Posted by by Omotola J. Ekeinde on
Once again, I must apologize for my inconsistency in sustaining this diary column. It all boils down to my busy acting schedule. I must confess it hurts me each time I am not able to fulfill my part of this covenant of writing every week and connecting with my fans through this medium.
Once again, I must apologize for my inconsistency in sustaining this diary column. It all boils down to my busy acting schedule. I must confess it hurts me each time I am not able to fulfill my part of this covenant of writing every week and connecting with my fans through this medium.
For quite some time now, I have been away from Lagos. I am writing this diary from Asaba where I am shooting two explosive films. Yes, explosive. And I mean every word of it. They are two films set to take the nation by storm. Don't start telling me: "They have come again o. Na so-so promise." Take my word that these two films are blockbusters.
I know you are wondering what are the titles of the movie. Wait a minute. I would tell you. But it is worth noting that producers are secretive about hastily naming the titles of their forthcoming movies. Producers keep their titles secret for fear of it being stolen from them.
As an actor or actress, you could be starring in a movie and you don't even know the title of the movie. The producers would keep it in wraps from everybody. The producers would keep it secret. If you leak your title, someone else can stage a coup on you and take the title from you.
Long after I acted in a film and even forgotten about it, I could be driving along the street and see my face on a poster with the title of the film supplied. And I start dreaming and asking myself: When did I get involved in this project?
Most films I am involved in, I don't usually know the title until it is out in the market and noise is being made about it and they mention Omotola on television or radio advert on the film.
But these films acted in Asaba, I know their title and I can boldly announce them without incurring the anger of the producers. The movie titles are: Games Women Play (GMP) and Masterstroke. These movies parade powerful casts and beautiful scripts. We hope you'll love them.
Games Women Play features three of the so-called G-Five. The three G-Fives are namely: Omotola, Stella Damascus and Genevieve. And there are three deep role interpreters namely: Zack Orji, Bob Manuel and newest entrant Desmond Elliot. Getting excited already?
Masterstroke parades powerful method actors: Justus Esiri, Alex Osifo, Gloria Young, Bob Manuel and my humble self, Omo-T. Waoh! And Asaba played host to all these stars. Can you imagine how our presence transformed this quiet town?
I personally found Asaba quiet and void of activities, save for the Grand Hotel where we lodged. Let me seize this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff of the hotel who made sure that there was no dull moment for us. I thank Lizzy especially. She was just a fantastic hostess.
We did not quite feel the warmth of government during our stay in Asaba unlike other states we visited. Like when we visited Enugu and Calabar.
In all, Asaba is not a bad place to visit. It is a nice place to bring your family for relaxation. The people are warm. And there are beautiful hotels to accommodate you.
To go to Asaba, you have to hit the road. There is no airport yet there. From Lagos, I went through Benin and the whole thing takes between three to four hours, depending on your speed. As soon as I got to Asaba, I was rushed to hospital, cause I was so ill. I was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.
And there to attend to me was Dr. Mike Modebe and his staff who were very ecstatic to see me even in my condition and couldn't resist the urge to touch me. In my pain, they pumped me with volleys of injection. Enough to last me a lifetime. The doctor and his staff later confessed to me that they are my fans. Wow! What a way to show their love!
I love you all. Let me also thank the staff of Asabana Hotel. I love them all. On June 9, I was on board the plane via Benin back to Lagos, a place I call Eko Ile. Once again, sorry for my inconsistency in keeping this column. I'll try hard to meet up. Catch ya next week.
By [ Omotola3@yahoo.com ]
Saturday, July 3, 2004