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How Veteran Actor Jimmy Johnson Died-Family

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Veteran actor and “Okoro’ of popular series Village Headmaster, Mr Jimmy Johnson died on July 8, 2020 after complications from a surgery in an Abuja hospital, the family has revealed.

The family also went ahead to state that funeral of the 80 year old will be announced soon in line with COVID-19 protocols.

According to the statement “Jimmy Johnson’s involvement in drama and theatre arts began in Ibadan in the early 60’s working with Professor Wole Soyinka in the Orisun Theatre Company and the Mbari Artistes and Writers Club, a diverse group of University lecturers, writers, visual artists, musicians and actors that also included Soyinka, Ulli Beier, Chinua Achebe, Christopher Okigbo, Mabel Segun, J.P Clark, Christopher Kolade, Lindsay Barrett, Demas Nwoko, Tunji Oyelana, Jimi Solanke and Bruce Onobrakpeya amongst others.

Mbari was described as a magnet for artistes and writers of African descent from all over Africa, America’s and the Caribbean

The Nigeria Biafra civil war of 1967-70 disrupted Mbari with many members opposing the war, but some forced into different sides by circumstance.

After the war, Jimmy Johnson threw himself into reconstruction of the country as an Information and Culture Officer in the Civil Service – working first from Enugu, capital of the then East Central State, then in Lagos Nigeria’s former capital – while also working alongside colleagues to rebuild a national identity for radio, television, film and theatre.

Alongside his day job in government in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s he worked with colleagues in Radio Nigeria, Nigerian Television, former associates from Mbari Club and a new crop of film makers and dramatists to build the bedrock of today’s entertainment industry in Nigeria.

His generation saw FESTAC 77 – The Second World, Black & African Festival of Arts & Culture – as an opportunity to try and rekindle the spirit of Mbari, and invited Black artistes from across Africa, North and South America, Europe and the Caribbean to Nigeria. However some associates, most prominent being Fela Anikulapo Kuti fell out with the Obasanjo government over what was described as military intervention in FESTAC.

While still working as a Senior Civil Servant he was later best known for the role of “Okoro” which he played for about a decade in NTA’s longest running TV drama The Village Headmaster.

In 1984 along with many politicians, and senior civil servants he was locked up in Ikoyi Prison and tried, but acquitted by the Buhari/Idiagbon military regime after the overthrow of President Shagari’s government.

In a twist of fate, President Buhari said of him decades later on a recent birthday that “As one of the pioneers of TV drama in Nigeria and a respected thespian” his “contribution to the movie industry, which ranks second in the world, remains indelible” commending his “sacrifice, patriotism and loyalty to his country and his calling, starting out early on stage and the screen when rewards were very minimal, but pursuing his career with relentless passion and vigour”.

Until his death this week, Jimmy Johnson or Jimi J as he was known by his peers spent his time in semi-retirement in Abuja contributing occasionally to various artistic productions.

He is survived by his spouse, children, and grand-children including his second child, journalist, development and policy expert, Rotimi Sankore. His first son, Tunde Johnson passed on two years ago.

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Veteran Nollywood Actor, Amaechi Muonagor Dies at 61

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Nollywood legend, Amaechi Muonagor, has reportedly passed on. He was 61.

The actor suffered kidney failure and has been on dialysis.

His demise on Sunday came just few days after a video, where he was soliciting funds for Kidney transplant went viral.

His death comes weeks after another Nollywood actor, Mr Ibu, died.

No official statement has yet been released.

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Popular Celebrity Award: Adeleke, Dele Momodu Hail Nigeria’s Entertainment As World Class

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The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, and Publisher, Ovation International Magazine, Aare Dele Momodu have hailed the Nigerian entertainment industry as world-class by all standard.

The duo made the disclosure at the unveiling of a voting platform for Most Popular Celebrity Award in Osogbo, Osun State by Governor Adeleke.

Speaking with journalists at the Celebrity House, Osogbo, venue of the unveiling, Momodu said Nigerian music industry and Nollywood are global brands, adding that the award would further boost the industry’s rating towards becoming a global leader.

“The Nigerian entertainment industry is world-class, it is one that would become number one in the world. So, I am proud of what Osun state has done. Governor Ademola Adeleke is investing in the industry; he is from a family that is into entertainment with the likes of David Adeleke (Davido), Shina Rambo, B-Red among others.

“This project is aimed at producing more of Davidos, B-Reds, not just in the state but also across the country, hence, our decision to support the ambition.

“I urge Nigerians to join the platform and vote for their favourite celebrities. This is an industry that can solve the problem of unemployment if properly supported. It could take our youths out of poverty,” he said.

Declaring the platform opened, Governor Adeleke, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Abiodun Ojo, said the reason for the choice of Osun for the event is not far-fetched, saying the state is the cradle of entertainment with the likes of late Duro Ladipo, Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), Yemi Elebuibon to the trendy Davido among others.

“Today, we are unveiling another landmark, a prestigious honour to creative minds. It is an integrity laced process and a unifying force to boost the industry, through an enigmatic progression that will create over 50,000 entrepreneurs Nationwide.

“This will be a drive to a sustainable data based National Recognition in form of an Award to Nigeria’s MOST POPULAR CELEBRITY for the year 2023 in 17 Categories to be crowned here in Osogbo,” he added.

The project coordinator, Solanke Hamzat, said the platform would offer fans opportunity to vote for their favourite celebrities in seventeen categories.

He said the platform is devoid of any technicalities and is making the fans the decider based on the influence such celebrity had on their lives.

The Osun State government under Governor Adeleke has been in the forefront of promoting tourism, culture, entertainment and more in the state.

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Glo Launches Naija Comedy Service to Boost Entertainment, Fun

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A new offer, Glo Naija Comedy Service, which features an array of video content from top Nigerian comedians has been unveiled by digital solutions company, Globacom.

Globacom explained in a press statement in Lagos that “Glo Naija Comedy Service, was designed to suit customers’ entertainment and fun needs and its available at the palm of customers’ hands on all android and i-phone devices and on any web browser of their choice.”

Glo stated that the stress-bursting video content service which is deployed in conjunction with NCC-licensed aggregators will feature the likes of Sabinus, Aki and Pawpaw and others, providing rib-cracking jokes and entertainment for the enjoyment of Nigerians. It added that “Glo Naija Comedy Service ensures there is something for everyone”.

The service, according to Globacom,  is easy to use and it works on all web browsers. It stated that there is no need to download any app to enjoy it, adding that “As long as a subscriber has an active data pack, he or she will be able to access Glo Naija Comedy Service and savour the fun”.

Customers can subscribe to the service by dialing the short code 55222 or *55222# while subscription for the service include daily subscription pack which attracts N20 per day, weekly subscription which goes for N100, and the monthly packages starting from N500.

Globacom said “Customers can also call Glo Customer Care Centre on short code 300 for additional information on the service.”

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