Sam Akowe EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW #OxfordGardensmovie

Sam Akowe

Meet Sam Akowe! A cast in the much anticipated Nollywood movie, Oxford Gardens. You'll need to watch the trailer (here) and see "Uncle" Sam Akowe in his element!!!

What role did you play in this movie?

I played the role of the Boxing Manager, “Benjamin.”

Do you feel that you are much the character you played? – maybe personality wise or physically?

Personality - yes. I am a Life Coach/Motivational Speaker. Physically... yes too! As a manager, my job is to motivate and encourage... not necessarily being too physical in training my boxer.  

What was your favourite part in the making of this movie?                                                             

The Boxing Tournament, the gym training and wedding scenes... I was not present at the others.

What was your most challenging part in the making of this movie.                                                  

The Gym training with the boxer... it was extremely challenging... physically. 

Is this your first film with UK/Nollywood movie director Obi Emelonye?                                        

Yes, I hope there will be more!

What do you do in your spare time?                                                                                                     

I am a Life Coach/Motivational Speaker... Also a Stand-Up Comedian/MC... Also delving into writing books.

What has been your biggest career challenge so far?                                                            

 Breaking into the main stream movie industry and Writing a Book. 

Are there any actors/actresses (Nigeria and beyond) who’s work/success Inspires you?                                                                                                                                     

Yes, Pa Olu Jacobs (Nigerian) and Denzel Washington (American) - both inspire me with their originality and hard work. 

If you could star in a re-make of a classic film, who would you want to play?                                     

Al Paccino (Scare Face)

The slogan of the movie (Oxford Gardens) is “If today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it?” Name two things you would like to do!                                                          
 (1) Stand side-by-side with President Buhari to address the National on the need to change the way we think as Nigerians - Re-educating our minds (2) Visit three major Universities in Nigeria to launch my book on Positive Thinking for Realistic Change. 

Lol! I hope you would reserve some space beside you for people like us when you stand side-by-side with President Buhari!

Thank you so much for your time. Looking forward to seeing you on the red carpet in due course!

Ngo Okafor and Sam Akowe in Oxford Gardens

Connect with Sam on facebook as Sam Akowe

On Twitter as /samsonakowe

Alas! The Trailer! Oxford Gardens!

Directed by Obi Emelonye. Starring Ngo Okafor, Ng Thompson, a couple of others and of course me (Iffy Chukwu) as Dr Riley. Watch me in 1.13 minute of this awesome trailer (smirk)

Princess Abiye stars in Obi Emelonye's Oxford Gardens

Princess Abiye

I met her on the set of Oxford Gardens, a new Nollywood film yet to be released. Her movies to-date include… Saving Grace (her first produced film), Amina, International Games, Oga Detective, Housewives and Girlfriends, Broken Cross, The Soul and many others.

So it was wonderful chatting with London based actress, presenter and producer, Princess Abiye. Read what she had to say about Oxford Gardens, a new film directed by Obi Emelonye …

What role did you play in this movie?

I played Mrs Onuoha, mother to Munachi.

Do you feel that you are much the character you played? – maybe personality wise or physically?

I would say yes to both. I’m quite an emotional person and my physical appearance made my role believable.

Princess Abiye with screen husband Mr Michael

How did you connect to this character?

Connecting with the character was very easy as I’m a mother, and then coupled with my emotional side, I was able to connect better with my ‘daughter’ - Munachi.

What was your favourite part in the making of this movie?

My favourite part was seeing Munachi on the bench. The emotion was awesome.

What was your most challenging part in the making of this movie?

Honestly, (for my scenes) there were no challenging parts to them as the team was awesome, professional, well organized and we all worked in love by supporting each other.

Is this your first film with UK/Nollywood movie director Obi Emelonye?

Yes this is my first film with my Uncle like I fondly call him and I am blessed to be cast in it. Thank you Uncle!

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I love to paint! Honestly it's always a disaster! One would think they just entered into a horror zone! It's always a mess with paint everywhere. Secondly, I love inventing new recipes, after which I ask myself “why did you bother in the first place?”

Are there any actors/actresses (Nigeria and beyond) who’s work/success inspires you?

I love Oprah Winfrey. I’m inspired by Omotola Jalade (Nollywood legend) who featured in the movie Amina with me. Also Joselyn Dumas, the Ghanianian actress who played my step-daughter in the film On My Return. These women are brilliant. They inspire me with the positive impact they create for themselves and in their career.

If you could star in a re-make of a classic film, who would you want to play?

Too many to choose from. I love classical films but definitely a strong woman in power, but who also has a soft side in her. I would say Oprah Winfrey or Patience Ozokwu (Nollywood legend).

The slogan of the movie (Oxford Gardens) is “If today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it?” Name two things you would like to do!

 Lol! I will love to pass the night at the Queen’s palace and dive in an ocean to destroy that fear of water!

Thank you for your time and looking forward to seeing you on the red carpet of Oxford Gardens!

Princess Abiye is on twitter as www.twitter.com/princessabiye

And facebook as www.facebook.com/princess.abiye/

Princess Abiye's first produced film

Princess Abiye, Iffy Chukwu, Ng Thompson

Ngozi Thompson-Igwebuike EXCLUSIVE Interview: “I agreed to shave my head, to help make her whole situation more authentic.”

Ngozi Thompson Igwebuike (aka Ng or Gayle) is a wearer of many hats. A fashion model, actress and TV presenter. I don’t know where she finds the time to do all these, but trust me, somehow she does!

So it’s no surprise that she’s been busy recently with the new Nollywood film, Oxford Gardens (directed by Obi Emelonye)  bridal photo shoots and an advertisement for Tolly Boy rice (Tollyboy rice advert)

Just over a week ago, she won Best TV personality BEFFTA 2015 and has been nominated for three awards at the CA awards put together by C-Hub Magazine.

Now- I know what you’re probably thinking. “This girl has it all.” Well, it goes without saying that success comes with its struggles. However Ngozi is hardworking and d-e-d-i-c-a-t-e-d, pleasant, full of smiles and has bucket loads of ideas (good ones). It’s no wonder she does all these amazing stuff! 

So one day, before I let Ngozi scoot off to her busy life, she chatted about her role in the film, Oxford Gardens and other things she gets up to…

What role did you play in the movie Oxford Gardens?

I played the role of 'Munachi' the female lead character. 

Do you feel that you are much the character you played? – maybe personality wise or physically?

I think I definitely embodied some of her personality while I was in character during filming. I think the doing of that in acting, is inevitable in order to make any character believable. Physically, I guess the answer is yes, only because I don't believe I would have been casted for the role if I did not fit the requirements in every way. 

How did you connect to this character?

It was a bit easy for me to connect to Munachi's character because I personally know people who cancer have touched in their lives and also because I completely understand the concept of trying to fulfil wishes and dreams when time starts running out for us.  

What was your favourite part in the making of this movie? I really enjoyed doing this movie as a whole, but I would say my best moments were my horse riding and the bungee jumping. I thoroughly enjoyed those experiences, especially because I have always wanted to do them but just never been courageous enough. So when Obi Emelonye, the film's director told me my character would be doing these things as part of her bucket list, I was very excited! 

What was your most challenging part in the making of this movie?

The most challenging part for me in the making of this movie was actually the 'looking ill' part. I know it sounds crazy but let me explain: Naturally, I'm a very bubbly, happy person. No matter what situation I find myself in, I am often upbeat and ok. It's not like I force it or pretend. It’s just me. So when I was playing this role, I realised I had to put extra effort into 'looking' and acting sick. I always got caught giggling or laughing loudly on set, even if it was to myself...! It was quite a feat. It always took me a moment or two to get into character every time, and so, whenever I did get into character, I don't come out of it until we're done for the day.  It was also the reason I agreed to shave my head, to help make her whole situation more authentic. In the end though, I'm very pleased that I took up the challenge and played this role, because Munachi's happy/cheeky personality and her sad illness, offers a perfect opportunity to explore the juxtaposition of these two conflicting emotions at the same time. 

Ngozi as Munachi in Oxford Gardens

  Is this your first film with UK/Nollywood movie director Obi Emelonye?

No. This is my second film with Obi Emelonye. My first was, "Onyeozi" the messenger, an all Igbo film shot in London, where I also played the lead female role, next to the great comedian, Okey Bakassi, as my husband, the lead male. 

 What do you do in your spare time?

Will it sound cocky to say I hardly have spare time? Lol. Seriously though, I keep busy. I like it that way. Keeps me out of trouble…(smirk). Plus I don't think I know how not to be busy.  To answer your question; I do a lot outside of film acting. Before going into filming for this latest project with Obi, I had just finished doing a theatre production of a classic Nigerian play, "The gods Are Not To Blame (The Musical)"  Written by Ola Rotimi in 1968 and Directed by Olugbenga Ajayi. We put on six shows over three days at the beautiful Kenneth Moore Theatre in Ilford, London. It was thrilling but exhausting as we had to rehearse everyday for a whole month at the Royal Festival Hall in Waterloo. But in the end, it was worth all the effort and sweat we put into it. 

Next, I do TV presenting and currently, I co-present a show called 'The Buzz TV Show' showing every Thursday and Saturdays. It's on NollywoodTV in London and many other TV channels in Africa.

It's becoming very popular actually and we are just about to wrap up our second season. Before that, I was on BenTV presenting 'PolitrickswithKO' with Kayode Ogundamisi and doing corresponding works for BenTV and the Nigerian High Commission on events happening across London. Thirdly, I model and as you know, summer time is always the craziest. 

With Africa Fashion Week, Africa On The Square, London Fashion Weeks and all other fashion events happening, it can be very full on!

From there it was the theatre play, then this film. It was a packed calendar. At the moment, I'm busy doing a few shoots that have been pushed back to accommodate my recent filming, for which I am ever so grateful for because it means a lot to me that, out of the many other options out there, people are willing to wait just so they can have my services instead. It gives one a very cool and humbling feeling really. 

I also write, mostly 'ghost writing' for blogs and magazines. It's something I find I can do very easily. It pays and again, keeps my mind busy. Finally, I work (part time) in a law firm in London. I studied law and couldn't decide if I wanted to practice or leave it alone, but I figured, there is nothing wrong with a back up plan right? So I just keep my fingers dipped in, albeit very slightly. (LOL.)You just never know....So you see? I'm not being cocky when I say I hardly have a spare time am I? 

 Are there any actors/actresses (Nigeria and beyond) who’s work/success excites you?

I love Ireti Doyle, she's got a thing about her. I don't know what, but there it is! I positively adore Joke Silva, classic woman that she is & her beau, Olu Jacobs. Abroad, I love Angelina Jolie. She is a powerhouse of strength and beauty, and I'm not just talking physical beauty. She gives, gives, gives and still does her thing in the movie world. One of my many ambitions is to work with them all one day! Others I like include; Genevieve Nnaji, she's calm & level headed. Cate Blanchett, because she NEVER disappoints in any role she plays (ok, maybe she mystifies me, Lol) Ruth Kadiri, because she can laugh at herself and a person with a good sense of humour is always a plus. And of course, Joseph Benjamin. His work inspires me to do and be better. Makes me realise that there is a place in our industry, for people who only want to do great things....always!!
 

If you could star in a re-make of a classic film, who would you want to play?

Easy! Elizabeth Taylor's role in the historical epic, "Cleopatra!" I love everything about that film. The colours, the acting, the tragedy....Everything! I think Nollywood can do a Nigerian version of it! Can you imagine it?! It would be so much fun. 

If today was your last day on earth, name two things you would like to do!

Hahahaha.....I love this question and it seems like that's a question I get asked often now, especially by my friends, after they hear about this film. I can only say that I'm glad this film is beginning to inspire people to go beyond the norm and think of these things. Offering hope and encouragement to people, to live their lives like it's about to end. It's the only way to fight a boring life I think.  Having said that, if today was my last day on earth, I would; 1. Love to be able to change somebody's life for the better. How? I don't know, but I would like to have made a positive and lasting impact on somebody. Even if it's just one person, that'll be enough. 2. Let my loved ones know how much they mean to me and what makes them special to me individually. Just because I think that how you leave people feeling before you go, matters a great deal. In fact, I believe it matters more than the leaving itself. But that's just me, I guess.

Ngozi, wishing you the very best now and always. Thanks for your time!

Oh, did I say she is a busy lady? We may need a part 2 of this!

Connect with Ng Thompson-Igwebike on: 

Twitter & Instagram: GayleNgozee

 

Nnenna Ani Exclusive Interview: “If today were my last, I would fight to make peace with my creator…”

I had a little chat with one of our UK-Nollywood actresses, 

Nnenna Ani about her role in a new movie titled Oxford Gardens.

Oh, and did I mention she won ‘Best Rising Star’ at the 2015 BEFFTA awards held in the UK on the 31^TH OF October?

Hang on…Did I also mention she was nominated for Best Actress in the CA Award, that will be organised by C-Hub Magazine on the 21^st of November?

Congratulations Nnenna!

So here is your chance to know more about this lovely lady 

in the new movie Oxford Gardens directed by UK-Nollywood producer and director Obi Emelonye…

 What role did you play in this movie?

I played the role of Constable Ogun, the metropolitan police attached to the hospital where Munachi (the lead actress) was admitted.

Do you feel that you are much the character you played? – maybe personality wise or physically?

At first I wasn't sure. I felt good after wearing the police costume. It helped me stay in character. Based on my experience as an actress, every role is expressed with a different character. Also producers know what they are looking for during casting. I trust Obi Emelonye for that. 

Nnenna Ani as constable Ogun #Oxford Gardens

         What was your favourite part in the making of   this movie?

The location of the boxing scene when the young talented D'Richy Emelonye was crying for her father to get up.  It was very emotional and I was touched. 

 What was your most challenging part in the making of this movie?

My role was not that challenging but I would say that in this movie, my character showed no emotions. That’s not my true nature. So the challenge was there to an extent. 

       Is this your first film with UK/Nollywood movie director Obi Emelonye?

No. This is my second time of working with this great man Obi Emelonye. My first was Onye Ozi (The Messenger), where I played the role of a TV reporter. I always feel empowered and fulfilled after working with him. 

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I spend it with my family. I love to read as well.

 What has been your biggest career challenge so far?

           My biggest career challenge so far was my role as a stutterer in the movie Oga Detective produced by Francis Uwadi.

 Are there any actors/actresses (Nigeria and beyond) who’s work or success inspires you?

Mercy Johnson and Genevieve Nnaji. Their humble beginnings and their great achievements so far, inspires me a lot.  

The slogan of the movie (Oxford Gardens) is “If today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it?” Name two things you would like to do!

           If today was my last, I would fight to make peace with my creator and ensure that my children are in order. 

Thank you Nnenna for your time!

And there you have it! Wishing Nnenna the very best as she rises to the top! 

Nnenna Ani, Theodora Ibekwe (R) Yetunde Oduwole (L)