Welcome To Egungwu Chukwuka Benjamin's Journalism Archive

  I n this exclusive interview with Nigerian TV presenter, content creator, and Red Carpet host, FAKOREDE ADETOLA , popularly known as, 'MC RHELAX', he shared his journey from growing up in Isale Oko to becoming a popular OAP. He talked about the importance of consistency over talent and also highlighted the need for the Nigerian entertainment industry to focus on benefiting the nation.  MC Rhelax is known for anchoring the popular program "Street" showcased on HIP TV and anchoring Headies Award red carpets, where he brings his infectious energy and charisma to the screen. EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA BENJAMIN brings excerpts.  Can you tell us about yourself and education background? I MC Rhelax, grew up on the streets of Isale Oko SAGAMU,OGUN State, went to Remo kindergarten primary school then to Mayflower secondary school then I stopped by in UNILAG as a floater for a year before I fully went to FUTA to study statistics. How did your journey as an entertainer started? My jour...

  I n this exclusive interview, Director, Awal Abdulfatai Rahmat, talks about his latest movie ‘Penance’, which delivers a bold and unflinching portrayal of power, trauma, and justice. The movie tackles the complexities of sexual assault and the resilience of its survivors. He further shared the vision, passion that fueled the interesting movie.  Egungwu Chukwuka   brings excerpts. Can you take us through your journey as a filmmaker? I would always like to believe that I am one of the lucky and blessed ones in this industry. Though I am yet to attain the sta­tus I love, the journey has been good. It’s been over two decades now since I started my journey and I began that with the Yoruba industry. I had one “Egbon” back then, who I used to follow around; ‘Adebukola Hassan’ but that wasn’t cutting it for me because I wanted more. In 2010, I started working for a production house; Digital Interactive Media as Proj­ect Manager under the tutelage of Sola Fajobi. We produced so...

I n this exclusive interview Nigerian singer, Sopuru Precious Odunze , popularly known by the stage name, ‘ Boypee ’ talked about what triggered his collaboration with singers, Brown Joel and Hyce on his hit track “ Ogechi ”. His influences and the way he handles the pressure coming from the music industry. The original “ Ogech i ” track gained massive popularity initially, but the remix featuring popular Nigerian singer, Davido catapulted the song to a new height. The remix was released before the megastar’s wedding, it took over social media, with many users incorporating the track into their online content, further solidifying “Ogechi” as one of Nigeria’s biggest hit song in 2024.  EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA   brings excerpts. Tell us a bit about yourself and your family background. I hail from the vibrant state of Imo, but I was born and raised in Anambra. Growing up in a busi­ness-oriented family instilled in me a strong work ethic and a com­petitive spirit. It’s this foundation th...

  I n this exclusive interview with Egungwu Chukwuka , award-winning Nigerian video director Adindu Collins , popularly known as ‘ Director Dindu ’ reveals how his passion for filmmaking started with photography, and led him to storytelling. The Benin-City-born and bred founder of Cinema House Productions has directed projects for top artistes like Davido, Joeboy, DJ Neptune, and Praiz. He also directed the video of the song ‘Work Me Out’ by Jamaican singer, Shenseea where she featured Wizkid.   Can share with us what triggered your decision to choose film and music video directing as a career?   Right from when I was young, I have always had a very imaginative mind. I am an imaginative thinker; I think a lot and can make up entire scenarios. After school, I discovered photography, which helped me realise my potential for capturing captivating images. This led me to filmmaking, as I recognised my imaginative mind would thrive in that field. Looking at my work today, you ...

F ashion has aided storytelling in African music videos, using style and beauty to convey emotion, promote our culture, and identity. In this brief exclusive chat with   NONSO CHILAKA,  p opularly known as   ‘WHYTACE’ , a talented fashion stylist who has made a significant impact in the Nigerian entertainment industry by styling top Nigerian artistes for their music videos, he talks about his journey, inspirations, and the importance of fashion in storytelling, particularly in music videos, and highlighted the skills and qualities necessary to succeed as a stylist.   EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA  brings excerpts:    Tell us about yourself and the work you do?  I’m known professionally as ‘Whytace’, a seasoned fashion stylist with a passion for helping people look and feel their best. My work includes trend analysis, wardrobe curation, and creating visually compelling looks that align with my clients’ personal style and image goals.  How did you get start...

P opular award-winning music video director, cinematographer, and filmmaker,  PRAISE ONYEAGALAM   known professionally as Director Pink , in this exclusive interview with  EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA BENJAMIN ,   shares her inspiring journey from aspiring actress to successful director, overcoming the challenges in a male-dominated industry. As the founder of Pinkline Films, a Nigerian  film company, Director Pink has made a significant impact in the industry, directing and shooting numerous popular music videos, including: ‘Dey Your Dey’ by Timaya, ‘Do’ by Phyno ft Burna Boy, ‘Egwu’ by Chike ft Mohbad, ‘Abracadabra’ by Wizkid ft Skiibii, Naira Marley, & Rexxie, ‘Roju’ by Chike and many more. In 2021, she also remade the folklore as a movie, ‘Lady Koi Koi’ (The Arrival), showcasing her versatility and creative expertise. Through her work, Director Pink continues to break barriers and inspire future generations of female filmmakers. Excerpts:    Can you tell u...

  N i gerian Music Director,  Adiukwu Daniel Nkemakolam ,  popularly known as  ‘ KEMZART ‘ in this exclusive chat with  EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA BENJAMIN ,  talks about what triggered him towards choosing filmmaking as a career, and brief insight into some of his works. Excerpts:     What triggered your decision to choose video directing as a career?  Growing up, I have always been an artiste. I used to draw and paint while I was young, and then I evolved. I just knew that I wanted to do something bigger, and at some point, I was a graphic designer. I used to make cover art for musicians, and I just felt the need to evolve.  I felt I could do more than just being a graphic designer. I asked myself questions “What is the next thing I could be on?” and the answer was film making, specially music videos. That’s how I came about shooting music videos, due to the need to evolve.  Can you give us a short list of Nigerian artist you have worked fo...

  I n this exclusive interview, Nigerian- British actress, Genoveva Kenechukwu Umeh shares her journey in Nollywood, her experiences, and her vision for the industry’s future. The Enugu-born recently won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award ( AMVCA ) for her role in ‘ Breathe of Life’ . She was also nominated for Best Actress in a drama at the 2022 AMVCA for her role in ‘A Tune Away’. Genoveva also starred in series like ‘Blood Sisters’ and the young adult series ‘Far From Home’.  EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA BENJAMIN   brings excerpts.    What inspired you to become an actress, and how did it begin?  I became passionate about acting in high school, and I found out that I was the happiest while performing. I also watched Nigerian films and series and I was inspired by the women that starred in them. If an actress moved me, I would be on the internet reading up all I could about her. Professionally though, my acting career beg...

  N igerian actor,  Chimezie Imo  in this exclusive interview shared his experience in the entertainment industry, including a transformative time on the Nigerian talent show, ‘The Next Movie Star Reality Show’, in 2014. He revealed how he felt when he won the Trailblazer Award, the challenges he faced in his acting career, and how he overcame them. The actor, who became more famous after starring in the popular movie ‘The Breath of Life’, clinched the Trailblazer Award at the recently held Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA). He was nominated for Best Promising Young Actor in the 2020 Movie Academy Award, and nominated for The Future Awards Africa Prize for Acting in 2020. In 2023, he received another nomination for Best Actor in a Drama at the AMVCA Awards, before finally bagging one at the 2024 AMVCA Awards.  EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA BENJAMIN  brings excerpts.   Tell us about yourself, your educational background.  I am a graduate of Applied Ecology ...