Feyisayo Makanjuola is a gospel film producer and founder of Heagle Height Media. She recently premiered a gospel movie in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The movie which featured some actors from Nollywood attracted a massive crowd of quality film lovers who set out to be entertained and also, receive gospel messages at the same time. She talked about her passion behind movie-making at the premiere.
What is the movie “Dither” about?
Dither is a divinely inspired story like the five foolish virgins referred to in the Bible.
The storyline of the movie is centred around a young lady who refused to forgive those who hurt her. She refused to let go of the past and slowly it consumed and controlled her decisions. The truth meant nothing to her as she became paranoid and suspicious of every intention people had. This became her greatest challenge.
My fans should expect to be well ministered to, through a gospel movie of great motion picture quality, fantastic actors, beautiful storyline and amazing sounds.
Why gospel movies, why not mainstream Nollywood?
Anything described as gospel must have been divinely inspired, hence I am into gospel movies because I was divinely inspired to go into it.
Movie production for me is a tool for the propagation of the gospel. Nollywood is a great industry and motives of players in this industry is focused mainly to generate profit.
For me, my primary objective is to propagate the gospel globally. If I, therefore, need to entertain you to get this message across, so be it. Profitability is good and desirable but for those of us in the gospel movie industry, this is secondary. If money comes from this venture we’re good with it and if it doesn’t, God will still have His way.
What is your take on the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood)?
The industry is doing well and growing really fast. As Nigerians, Nollywood has a great influence on our lives and ways directly and indirectly.
So like some people have done before me, if the Gospel of Christ is beautifully packaged and delivered through this medium, we will reach and influence many. This is what I stand for and this is what I am up to.
What are the factors hindering the production of gospel movies in Nigeria?
Hmmmm! Funding has been the major factor in this regard. Sponsorship is really hard to come by, probably due to the fact that profitability is a secondary objective in our sub-sector of the Nigerian movie industry.
Interestingly, great talents abound in the industry; fantastic writers, actors and actresses. The missing link in all of these are philanthropists, sponsors and organizations with a large heart to invest in our projects. Be that as it may, if a project is divinely inspired, God will create a way for its funding.
What specific challenges did you face in producing Dither?
Due to the ethics and peculiarities of our sub-sector, the major challenge I encountered was getting the right cast for the movie, but after consultations with my colleagues in the industry, we were able to overcome this challenge. Access to our desired locations was also a bit of a challenge, and of course finance, but God saw us through all these.
Do you have plans to venture into mainstream Nollywood in the future?
Why not? I will be ready and willing to work with any producer whose objectives perfectly aligns with mine. It’s a period I am looking forward to when the objective of the gospel movie sub-sector will dominate the entire industry.
If you have your way, what will you like to change about Nollywood?
Laughs! Now this is a tricky one. But if I have my way, I will ensure that every movie coming out of Nollywood teaches good morals.
On what platforms can people watch “Dither”
Arrangements are in top gear to ensure that Dither is screened in major cinemas all over Nigeria. The movie will also be available on Netflix, YouTube and DSTV in due course. Our target is to put this movie on as many platforms as possible to reach a good number of people.
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.
World Famous to Sanwo-Olu: save upcoming artists from drug peddlers in promoter skin
Sahara Weekly Reports That The fast-rising artiste in Nigeria entertainment world, Ayomide Olamide also known as World Famous, on Sunday hang out with friends and fans to further establish unity. The ‘Meh Meh Meh’ crooner who is making a great wave on his social media handles dropped a message for his music lovers explaining why he chose to hang out with them.
The event which took place at CareerMega Bar in Alagbado area of Lagos State had World Famous, captivate his audience with hit songs to further established friendship chain amongst his friends and lovers both home and abroad.
According to Famous, the show is more than just music but an idea to focus on setting an interactive session among his counterparts and also to play games as means of relaxation.
‘I have a dream that one day, the government will create room for upcoming artists so that they won’t cross the line of drug peddlers in promoter’s skin.
According to Prince Christopher Gold, C.E.O, Life compass travel & Tours, who had earlier facilitated famous tour to Ghana in 2022, made it his duty to draw a large crowd, personalities, socialites, celebrities and influencers to the event and also promised to make it annual event which will also showcase and further add to the vibrant ambiance of many upcoming artistes.
World Famous, who is also known as Akeweje Quibla , a famous Afro hippo artist is also promise to share the lyrics of his new hit with his lovers and new found admirers on his social media handles just to blend them in his upcoming video shoot in other to give a long lasting impression on his new admirers which will further establish their bond.
” Meh Meh Meh, his latest track is still making waves.
Nollywood Actress Omolara Kasali Honored at Nigerian Canadian Celebrities Entertainment Awards
Mississauga-Centre Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, has extended her heartfelt congratulations to Nollywood actress Omolara Kasali Dada, who received a Special Recognition Award at the 7th edition of the Nigerian Canadian Celebrities Entertainment Awards. The prestigious event was held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Royal King Event Center in Etobicoke, Canada.
In her congratulatory message, MPP Kusendova-Bashta expressed her admiration for Dada’s significant contributions to promoting Nigerian culture and entertainment in Canada and beyond. “It is my pleasure to congratulate Omolara Kasali Dada for being awarded the Special Recognition Award,” she wrote. “I am honored to recognize Omolara for her outstanding contributions to the preservation and enrichment of Nigerian cultural heritage.”
The annual awards ceremony celebrates individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the community by promoting and preserving Nigerian culture. Kusendova-Bashta praised Omolara’s role in strengthening cultural ties between Canada and Nigeria and enriching Canada’s multicultural landscape. She added, “Dedicated individuals like Omolara ensure that our rich heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.”
The event celebrated prominent figures who have played a vital role in preserving Nigerian traditions and enhancing cultural pride. The award to Omolara Kasali Dada stands as a testament to her dedication and influence within the Nigerian-Canadian community.
Natalia Kusendova-Bashta extended her best wishes for a memorable and inspiring celebration, highlighting the importance of cultural recognition events in building a diverse and unified community.