Davido recalls how Don – Davido recalls how Don…

Davido recalls how Don – Davido explains how Don…

Davido explains how Don Jazzy and D’banj inspired him.

In a recent interview on Streetz Studio with Et Cali, Davido shares that the artists who influenced him to pursue a career in music are Nigerian icons Don Jazzy and D’banj.

According to Davido, as a 14 year old growing up in Atlanta Georgia, he picked up Don Jazzy and D’banj from the airport while playing host to the Nigerian stars. He narrated how he took them around and watch them spend over 20,000 USD in the club.

This superstar lifestyle showed him the possibility of becoming a music star someday and this led Davido make the bold move of dropping out of school and travelling back home to Lagos.

In a previous interview Davido shared that his first insight into a Nigerian superstar with a global appeal was D’banj.

D’banj is one of Africa’s most famous entertainers whose music popularized Afrobeats and contributed to the international appeal of Nigerian music. His hit single ‘Oliver Twist’ is one of Nigeria’s first break singles internationally and it’s described as an inspiration by Davido.

Davido’s dedication to his craft has paid up massively with a career that has spanned over a decade during which time, he has become one of Africa’s biggest musical acts.

The four time Grammy nominee is gearing up to close 2024 on a strong note with an upcoming release featuring Odumodublvck and Chike ahead of his next album schduled for 2025.

You can watch Davido full interview below.

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Meet these Veteran Actors – Meet these Veteran Actors…

Meet these Veteran Actors – If you’re a fan…

If you’re a fan of Nollywood, then you’ve probably heard of the icons who built this cinematic empire from the ground up.

These are the actors who made us laugh until we cried, gasp in suspense, and sometimes question life choices with their dramatic performances. From their iconic roles to their unforgettable lines, Nollywood’s veteran actors are the reason we’re all glued to our screens.

You see, Nollywood didn’t just spring up out of nowhere. Nope. It was crafted, fine-tuned, and supercharged by the talents of these seasoned pros who decided to take a little bit of stage magic, a dollop of TV drama, and a sprinkle of Nigerian culture to create the movies we can’t stop watching. Imagine watching a Nollywood movie without the iconic voice of Pete Edochie saying something deeply profound. Or picture a “Mama G” movie without Patience Ozokwor unleashing her special brand of crazy and witchery.

READ ALSO: Meet the writers behind some of the biggest Nollywood Netflix series

So, buckle up, and join us on a journey as we take a fun dive into the world of Nollywood’s veteran actors. 

Pete Edochie – The King of Proverbs

And That Voice, My God! If you’ve never heard Pete Edochie’s voice, have you really even lived? Maybe you have but under a rock. The man has the kind of voice that can either make you listen closely, or scare you out of your seat. No one delivers profound African proverbs as he does. Pete Edochie doesn’t just play kings in Nollywood, his regal presence and acting prowess make him one of Nollywood’s most beloved and respected actors. He’s Nollywood royalty, and we’re just lucky to be in his kingdom. His most recent work is Genieve Nnaji’s Netflix feature, Lion Heart.

Kanayo O. Kanayo 

There’s no role Kanayo O. Kanayo can’t pull off. Whether it’s playing the beloved uncle, the strict father, or the most terrifying ritualist in Nollywood history, Kanayo’s got it covered. And let’s not forget that he’s a lawyer in real life. So when he’s delivering those iconic Nollywood lines, you know there’s some serious wisdom behind them. Kanayo is a true Nollywood all-rounder. His range is so vast, he can play a priest today, a businessman tomorrow, and a ritualist the next day and you’ll believe every single role. Some of his recent works include Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story, and Living In Bondage: Breaking Free

Nkem Owoh 

Known for his comedic genius, Nkem Owoh (aka Osuofia) has made us laugh until we couldn’t breathe and yet, he can pull off a heart-wrenching drama like nobody’s business. One minute, he’s making us giggle in Osuofia in London, and the next, he’s making us tear up in Obara’m. Nkem Owoh is often credited with bringing a unique comic flair to Nollywood, but don’t be fooled by his humour, he can flip the switch and deliver some serious drama and words of wisdom. His recent works include Lion Heart, Chief Daddy, and My Village People.

Olu Jacobs 

Olu Jacobs is one of Nollywood’s true legends, and honestly, if you haven’t watched him perform yet, have you really watched Nollywood? Whether playing a military officer, a patriarch, or a wise elder, Olu Jacobs’ sheer presence on screen makes everything he does cinematic gold. He’s been around for decades and continues to shine, proving that age really is just a number when it comes to talent. Jacobs has also worked in theatre, television, and film for years. Although he has been off the scene for a bit, his recent works include Oloibiri and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel

Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)

If charisma had a face, it would look like RMD. This guy is not just an actor; he’s a vibe. He’s the Nollywood uncle you wish you had; the type who shows up in style. He’s proof that fine wine has nothing on fine men. At 60-something, he’s giving the young boys a serious run for their money. The man has range! From playing smooth-talking lovers in the 90s to delivering powerhouse performances in modern hits like King of Boys and Castle and Castle, RMD knows how to keep it fresh. RMD has won multiple awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2005 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He also received a Black Star Honor award at the Rhymes on Da Runway in Ghana in 2021. 

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Meet the writers behind – Meet the writers behind…

Meet the writers behind – We’re pulling back the…

We’re pulling back the curtain to shine a light on some of the incredible writers behind your favourite Nollywood shows on Netflix. 

Have you ever binged a Nollywood series on Netflix and found yourself glued to the screen, unable to look away? Whether it’s the jaw-dropping plot twists, the relatable characters, or those moments that make you yell at your TV, there’s one group of unsung heroes responsible for all the magic: the screenwriters.

Yes, those are the brilliant minds who create the worlds we get lost in, the dialogue we meme, and the plots that keep us coming back for more. While the actors and directors often get the spotlight, the screenwriters are the secret sauce of every great series. They’re the architects of the stories, the masterminds behind the drama, and the ones who pour their hearts into making these Nollywood series unmissable.

READ ALSO: Japa waves hit Nollywood as Veteran actor, Maurice Ndubueze becomes a US Medical Doctor

Dami Elebe (Head Writer) – Far From Home

Dami Elebe is behind web series like Skinny Girl In Transit, Rumour Has It. Elebe has a career spanning about a decade. She has worked as an on-air personality (OAP) at Classic FM, Beat FM and Naija FM in the space of 7 years. She also wrote the movie, Up North. The Netflix series Far From Home of which she was the head writer follows a troubled teenager who finds himself in the world of luxury after winning a prestigious scholarship to an exclusive school. As he attempts to navigate this new world, the teenager continues to aim for the top. The film features an impressive cast including Mike Afolarin, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Adesua Etomi, Deyemi Okalanwon and Chioma Chukwu Akpotha.

Craig Freimond, Yinka Ogun, Heidi Uys – Oloture: The Journey

Craig is a writer and director of theatre, film and television. For more than twelve years, Craig was at the acclaimed daily drama RHYTHM CITY where he wrote hundreds of episodes and stories, and also worked as a script and story editor. His works include Jozi and Material. Yinka Ogun is a seasoned writer and filmmaker with several works to his credit including Òlòtūré, Your Excellency, Abeni, Maroko, and A Little White Lie. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Drama, Heidi is the Head of Programming and Creative Producer at Ebonylife Media. Heidi Uys is known for Helen on Her Own (2005), The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017) and A Sunday Affair (2023).

Zelipa Zulu,  Craig Freimond, Temidayo Makunjuola – Blood Sisters 

This trio are behind one of the biggest  Netflix series to come out of Nigeria. Zelipa Zulu is a UK-based screenwriter, script editor, story liner, story editor, head writer and concept creator with fifteen years of Film and TV experience. Craig is a writer and director of theatre, film and television. For more than twelve years, Craig was at the acclaimed daily drama RHYTHM CITY where he wrote hundreds of episodes, and stories, and also worked as a script and story editor. His works include Jozi and Material. Makunjuola is a producer known for The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Oloture and A Night in 2005 which she wrote and directed. 

Xavier Ighorodje – Shanty Town

Xavier Ighorodje is an award-winning screenwriter and producer. He is the creator and head writer of the Netflix blockbuster hit TV series Shanty Town, which was the second most watched Netflix African Original TV series on the continent as of July 2023, the most watched Netflix African Original TV series in Nigeria the same year (with more than 20 million views) as well as the most nominated TV series at the 9th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award same year.  Shanty Town is a Nigerian crime thriller TV series that follows the story of a gang leader who handles a lot of dirty business. His encounter with some hustlers gets him trapped in a situation with his rivals. Released on Netflix on 20 January 2023, the series stars Chidi Mokeme, Ini Edo, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Sola Sobowale, Nancy Isime, Shaffy Bello, and Ali Nuhu.

Bolu Essien – Becoming Abi 

Bolu is an actress, writer, director and producer. Becoming Abi is a 6-part dramedy series inspired and loosely based on her experiences while working in one of Nigeria’s digital advertising agencies. The series explores themes such as love, betrayal, office politicking, career growth, and everything in between the business of building and scaling in the ever-demanding advertising industry. Though this is her first long-form content, Bolu’s creativity cannot be denied and with Becoming Abi being licensed exclusively to Netflix for a worldwide release, we can only imagine where the journey goes from here. The series stars Bolu Essien playing the titular character Abi, and industry veterans like Idowu Philips (aka Iya Rainbow), Biodun Stephen, Stan Nze, Akah Nnani, Seun Ajayi, Juliana Olayode, Ifeanyi Kalu, Opeyemi Akintunde, and Benita A Okojie.

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