A Week of Tortoise Tales book got mentioned in Islington Gazette!

Click here to read all about it!



http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/news/health_2_4371/islington_mother_writes_book_based_on_her_grandma_s_tales_from_nigeria_1_3012873

African Storytelling

I found this very inspiring and decided to share.

http://www.youtube.com/v/Y5PkHq24haA?autohide=1&version=3&attribution_tag=EFpoiguRYaFpBbTMe3GRCA&feature=share&autoplay=1&autohide=1&showinfo=1

Author Profile: Kate Iffy Chukwu

Kate Iffy Chukwu is an author and actress who lives in the United Kingdom. She has enjoyed listening to stories since she was a little girl. Now she enjoys writing stories, storytelling with books, props and whatever else that works. Although she studied Economics, she went on to receive a master’s degree in Creative Writing from the London Metropolitan University.

Along the way, she has been a TV reviewer of African movies, spoken word poet and performed as a Nollywood actress. She also contributes to Ten2teens Magazine. 

  

Her first book A Week of Tortoise Tales was published in 2013.

Stop by and share a 'Like' on her Facebook page or 'Follow' her on Twitter.

Author Profiles coming up soon

Author Profiles, coming up soon. Things you didn't know about them and I'll be starting with myself! Charity begins at home, they say.

ZAFAA AWARDS 2013 TO ADD AFRICAN COLOUR AND SHINE AT LONDON HILTON (EDGWARE RD)

The African Film Festival and Academy Awards (also known as ZAFAA) will be held at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, Edgware Road, right in the heart of London. The award is a highly regarded and anticipated film event within the African communities and has already become a part of the UK’s annual cultural calendar, usually held at the Troxy. Through ZAFAA Global Awards UK, the African film plans to rebrand its movie industry with the intention of re-launching itself into the international movie market on the same level as other global movie industries.Read more on  Zafaa's website

This year's dress code: African wear.

So there's going to be dashiki, agbada, ankara, kente, lace and other unnamed materials in variety of styles and a surprising array of colours and prints...oh and of course lengths!

Can't wait to see some photos!

Wishing the team at Zafaa 100% success.

'A Week of Tortoise Tales' on display. Thanks to AFRUCA - Africans United Against Child Abuse

AFRUCA - Africans Unite Against Child Abuse is the premier charity promoting the rights and welfare of African children in the UK.

“Summit on African Families in London” took place on Saturday 12^th of October 2013 at Holiday Inn – Bloomsbury. This event was organised by AFRUCA in partnership with a number of different African community organisations to help explore the myriad of issues and challenges experienced by many of our families in the capital, as well as work together to devise ideas and solutions to help support families in crisis.

A Week of Tortoise Tales ( a children's story book) was on display to add colour to the occasion, to re-emphasis the importance of reading to children and to encourage spending good quality family time.   

Here are some photos from the event.

Author of A Week of Tortoise Tales, Kate Iffy Chukwu

Amazon link to order copies of this book http://goo.gl/HfcpfU

A Week of Tortoise Tales, a children's picture book by Kate Iffy Chukwu, out now on Amazon.

The idea for this book came after several nights of telling my children some of the animal stories I heard from childhood. My grandmother told us these stories at night, taking us to spectacular worlds where a tortoise could sing, cook, fly, and even get married! A Week of Tortoise Tales is a collection of seven short and amusing stories to brilliantly entertain and educate in a small window of time. 

Simple tales of trickery and mischief will keep readers enthralled with the charming nature and wholesome messages behind these wonderful stories. Perfect for parents, grandparents, children and teachers with an activity packed day and little time to spare or those with more time to really indulge. With a few added questions to encourage interaction and imaginatively expand on the stories!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Week-Tortoise-Tales-Kate-Chukwu/dp/1481260774/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380288255&sr=8-1&keywords=a+week+of+tortoise+tales

ONYE OZI, NOLLYWOOD FILM. LONDON PREMIERE. THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGAN

I promised to post details of the London movie premiere of Onye Ozi, a new Nollywood film
So here it is.



Friday October 18th at Lighthouse
270 Camberwell Road
London SE5 0HQ

Doors open at 6.30pm for Red Carpet Reception
Stand Up performance at 8pm by Okey Bakassi (actor)
Screening at 8.30pm ( No African Time)

And here is the link to the much anticipated trailer 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUB9NwWaqUg&noredirect=1


For more details about the film, please see my blog dated 1st of March. Cheers!

Exclusive Interview with Flower Girl Actor, BLOSSOM CHUKWUJEKWU

BLOSSOM CHUKWUJEKWU

 BLOSSOM,YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING NAME. WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?

‎​Yeah I get that a lot. It came in secondary school when it seemed pretty cool to have an English name. I didn't have one at the time so I search for. Mum's pet name for my dad is Blossom, I liked it and picked it. I thought it was cool. Never knew it was gonna stick as much as it did. I must state that as a true son of Nnewi from Anambra state, I'm very proud of my native name, Chukwujekwu. The richness is unmatched.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW ACTING WILL BE YOUR PROFESSION?

2006! I was in my 3rd year in the university and playing the lead in a major school play titled, Godless. Of course before then I had decided I wanted to act. But the effect of that performance on not just me but the audience and the aftermath, sunk it in that I was born for this. I still can't describe the feeling, it's inexplicable and came with a weight of responsibility.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT ACTING IN NOLLYWOOD?

The industry! Especially in this phase. There are lots of exciting things happening. Young, new and real film makers are trying to create magic though faced with daunting challenges. People who refuse to allow the environment shape their thoughts. I think that's remarkable. It's inspiring to see such drive. There's hope!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST?

The rush! The fact that due to financial constrains productions are cramped into a very tight schedule to accommodate cost. Especially given the fact that there's never really enough time given to actors to prepare for a role. If you're not a strong and disciplined actor you'll constantly have poor performances. You almost always don't have the privilege of building up the necessary emotions for a scene. But we dey try.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS?

Professionally, 4years.

WHAT WERE YOUR FAMILY’S INITIAL REACTION WHEN YOU TOLD THEM YOU WERE GOING INTO ACTING?

Ah!! My mum flipped at first o. It took a lot of courage for me to tell her I had changed my mind from the "prestigious" Law to Theatre Arts. Of course there was the "acting is for drop-outs" speech. Especially  coming from a family of lots of doctors and engineers. So it was a No! But something funny happened, later that same day in church, the preacher, as though speaking to her, admonished parents to let their kids follow their dreams and passion. She came home and gave me her support. My dad shockingly didn't object. He only asked if I was certain about my choice and I had his blessings. Although every now and then they tried to sway me to seemingly "more professional" courses which is why I ended up studying Mass Communication but I have had their support all the way.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

Sleep! (LOL) I like to read, to improve on myself and invest in my personality. I do a lot of thinking. My friends say I think for the world. I think it's important to think, even Bill Gates has a "Think Week". I hardly go out except I'm dragged. I love to stay home and do lots of TV and movies

WHAT'S THE SIDE OF YOU THAT THE PUBLIC NEVER SEES?

Hmmm...am I supposed to tell? The local village boy. We just try to tooch up, you know.

DO YOU SOMETIMES FEEL THAT THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT BLOSSOMS?

Oh well it's easy to get drawn to that line of thought, especially if you constantly put up a front. I don't. Not saying I don't get tempted to but you have to stay real and true to your self. I just said people don't get to see the local village boy in me, doesn't mean I make an effort to hide it. You just know what's right to let out and what's for keeps for the right people or the right time.  A lot of people call it a vain industry where you have to project a certain type of image. But really, how long can you front for? I think it's draining in every sense of the word to be fake. Just be yourself and do you. The right and well-meaning people are gonna like you no matter what. Amidst all the paparazzi let your originality, convictions, ideals and faith shine through.

AFTER TINSELS OR GENERALLY, DO YOU THINK THE PUBLIC AND CRITICS EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM YOU?

 First of all I expect way too much from myself, than anyone ever could 'cos nobody rises to low expectations. I give attention and respect to their views 'cos I know it's important to listen. But at the end of the day I know where I'm coming from, where I am and want to be. I refuse to be under pressure. I give myself the right kind of pressure by competing with me. You're easier to see when you're in flight, so keep your game tight and do your thing right. I feel like a rapper right now...lol

WHEN ARE YOU COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH YOUR WORK?

NEVER! You die the day you are

DO YOU WORRY ABOUT WHETHER PEOPLE LIKE YOU FOR THE REAL YOU, OR BECAUSE YOU'RE A CELEBRITY?

There's definitely that concern not just for them but you as a person 'cos in good times your 'friends' get to know who you are and in bad times you get to know who your 'friends' are. It's about who stays true behind your back. Quality beats quantity; a few good friends and I'm fine. Thank God for the wisdom and accuracy of the Holy Spirit. If a man is guided by the spirit of. God he'll live an error-free life.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE SPORTS TEAM? 

Arsenal!

 ARE YOU MARRIED OR INVOLVED WITH ANYONE?

I'm Single

ARE THERE ANY ACTORS/ACTRESSES (NIGERIA AND BEYOND) WHOSE SUCCESS MYSTIFIES YOU?

Oh! There are a couple of people for different reasons. Each time I see Daniel Dey-Lewis I'm rooted! Literally speechless! Tyler Perry also got me trying to think. See him on stage and you'll know. He's such a hard worker. Why does Merryl always have to win? I respect how Genevieve has built her brand and Omotola's staying power. It's beautiful to see how sunk in Rita gets with all her characters even now. Oh and somebody please ask Ramsey why he still looks that young...lol 

IF YOU COULD STAR IN A RE-MAKE OF A CLASSIC FILM, WHO WOULD YOU WANT TO PLAY?

Okonkwo, Things fall apart. Tony Montana, Scarface

WHICH OF YOUR WORKS (MOVIES) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Hmmm...you grow with every project and at the time have certain attachments it but if must, It would be Flower Girl and Finding Mercy.

IF AWARDS WERE FOR SALE, HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY FOR ONE?

Lol...I won't because the day I do it means I have agreed to the lie that I have arrived and that kills growth. I never want to be satisfied with a certain quality of craft even if the whole world is screaming "you're the best". As long as you're alive, there's more. For every finish line there's a new race. One day someone who knows I deserve an award would probably pay for me to have one. Blessed to have 3 nominations already this year.

WHEN A SCENE CALLS FOR YOU TO DISPLAY HATRED, WHAT DO YOU THINK

ABOUT?

I just hate because by then I have characterised and internalised that I already live the character. So the hate will come naturally with the right thoughts based on what the script gave you to work with.

WHEN A SCENE CALLS FOR YOU TO CRY, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT?

It's the same thing. You let your self get so absorbed that the event itself breaks you, the character.

ARE YOU OFTEN COMPARED TO OTHER ACTORS IN NOLLYWOOD?

Oh well I've heard a few things about being like Ramsey. Those are big shoes to fill you know. I feel honoured and humbled 'cos he's a legend and one I still look up to. He's my favourite actor. But with all due respect I also wanna build my own brand through the uniqueness of my craft and personality. It's important that the audience see 'you'

ARE THE NOLLYWOOD MOVIES BETTER THAN EVER, OR ARE THEY WORSE?

There's no doubt we are getting better. This is one of the most exciting times to be in the industry, we are evolving. This is a reference point in the history of Nollywood. Lot's of talents are being showcased as young blood and fresh thinking are changing things. Check out Kunle Afolayan, Izu Ojukwu, Michelle Bello, Niyi Akinmolayan, Aunty Mildred Okwo and host of others. I have been so blessed to be involved in a couple of projects and I can confidently say there is hope! There's so much more to be done on all fronts no doubt. I'd like to see us tell our own stories, more cinemas, more new faces, better research, daring funding and so on but we are growing.

ABOUT YOUR NEW MOVIE FLOWER GIRL, WHICH WOULD BE PREMIERED ON THE 26TH OF SEPTEMBER AT THE ODEON CINEMA IN GREENWICH, LONDON.

HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT?

I got a  broadcast about the audition from a producer friend of mine. I sent my details to the email provided, I got invited, I prayed, went and did my thing. To God's glory they liked the material I represented and that's it. I feel blessed knowing the calibre of people that read for that role.

WHAT CHARACTER DO YOU PLAY?

Tunde Kulani, a Nollywood superstar who thinks he's God's gift to the world, women especially. But haven been there done that, he's searching for 'something'. You'll see.

WHO ARE THE OTHER ACTORS INVOLVED?

The ever beautiful Damilola Adegbite, Ghana's heartthrob, Chris Attoh, sexy Eku Edewor, sweet hearted Bikiya Graham-Douglas, ever engaging Uncle Patrick Doyle, lovely aunty Tosan Edremoda-Ugbeye, super talented Ijeoma Grace Agu and a lot more.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEEN ON SET AGAIN WITH DAMILOLA ADEGBITE (TELEMA DUKE) STAR OF TINSELS.

Dami's amazing! We didn't have a lot to do together on Tinsel. Always wanted to work with her. Her professionalism is humbling. It's inspiring to see how very prepared she was for every scene, giving it her all. Always ready to have as many takes that were needed to get it right. She's a sweet heart.

IS FLOWER GIRL A FAMILY MOVIE?

Off course it is. I dare say the best right now. Lots of great moments for all to enjoy and learn from. It's such a beautifully well told story that'll have you laughing, sobbing and falling in love over again. I heard a guy proposed to his girl friend in the cinemas after seeing Flower Girl. Go see it, It's worth it!

Thank you for your time, Blossom!

Wishing you the very best in the future and hopefully we'll be seeing more of you on our screens.

Kate Iffy
September 2013 

REMEMBER: FLOWER GIRL MOVIE. LONDON PREMIERE. SEPTEMBER 26TH. ODEON CINEMA GREENWICH. COME AND MINGLE WITH THE STARS AND BE PART OF THIS SPECIAL OCCASION.

© Kate Iffy Chukwu and kateiffy@blogspot.co.uk 2013. 

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kate Iffy Chukwu and kateiffy@blogspot.co.uk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Thank you.

A Week of Tortoise Tales by Kate Iffy Chukwu...Coming Soon!

A different kind of Tortoise Stories...

I'm ever so thankful about my first ever book to be published - A children's picture book titled A Week of Tortoise Tales. Well, it's about Tortoise!

Sorry...Can't share!

The book is a collection of seven short and amusing stories to brilliantly entertain and educate in a small window of time. Designed to be read in five minutes, this adorable simple book is a perfect companion for ever child's weekly routine.

It's simply a retelling of old oral African tales. Brilliant!

Coming soon to Amazon and other book shops.

Chika Unigwe at the Igbo Conference held @SOAS London, 6th April 2013

I was opportuned to attend the 2nd Igbo Conference, held two days ago @SOAS in London. The theme of the conference was focused on the relationship and relevance of language and culture in performance.

Chika Unigwe was there live! She read excerpts from her two novels, On Black Sisters Street (which btw, won the NLGN prize last year) and Night Dancer.

This is Chika Unigwe smiling away after that lunch was really really something to write home about! 

Unfortuantely, I didn't get a close shot of her unique necklace made from different coloured buttons.

Signing copies of her book.

                                                          Mission accomplished!

Chief Sir E.E.(Enoch) Onunkwo

I lost my uncle two weeks ago, and I still can’t get over the fact that he’s gone. He was ‘a nwadiana’ in Oraiffite but hails from Oba in Idemmili LGA of Anambra State. He was a man of great principles, kind-hearted and cared a whole lot for his family- not just his nuclear family, but trust me, the extended one which included cousins, nephews, nieces, inlaws, inlaws - inlaw, yes, he represented. Akpo ya, oza. Once he was called upon for anything, he always came.

He meant so much to me.

I remembered (childhood memories) when he used to come to our house, wearing his green and white sports outfit- Marshall was his trade name. He would jog to 'the round-about' and back which was about 6miles altogether. This was back in the days when people were not so health conscious.

I also remembered when just before Christmas, we would go to his shops at Iweka Road and Fegge in Onitsha. He would instruct his workers to take our measurements and sew Christmas clothes for us. We always felt like grown- ups as which we picked the styles from trendy fashion magazines.

Strangely enough, I had him a lot in mind this year. I was going to buy a calling card and speak with him. Procrastination they say, is the thief of time. I wanted to tell him about life in London. I wanted to tell him how bitterly the cold has been. But I never did. I didn’t even call to say ‘Happy New Year’. I don’t know how I can get over this...

Uncle Enoch was active and fit. That is why his death still shocks me. He was a devoted Christian. He could even wake his guests up at about 5.30 or 6am to join his family for morning prayers in his house at Oba. He was a knight.

Uncle, you were always there. You always called. Even when I was unavailable to take your call, you would leave messages on my voicemail. You would ask after everyone, praying we were all right, hale and hearty.

(Disclaimer. this picture is not mine unless stated otherwise)

                                                               The Last Time

                                                          by Kate Iffy Chukwu

The last time you called

I didn’t know

it was going to be.

If I’d known

I would have told you

how much I appreciated you

how much you were loved

I would have thanked you

for always being there

In my quiet time

I would have told God to keep you

“Protect him Lord,” I would have prayed. “Protect him”

He alone knows why

Your absence is a pain I have to bear

Because I hold you so very dear

Though my heart is heavy

Though my tears is flowing

My memories of you

is sure to linger on

Goodbye great Uncle

Until we meet again

(Grieving death by Kate Iffy Chukwu 2013)

I pray God gives Aunty C., Okwunna, Nnenne, Dozie, Ikenna, Ebele and Nonso the fortitude to bear your loss – a great loss.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kate Iffy Chukwu and kateiffy@blogspot.co.uk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain (2012)

The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain

This is an engaging novel about love and friendship, about choices and decisions that will make you race to through pages to finish.

Nineteen year old Travis made a choice to raise his baby daughter on his own. Later, he loses his house, his job and is left with a small change in his wallet. Things spiral out of control and Travis is offered a chance to commit a crime for his daughter's sake. Even it means losing her... What would a good father do?

I totally enjoyed reading this 380 paged novel. The characters, setting, scenarios were so believable that left me wondering what must have going on the author's head during her work-in-progress.

Well done to Diane Chamberlain for another brilliant read.

Igbo film, Onye Ozi, by Mr Obi Emelonye

Onye Ozi, new Nollywood film

Onye Ozi (The Messenger) is a Nollywood film that was acted in Igbo language - mostly central Igbo dialect. Even the white British characters had to learn their lines in Igbo. Funny eh! It will be subtitled in English though to gain a wider audience.

Set on various locations in London, Onye Ozi tells the story of a Nigerian Igbo man, Metu (played by Okey Bakassi) who has just arrived London from Lagos after a quick marriage to Mkpurumma (played by Ngozi Thompson). Metu has a two year plan to return to Nigeria very rich. But in the course of his stay in London, he becomes involved in scenarios that would shock him and make him realise that you can run but you cannot hide...all that glitters is not gold...the journey of a man blah blah blah.

Other artists in this one-of-a-kind movie include Adesua Atuanya (Adaugo), Ngozi Igwebike (Mkpurumma), Nekky Agu (Paramedic), my humble self, Iffy Chukwu (Pastor) and many others who as I write this are working hard to bring the movie to the point where they'll hear, "it's a wrap!"

Onye Ozi proves to be a hilarious but serious movie.

This movie is directed by Mr Obi Emelonye, a Nollywood film writer and director based in the UK. This is not his first, neither is it is last. In fact, his last two movies Mirror Boy and The Last Flight to Abuja drew rave reviews in the Nigerian entertainment industry and the Diaspora. Other movies to his credit are Echoes of War, The Asylum, Quiet Storm.

His desire to project something new to the Nollywood entertainment industry and beyond is contagious.

Onye Ozi  is the first Nollywood Igbo film produced in London. FACT.

I will be posting details of the premiere, interviews ...I’m not promising any gossips though...seriously.

These are pictures from Day 7seven of the shooting.

Okey Bakassi as Metu

Camera man with Mr Emelonye