Chronicles of Nollywood Oldies movies

From Owo Blow, Domitila, Dangerous Twins; Nollywood has indeed changed in terms of movie productions
With the growth achieved in the entertainment industry especially in the movie sector, it is pertinent to note that the industry has been richly blessed with talented actors who has represented the country both home and abroad and as such put the name of the Nigerian showbiz in the global map. With this equally, the immense growth recorded can be linked to the foundation out foremost filmmakers made in the positioning of Nollywood generally.

However, there are lots of movies which can be considered classic but failed to get the popularity they deserved or were forgotten in a hurry. In no particular order, MUTIAT ALLI, examines some of this Nollywood oldies movie which still serves as reference point.

Living in Bondage

The release of this movie in 1992 by Kenneth Nnebue in the eastern city of Onitsha set the stage for next level in the Nigerian movie industry-Nollywood as it is known today. The huge success of the film set the pace for others to produce other films or home videos. It parades acts like Kanayo. O. Kanayo, Francis Agu, Okechukwu Ogunjiofor and a host of others.
Nneka The Pretty Serpent
(Pics: Nneka)
Released in 1992, Nneka the pretty serpent was produced by Okechukwu Ogunjiofor. This movie served as a career launch-pad for the likes of Ndidi Obi, Eucharia Anunobi, Ngozi Ezeonu and Rita Nzelu with directives from Zeb Ejiro. It also featured cameo appearances from late James Iroha, Claude Eke and singer Nelly Uchendu. Although shot in Igbo language and subtitled in English, the movie still gained a lot of attention in the other parts of the country.

Ti Oluwa Nile

This lengthy film with two parts, made its first debut in 1993 from the stable of Mainframe Film & Television Productions. It starred popular actors like Kareem Adepoju, Dele Odule, Golda John, Lere Paimo, Yemi Shodimu, Bimpe Adekola, Kayode Olaiya amongst others. It was one of the first flicks that brought the expertise of Tunde Kelani in directing movies to the fore.
Glamour Girls

Released in 1994 from the stable of Kenneth Nnebue’s NEK, Glamour Girls became an instant hit as it was released. The flick which created a space for Liz Benson, Eucharia Anunobi, Victoria Inyama, Dolly Nwachukwu became the talk of town as fans took to the flick and the characters. Eucharia became the daring Nigerian actress as Liz Benson stamped her feet as the beautiful temptress. The success of the flick catapulted the fame and success of the characters in it and came in 2 phases.
Domitila

Anyone who saw the 1996 released movie, Domitila will attest to the fact that its success was derived largely from the interpretation of roles as well as the media buzz it enjoyed. With Ann Njemanze, Enebeli Elebuwa, Kate Henshaw, Basorge Tariah Jnr and Sandra Achums all lighting up the screen, the movie became an instant hit. Produced by Zeb Ejiro, the flick remains one of the most popular flicks since the birth of Nollywood.

Owo Blow
(Pics: Owo Blow)
Shot in 1995/1996 by Tade Ogidan of OGD productions; this action drama movie was rated one of Nigerians greatest movie till date. It has its dialogue in Yoruba and featured top acts like of Femi Adebayo, Rachel Oniga, Bimbo Akintola, Taiwo Hassan, Sunday Afolabi, Lanre Balogun, Ayo Mogaji, Lanre Hassan, Jide Kosoko, Sam Loco-Efe and Yinka Quadri. Between the years of its release, Owo-Blow won several awards at the Nigerian film awards and also featured in two notable international film festivals. The movie was however released in 3 phases.

Hostage

Released in 1996, Hostage followed the huge success of Owo Blow from the same producer, Tade Ogidan. With brilliant performances from Richard Mofe Damijo, Lanre Balogun, Danjuma Mohammed, Tunji Sotiminrin, Tope Idowu and Layi Ashadele, Hostage became an instant hit in the market and became the subject of discourse for a very long time. The flick, which was shot with support from several quarters that include the Police and Prisons, sold endlessly across the country and even outside the shores of Nigeria.

Saworoide

This movie was one of the mind-blowing productions that rocked 1999 and as such still making waves in the Nigeria Film industry. Packaged by Mainframe Production and directed by versatile cinematographer, Tunde Kelani, this star studded film brought out star actor, Kunle Afolayan and Kabirat Kafidipe alongside other acts like Kola Oyewo, Peter Fatomilola, Adebayo Faleti, and Bukky Wright.

Dangerous Twins

Shot between 2003/2004 in Nigeria, London and other parts of Europe, this drama was a huge and top rated project produced by Tade Ogidan and Uche Macaulay. It brought to fore the brilliance of actor, Ramsey Nouah, Stella Damascus, Lanre Balogun, Shola Shobowale, Bimbo Akintola and Nobert Young. This film was however a huge success in the open video film market in Nigeria and outside the shores of the country. With great flawless special effects, the movie featured in local and International film festivals.

Osuofia in London

This Nigerian comedy film was written and directed by Kingsley Ogoro and starred African Movie Academy Award winner, Nkem Owoh, Mara Derwent, Charles Angiama and Cynthia Okereke. The film was among the highest selling Nollywood films in 2003. It is pertinent to note that this was the first Nigerian movie to reach international renown with huge sales. The flick also catapulted the fame and success of Nkem Owoh in the movie industry.

Madam Dearest

Shot between 2006/2007 by Tade Ogidan of OGD film production, this movie was rated a blockbuster and jaw-breaking with intrigues and suspense that is still talked about till date. Shot in Nigeria, Republic of Benin, and Ghana; dialogued in Yoruba, Egun and Twi, Madam Dearest won several movie awards for the versatility of the actors like Akin Lewis, Yemi Solade, Deji Adenuga, Ope Ayeola, Sola Sobowale and Zainab Buky Ajayi.
Oleku

Released in 1994 from the stable of Mainframe Production headed by Tunde Kelani, this flick brought back the old memories of different ways of living in the 60s. Oleku which starred acts like Yemi Sodimu and Feyikemi, was the biggest thing to happen to the industry when it was released. It sold so much and further imprinted Tunde Kelani’s brilliance in film making globally.

Koto Aiye

A classic Yoruba movie by late Yekeen Ajileye, Koto Aiye narrates the hurdles faced in the life of different individuals. It also x-rays the powers and capabilities of witches and their activities in a contemporary world. It features popular actors with monikers like Koledowo, Olori Abioye, Yomi Ogunmola, and Lekinson.

Diamond Ring

When Diamond Ring was released by Tade Ogidan in 1999, not even Teju Oyelakin, who is widely referred to as Teju Babyface, knew what lies beyond as it took the industry to a whole new level. With brilliant performances from Liz Benson, Sola Sobowale, Richard Mofe Damijo, Suzan Cave, Zainab Bukky Ajayi, the heart wrenching production not only carted away awards but left fond memories in viewers mind till date.