#REMEMBERWHEN: NO MORE REFERENCES

 

Gone are the days of references where Nigerian movies and TV programmes are concerned.

Those days of good scripting and almost perfect casting where we could reference actors to films/TV soaps in which they acted remarkably; the like of Peter Edochie who played Okonkwo in the famous book of Achebe ‘things fall apart’; Joke Silver to Owuro Lojo; Eucharia to Glamour Girls, Ego Boyo to Violated, Kunle Bantefa to Checkmate/House Of Fuji; Omotola Jolade to Mortal Inheritance; Genevieve to Last Party etc

The days when movies and TV programmes shed more light on integrity, family bond, friendship, discipline and also encourages upcoming talents.

Days of Pot Of Life, Abiku, Telefest, Magaragaji, Village Headmaster, Mr B, House No 13,Chief Koko Of Koko Close etc

Days of appreciated stage drama like Ovarowen, The Gods Are Not To Blame, Prophet Jero and many more

Days of intriguing moments to share with the families at the National Art Theatre, Agege Pen Cinema and other good cinemas  

Even the Yoruba community wasn’t left out with outstanding stories like Ayanmo, Aiye, Jaiyesimi from the stable of late Herbert Ogunde; Late Afolayan was also known for his amazing stories Ija Orogun, Taxi Driver. the like of Sunday Omobolanle’s role in Kanakana was extremely exceptional as well as other actors involved; Bello’s role in Omo Orukan; Baba Sala in Orunmorun and many more to mention

Those were days parent appreciated sitting with the children to enjoy the moment of good stories for acting those days was quite believable to reality.

The money one could not say was really there but one could see the commitment of actors, the costuming, the set, attention to details and despite the technology en vogue then , one could still appraise the production.

These are days parents will need to either send their children to their rooms or on errands to watch Nigerian movies due to unforeseen contents not suitable for children’s viewing.

Yoruba movies have gone form remarkable titles to Sikiratu Sindodo,Amina Alata, etc even the highly praised mainframe is loosing its touches.

These are days the money and great production devices are in place and quality scripting, acting and productions are found wanting and extremely not close to reality.

These are days a well spoken actor is left hanging for a local accented actor.

These are days a well groomed actor born and breed in Nigeria is rejected for a foreign accent spoken actor or just arrival.

These are days producers prefer fake coloured ladies to natural beauties to feature in questionable roles.

These are days of younger relatives of producers turn actors and young talented actors out there are left to roast and roam one audition to another.

These are days production is a clique thingy, 5 to 10 movies must feature the same xyz people.

Indeed these are funny days that you just sit, watch our movie industry and wonder when a great transformation will take a toll.