the list of the actors.
In my earlier assessment of the five best actresses of 2013, I
used personal and universally accepted criteria to arrive at my
conclusions. Obviously, a lot of actresses left out of the last
list must have felt shortchanged but I still don't have
apologies for any omission therein. The same process goes
with this list for the Best Five Actors in 2013 in Nollywood.
Once again, I state here that those actors and actresses who
strut red carpets and push their publicity agenda through a
dime-a-dozen instagram pictures should actually decide if they
wish to be actors or socialites.
Enough of confusing the people with plastic smiles at almost
every red carpet event. Let people judge you on the MERITS
of your art than on your MEANDER on red carpets. Over
exposure is not talent.
NUMBER 5: THE COMEDIANS (SEYI LAW, BOVI
UGBOMMA AND KELECHI UDEGBU)
As controversial as this may seem to some people, I believe
there are merits in recognising the names tied on this list on
the number 5 spot. I could actually have chosen just one when
it came to the crunch but decided to first and foremost
acknowledge the input of these guys into the comedy genre of
Nollywood , which is often overlooked when giving awards.
Secondly, whether anyone likes it or not, these comedians do
know HOW TO ACT.
NUMBER 4: BLOSSOM CHUKWUJEKWU
Somehow, in 2013, Blossom came into the scene and perhaps
asserted himself as one we all must take notice of. He isn't
just good looks. He seems to be eager to learn more and to
prove himself beyond the 'Fine Boy, No pimples' looks.
NUMBER 3. ODUNLADE ADEKOLA
I don't judge actors on whether they are in Nollywood or in
'Yoruwood' or any other ethnic coinage. This actor in the
Yoruba genre of movies, Odunlade Adekola, has stood out in
2013. I watched a couple of his movies and he impressed me
with his style, attention to characterisation, internalisation and
a restrained attempt not to be melo-dramatic.
I don't even understand Yoruba so it speaks volumes about
how his acting made an impact on me. I am told that he is
presently the biggest star in the Yoruba film sector. I can see
why. Talent do not lie.
NUMBER 2: RAMSEY NOAH
It was tough putting Ramsey in the Number 2 spot because
he is a damned good actor. Very good. Having worked with
him in eight of my movies in the past, I know his abilities but
I am yet to know his acting limitations.
I believe Ramsey would stun us all in 2014 when Izu
Ojukwu's '76′ hits the screens. We are yet to see the best of
Mr Noah. We have only seen the stirrings of a best.
NUMBER ONE: O.C. UKEJE
No apologies to anyone. My Number One Actor for 2013
would be OC Ukeje. In arriving at this conclusion, I had the
uncomfortable task of distancing his acting in my movie 'Alan
Poza' from the list of other movies he was assessed with. But
one cannot ignore that in 2013 alone, OC has won the 'Best
Actor' diadem FOUR TIMES at the AMVCA, NEA, BON
and NMA awards. He has also been nominated for ' Best
Actor' a record EIGHT TIMES in a single year. Now, that is
enough to make heads turn and so they should. This is a feat
even the older acts in Nollywood cannot boast of.
Watching OC Ukeje in three movies in the past year was a
stunning experience. Since 2006 when OC won the top prize
in the 'Amstel Malta Box Office' (AMBO), the young man
had been relatively quiet and picky with his scripts, preferring
to feature more in stage productions and promising scripts.
That sense of purpose paid off in the long run.
Like the Bible says, you can't hide a light under a bushel.
OC's illumination in the acting space can be seen in
'Confusion Na Wa', 'The Awakening' and 'Hoodrush'. In
these movies, the power of his art can be seen. He has an
unusual intensity as an actor and a peculiar propensity to
project his characterisation which would leave many with
gaping mouths. This young man has a lot to give to us in the
nearest future. All we have to do is to receive.
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