celebrity radar - gossips
Experience in stage crucial before film adventure – Ufuoma McDermott
Undoubtedly one of Nollywood’s most admired household name, Ufuoma McDermott’s journey into Nollywood began when she held movie buffs spellbound with her delivery in Zeb Ejiro’s 2004 movie, ‘The President Must Not Die’. Today, she is an A-List Nollywood actress. The former beauty queen is returning to the cinema this September with a new comedy flick, titled ‘What Just Happened’. She throws more light on the project and her career in this interview.
Excerpt:
You hinted earlier that it took you three years to shoot your new movie. Why did it take that long?
Ufuoma: The idea of perfection in this movie was my husband’s. We had spent so much money shooting the movie and when it was ready it wasn’t what we wanted. I wanted to release it but my husband wasn’t in support. I said okay let’s just throw it online and make it into DVD.
He said “unless you want to keep it under your bed. This film is not leaving this house”. To be honest with you it took a toll on me. I was heavily pregnant when we started shooting in 2015. We shot in and out of Los Angeles.
What’s the plot of the movie?
Ufuoma: The story is about a disgruntled professor who goes in search of a man. She takes up her brother’s offer for the position of a visiting lecturer at the University of Ibadan. So, what should have been a one-hour journey from Lagos to Ibadan ends up being a disaster.
Partly, (this was) as a result of her high-handedness and selfishness. The entire movie is a testimony, which is being recounted in church.
Is this your first shot at comedy?
Ufuoma: Well ‘Christmas is coming’ is a comedy but it was a romantic comedy. It wasn’t an entire comedy film as this. So probably yes, this is my first.
Did you write the screenplay?
Ufuoma: I will have to thank Bovi for his contributions especially for all the humour and comedy he injected into the script. Then I did the final rewrite of the script alongside another writer called Victor. I guess we have a great fantastic script. Bovi didn’t feature in the movie but he did a lot of ‘treatments’ for the story.
Can you give a rundown of the cast?
Ufuoma: I played the lead, Professor Ogborgbor, alongside Afeez Oyetoro who everyone knows as Saka. Jude Orhora played Leke; Segun Arinze played Efe the brother to the professor; Toyin Aihmaku played the Usher; MC Abbey played the pastor; Funnybone played the choirmaster. That’s already like a recipe for disaster.
You have a pretty interesting cast…
Ufuoma: I intentionally assembled an unusual cast; you don’t get to see the kind of cast in typical Nollywood films. For instance, nobody can dispute the fact that Segun Arinze is a damn good actor. I say to people that as much as I want people to laugh, I want people to leave the cinema after seeing my film, feeling satisfied. It’s not enough for you to just laugh. I want to be taken for a serious filmmaker. I want to be able to refer to my films many years from now with no regrets whatsoever.
What was it like shooting a comedy?
Ufuoma: I tend to respect a lot of comedy actors so much because it’s so difficult to make people laugh. It’s difficult to make light of your life.
Everything about us is serious now. I have never really played a comedic character. So yes it was a new challenge for my co-actors and I on set. They were so hilarious that it was difficult keeping a straight face on set.
When we were shooting the church scenes, my goodness, we laughed so hard in fact at a point even MC Abbey asked us to regroup and shoot another day.
How will you assess your growth as an actor?
Ufuoma: Before all an actor was only required to come on set with his or her skill set. Right now, it is a little different and I think maybe social media is to blame because right now people don’t just want to see you as an actor, they also want a peep into your life.
They want to see you beyond the character you play but that’s not going to be entirely possible because I am married to a very private man. I think, for now, my experience, as an actor is my ability to balance my private life and my career whether as an actor, director or scriptwriter.
That includes the ability to strike a balance without going against your own principles and not losing focus of what you want from your life or your career.
Today there is this segregation of who is the cinema actor, who is the DVD actor, who is the television actor, really I just want to be an actor alone. You’ve got to learn how to balance all of that. It’s very difficult but you just have to do this.
Do you have a favourite actor/actress?
Ufuoma: I can arguably say Bimbo Akintola is the greatest actress this country has ever produced.
How important is it for an actor to have a background on stage before shooting a feature film?
Ufuoma: I will be honest with you, mine was the reverse. I did film first before I went to stage and I have Bimbo Akintola to thank for that. The stage is a lot of work. It’s not a flash in the pan.
Unlike film, the stage is not ‘Take 1, 2 and Take 7’. The stage is Take 1 and 1 alone. With stage, you have a lot of rehearsals as to when you are shooting a movie.
With stage, you also need to get the whole script into your head and you also need to know your line fast. You also need to know when to improvise because if your co-actor loses his or her own line, your improvisation skills will come in handy.
You also need to know how to inculcate his or her own lines into yours so that he or she can recollect. It is a lot of work; I will be honest with you. With stage, you have contributions to make and if you feel there is something that will make a film better then you should be able to contribute.
When you have a background on the stage, it keeps you very sharp and alert as an actor. Getting my lines into my head is no longer a challenge as I am one of those actors that will give you your lines in your scripts word for word.
This has nothing to do with the fact that I can’t improvise but because acting on stage has made me realise that when a writer writes in a certain way, it is because they are trying to play on words.
celebrity radar - gossips
Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star’s Storytelling Legacy By Alhaji Arems
Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star’s Storytelling Legacy
By Alhaji Arems
In the vibrant world of Fuji music, where the artistry of storytelling and cultural commentary thrive, Saheed Osupa has carved out a unique role as both an artist and an influencer of thought. Recently, his name has been lighting up social media discussions and generating significant buzz—not just because of his music but because of the depth of his words. Osupa’s trending status is rooted in his ability to subtly address pressing issues, particularly those surrounding the ongoing tension between fellow Fuji musicians Taye Currency and Pasuma Wonder.
Osupa’s recent contributions to this situation have not been straightforward; rather, he has adopted an artistic approach, using parables and proverbs—sometimes through complex storytelling—to impart wisdom. These nuanced messages, often hidden within his lyrics, resonate with fans who appreciate the clever way he brings age-old Yoruba wisdom into contemporary issues. One notable example involves a story about an animal (traditionally symbolizing patience and resilience) that many believe reflects Osupa’s thoughts on rivalry and pride. Through this parable, he seems to suggest the importance of self-reflection and restraint, especially in the heat of conflict.
In a genre that values not only musicality but also the power of words, Osupa has long been seen as a master of *itan*, or storytelling. His recent songs echo the traditional Yoruba way of imparting wisdom through tales that serve as lessons. This is a skill that few artists have mastered, making his approach particularly impactful in today’s fast-paced digital world, where nuanced messages can often be overlooked.
Beyond the Taye Currency-Pasuma Wonder issue, Osupa’s trending status is also due to his reputation as a voice of reason and maturity in Fuji music. As a genre that is often vibrant and full of competitive spirit, Fuji has its share of rivalries. Yet, Osupa has often stood out by promoting unity and peaceful dialogue among Fuji artists. By sharing these reflective stories in his music, he adds layers of meaning that fans continue to unpack and discuss, drawing new audiences who appreciate both the artistry and wisdom behind his words.
The charm of Saheed Osupa lies in his timeless approach. In a world where trends are fleeting, he reminds fans of the importance of timeless values, urging reflection, humility, and understanding. As fans interpret and share his latest stories, Osupa’s message continues to resonate widely—proof that, in Fuji, the power of words can be as influential as the beat of the drum.
celebrity radar - gossips
What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade
What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade
Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade, born on January 1, 1989, in Ebute Metta, Lagos, is an accomplished Nigerian actor, producer, and filmmaker with a deep passion for Yoruba cinema. Originally from Abeokuta, Ogun State, he is the first child in his family. Sholagbade began his education at Kadara Primary School and continued at Sojomen Talabi High School, Akute, and Nawairudeen Secondary School, Ebute Metta. He later earned an Ordinary Narional Diploma in Business Administration from the Lagos State Polytechnic. Pursuing his passion for acting, he trained at Odunfa Caucus, where he graduated in 2010.
Sholagbade launched his acting career in 2005, making a name for himself in Yoruba-language films. His portfolio includes roles in popular films like Olowo Ghetto, Alaimo, Ebun Mi, Esi, Gold and Treasure, Liam, Emilomo Babaolowo, Oko Aunty Mi, Broken Bond (Tude), and Last Born. In addition to acting, he has also produced several films, further cementing his influence in the industry.
Beyond the entertainment world, Sholagbade is a versatile professional with experience in railway engineering, IT support, and site management in the UK. He is also a farmer and general merchant, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and diverse skill set.
Throughout his career, Sholagbade has collaborated with top figures in Yoruba cinema, such as Yinka Quadri, Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, Odun Adekola, Oga Bello, Baba Wande, Jide Kosoko, Funsho Adeolu, Fathia William Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Wunmi Toriola, and Mide Martins.
Sholagbade’s hobbies include traveling, business, football, filmmaking, and meeting new people, reflecting his dynamic and outgoing personality.
Sholagbade’s talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades, including: Best Actor Yoruba – BON Awards, 2024, Best Supporting Actor– Afro Nollywood Awards, UK, 2019, Best Supporting Actor– Heritage Awards, Atlanta, USA, Best Supporting Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards, Best New Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards.
With his achievements and versatility, Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade remains a notable force in the Nigerian film industry and a proud ambassador of Yoruba cinema worldwide.
Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria has congratulated Major-General Olufemi Oluyede on his appointment as the acting Chief of Army Staff, (Ag COAS, Nigerian Army).
The Convener of the Coalition, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, in a statement, said General Oluyede has the responsibility to consolidate the success achieved by the Nigerian Army under General Taoreed Lagbaja.
President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday, October 30, appointed Oluyede as acting COAS pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The Coalition said his appointment is a welcome development. It said: “Major-General Olufemi Oluyede is well qualified for the position. He was a member of the 39th regular course and commissioned as an officer in 1987. Aged 56, he was promoted to the rank of Major-General in September 2020. A professional and top-notch security expert, he brings a lot of hope and inspiration to younger officers as acting chief of Army Staff.
“His appointment is the way to go. As the acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede has the responsibility to lead an army that will administratively manage the institution, consolidate on the success achieved by General Lagbaja and his team to mop up remnants of insurgents, bandits and the ragtag criminal elements in the North, and dismantle the ethnic militias in the Southeast to bring peace in the country.
“The 56-year-old Oluyede shares a long history with General Lagbaja, with a track record and excellent service to the nation. Both are members of the 39th Regular Course and were commissioned as officers in 1987.
“Oluyede’s meritorious career began as a Platoon commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, advancing to Company commander at 177 Guards Battalion and later Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade and commandant of Amphibious Training School.
“Oluyede has been part of many notable operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
“He has received honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, and Grand Service Star, all recognition for passing the Staff Course and membership in the National Institute, and his dedication and achievements in service.”
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