Lagos — Respected filmmaker and one of the most sought after creative minds in Nollywood, Teco Benson, has concluded work on his latest big budget movie, High Blood Pressure. Benson, alongside his executive producer/financier, John Okonkwo, the head of Goodlife Productions, has concluded plans to storm major cinemas nationwide with the star-studded and suspense-filled political thriller. According to Benson, High Blood Pressure, painstakingly shot over a period of six months within the Lagos metropolis, will sensationally begin showing at the cinemas on today, March 12. High Blood Pressure, which has big names in Nollywood like Kanayo O. Kanayo, Clarion Chukwura, Lilian Bach, Yemi Blaq, Jibola Daboh, Jim Roach and several others thrilling, will be seen by movie buffs at upscale cinemas, such as Silverbird, Genesis Deluxe, Ozone in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and other state capitals simultaneously, starting from today.
Fans and lovers of the Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, would also have the rare opportunity of seeing the heart-wrenching movie at the Silverbird cinemas now operating in Ghana and Kenya, very soon.
Speaking briefly on the synopsis of the very contemporary flick, which he argued would definitely change the political landscape, especially now that 2011 election is fast approaching, Benson said. “High Blood Pressure is a film that truly mirrors the dirty politics, shenanigans, betrayal, greed, blood spilling, cultism and the unholy alliances daily going on among our politicians in their desperate quest for power. I’m appealing to our politicians, especially the power drunk ones to watch this movie and help our nation move ahead after 2011.
Movie buffs can take advantage of the forthcoming cinemas showings and see the movie in a relaxed atmosphere as the movie will not be released on DVD, anytime soon. “I won’t divulge much, so that the real story will not be given away. Immediately after the premiere, we will begin the nationwide showings, for Nigerians and the world to see the best political story ever told by a Nigerian filmmaker.”
Okonkwo also hailed the sterling performances of the major characters in the movie, describing them as exceptional role models and interpreters, who truly made Nollywood and themselves proud. While, Benson on his own part further vowed to continue preaching against societal ills with his movies, maintaining that salvaging Nigeria must be the collective responsibility of all, filmmakers inclusive. High Blood Pressure will be globally distributed by Goodlife Productions Limited in collaboration with other leading video outlets, at the appropriate time.
On Sunday, March 14, a battle of the sexes will be staged at Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The once in a life time experience will feature The V. Monologues versus The Tarzan Monologues. The Tarzan Monologues, probably the first of its kind is a platform for men to express themselves. As against the norm where men are expected to remain silent and strong in the face of adversity, the Tarzan Monologue provides a platform for addressing issues that affect manhood. First performed in October 2009, the success of the performances caught the attention of the Hafsat Abiola-Costello led organisation, the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) which brought the original Vagina Monologues written by Eve Ensler to Nigeria. The appearance of the aspect has now given rise to what is regarded as the ultimate face-off in The V. Monologues vs. The Tarzan Monologue.
Theatre @ Terra is supported by Terra Kulture for the propagation African Theatre and Culture and is done in collaboration with Jason Media. The centre has staged plays written by well known playwrights like Wole Soyinka, Femi Osofisan, Ahmed Yerima, Ola Rotimi, Zulu Sofola, Bode Osanyin as well as Athol Fugard among others.
Some of the productions of the Tarzan Monologues include King of my Country, Jack Gowon’s Mother, Bullets, Impecunity, E Get as e be, The First Time, The Emasculation of Hercules, Heart Break, Honour, Open Letter to my Father, Powerful Sexy Grey, The Knowing, The New Model as well as A Man’s Guide To Living. The productions address issues like sex, erectile dysfunction, sexual abuse, religion, emotional pressure, sterility, virginity, infant mortality, job loss, relationships, age, marriage and infidelity as it affects both sexes.
Directed by Wole Oguntokun, The V. Monologues vs. The Tarzan Monologues will feature every Sunday in March between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. for adults from age 17 and above. Top rated artists to feature in the monologues are Paul Alumona, Kunle Adeyoola, Bimbo Manuel, Cobhams Asuquo, Sola Roberts, Kenneth Uphoho Carol King, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Ayo Orobiyi, Stella Damasus, Iretiola Doyle as well as Kemi Akindoju for both Monologues.
Tomorrow, March 13, Tribeca, situated opposite Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, will be ignited when the most anticipated album of the year from probably one of the most talented artists to bless the microphone and console from multi-award-winning producer extraordinaire, rappers delight, vocalist and lyricist, Jesse Jagz will be launched. Tagged Jesse Jagz: A Taste Of Chocolate the event will also move to Abuja on March 27 as well as Port Harcourt. The event is slated to take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Well-known and top rated Nigerian artists are slated to perform at the much anticipated event including special guest appearances by artists.
Still on tomorrow, March 12, RCCG, Jubilee Christian Centre situated at 15, Williams Street, Off Adenuga Street, Aguda, Lagos, will be holding a training programme for intending gospel song writers titled Writing Good Songs.
The effective worship seminar from the stable of Fountain of Praise is a master class for Christian songwriters. The seminar will feature resources persons such as music producer and director, Cobhams Asuquo, TY Bello and Wale Adenuga. Areas to be effectively covered at the event include among others, Songs and Stories, Lyric Writing: Putting words that edify in people’s mouths, the art of song writing, group song-writing class as well as the business of song-writing,
The event is set to take place between the periods of 9a.m. to 2p.m.
