense. She left her rich sugar daddy for a broke bodyguard and we couldn’t even feel the fierceness or their passion? It’s giving sufferhead. They should’ve just settled for being partners in crime, blackmailing and stealing together.

RELATED: 5 Suffer-head Couples Nollywood Tried to Market as Cute

Susie Sugar and Dan in Sugar Rush

Image Source: ShockNG

For a beautiful crime suspect and devout EFCC officer, we expected to see sparks flying everywhere; instead it was as static as that of a NEPA pole. Even I had a more jaw-dropping reaction to Dan’s shirtless scene than she did.

Kemi and Akin in Blood Sisters

The connection between them in the few scenes they appeared was non-existent. The only inkling of a relationship was when she called him while she was on the run. No one just calls their bestie’s fiance’s best friend to explain why they committed murder, especially when the fiancé in question is the murder victim.

Nonso and Deidre Winston in Wedding Party 2

Image Source: BellaNaija

The obvious theory here is that Wedding Party 1 was such a huge success they decided to make another. And since they’d already introduced Nonso (Enyinna Nwigwe) and Deidre (Daniella Down) in the first part, it made sense for them to get married this time. It was either them or Ikechukwu and Somkele’s characters, so God, abeg. But the fact that the marriage proposal was a mistake shows the writers were warning us of how terribly unremarkable this pairing would be.

Obalola and Teni in Gangs of Lagos

Image Source: YouTube

Each individual character. delivered excellently, but the chemistry that should’ve been present between these childhood sweethearts just wasn’t. We’ll pen it down to their power and class disparity.

ALSO READ: Nollywood Keeps Doing Remakes, So We Ranked Them From Best to Worst

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Meyimi O.

April 11, 2023

Pop

Nollywood, Ships