The Nigeria motion picture industry, aptly tagged Nollywood in various quarters, has no doubt metamorphosed from a humble beginning to a global brand of inestimable value. The industry has variously been projected as the possible alternative to the nation’s most reliable means of economic prosperity, oil, and rated to be the 2nd highest employers of labour after agriculture, in a country where unemployment rate is rising astronomically by the day.
An industry that took root out of the passion and determination of some young Nigerians in the early 90s, grew into a huge enterprise gaining national and international recognition, as at June 2015, Nollywood was worth US $5.1 billion and makes up 5% of Nigeria’s GDP, but this has not come without the sacrifice and determination of some individuals and groups.
From the days of the Ejiros (Zeb, Chico and Peter), the Amatas, late Amaka Igwe, Madu Chikwendu, Zik Zulu, Pete Edochie, Olu Jacob, Paul Obazele, Fidelis Duker, Zack Orji, Mathias Obahiagbo, Andy Amelechi, Peace Anyiam, Emma Isikaku, Chuks Ayiam, Ralph Nwadike, Ejike Asiegbu, Segun Arinze, late Sam Loco Efe, Late Justus Esiri, Jide Kosoko Sanni Muazu to the most recent leaders like Emeka Rollas, Victor Osuagwu, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Steve Eboh, etc. the list is actually endless, the account of the contributors to the foundation days and today’s success story of Nollywood cannot be exhausted in one singular write up, as the industry has moved from various stages of growth to the other and the activities of these individuals that have facilitated these process cannot be overemphasized
In the movie industry today, the cinemas era has come and is currently redesigning the physiological landscape of the industry. The story of members of the new and the old Nollywood is also real, this is irrespective of the functional activities of the relevant guilds and associations in the industry, prominently, AMP, AGN, DGN, etc.
The younger generation that is driving this all important industry have come with an even greater passion and determination to excel, just like their founding fathers. They have come with a strong mental capacity to drive the process, and make a meaningful impact out of it.
A couple of these young generational leaders of Nollywood practitioners come to mind under critical review, among them is youthful Prince Iyke Olisa, popularly known as Prince Iyke, this handsome Nnewi indigene is putting his all into the act of movie making and his all has obviously proven to be good enough.
This CEO of Prime World Productions, has within a decade made so much success out of his chosen career, despite spending about 20 years in the industry.
Prince Iyke has his hands on almost every aspect of the act of movie making, he is a director, producer, actor and a marketer, all of which he has recorded enormous successes, a very active member of all the relevant guilds and associations in Nollywood, with a catalogue of local and international awards and recognitions to show for it. He is no doubt a jack of all trade, and a master of them all.
Over the past years, this young man has grown into an industry phenomenon in Nollywood, as he has raised a new generation of equally enigmatic young men and women in the industry within this period, so many of whom have moved into being their own boss, after a period of mentorship and training from the handsome prince from Nnewi Kingdom of Anambra State, to this end, so many of today’s celebrated actors owe their stardom to the benevolence of this young movie maker.
A film graduate from the Walden University American, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and a Law graduate from the National Open University of Nigeria, some of the movies from the stable of Prime World Productions, under his watch, are, Royal Vampire, Girls In The Mood, Shina Rambo, Revd. Sister Ibu, Aguiyi Ironsi, Python Girl, Son of Python, etc.
Be the first to comment