Feature Film Languages and Cultural Diversity

Language of production in feature films, 2011

What do the offerings of the local cinema hall or multiplex tell us about cultural diversity in the 21^st century? According to new data from the UIS, the choices movie-goers make at the box office, as well as the language of film production, can provide a glimpse of the diversity of one of the most vibrant cultural industries.

At one end of the spectrum lies India, home of the world’s most prolific film industry, but no single language dominates it. In 2011, 16% of films were produced in Hindi. Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Bengali held the remaining shares, making India the most diverse country for language of production.

In South Africa, English was the dominant language (59%), followed by Afrikaner (32%), while African languages such as Zulu represented only 5% of production.

The Arab States and sub-Saharan African regions showed the least language diversity in film production. However, this is partly due to the lack of data about movies released on DVD. In Nigeria 75% of films are produced in local languages, such as Yoruba, Hausa and Bini.

Achebe: Africa 50 Years After "Things Fall Apart"

Is Religion Good or Bad?

Plenty of good things are done in the name of religion, and plenty of bad things too. But what is religion, exactly — is it good or bad, in and of itself? Philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah offers a generous, surprising view.

Igbo People and Igbo Land

Olaudah Equina - Jaja of Opobo - Nri Obalike - Chinua Achebe
Philip Emeagwali - Pat Utomi - Chris Abani - Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Chimamanda N. Adichie - Chiwetel Ejiofor - Mikel Obi - Genevieve Nnaji

(From The World Igbo Congress) - Igbo people are among the largest single ethnic groups in Africa. They are based mostly in southeastern Nigeria constituting about 25% of the population of the country. Because the Igbo is daring, competitive, hard-working and enterprising, they can be found doing business in all parts of Nigeria, in Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. 

These attributes brought success, wealth and power… as well as distrust, jealousy and outright hatred within the polity. The mass exodus of Igbo people from their homeland has continued unabated and the Igbo can indeed be found in very significant numbers in all parts of the world. Their language is Igbo. 

Administratively, Igbo people make up 100% of the five states of the southeast zone comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. The contiguous states of Delta and Rivers in the south-south zone also have very significant Igbo populations. Igbo is the language throughout Igbo land. Prominent cities/parts in the Igbo country include Aba, Awka, Owerri, Orlu, Nnewi, Mbaise, Nsukka, Enugu, Onitsha , Afikpo, Okigwe, Umuahia, Asaba, amongst others. 

The Miraculous Deliverance of Oga Jona

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

(By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) - As soon as he opened his eyes, he felt it. A strange peace, a calm clarity. He stretched.  Even his limbs were stronger and surer. He looked at his phone. Thirty-seven new text messages – and all while he was asleep. With one click, he deleted them. The empty screen buoyed him. Then he got up to bathe, determined to fold the day into the exact shape that he wanted.

Those Levick people had to go. No more foreign PR firms. They should have made that article in the American newspaper sound like him, they should have known better. They had to go. And he would not pay their balance; they had not fulfilled the purpose of the contract after all.

He pressed the intercom. Man Friday came in, face set in a placidly praise-singing smile.

“Good morning, Your Excellency!”

“Good morning,” Oga Jona said. “I had a revelation from God.”

Man Friday stared at him with bulging eyes.

“I said I had a revelation from God,” he repeated. “Find me new Public Relations people. Here in Nigeria. Is this country not full of mass communication departments and graduates?”

“Yes, Your Excellency.” Man Friday’s eyes narrowed; he was already thinking of whom he would bring, of how he would benefit.

 “I want a shortlist on my table on Wednesday,” Oga Jona said. “I don’t want any of the usual suspects. I want fresh blood. Like that student who asked that frank question during the economic summit.”

“Your Excellency… the procurement rules…we need somebody who is licensed by the agency licensed by the agency that licenses PR consultants…”

Pastor, Don't Teach Me Nonsense

L-R: Pastors T.B. Joshua and Chris Okotie

(SaharaReporters)--Last week, in the first part of this article, I argued that pastors are not immune to error. Ecclesiastical impostors are having a field day dredging up fables that impoverish the spiritual, mental, financial and emotional wellbeing of many. In fact, in a bid to make Christianity a syncretistic, money-spinning, show biz religion, some Nigerian pastors have inadvertently become couriers of delusion. It is worthy of reiteration, if a pastor is swayed by the spirit of seduction, he will be Satan’s bait to those within the orbit of his authority. Doom looms when people uncritically accept theological nonsense.

There is hardly any catastrophe as huge as having a pastor that is Satan’s bait to his flock. It fosters satanic colonisation of the minds of weak-knead churchgoers. Baits do numb minds. They induce false happiness, senseless actions and blind loyalty.  It is safe to assume that was why some South African Christians eagerly ate grass under the instruction of their pastor, claiming it will get them “closer to God.” Generally, heresies have the effect of a lullaby, when dripping from the mouth of a respected preacher. Or better, tsetse-fly effect; causing the sleeping sickness of the soul. If a Christian starts listening to “doctrines of devils”, he would inevitably cultivate dangerous habits of the mind and become docile in Spirit, even though he may still be hyper-active in church.

Nollywood Celebrates BuNna Showroom Unveiling

L-R: Solid Films boss Uzochukwu Ezeanyaeche, Entertainment Express editor Azuh Amatus,
BuNna boss Azuh Chibunna, & movie star Victor Osuagwu

Famous actor and the Lagos State chapter chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Victor Osuagwu, leading filmmakers, Uzochukwu Ezeanyaeche (Solid Films), Obi Madubogwu and editor of Entertainment Express and Sunday Express, Azuh Amatus, recently led a deluge of other entertainment personalities and celebs to the unveiling of upscale fashion and lifestyle outfit, BuNna, in the heart of Surulere, Lagos.

The one stop fashion showroom located on Agboyin Avenue opened for business last week Thursday, July 17 amid networking sessions and relaxation among friends, patrons, associates and well-wishers alongside endless flow of victuals.

Owned by youthful fashion connoisseur Azuh Chibunna, BuNna, with the pay-off, Fashion and Lifestyle Redefined, has the best of quality male fashion items money can buy. From Italian leather shoes to designer shirts, jeans, jackets, blazers, trousers, suits, contemporary natives and traditional attires, BuNna has them all in quality.

“We have redefined fashion and lifestyle at BuNna, so come let’s clothe and pamper you,” added Chibunna boss of the outfit that is currently the toast of entertainers and celebs.

"Nigerian Pastors Need to be Born Again," Etcetera

Etcetera

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again” (John 3:1-7). 

Pastors are supposed to be the conscience of the society. They are supposed to be God’s representatives here on earth. Like Elisha in the Bible, they are supposed to warn the people about the dangers of disobeying God and guide them to the path of righteousness. They are supposed to lead by example.

Today, some pastors are the problems of the society. The lifestyle of some pastors is contradictory to what they preach. It has got so bad that when a man introduces himself as a pastor, he attracts immediate suspicion. Scandals and controversies have eaten too deep into the church like an incurable cancer.

Like electric poles, churches are springing up all over the country and their general overseers or CEOs are fast emerging as the richest men in the country. Some Nigerian pastors represent their stomach instead of Christ. Churches have been turned into banks and business centres with branch pastors given targets for increased turnover by headquarters.

Most of these new breed churches only preach prosperity because preaching salvation will impact negatively on the church’s GDP. Some of today’s pastors, after their failed attempts at finding a means of livelihood, hire a classroom and start a church.

Yul Edochie Shares Success Tips with the Youth

Yul and wife

In a recent interview monitored by ShowbizPlus, the multiple-award-winning Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, talks about getting married at the age of 22 and shares important lessons for success learnt from that experience.

When you got married where were you guys living?

I was living in Enugu in my father’s house that was where I started. You know I love the fact that we are talking about this. The young ones now see me living well and doing well and they want to be like me in a day, but it takes time. You need to be focused and not just focused, have passion in what you do. Believe in that thing whether or not you are going to die, keep doing it. You can’t make it in a day it takes time. I am happy we are talking about this it was crazy but I thank God I am fine.

Dora Akunyili: Sacrifice for Love of Nation

When pictures of gaunt-looking Nigeria’s former Minister of Communication and Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Dora Akunyili surfaced on the web months ago while she was attending the ongoing National Conference in Abuja, I was concerned that she needed to have taken enough timeout from the public glare to fully recover from whatever ailment it was that had so visibly ravished her frame.

A recently published Yes International interview (excerpts follow below), has, however, helped me understand why the dogged professor might not have contemplated such an option: her unflinching love for Nigeria and a willingness to lay down her life in the service of her beloved country. In a tribute informed by a personal encounter of the Amazon, former Presidential Liaison Officer to the Senate, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, alludes to this love when he writes that Akunyili “defiantly, patriotically [took] up a national assignment, disregarding the odds, the hazards and even the encumbrance of a debilitating ailment.” Her body might have been ravaged by cancer, but not her spirit. And so, like the great lioness (alumna of the University of Nigeria Nsukka) that she was, she resolutely determined to fight on. Till the end.

We will remember and celebrate her for her positive impacts in our lives, fighting to rid Nigeria and, to some extent, the world of fake drugs (when one takes into consideration the awareness campaign she waged on the export countries of such counterfeited drugs, getting the authorities concerned from such countries to realize the horrendous effects on human life the unconscionable businesses originating from their countries wreck on Nigeria). This is hoping that her labors (labors of our heroes past) would not have been in vain. Rest in eternal peace, worthy lioness. Africa mourns you.

What’s the greatest sacrifice you’ve made as the boss of NAFDAC?

I think I sacrificed everything. When you ask me of sacrifice, it is difficult for me to give you a straight answer. From the first day, I knew that this is a job that can take my life – but that is if God allows. So, I can now call it the sacrifice of my life. 

Yes! Magazine Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

Azuh Arinze

Mr. Azuh Arinze is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL!, one of the leading and most respected soft sell journals in the country. In this interview with some members of the press, the affable gentleman shed some light on the 3rd anniversary of the magazine, which comes up on Thursday, June 19, 2014, his career as a journalist and more. Excerpts…

First, why did you resign as the Editor of Encomium Weekly?

I will go straight to the point – because it was about time. I edited Encomium Weekly for almost 10 years and after that I felt I needed a new challenge. It may also interest you to know that I remain the longest serving Editor of the paper – and the legacies I left there are still very, very visible. My two predecessors, their tenure combined, is not up to 10 years. I worked for Mr. Kunle Bakare for 17 years; 10, out of which I was his Editor. Again, I didn’t want to become a sit-tight Editor. I felt that having done about two terms, I should give way to others to also show what they can do.

Currently, what is your relationship with your former boss and mentor, Mr. Kunle Bakare like?

Point of correction – Mr. Kunle Bakare is still my boss and my oga at the top. My relationship with him is fantastic and will continue to remain so. As a matter of fact, I never get tired of saying this – all I have for Mr. Bakare is appreciation. Do you know what it means to entrust a young man of 26 with the editorship of your paper? Like I always say, I will be eternally grateful to him. I also thank God that when I clocked 40, he attended the surprise birthday party my wife organized for me, with this sweet wife, Madam Desola, where he said I didn’t do anything wrong and that he was only emotional about my exit because of his likeness for me. I truly thank and appreciate him.

Whither African Education?

“African educational systems have surprising outcomes. The smartest students pass with first class and get admissions to medical and engineering schools. The 2nd class students get MBAs and LLBs to manage the first class students. The 3rd class students enter politics and rule both the 1st and 2nd class students. The failures enter the underworld of crime and control the politicians and the businesses. And, best of all, those who did not attend school become prophets and everyone follows them…” — Anon.

What do you say?

On Father's Day: Tribute to my Dad

Onowu Ezeoma: Dear Father, Friend, and Mentor

Born: 12.12.45. Buried 12.12.12

Chief Azuh Chimezie

Onowu Ezeoma (Chief Azuh Chimezie, Ichie Onyeokwereomume). I still recall it all. The hour. The day. Saturday, November 3, 2012. The call.  The news. The shock. The tears. The disbelief. And then. The reality check. The thanksgiving, for your life.  The prayer, for your eternal rest. It all happened in one quick succession.  So quick, it sometimes still feels dreamed-up.  But shortly before that telephone call informing me of your transition, you had communicated your departure.  I had experienced this sudden and unexplainable restlessness that jolted me from my reading desk, where I had been at work all day.  Standing up from that call, I went straight to the chapel.  There, before the Blessed Sacrament and strengthened by the hope of the Resurrection, I thanked God for your life, and prayed for the forgiveness of your sins and repose of your soul.

When later that night my superior invited my Jesuit brothers in the community to the chapel to pray the Psalms for you, I was consoled as I imagined the choirs of angels already welcoming you to their sweet and melodious heavenly alleluia.  My consolation grew in the following days as phone calls, emails, text and other messages poured in from Jesuit companions, friends, and acquaintances from across the world with assurances of Masses and prayers for you.  And when I informed my school, the London School of Economics, Global Media and Communications Program Director Professor Terhi Rantanem led a lecture hall filled with international students and professors to observe a moment of silence in your honor.  With all of this, I could only ask God to look kindly on our prayers for you and grant you eternal rest in his presence. 

Jeta Amata Reveals Nollywood's Success Secret

In a recent interview with Azuh Arinze, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Yes International magazine, prolific film director, Jeta Amata (Inale, Black Gold, Amazing Grace, Alexa Affair, Mary Slessor) reveals the secret behind Nollywood’s amazing success.

What makes a good story? A good story is a good story. Every other thing can come later. The technicalities don’t matter. That’s why Nollywood is amazing. They say we have bad quality, but we have good stories.


How do you tell a good story? One – it has to be real and it has to be relatable. People have to identify with it. Even if it’s an alien story, there has to be some human part of it that people can identify with. With Nollywood, when you watch a film, you will see and say oh, that person is like my brother, that person is like my sister, that person is like my cousin. Ah, na so my mama dey behave. That is what makes it good.

Keep Smiling

In all things, smile, and give thanks!