"Overtime I’ve learnt to just write a story without worrying about form, structure or even direction." Nnedinma Kalu

Nnedinma Kalu lives in Enugu, Nigeria and could be described as an extremely reserved woman. Highly sensitive, maybe emotional too, she is the person you would want to ask for the factual account of any event she attended. 

In observing her quietness, Nma writes and lives. She has  screenplays and short stories to her credit. 

For me, writing gets crazy when the story is in my head but I can’t find the discipline to put it to paper. I struggle with this. And over time, I have had more incomplete stories.

How do you manage discipline?

Overtime I’ve learnt to just write a story without worrying about form, structure or even direction.I leave the story for a few days, sometimes weeks or even months, before coming back to it, because then I’m able to look at it from a new perspective and put it to form.  I also depend on a lot of feedback both from readers and writers. That’s why I belong to a critique group and I’ve found them to be quite resourceful.

You were recently in Uganda for the now annual Writivism festival. What would you make of the visit, the country and the festival?

It was my first time at a literary festival, so I don’t really have a yardstick to judge. Nevertheless I think I can say that it was a great festival. I went away with a lot of information that gave me new perspective to certain things.

As for Uganda, I found it a lot different from Nigeria. The people seemed very content and relaxed and it felt strange not to see people hustling like we do. They lacked the urgency of Nigerians and moved with a slower pace that amazed me. For a break, I would like to live in Uganda, away from all these expectations we have here and just relax without being judged. Haha. There were other things I admired; their preservation of nature—they have lots of trees and flowers and, oh, there was steady electricity—not a sound of generator was heard throughout our stay. Can you believe that? It was so surreal.

Compared to workshops you’ve attended in Nigeria, how would you rate what Writivism offered?

For a workshop in its early years I think they’re doing a good job, especially when it comes to bringing up ‘emerging writers’ like myself.

For you, what makes a satisfying story?

Well as expected, a beginning a middle and an end. From the beginning of a story I should be able to tell what a character wants. I want to follow the character(s) in a journey to attain this goal. To see them fight through obstacles until they reach a climax and then a resolution or an escalation as the case may be. This makes good drama, and mind you, the goal could be internal or physical, it doesn’t matter. It just has to be there or I’m bored.

What are you currently reading?

EC Osondu’sVoice of America , Short Story Day Africa’s 2014 Anthology – Terra Incognita, The Ghost of SaniAbacha by ChumaNwokolo and Africa 39 Anthology. I haven’t had time recently to commit to a novel, so I just snatch up a short story from any of these books whenever I can.

If you were to make a list of five books, who would you have on the list and why?

Alice Walker because there’s an honesty about her writings that I hope to have;NoViolet Bulawayo because I admired her ingenuity in We Need New Names so I look forward to reading more of her; Jennifer Makumbi because the plotting of Kintuwas amazing and I can’t wait to see what she’ll do next;ZukiswaWanner, oh,why else but because she’s Zukiswa, she’s a great storyteller; BinyavangaWainaina because when I read him I can almost imagine him in front of his computer typing away, not bothering about what we would all think; there’s a certain rhythm to his sentences that just gets me giddy.

The winning short story at the festival, I liked it but have my reservation. Do you think yours could have won?

Pemi told a compelling story and deserved the win. All the shortlisted stories are amazing; to me any of them could have won.

Would you rather treat societal issues in your writings or go abstract?

I do not particularly set out to write stories to treat societal issues, but if it comes up in my writing I will not shy away from it.

Have you ever been so attached to any characters in your story?

Of course.My characters are alive to me. They don’t just exist in my stories,; they’re real people. Why wouldn’t I be?

Whose music does the magic for you?

Kim Walker, India Arie, Asa, Kari Jobe and some of Taylor Swift.In that order.

C.J 'Fiery' Obasi; the One Who Made a Movie without Budget

 C.J. Obasi made a movie without a budget. That's how he puts it. In picturing the no-budget project, one visualizes an enthusiastic filmmaker with a camera, a story and the right amount of courage. His stunt worked. His film, Ojuju has been reviewed by some very remarkable film critics and screened in film festivals around the world.

CJ was in Edinburgh few months ago to discuss film and the many ideas in his head. In this brief interview, CJ talks about his new project and his producer who is coincidentally his wife and how the story Ojuju was born.

Ojuju, the movie seems to be your breakout story. How did you decide on the story?

I was visiting a friend in this cut-off and tight-knit community, which later became the location for almost the entire shoot. The area has only one point of ingress and egress. I noticed, they also had only one source of water, from where everyone fetched from. Different scenarios began to play out in my head, as I began to wonder what would happen if this one source of water got contaminated, turning all the residents into flesh eaters, and making it hard for any survivors to escape.

How has the reception been? And tell a bit about your Edinburgh trip.

The reception has been massive. You must understand, it’s a really small film. A no-budget film, a true labour of love, and we didn't think it would go as far as it has. For a film to premiere at a prestigious film festival (AFRIFF) and win the Best Nigerian Film award, then go on to screen at great festivals worldwide (PAFF, Shockproof, Fantasia, etc), as well as garner critical acclaim from reputed international critics such as Todd Brown of TwitchFilm and Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter is great achievement for any film. But even more so for a no-budget film! Certainly more than anyone ever imagined...including us, Edinburgh was brilliant. It's always an enlightening experience being able to see things from outside one's own terrain. It gives you a fresh perspective on things. And as a creative fellow, that's an invaluable thing.

What are the advantages you think the Nigerian young filmmakers have?

So many untold stories; a treasure of untold stories yet untapped!

If you were to remake the story, based on your exposure to film screenings, would you change a thing?

If the remake comes with funding, yes sure. We made the film with no funding, so obviously there are telling faults that would have been avoided story-wise and technically, if the funding was available. But it wasn't, and no one would give us a chance, and we made it anyway. We've learnt from it. We've moved on. I wouldn't remake it though. A sequel or a retelling from another POV perhaps but not an outright remake! Let it serve as reminder to us to never despise the days of little beginnings.

When you are less busy on a project, what are the top 3 short films you would love anyone to see?

None that I can recall! I watch a lot of stuff online.

What part of Nigeria inspires your creativity?

Owerri...because everything I've ever written, I wrote in Owerri except OJUJU.

And you finished from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where focus is more on who graduates with a first class, how did the school contribute to making you a filmmaker?

School contributed in no way to me being a filmmaker. When I was in school I couldn't wait to get out so I could start making films. I graduated though, to make my parents happy, I guess.

Do you think Nollywood is ready for action packed film or we should stick to drama?

We are ready for anything. Anything and everything!

You are young and married. Has that helped your flexibility as a film maker?

It helps when your wife is a filmmaker. She's my producer, business partner and adviser. She's actually the real brains. I'm awfully dumb.

You’re on a project called O Town. Does it tell of an Owerri experience or just another piece of creativity?

Well, it is in part semi autobiographical. There are stories there that ring well and true regarding some time or place in Owerri. But it is mostly a work of fiction.

Chidinma Okpara is a Lazy Chef!

Chidinma Okpara is a sef-taught chef. At least that’s what she says of her skills. On Facebook, she’s terrible with making food lovers fall in love. We see but we can’t touch. If this isn’t gross then nothing is. Chidinma’s specials have been featured on the CNN website. Pay attention as she talks about food, books and her laziness.

When did you fall in love with food?

I fell in love with food not too long ago after I had a tiny stint with depression... I was not a big eater, but I did love to cook. The cooking part seemed to really make me feel better and from then the passion was born.

Did you feel compelled to cook because you were an African woman and everyone expects that of you?

No not at all. Being an African woman does not mean you must know how to cook. I know many who do not know how to peel an onion.

You say you are self-taught, how does that give you an edge?

Being self-taught gives me a lot of personal experience which I feel some well schooled chefs do not have. If you mix being self-taught and school together, that gives even more of an edge.

Some of your works are made from simple items in the Nigerian market, is that a way of expressing your simplicity?

Yes it is. Also, the average Nigerian prefers simple recipes and it kind of goes with my theme of being a "Lazychef" with a passion for cooking. I don't like to cook with things I know I cannot easily find.

In your story, you mentioned how you disappointed a client once because you got recipe from someone. Do you create yours now?

Yes. Although I do cook and follow some basic recipes, I create my recipes now.

In dressing and appearance, you are afrocentric, does it mean we can’t find intercontinental dishes on your menu?

I am Afrocentric, but I cook both local and intercontinental dishes.

All chefs love those who eat a lot. How much do you eat?

I eat a little sometimes and a lot other times. I do try to balance my eating habit.

What’s your kitchen like – what can I find if I stepped inside?

The first things you would see are my pots and my work-top, that’s where I chop and do all my work. I have my food processors and I would say my aprons but my ajebutters have that :)

Food. Literature and music, how do you put them on same table?

Food first, because it is my passion; then music before literature.

Who are some of the chefs you look up to?

I look up to my mother. She is a retired and trained chef and I learnt the basics from her. I wonder if I would ever be as good as she is. I also like Chef Gordon Ramsey. He is too excellent, a go-getter and he always strives for the best. Totally!

What’s the future for African cuisines?

African cuisine has not even started yet. We are gradually taking over the food and entertainment industry. African cuisines can be tweaked and turned every-which way. The world will hear :)

ABACHA RECIPE

Abacha is made simply from cassava that has been cut, washed and fermented for some days. It is a simple meal that is indigenous to the Igbo speaking people of Nigeria. There are several ways to make it, but I shall share with you a simple to-go recipe.

You can actually get this up within 15minutes.

I shall be sharing the cold version with you today

What you need

2 cups of dry abacha

1 - 1/2 cup of dry Ugba (oil bean)

3 Habanero peppers or Ata rodo

2 table spoons o dry ground crayfish

1 table spoon of Utazi

6 Ehuru seeds (roasted)

1 medium onion

120 mls of palm oil

1 - 1/2 half table spoon of Ogiri okpei

1/2 table spoon potash or baking soda

1 bouillon

And salt to taste

Process

Soak the dry abacha in hot boiling water for a few seconds. Drain and fluff with a fork; then cover to keep warm.

Soak the ugba in warm water for a few minutes then drain. Blend the pepper and Ehuru and set aside. slice the onion and set aside. Soak the baking soda or the potash in 1/3 cup of water and let it melt; if using potash, drain the water through a fine mesh sieve and set aside(you need the water). If using baking soda, simply melt the baking soda in lukewarm water and set aside

Preparation

Pour the oil into a large bowl along with the water from the potash or the baking soda and mix really quickly to form a slightly thick paste. Add the ogiri and melt into the oil then stir in the pepper and ehuru mix along with the ugba. When all is well combined, stir in the abacha and onion; making sure it is well coated with all the ingredients. Add the utazi and the bouillon or salt to taste

* If you do not  have ugba; then you could make the abacha on it's own with dry fish

Nwachi Makes Jokes for a Living

Nwachi Jazree Emmanuel may be barely known outside of the city of Port Harcourt where he has staged his one-man show twice, out of his relatively tiny but creative pocket but he is comic personified. He is among the thriving young Nigerians who are redefining entrepreneurship with little or no capital.

Technologically conscious, his story began from the church then to the many stages outside the church. I met him about seven years ago when I was a teenager in a church in Port Harcourt. It was one of the branches of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in D Line. Then, I was struggling to build my stage confidence. How he managed to make the right jokes and evaded the wrong boos caught my attention.

Today Jazree is a man. He has always been though, especially when things changed in his family. He left a private school to attend a public school. But growing up in Port Harcourt has a way of hastening one’s growth process and it did that for Nwachi. Maybe the laughter that your dreams would evoke from friends, especially when you tell them it is comedy.

Nwachi owns a lot of stages and hopes to gain more. He has anchored birthdays and corporate ceremonies. When he is not holding strongly to a microphone, his mobile phone is his best friend and Facebook bears his thoughts. The platform has helped him tremendously.

Sometimes comical, other times, socially engaging but in it all, Emmanuel whose name is religious believes comedy is essential to living. And he is not in a rush to announce that he is big. He knows he is unique and enjoys the process before getting to the big endorsements. He is based in Port Harcourt and shared his thoughts.

Have you always been funny?

Not really... as matter of fact, I am a really quiet person. During my secondary school days in the drama club I enjoyed playing comic roles but as a person being spontaneously funny I am not.

How did you find out that you could make anyone laugh for money?

It was a surprise to me as well as my friends because I was more like the guy who seldom talked. I was just trying few jokes I heard from the Late Night show at the teenage club and I found out I was actually good at telling jokes so I developed an act and started creating materials to keep it up. And here I am. 

On the business side, how has your being in the city helped?

I do mainstream urban comedy... and this is where comedy is mostly patronized, so it is more like selling electronics in an area with electric power.

Your growing up, how was it?

Growing up for me was just normal. I was like the mid ajebo type, you know kind of in-between guy.

I attended a private school and a public school and I think that helped me a bit to understand that life has two sides. I use to have what I wanted until life gave a switch and my parents could not afford some of the luxuries anymore. But life was still like normal to me. I would have said I'm a survivor but I have heard stories of real survivors so for me, I'm just there, nothing special about my childhood.

Has social media helped in any way in the promotion of your brand?

Yes very much. It’s like a blessing to this generation. I can be in my room in Chinda, the part of town where I live and someone would be in the United States talking about my show even when I don't know where the U.S Embassy is located. Without the social media, most people outside my immediate environment would not know there is anyone by name Nwachi, doing comedy. So for me the social media is a better tool for brand promotion.

How do you find the right thing to make a joke of?

This is tricky but I'll answer it anyway. First of all I look at what's making the news then what the society is not paying attention to. Then I’d look for a way to draw their attention to these things because I noticed people laugh more when they can relate to the joke than when you just make a story out of the blue and tell them. Connecting with my audience is very important to me.

If you had a one way ticket, what country would you go to and why?

I think the USA. Not for greener pastures but to connect with the biggest comics in the world. That is where comedy lives.

If you were to make your best five all time comic characters, ranging from Hollywood to Nollywood, stage to screen, what names would make your list?

Best five all time in no particular order would be *Dan D’ humorous, *Trevor Noah *Steve Harvey *Basket Mouth *Chris Rock + Bovi. Please pardon the 6th. And If I had to do my top 10 then maybe some other guys would be added

If you were dying and a certain bad song was on radio, which artiste would come to your head?

Uuuhhmmm... I don't mean to disrespect anyone but I think SkyB. Hope you'll rest now.

Do you have a spectacular moment as an artiste?

Yes I do. Doing my comedy special, the One Man show twice, has been really huge for me. Bigger than any big stage I could be on.

"I have seen Mummy Dearest in cinemas over 8 times and I'm still not tired." Chat with filmmaker, Uzo Ikedum

Uzo Willis Ikedum has a new film in the Nigeria cinema. It’s been there for a month. It had a pretty warm outing in June when it premiered in Port Harcourt. Movie enthusiasts and celebrities attended the event. It is still showing at the Silverbird Cinemas, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.