Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Yes, I can act nude- John Njamah
By ONYEKABA CORNEL-BEST and OLIVER ONUOHA
He cut his personal teeth with Chuck Mike’s Collective Artistes before he was advised by the late Professor Ola Rotimi to go into the university and study Theatre Arts. Recently he spoke to Daily Sun about his career and future plans:
Beginning
I am the first born child in a family of five. I had my elementary education at Nigerian Navy Primary School in Lagos before I moved to Methodist College Nzeakoli. From there I went to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to study Dramatic Arts. I hail from Njaaba in Oru local Government of Imo State. I am an actor and artiste and my work cuts across movie and television. I have equally done some stage productions, which by the way, is my first love because that is where I started.
I started acting at a very tender age, the profundity of the stage is my major attraction. I must confess that I was very lucky to have grown up in an environment where people were genuinely interested in the future of children. People saw the talent in me and encouraged me to go all out to explore the gift in me and went the full hog chasing the goal of realising the dream. I started with a local group called MONIDEX. After a brief stay with the group, I went to Chuck Mike’s Collective Artistes. It was from here we had major productions and went on tours. I was more of an artiste in training and within that period, I was shuttling between stage and television and after a while, I joined the University to study Drama.
My first television production was a children adventure series on the NTA Network belt. It was around 1989 and 1991 during one of my television shows that Amaka Igwe saw me and invited me to be part of Checkmate and after that, she has never failed to use me in most of her projects.
My view of theatre
I see theatre as a mirror to correct societal ills or proffer solutions to problems. It is probably the strongest medium of human communication, be it tragedy or comedy.
I always tell people that life is a tragedy for those who think. I am a lover of tragedy because I think that we constantly need to reflect on our lives to appreciate how tough it has been for us to find the true path for happiness. Comedy is not even really meant to make people laugh. Behind every comedy, there ought to be some pedagogical values, but that is not what is presently obtainable in our society today. Entertainment is good but I insist that comedy should always carry a serious message with it.
Parental support
It was quite tedious back then between me and my parents. Several times I was grounded by parental orders of ‘Don’t go here, don’t go there! Stay at home’ and all that, but after a while, I started winning awards and my parents from that point started understanding the fact that this was where I am going and they sort of softened their hold on me.
Ola Rotimi stopped me from studying Insurance
I gained admission to study Insurance at University of Lagos and after I saw my name on the board, I went to the late Professor Ola Rotimi for advice and he said to me, ‘Hey my son, come over to Ife’. I have met him several times before but I think why he wanted me to come to Ife was because he saw me at an audition and was highly impressed with my performance and he said ‘Look boy, come over to Ife and let’s shape you.’
Role models
I see myself as a role model because I have been able to play very impacting roles on television, stage and movies. People tell me how well I am doing and how my activities affect their lives positively. I don’t snob people because for anyone to pick up his or her phone to call you shows how much you are appreciated and I believe it is only polite to show compassion to your fans. In my hometown, I am treated with a lot of respect and much is expected of me and I believe that I been doing my best.
Me and Chuck Mike:
I started my professional theatre career effectively under his tutelage around 1991. He is a wonderful teacher, a psychologist and great director, one who is more like a fountain of knowledge and if you pay attention, you are bound to tap immensely from him.
Fuji House of Commotion
I don’t think that several pages in a newspaper will be enough to describe the experience of being part of Fuji House; it is a wonderful experience; it is like a family away from my family. We are so close as a team that we can claim to be a family - each person in the production can easily predict the other, we know what to do as individuals as well as a group to the point of near perfection.
Chief Fuji, our father in the play, is a very wonderful person and the controversy surrounding his having so many wives is what helps keep the comic heat on in our house. You should appreciate that to manage the number of children my father has is not in anyway easy but behind all the strictness of Chief Fuji, you still see that he is a very responsible man that takes good care of his children and wives. Our father is very educated and responsible. The play is not necessarily promoting polygamy; it is a controversy in the first place to marry three wives but for the fact that you have three wives does not mean things cannot go well with you
Choice roles
I love playing highly challenging roles, roles that no one wants to touch; I have a large heart so I go for whatever has the potentials of tasking me to the limit.
Directing productions:
I have directed several stage plays like, Moremi, The Militant Preacher, Behold My Redeemer and others too numerous to remember right now. I am currently unit director of Fuji House Of Commotion and director of Laugh Patterns. I am also a line director for so many other productions and for home videos. I have done quite a sizeable number of movies too, like Wicked Contact, Blast from the past, Dusty love and others.
Nudity in Movies:
I don’t see anything wrong with nudity in movies as long as it is used in context to the story. There are stories that require nudity for the message to be effective. I am against people using nudity out of context, if I am faced with a nude scene, I "ll use what I call suggestive realism to tease the audience. I have used it a couple of times and it worked for me. The purpose of censorship is not to axe movies but to rate them for their appropriate audience.
Censorship Board:
The film industry in Nigeria is run by individuals who risk their hard-earned money to keep the industry going. It is sad that people spend so much to come up with a movie and some few individuals come up and axe the movie. When in actual fact the government they are working for has no investment in the industry. If the government is investing in the industry, then the censorship Board can then be said to be relevant. We are so helpless because the board has government backing and we don’t. Check and balance is good but it should not be done with vendetta.
Limelight:
For me there is a progression towards limelight after every production. It is difficult for me to say that any particular production shot me to limelight, but I think all my works put together served as the pedestal for my rise. The road to stardom is hardly immediate. Each production, if well done, opens new vistas and with God on your side, you may find yourself at the top of the ladder.
Awards:
My first professional award was a Hubert Ogunde Foundation Award for the best young actor, then in Port-Harcourt. I was given the Most Dynamic Actor Award, I got nominated for the Best Supporting Actor severally and even for Best director and so on. Way back in the university, I have won both best actor and best director respectively.
Being a role model:
I see myself as a role model because I have been able to play very impacting roles both on television, stage and in movies. People tell me how well I am doing and how my activities is affecting their own lives positively. I don’t snob people because for anyone to pick up his or her phone to call you shows how much you are appreciated and I believe it is only polite to show compassion to your fans. In my hometown, I am treated with a lot of respect and much is expected of me and I believe that I have been doing my best.
Ambitions:
I have a lot of things up my sleeves that I hope to accomplish in this short life. I hope to be one the best known hands in this industry.
We don't have problems marrying twins-Mamuzee
Their kind of music and energetic dance is one that will thrill you and set you in the right mood. They are never caught in different wears and when they appear in public, you marvel how God created two individuals with so much look alike. As married men, Anthonio Akpos and Andre Andos Dixon live together with their wives, a set of identical twins. In a chat recently, Mamuzee say they are expecting a set of twin babies.
Where have you been?
Basically we are working and you all should know that. If you are very conversant with CNN and BBC, there’s currently an advert running on the biggest reality show in Nigeria and Nigeria, is organized by us. We’ve done a bit of traveling to some Europe countries like Canada and other African countries, trying to make sure that this show becomes the best reality show in the world. So far that’s what has been keeping us busy and we are trying to release our album as well in July. Show we are all choked up.
What’s the reality show about?
The show is a surprise, it’s called twin Africa, show you guys should watch out for it; it’s about twins all over Africa.
The Album
We’ve released a single called sweet Gbedu; it was on UK and the Caribbean chart number one for about six weeks. It was a new song by Akon that knocked it out. So far the comments about the video are okay, we are trying to experiment, and we are trying to be modernized and move with time. Our song is African music and if you look back whether you like it or not, African music is dying, we want to do our music a little bit of hip hop so that it can appeal to the youths as well and that’s what we are doing right now.
Why hip hop?
Whether you like it or not, hip hop is here to stay because of the youthful appeal to it. So what we are trying to do is to mix hip hop with African music, make it a contemporary African song, as even as you dance to it, it’s still part of African that you can relate with it.
Challenges
Well, we are working on four projects and we want to make sure that we unveil them before the end of the year so, it been pressure here and there but we are just praying that God will give us the strength and make this dream come true.
What has kept you both together?
It’s been grace, God’s grace, honesty and love.
Are you guys married?
Yes to the most beautiful set of identical twins and we are expecting twins.
Dating before marriage
When we were quite younger, we used to date different girls. Can you imagine, you are in the room with a girl and she is looking at you, asking if you are sure you are Akpos or Andos? It was crazy. Later, we actually wanted to get married to one girl, but it didn't work out and we then opted for twins. That is the fun of it, and in our house, there is no sadness. Two sisters from the same house, there is no quarrel, no problem. We are both expectant fathers and we pray that when the children come, they will not be asking who their father is between us.
Life in Ajegunle
Growing up in Ajegunle (AJ) was a struggle. Ultimately, what we experienced in Ajegunle “opened” our eyes and we then released an album entitled, “Born to Reign”
“Life in Ajegunle was a do-or-die affair. Most people would be surprised that we grew up with the likes of Daddy Showkey, Baba Fryo and Daddy Fresh. We grew up in the same neighborhood. They were always in our house, we all hoped and dreamt together because in Ajegunle it was either you became a thief or you do something meaningful with your life. For us, we decide to go into music and never looked back and today we are celebrated. We remember a lot of other young men, many of them our bosom friends, who choose to live on the other side of the law and were mauled down in their youth by the law enforcers; many were also killed through jungle justice. For those of us that are successful today, we deeply thank God for his mercies because we saw so many things in AJ that opened our eyes to wickedness but God refrained us from the way that led to destruction and granted us his great wisdom to get to where we are today”.
Oppositions
After secondary school, we were determined to become entertainers despite ours parent’s insistence that we studied Law or Medicine. Our parents pushed us to a private Law school and later to a Para-medical school and when they saw that we were not ready to budge, they forced us into the NDA in Kaduna, but somehow we found ourselves in Ogoja. And in 1999, we came out with our first single entitled, Bobo followed by a gospel track, Abi you no know say Jesus na God’.
Growing up in Ajegunle (AJ) was a struggle. Ultimately, what we experienced in Ajegunle “opened” our eyes and we then released an album entitled, “Born to Reign”
“Life in Ajegunle was a do-or-die affair. Most people would be surprised that we grew up with the likes of Daddy Showkey, Baba Fryo and Daddy Fresh. We grew up in the same neighborhood. They were always in our house, we all hoped and dreamt together because in Ajegunle it was either you became a thief or you do something meaningful with your life. For us, we decide to go into music and never looked back and today we are celebrated. We remember a lot of other young men, many of them our bosom friends, who choose to live on the other side of the law and were mauled down in their youth by the law enforcers; many were also killed through jungle justice. For those of us that are successful today, we deeply thank God for his mercies because we saw so many things in AJ that opened our eyes to wickedness but God refrained us from the way that led to destruction and granted us his great wisdom to get to where we are today”.
Oppositions
After secondary school, we were determined to become entertainers despite ours parent’s insistence that we studied Law or Medicine. Our parents pushed us to a private Law school and later to a Para-medical school and when they saw that we were not ready to budge, they forced us into the NDA in Kaduna, but somehow we found ourselves in Ogoja. And in 1999, we came out with our first single entitled, Bobo followed by a gospel track, Abi you no know say Jesus na God’.
Back to school
With the success that came with our first effort, we went back to school - College of Film and Broadcasting in South Africa - for three years.
We returned in 2003 with another single titled Awigiri, the African Esan dance.
With the success that came with our first effort, we went back to school - College of Film and Broadcasting in South Africa - for three years.
We returned in 2003 with another single titled Awigiri, the African Esan dance.
Miracle tour of Europe
We went abroad, with Africosa, a blend of Afro-beat, Makosa and African jazz, and we toured Europe recently and returned to call it a miracle. It was indeed a big miracle, there was this show called the Nigeria Fashion Show. As God would have it we played during the show and the Nigerian Ambassador to France loved our music and spoke to the organizer of the show”. Immediately, we were invited to Europe. “It was a dream of a life time.
We went abroad, with Africosa, a blend of Afro-beat, Makosa and African jazz, and we toured Europe recently and returned to call it a miracle. It was indeed a big miracle, there was this show called the Nigeria Fashion Show. As God would have it we played during the show and the Nigerian Ambassador to France loved our music and spoke to the organizer of the show”. Immediately, we were invited to Europe. “It was a dream of a life time.
Eye opener
We met a lot of Nigerians in Europe that were mere loafers out there; we saw a lot of girls who were into prostitution, involving themselves in all kinds of acts that is totally degrading to the African dignity. We met a set of Nigerians at the Metro and their palms were scarred red - burnt from washing of plates in steam water - we were compelled to give some of them money.
In Europe it is every man to himself, unlike here where you can see someone to give you garri to smoke no matter what, out there if you go hungry, you die. Many Nigerians living there are not doing anything but they are just too ashamed to come back home”.
We met a lot of Nigerians in Europe that were mere loafers out there; we saw a lot of girls who were into prostitution, involving themselves in all kinds of acts that is totally degrading to the African dignity. We met a set of Nigerians at the Metro and their palms were scarred red - burnt from washing of plates in steam water - we were compelled to give some of them money.
In Europe it is every man to himself, unlike here where you can see someone to give you garri to smoke no matter what, out there if you go hungry, you die. Many Nigerians living there are not doing anything but they are just too ashamed to come back home”.
Promoting African music
One thing we can’t get over is the way music promoters in Nigeria idolize foreign artistes to the detriment of the local ones. The idea of bringing in musicians from US or Europe and pay them so much and give Nigerians peanuts is bad. The big question is who really owns the money paid out to these foreign artistes?
When Sean Paul came here he was paid so much .But we met the same Sean Paul, playing in a Gay club in Paris and the audience was less than 20 people.
When Kofi Olomide met us in Paris, he requested that he would like to do something with us soon. Our artistes deserve more respect.
There are some radio stations in Nigeria that would frustrate you because you play African music. Some of them don’t like African music. We don’t let them frustrate us, we just keep doing what we believe in and now the world is taking note of us.
One thing we can’t get over is the way music promoters in Nigeria idolize foreign artistes to the detriment of the local ones. The idea of bringing in musicians from US or Europe and pay them so much and give Nigerians peanuts is bad. The big question is who really owns the money paid out to these foreign artistes?
When Sean Paul came here he was paid so much .But we met the same Sean Paul, playing in a Gay club in Paris and the audience was less than 20 people.
When Kofi Olomide met us in Paris, he requested that he would like to do something with us soon. Our artistes deserve more respect.
There are some radio stations in Nigeria that would frustrate you because you play African music. Some of them don’t like African music. We don’t let them frustrate us, we just keep doing what we believe in and now the world is taking note of us.
I have given so much to my country but received peanuts in return – Segun Remi, Kanran
The filmmaker confessed that acting is not a lucrative business in Nigeria, stressing, “if you want to be an actor because you want to make money, then you must be a joker”. Segun Remi also spoke on his challenges as an actor, his constraints, films, motivations, among others.
Childhood
I am the last born of a family of six from Pa Samuel Akiremi and Mrs. Sabahina Adewunmi Akiremi. I am from a Christian and highly disciplined home. Out of the six children in my family, three of us are Theatre Arts graduates. Initially, our parents kicked against the idea but they later agreed to our wishes.
First salary
I got it from acting. I was being paid per production. So, my fees varied.
Jobs outside acting?
I minister as a priest.
How I started?
I started acting in 1975. My elder brother,Yemi Akiremi, happened to have motivated me because he is also an actor, a dancer and fine drummer.
Idols/Role models
They are late Pa Orlando Martins, Chief (Dr.) Hubert Adedeji Ogunde, Chief Duro Ladipo, Jab Adu (Bassey Okon) of Village Headmaster, Jimmy Solanke, Elder Moses Olaiya Adejumo (Baba Sala) among others.
First role on stage, TV or Movies?
On stage I played the role of Kurunmi in a play of the same title written by Prof. Ola Rotimi. On T.V., I played the role of a businessman in a soap opera titled Images.
Breakthrough
It was on stage when I acted in Langbodo, Nigeria’s drama entry to Festac' 77 at the National Arts Theatre Iganmu, Lagos. On television I acted as Alaafin Kanran in a drama shown on Lagos Television, October 1, 1988.
Constraints and challenges
In Nigeria then, there was no money in acting. So, if you wanted to be an actor because of money, you would have been a serious joker. People went into acting because they craved for it. To be a good actor then, you had to be ready to make a lot of sacrifices, meaning that you have to forego every other things and face the theatre. You need to attend rehearsals, engage in exercises, get your lines off-hand, your blockings and movements.
Films acted?
Some of the films I have starred in are Vigilante - by A Productions, Ose- Sango also by A Productions, Eri Okan by Awada Kerikeri Organisation, Itunnu, Bayowa Films, Eewo also by Bayowa Films, Golden Heritage, Idunnu by Alade Aromire, Orire by Alade Aromire, Ofa Oro by Express Fisheries, Ajaka Oko by Suntab, Ayanmo by Ogunde Films, Great Bird of Enternity by Ben Tomoloju, Sharttered Bridge by Dr. Bode Osanyin, Oba Oluaiye by Chief Wale Ogunyemi, Bibi Ire by Prince Jide Kosoko, Ilu le by Otunba Adebayo Salami, I50 Million by Yinka Quadri, to mention but a few.
Internalising roles
In the first instance, an actor must understand the script, interprete and then put himself in the character. Above all, he must enjoy the role.
Most awkward role
It was when I acted as the leader of a robbery gang. The producer and director of the film wanted me to play the role even though it was challenging.
Memorable roles
In each of the following shows, Mega Fortune, The Golden Heritage, Things fall Apart, Ovoramwen - Nogbaisi, The Gods are not to Blame, Alaafin-Kanran and Super Story, the roles I played were challenging and the quality of the artistes was high.
Quiting acting
Yes! For several reasons and they are because Nigerian Federal Government refused to encourage us by pumping money into our industry like they do in sports. Banks, corporate bodies and well- to- do individuals have also refused to fund the industry the way it should be funded. Some of them did not know that it's another avenue to make cool money.
I have given so much to my country as an actor but I receive peanut in return.
Motivations
The joy of being an artiste. They make people happy; they make them think; they solve peoples problems. Honestly, it makes me happy everyday but if I should wake up broke (financially), my brother that one go get as e be o!
Being a producer, director and filmmaker
You see, it’s because of shortage of funds that compels some of our people to become producers, directors, actors and film makers all at the same time. Honestly, it is unprofessional because they are of different offices. The job of a film producer is different from that of a film director. And a good artiste will hadly be able to handle both together.
He is going to remain an actor for life but that is if he is well paid. But if you are short of money, you may not have any choice than to be a foreman. But we thank God that these days, things have really changed for the better.
Current projects
Some of them include: The Black Card, Alaafin Aganju, Omo Ela, Election Fever, Behind the Mask and Abenilori.
Future plans
In the next five years, I want to see myself as an international actor, a good script writer, A man of the people both home and abroad, A successful man in my own career and a happy and peaceful husband and run a happy home. I also want to be an intelligent producer that can produce good films in several other languages.
I see Nigerian movie industry in another five years crossing our international borders. I also see Nigerian movie industry next to oil
Social life
I fast, pray and travel to meet friends. Aside from that, I stay in Church to minister as a priest. I listen to music ranging from different artistes like Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, King KWAM 1, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Blues music, Christian gospel music, High Life, Victor Olaiya, Lagbaja, Orlando Owoh
Comedy is serious business-Koffi Nuel Idowu
Top comedian, Koffi Idowu Nuel has over the years, registered his trade mark as a force to be reckoned with in the business of comedy. The singer and actor, a Chemistry graduate of the University of Lagos, speaks on how he veered into comedy in school, his views about comedians who recycle their jokes as well as plans for the future.
Everybody knows you as Koffi, the comedian. Give us an insight into your background?
I was born Koffi Idowu Nuel and my mother is from Togo while my father is from Ibeju Lekki, Lagos. I am a comedian, actor and singer.
Take us back to your early days in comedy?
Well.... I started out from Theatre 15 at the University of Lagos when I was studying Chemistry. Prior to that, I went to Adrao Nursery School and Kuramo Primary School in Victoria Island. I also went to Moriti College, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.
What inspired you to go into comedy?
Like I said, I started out as a stage actor at the University of Lagos and while I was a stage actor, my comical side gradually took over the serious part of me. So, it just metamorphosed into being who I am today - a comic character. I used to be a very naughty boy when I was young so it was just natural for me.
How would you describe Koffi?
Well... Koffi is an intellect who likes to portray himself in different areas of the arts. I have the talent so I don’t let it go to waste. I express myself through music, comedy or acting. I think I am a very simple person. Besides the job, I am an introvert and I like to keep to myself a lot except when I am on the job. I think I am a 100% Nigerian and proudly Nigerian too.
How long have you been in the comedy business and what has been your challenges?
I have been in comedy for the fun of it since 1997/98 but financially, since the year 2000 and professionally, since 2001. By the grace of God, there has been no challenges for me because I see everything as it is written by God. So, it is not exactly a challenge. You know, sometimes, we don’t always wait for God’s time as the best time. We always want to rush things but for me, I take it nice and slow, take things the way it comes and flow with the tide. So, everything that happens to me is the way God has ordained it to be. That is how I see it.
So, what is Koffi working on now?
Right now, it is Koffi and the worker man movement, I am promoting new music and my new movie, Mumu is going to be out very soon. It premiered recently. The brand, Koffi right now is all about production; music, movies and every other forms of production. It is not just about cracking jokes anymore. That is what I am working on now.
Why do you think comedians re-cycle their jokes?
It is not wrong for a comedian to say his own jokes over and over again. What is wrong is when others pilfer the jokes and make it their own and they all crack the jokes at the same time. It is wrong. It is not bad for a comedian to get to an event and find a relevant material from another comedian’s joke and use it but it is very wrong for comedians to gather together at a public concert and three or four of them will crack the same jokes. It makes no sense and I find that difficult to comprehend. I am fighting against people who pilfer other peoples’ jokes. I am really against it.
What are you doing in that regard? Are you doing anything specific?
Yes, I have been calling everybody to order. Recently, I spoke to two upcoming talents that the best way forward is to get original and serious. If people don’t take us serious, then, our industry is going to crumble and we are going to address the issue at the right forum. We don’t need to fight about it and create a mess. We will call ourselves to order, talk about it and make sense out of it.
What are the problems comedians face in the industry? Are there any peculiar ones?
For me, the way I see things, it is not exactly a problem, it is just the way society sees things. Comedians have been so stereotyped to be just stand-up comedians; people don’t try to see the other aspect of what you can do like music-comedy or acting comedy and take them serious. It is just a few people that have been able to break those barriers. For me, I have been able to veer into music production so that people can see that as a comedian, you have other talents and people can recognise those talents in you. There is a Jamie Fox in America that started from a sitcom, became a comedian and still sings beautifully. So, it can also be done here if you have the ability.
Tell us about the musical side of you?
Regarding music, I am into so many things. Right now, me and my crew would be releasing an album on December 1st and it is called All eyes open and we are trying to show that we can still do serious music. What we are doing is a full time job and should be treated as such. The same doctor that treats malaria treats cancer and also assists in giving birth to a baby. Those are different areas a doctor performs his duties. In the same vein, as a comedian, why can’t I do every other thing that I can do? As long as I don’t try to take another person’s piece of cake. I just try to express myself the best way that I can.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Basically, from the environment. When I look around, I see things that inspire me. Then, God is the ultimate inspiration and he talks to me all the time. As far as I am concerned, God is the ultimate comedian. He has it in abundance, that is why he has handed it over to us. So, God is my number one inspiration.
(Cuts in) Well... I am married and I have a baby but usually, I don’t discuss my family. Family and business are totally different.
What are your future plans?
I hope to keep blazing the trail for comedy movies. We have started the process, we have done Two black birds and Mumu and very soon, we are doing a new one called Funny movie. I hope to do a whole lot of things. Like I said earlier, I am into production. I am basically becoming a producer that would be pushing things. I will use the brand name to push out other things.
What is your parting shot to your fans?
If you want to be like me, you can’t. Just be you, put God first and and work very hard. You will get to your pinnacle and no matter how hard it is, you will get there.
Everybody knows you as Koffi, the comedian. Give us an insight into your background?
I was born Koffi Idowu Nuel and my mother is from Togo while my father is from Ibeju Lekki, Lagos. I am a comedian, actor and singer.
Take us back to your early days in comedy?
Well.... I started out from Theatre 15 at the University of Lagos when I was studying Chemistry. Prior to that, I went to Adrao Nursery School and Kuramo Primary School in Victoria Island. I also went to Moriti College, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.
What inspired you to go into comedy?
Like I said, I started out as a stage actor at the University of Lagos and while I was a stage actor, my comical side gradually took over the serious part of me. So, it just metamorphosed into being who I am today - a comic character. I used to be a very naughty boy when I was young so it was just natural for me.
How would you describe Koffi?
Well... Koffi is an intellect who likes to portray himself in different areas of the arts. I have the talent so I don’t let it go to waste. I express myself through music, comedy or acting. I think I am a very simple person. Besides the job, I am an introvert and I like to keep to myself a lot except when I am on the job. I think I am a 100% Nigerian and proudly Nigerian too.
How long have you been in the comedy business and what has been your challenges?
I have been in comedy for the fun of it since 1997/98 but financially, since the year 2000 and professionally, since 2001. By the grace of God, there has been no challenges for me because I see everything as it is written by God. So, it is not exactly a challenge. You know, sometimes, we don’t always wait for God’s time as the best time. We always want to rush things but for me, I take it nice and slow, take things the way it comes and flow with the tide. So, everything that happens to me is the way God has ordained it to be. That is how I see it.
So, what is Koffi working on now?
Right now, it is Koffi and the worker man movement, I am promoting new music and my new movie, Mumu is going to be out very soon. It premiered recently. The brand, Koffi right now is all about production; music, movies and every other forms of production. It is not just about cracking jokes anymore. That is what I am working on now.
Why do you think comedians re-cycle their jokes?
It is not wrong for a comedian to say his own jokes over and over again. What is wrong is when others pilfer the jokes and make it their own and they all crack the jokes at the same time. It is wrong. It is not bad for a comedian to get to an event and find a relevant material from another comedian’s joke and use it but it is very wrong for comedians to gather together at a public concert and three or four of them will crack the same jokes. It makes no sense and I find that difficult to comprehend. I am fighting against people who pilfer other peoples’ jokes. I am really against it.
What are you doing in that regard? Are you doing anything specific?
Yes, I have been calling everybody to order. Recently, I spoke to two upcoming talents that the best way forward is to get original and serious. If people don’t take us serious, then, our industry is going to crumble and we are going to address the issue at the right forum. We don’t need to fight about it and create a mess. We will call ourselves to order, talk about it and make sense out of it.
What are the problems comedians face in the industry? Are there any peculiar ones?
For me, the way I see things, it is not exactly a problem, it is just the way society sees things. Comedians have been so stereotyped to be just stand-up comedians; people don’t try to see the other aspect of what you can do like music-comedy or acting comedy and take them serious. It is just a few people that have been able to break those barriers. For me, I have been able to veer into music production so that people can see that as a comedian, you have other talents and people can recognise those talents in you. There is a Jamie Fox in America that started from a sitcom, became a comedian and still sings beautifully. So, it can also be done here if you have the ability.
Tell us about the musical side of you?
Regarding music, I am into so many things. Right now, me and my crew would be releasing an album on December 1st and it is called All eyes open and we are trying to show that we can still do serious music. What we are doing is a full time job and should be treated as such. The same doctor that treats malaria treats cancer and also assists in giving birth to a baby. Those are different areas a doctor performs his duties. In the same vein, as a comedian, why can’t I do every other thing that I can do? As long as I don’t try to take another person’s piece of cake. I just try to express myself the best way that I can.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Basically, from the environment. When I look around, I see things that inspire me. Then, God is the ultimate inspiration and he talks to me all the time. As far as I am concerned, God is the ultimate comedian. He has it in abundance, that is why he has handed it over to us. So, God is my number one inspiration.
(Cuts in) Well... I am married and I have a baby but usually, I don’t discuss my family. Family and business are totally different.
What are your future plans?
I hope to keep blazing the trail for comedy movies. We have started the process, we have done Two black birds and Mumu and very soon, we are doing a new one called Funny movie. I hope to do a whole lot of things. Like I said earlier, I am into production. I am basically becoming a producer that would be pushing things. I will use the brand name to push out other things.
What is your parting shot to your fans?
If you want to be like me, you can’t. Just be you, put God first and and work very hard. You will get to your pinnacle and no matter how hard it is, you will get there.
I need a man in my life
Ace actress, Eucharia Anunobi speaks.
How’s your divorce case going?
We are still in court, but I am sure judgment would be passed soon. So, we take it from there.
Have you found another love?
I can’t think of another man until the first one is all over.
Have you reviewed the qualities of your man?
He’s got to be God-fearing, It is not about being handsome, tall or hardworking. All those ones are necessary but the foundation, the background, when a man has got the fear of God, then he would understand what it means to truly love a woman. That means he will cherish her. And that means he will be by her side through thick and thin; when she grows old, when she grows fat, when she’s sick. So, when a man knows God, he’s a better man. But on the other hand, one needs a man who’s got a job. It’s not about being a millionaire, he must have something he’s doing, so that he can have a sense of belonging, a sense of individuality.
Are men not disturbing you with calls since you are single again?
I haven’t seen them o. Please tell them to come o. Tell them to come very fast, I want them because my God said a woman should not be alone. And a man should not be alone too.
You still look stunning at your age, what has sustained you?
My faith in God. I have absolute faith in God. And when you have faith in God, He will just give you glory all the way.
Apart from God?
I love dancing and I take a lot of water. I am also crazy about fruits. Anybody who knows me will know I love fruits and water.
But some say sex is also good?
There are lots of other things that keep one younger and stronger.
Not sex?
That’s one. It’s a form of exercise. That’s what we know. It is one of the recipes for looking youthful, younger and a great shape for those who can get it.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
It’s when people attribute the role you have done in a movie to your personal life, forgetting that we are doing a make-believe job, that somebody wrote out the story and we are just chosen to act it. On the other hand, I will take it as a credit because it means you’ve done your job very, very well.
What’s the worst thing that has been written about you?
I don’t really put this in mind because I just consider the fact that being in the public eye, whether you like it or not, people would want to write good or bad. As they say, bad news is news and good news is no news.
When you look back, would you say you are living your dream?
Let me put it this way, I won’t say I came into Nollywood to be noticed. I just had the innate desire to do my job. I just found out that when I was small, I loved acting. So, for me, it wasn’t to be known or for material benefit but to make people happy. I remember I used to do comic stuff with my siblings.
I would wear my father’s coat and shoes to act like him or sometimes I would tie my mummy’s headgear and act like her. For now, you can say I am living my dream of entertaining people and being a role model. Then, I haven’t got to the height of my career. So, I am not living my dream completely until we shoot movies that would be accepted internationally more than what we have already.
I am also looking at movies shot with hightech equipment and a lot of money involved. It may be a kind of collaboration of international artistes in Hollywood, only then will I say I am living my dream.
What is the good thing about being an actress?
The fact that it opens doors for you, people appreciate you, you stand above the crowd.
What to you is the greatest problem of Nollywood?
We don’t have the kind of money we need to make the kind of movies we need. I give kudos to those who started the industry out of nothing. Now it has gone beyond them. We need billionaires to come into the industry to do better movies.
The industry will fall if these investors don’t come. It will fall because a lot of criticisms are coming up. People are now looking at scriptwriting, acting, directing and all other aspects of production.
So, you need money to meet up with these challenges. It is no longer what we used to produce. We have international exposure and people are expecting more.
A lot of your colleagues and even younger actresses are going into movies production, what’s delaying you?
Not everybody can be a producer. We are all cut out to do different things. Kudos to those who ventured into some other things. I have other things I am also doing. I have always been into private enterprise, which I don’t have to go about showcasing or talk about so much. For my colleagues, I watch their movies and I am happy for them.
How is your son, Joshua doing?
I thank God. It’s been hectic moving from one hospital to the other. That is why one needs a man to assist.
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