Norbert Ajaegbu
Norbert Ajaegbu

INSPIRATION BEHIND MAMA AFRICA

I was inspired by the feeling that the leaders of African nations need a re-think. Their prerogative should be the people they rule not self-satiation. I feel like touching the conscience of the privileged. I yearn for the emancipation of the poor in the African society. I want to change culture, to dethrone corruption and enthrone a true nation.

CASTING TONTO DIKEH AS LEAD

The choice of Tonto was basically for her audience appeal and marketability as at the time the movie was shot. Also, her willingness to endure the controversy that may trail the movie was also a factor.

PRODUCING MAMA AFRICA

The production was arranged according to location. We had made all props and special props available before embarking on production proper. We were on location slightly above one month. Shooting with a crowd was the most challenging in course of production.

CHALLENGES ON THE JOB

Our major challenge was the sourcing of funds for production and post-production. I do believe that with funds available, Oscars will be our limit. We were able to overcome this with the support of United African Laboratories, makers of Krispine HB 12 blood syrup.

MESSAGE FOR THE VIEWERS

I urge my viewers to figure out the satire in the movie and learn the lessons inherent in Mama Africa which calls for the respect of the social contract between the people and the government and between the rich and the poor.

CHANGING NOLLYWOOD

If I may be able to change the existing structure of Nollywood, I will be fulfilled especially if I can get practitioners to love and understand themselves.

NOLLYWOOD’S FUTURE

It is great for us and for generations to come. We only need to fix things, then, the future generations will need to learn from our mistakes, be a little more selfless and leave a lasting legacy of Africa’s biggest entertainment industry.

OCEAN MOVIES’ NEXT MOVE

Expect things better than what you have seen in terms of movies and music.

LAST NOLLYWOOD DVD

The last Nollywood DVDs I bought were Too Late and The Meeting.

NORBERT IN ONE WORD

Understanding (a word that defines me is seeking to understand others than to be understood).

INTERVIEW: Isabella Akinseye

PHOTO: Courtesy of Norbert Ajaegbu

This interview first appeared in Issue 5 of Nolly Silver Screen magazine.

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