Entertainment

Blood Sisters – Ini Dima-Okojie Opens Up About The Emotional Stress of Acting

Ini Dima-Okojie is an exceptional actress in every sense of the word. When she’s on-screen, it’s easy to tell that she is a thorough professional who puts in every effort required to embody her role. The actress butressed these facts in her latest interview with Pulse Nigeria where she spoke about the emotional demands of embodying a character especially one as broken as Sarah, her character in her latest outing – Netflix’s Blood Sisters.

Sarah is a new bride who is emotionally and physically abused by her husband. She excaceberates her woes by killing him and what unfolds for her is an emotional roller-coaster. The producers couldn’t have chosen a better actress for the role. Thanks to her track record of acing similar characters, Dima-Okojie was contacted by producers for the role. She was picked to portray Sarah after what she described as a rigorous process.

When asked by Pulse what her most challenging character was yet, she said;

Sarah definitely was a hugely challenging role on different fronts. There was the physical aspect to it, and it was a different kind of physicality cause it is not an action film where you train and stuff. It was a physicality where she had to struggle in that journey.

It was crazy what we did. We were in Makoko, jumping canoes, going for hours on the run. In Epe we were barefoot half the time. But even more so challenging was the emotional aspect to Sarah.

It was challenging for the character and for me. As an actor, I am unable to emote from the surface. I am not one of those actors that can get their eye ducts to produce tears at will. If I am going to break down, it has to come from within. It is how I am able to perform.

To effectively portray Sarah, Dima-Okojie had to break through a wall she had put up in an effort to protect her emotions after a disappointing experience she had with Ndani TV’s series Oga Police. She had earned the role of Laitan, a character she described as the most beautiful and intense she’s ever had. Having “unlocked” the character and given it her all, she was left devastated after producers canceled the show after airing just a single episode. Speaking on the aftermath of the fiasco she said;

I was in a place as an actor where I had sworn never to break myself for any role and this stemmed from Oga Pastor. I remember that character like it was yesterday. Laitan was the most beautiful, intense character ever and as an actor, I unlocked the door to the character. It felt like a drug, being able to be there but not really be present. There is no way that doesn’t impact your life. There were scenes where I just wasn’t there to a level that it was almost scary.

When the show got cancelled, it hurt more than a heartbreak. I cried for at least a year. Like I would think of Oga Pastor and would literally start crying. It really shattered me. It just didn’t make sense to me. I thought about the point of giving so much of myself to a character that no one got to see, then swore never to go that deep into a character.

So when I got Sarah, I was like Wow! Not again! I knew I was going to have to break that wall and give it everything I could cause you see, Sarah is broken on every level. She’s bullied by her friends and family so much that she is unable to stand up for herself. There are a lot of layers to her which is why the scene when she finally tells Kola no is so monumental.

Her most emotional scene while filming Blood Sisters, the actress revealed, was when Sarah and her best friend Kemi are discussing running away to avoid jail time for the murder they had just committed. “It (the scene) played out completely different to how it was written,” she said. “They were having a conversation and Sarah was more like her gangster self. However when we were filming, Nancy (Isime who portrays Kemi) and I burst into tears. We were crying and they just kept rolling. When they yelled cut we just kept crying.”

Thankfully, Ini Dima-Okojie is able to relief herself from the emotional burden of playing broken characters by immersing in her favorite guilty pleasure – bringing on reality TV shows with a bottle of wine to drown all of the stress that comes with embodying fictional characters. Then, there are also genuine friends on whom she relies for honest feedback.

Dima-Okojie’s performance on Blood Sisters has received rave reviews from viewers across the nation. Many have taken to social media to praise her performance, something that leaves the New York Film Institue alumnus feeling incredibly fulfilled and grateful. In her response to these praises, the actress encouraged people to chase their dreams no matter how late it seemed while referencing that she dumped her investment banking job to pursue her dream of a career in Nollywood starting out as a production assistant.

Entertainment

OAP Dotun Decries Drop In Quality Of Nigerian Music

On-air personality, Dotun, has echoed the feelings of most Nigerian music listeners about the longevity of Afrobeats songs in recent years. He argued that music listeners are overwhelmed with choices as numerous tracks are released simultaneously, often driven by trends.

He suggested that many of these songs are created primarily to cater to attention-seeking audiences, with a strong focus on streaming numbers.

Taking to his X, he wrote:

Most of the songs made now in the last five years have no longevity. You might not remember them not because they not good enough but the market is over-saturated with so many songs made in haste. It’s a race to be heard, a number game over anything else.

The music industry in Nigeria is pressured. Some songs these artists make lately is to satisfy an attention-seeking audience; and compete with themselves over satisfying their conscience. if we let them be selfish with their creativity sometimes, u will get the best out of them when you dictate what you want always over encouraging their freedom of creativity, you can’t get the best out of them.

Apparently; you don’t!

One could agree with Dotun that the quality of music has declined in recent years, particularly with the rise of the ‘Afrobeats to the World’ mantra.

Nigerian artists often cater to the international market, driven by commercial pressures stemming from the record deals many of them sign.

Dotun said in another tweet, ‘Gbedu Dey drop but Gbedu no Dey last’.

Compared to the previous generation, new school artistes hardly ever give enough time for their projects to saturate before releasing new ones, all in a bid for bragging rights among fanbases; outdoing the charts on DSPs amongst others.

Entertainment

Nathaniel Bassey To Minister At Trump’s Inaugural Prayer Breakfast

Social media has been set ablaze with reactions following Nigerian gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey’s announcement that he will minister at the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast for US President-elect Donald Trump. On January 5, 2024, the renowned gospel artiste announced the good news on his social media pages, expressing his excitement for this year’s event which is scheduled to take place on January 20, 2025.

He wrote, “Let’s raise a sound in America. And let the King of Glory come in. See you. 20th January, 2025. The Presidential Prayer Breakfast is a non-official and non-governmental event. It is a faith-based platform where intercessory prayers and worship are offered to God on behalf of the president’s office and the nation’s government.”

Bassey’s announcement sparked intense discussions across social media and drew criticism equal to the commendations he received.

Here are a few of the comments

Nathaniel Bassey ministering at Trump’s inauguration is revolting and a disgusting betrayal of everything Christianity claims to stand for. and you Christians applauding and celebrating it like some divine victory are even worse, shameless, lacking common sense and morality.

Kingdom Stewardship——Global Recognition. God is not a user of men, He is indeed a rewarder of men who diligently serve HIM.

Why did Nathaniel Bassey turn off the comments section in this post? we all know what we’re doing.

The thing is, every time people who are famous for their Christianity mingle with the powers that be, there’s almost always no change thereafter. And the Church is no longer the conscience of the world. So I understand your misgivings. However, I think of Daniel in this.

Nigerian Christians are the type to demonize secular music and artists, but fraternize with unscrupulous politicians. Everybody with their acceptable level of hypocrisy

As long as the Politician is a convicted rapist that calls the name of Jesus. Or An Election rigger that gives testimony CT will look the other way. Just mention tithe or Night Vigil you’ll see soldiers of the cross Arrive immediately.

One minute una go dey shout Trump is an ex convict, he’s a ‘women abu$er, he’s a deviI incarnate etc”, all of a sudden, Una pastor don dey stand before kings and rulers. I was expecting to see things like “dining on the same tables with an abu$er etc”. Our people only identify with things when the success benefits them or when it glorifies their religious indoctrination. They fail to understand politics 😂

Celebs

Tribute To Nigerian Celebrities Who Passed On In 2024

2024 brought profound losses to the Nigerian entertainment industry as it bid farewell to several iconic figures who left an indelible mark on us. From veteran actors whose artistry shaped the industry to beloved singers and stars who captured the hearts of audiences, these individuals are remembered for their talent, passion, and lasting legacies.

John Okafor (Mr. Ibu)

Beloved Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu, passed away at 62 on March 2, 2024. Known for his comedic brilliance, his death followed a series of health challenges, including hospitalization and the amputation of a leg.

Junior Pope

One of the most shocking celebrity deaths this year was that of actor Junior Pope who sadly passed away after drowning in a boat accident in April. The accident happened mere hours after he posted the video of himself on a boat without a lifejacket in Asaba, on the way to a movie set. The news came as a huge shock to Nigerians and confusion followed until the news was sadly confirmed. His wife and three children survive him.

Onyeka Onwenu

Another celebrity who died in 2024 was veteran singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu. She reportedly slumped following a performance at Stella Okoli’s birthday party on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, and was then rushed to Reddington Hospital in Lagos, unfortunately, she didn’t make it. She was 72 years old.

Charles Olumo (Agbako)

Nollywood veteran Charles Olumo died at age 101 in October 2024 and the news was announced by the president of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, via his Instagram account on October 31, 2024.

Deji Aderemi (Olofa Ina)

Veteran Yoruba actor, Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, passed away on January 4, 2024, at the age of 73. He was a revered figure in the industry, known for his impactful roles in Yoruba films. Aderemi succumbed to cancer after battling the illnessEthel EkpeThe veteran actress best known for her role in the classic NTA sitcom Basi and Company died on February 7, 2024, in Lagos. Ekpe had been battling cancer for a long time and was celebrated for her iconic performances.

Sisi Quadri
Yoruba Nollywood actor Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, famously called Sisi Quadri, passed away on March 1, 2024, at just 44 years old. Known for his comedic talent, his death came as a shock to fans and colleagues

Amaechi Muonagor
A veteran known for his roles in films such as Aki and Paw Paw, Amaechi Muonagor passed away on March 24, 2024. He battled kidney disease for a long time and sought financial assistance shortly before his passing.

Adejumoke Aderounmu
Popular for her role as Esther in Jenifa’s Diary, Adejumoke Oreoluwa Aderounmu died on March 7, 2024. Her passing shocked fans, as she was celebrated for her vibrant contributions to Nollywood

Zulu Adigwu
Veteran actor Zulu Adigwu died on April 23, 2024. Known for his versatility and dedication to Nollywood, his death marked a significant loss to the film industry

Dayo Adewunmi (Sule Suebebe)
Veteran actor and director Dayo Adewunmi, famously known as Sule Suebebe, passed away on June 12, 2024. A notable figure in the Yoruba film industry, his comedic talent and unique style made him beloved among fans

Stella Ikwuegbu
Actress Stella Ikwuegbu died on June 16, 2024, after battling leg cancer. She was known for her impactful roles and her dedication to Nollywood.

Ganiyu Oyeyemi (Ogunjimi)
Veteran Yoruba actor Ganiyu Oyeyemi, popularly called Ogunjimi, passed away on April 26, 2024. To this day, his contributions to Yoruba films and theater are celebrated by his peers and fans alike

Jimi Solanke
Nollywood veteran Jimi Solanke also passed away this year at age 81 after a brief battle with an illness. He was said to have passed away on February 5, 2024, while being transported from his rural home in Ipara Remo, Remo North Local Government Area, Ogun State, to Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan. Reports also stated that Solanke had been in and out of the hospital between December 2023 to February 2024 before passing away.