The Age of Bobby Rak

Provinces have territorial lords. In the arts, Port Harcourt has been, relatively, warming the bench. In music video making, it has been a boring time on TV until the Rak era. 

Enthusiasts pick up cheap and available cameras and shoot whatever it was that was in front of them, poorly edit them and its goes on air. There is little attention on how steady a shot appears, the intensity of focus on the subject, re-dressing of not-camera-worthy images, and angles too.

To a TV critic here in the Garden City, everyday in front of the TV would be complemented with constant headache and plea for the world to come to an end, so maybe there would be a reset of the universe, so maybe, magically, better things might appear on TV, again.

But since art is diversifying, music videos and photography are taking centre stage. And Bobby Rak is emerging as a crowned cinematography lord of the oil rich city of Port Harcourt, particularly because he is dedicated and his works are pieces that can compete with works from around the continent.

His choice of location and artistic flexibility which allows him to work with other professionals based in the city on his set puts him in a dignified class. And when he is not behind a camera capturing an ideal moment, Mr Rak is karate, personified. It is obvious in his walks, his hand gestures and short films.

Karate is my first love, he said. Then film. Then others. His epiphany occurred in 2005 when he was playing around, recording actions. His ‘backyard’ videos got the attention of Charles Granville, a musical artist of the gospel sub-genre, then Hilda Dokubo. In Hilda’s home, he had to answer the question of what to do with his teeming interest in film. His response was expected of a young man. He wanted to be a filmmaker. But being a filmmaker in Nigeria is a tasking venture, just as it is elsewhere. But what makes the Nigeria’s perspective exclusive is the lack of standard movie studios. Everything is independent; including marketing and distribution and no one would give a better scope into the industry than Hilda Dokubo who had spent a greater part of adulthood on screen in Nigeria. 

Bobby took home the advice to start small. From that moment a new man was born. He would begin seeking for jobs and he would hire cameras to cover events and after subtracting expenditures, his gain would propel his next move. About how he picked interest in editing, which came before his love for camera, he had seen Iyke Harris at work. When he approached him to know more about editing, he was guided. He would always refer to him when he met a dead-end. But this is his story.

Today, Bobby Rak is an identifiable brand with digital filmmaking in Port Harcourt. He has not stopped there. He has created a Whatsapp group of professionals with roots in Port Harcourt but based around the world to see how they can rekindle interests and sustain the craft of making film. Their first project would be a short film exhibition which would hold in 2016. It would bringing together filmmakers and serve as retreat for their skills, Bobby said.

When asked for his name in Ikwerre, Bobby laughed and said we could skip that. But he appears honest and carefree with humility. He is married and the union has a daughter who is slightly over a year old.  

Bobby’s interest in the big screen is something that’s gaining weight. His strategies are on course. His first plan of being the people’s choice has worked so far. He is gathering momentum for the next which is feature films. He felt coming through the music video door would enable him again enough followership than moving straight into films. This he is positive would make a successful project, especially from the Garden City, his home.

Tucked quietly in the Elekahia Housing Estate, Bobby barely has an alone time. When he does, he must be too stern, to scare away the teeming younger artist who surround him until late in the night. When I met him, he was negotiating a job that would have him film some dancers who had qualified for the Glo sponsored ‘Dance with Peter.’ Seated a swivel chair in a simple house attire, his master -desktop computer sputtering images of a photo shoot he finished within the week, Bobby listened to the concepts and plea to assist the dance crew. But inside the quiet young man who sat listening is an enthusiastic learner and creator.

When we eventually spoke, he showed me a short film he was editing. The story is of a home run by an abusive father who has chased away his wife with constant battering and who has raped his teenage daughter. Bobby said it was a collaborative effort with an NGO to help sensitize people on the effect of abuse on the psychology of the children in marriage.

Another project he showed me was one he filmed in villages in Bonny earlier this year, about the effect of oil exploration. Villages in the oil rich Bonny barely had drinkable water and electricity. While gas flared all day, killing the ambiance created by moonless nights, the people of the village only had yellow glowing light that only created heat and pollution.

By the time I was due to leave, the neighbourhood was quiet but for light bulbs from the houses that lined to make up Second Avenue. Everyone would be home, in front of the television. One or two of the families would watch some of the creations of Bobby Rak. And hopefully, Rak won’t be on his computer, he would be home, next door to his studio, playing with his daughter, hoping for some ideas that would lead to a better project.  

#Before our meeting, he had responded to our usual Ten Question for Sundays.

At what point do you say you have an ideal shot when filming or photographing?

At the point when proper interpretation has been achieved for whatever concept i'm using for the shot

You are based in the city of Port Harcourt, what makes this city lovable, from your perspective?

Port Harcourt is home and there is no place like home.

I’ve seen some of your works, my favourite is Izurukeme by D Smart. Do you have a favourite of your works?

Yes I have a favourite for now. My favourite is OH MY BABY by BUKWILD DA IKWERRIAN. Reason is that the project was made possible by a massive collaboration of artistic people based here in Port Harcourt (same as Izurukeme) and the working atmosphere was friendly, fun and totally enjoyable coupled with the fact that the music is indigenous, Ikwerre to be precise which happens to be my tribe.

I particularly love the fact that you collaborated with Eddy Isaacs. How was the effort? 

Working with Eddy was everything I expected it to be. We succeeded in interpreting the concept I created.

When someone contracts you on a music video project, what do you consider, the lyric, rhythm or the personality?

I consider all of them.

You are a filmmaker. When would you be making your first feature film debut?

As soon as I have the means. I have a couple of short films to my credit and I believe a feature will come soon.

What kind of movie would you love to make?

Action/comedy

Artistically, everyone loves to move to Lagos, the centre of entertainment. Would you be making such moves soon?

Technology has made the world smaller. I will expand not move

What’s your most preferred play tool while filming or photographing?

The canon EOS 5D Mark iii for now

If you were to make a list of 5 music videos I would catch you watching, who would make that list?

Tough question oh! I watch rock music videos ‘cus they exhibit a lot of creativity... but let me restrict myself to Nigeria... Gollibe by Flavour, directed by Clarence Peters.

The One by Pelli, directed by Adasa Cookey.

Show Me your Rozay by Ketchup, directed by Adasa Cookey

Izurukeme by D’smart

and

Oh My Baby by Bukwild

Seyi Babatope doesn't believe big budget means good film.

Seyi Babatope’s movie, Lunch Time Heroes is in cinemas. He’s called it the first Nollywood family film. The cast is impressive, particularly because he worked with kids; any director’s biggest headache. The trailer is quite fascinating and Diana Yekinni plays Banke Adewumi, a corp member who makes a change in the lives of some seven students who are not good at sports. The busy Seyi spared sometime while in the UK for the premiere of When Love Happens to respond to few questions. Enjoy it.  

Your new movie is for the family but particularly made for children. What motivated it?

I was interested in another side of Nigerian cinema that in my opinion has been neglected and is a key component to the survival of any industry .Talent pool, an industry must replenish its talent base and pipeline. That was one of the key motivations behind Lunch Time Heroes and I wanted to make a film I could go and see with my nephews.

Filming with children could be hectic, how did you manage the young actors?

These kids were a joy to be around for the two weeks that we shot for. I enjoyed every single moment with them. and I’d do it again if the opportunity arose.

I haven’t seen the film. In two words, tell me about it.

Fun and Fun

Working in the Nigerian space as a filmmaker, how has the process been?

Working in Nigeria is something I take in my stride. I stay within my close family of collaborators and I stay focused on the goal. I accept the challenge of the terrain Nigeria is and just want to go about the business of disproving naysayers and doubters. A rose can grow from concrete.

Compared to some popular names that have been making films with millions in Nigeria, yours is low budget. Was that intended?

I am comfortable making the kinds of films I've been making so far. Making films in the millions is not as interesting to me as making a good film. Having said that, making films in really tough in Nigeria and those that are able to make good films should be applauded because it is an extremely difficult undertaking.

What camera did you shoot with?

We shot the Red Epic Dragon with anamorphic.

What are the top three films you could be caught watching?

Inception, Before Sunset, Constant Gardner, just to name a few of the films I like.

In Hollywood, who would you love to cast in a movie someday and why?

There are too many talented people out there that just bring the business. I’m drawing a blank now.

Is there anything as a uniquely Nigerian story?

There is a thing as a Nigerian perspective which I feel is valid. Stories are ultimately about the human condition and that is universal. A perspective that is Nigerian will give the stories a unique flavor that can only be ours.

What are you currently watching?

I just saw a documentary called the Fog of War. 

Otman Marzouki is re-telling the Morocco story using portraits

Otman Marzouki lives in Meknes, Morocco where he manages a Facebook page called Morocco Faces, a platform he has used to appreciate the uniqueness of life especially as seen on the streets of Morocco. He is young, handsome and fundamentally, he is a portrait photographer. 

Language is important, he says. Though English and French are among the foreign languages he hopes to learn, he has started doing that with the English language. His teacher is YouTube. Otman says tutorials on YouTube have helped him greatly.

Marz, as I may choose to call him is a keen follower of The Humans of New York page on Facebook yet the page didn’t inspire his Morocco Faces project. I met him there and discovered we shared same interest in photography and life’s philosophy – that life is too short and there is no better time to be productive but now.  In this brief conversation, we discussed his choice of camera lens, a bit of his background with photography especially his love for portraits. He also disclosed his special way of taking pictures without disturbing his subject on the streets of Morocco. Enjoy! 

Otman Marzouki sounds interesting.

Actually it's my full name. Otman is my first name and the last is Marzouki. I don't need to be called by another name.

Tell me about your love for portrait photography and what inspired your Facebook page?

Two years ago, I started being fascinated by the street. I was photographing people walking and people's shadows. This Fascination was quickly turned towards seeing people closely. Firstly, it was hard to photograph people because they think that I'd do something bad with their pictures. I'm used to getting such claims from people.

My first lens was "55-200mm" which is not meant for street photography. I used it only to be more distant from the people and now I'm with my pancake lens, the "16-50mm" which is okay when it comes to photographing portraits; "street portraits," and “shadows." I still stick to photographing the shadows. Street portraits are my way of documenting people, what they usually do; their eyes, wrinkles and hands. These three things I’ve mentioned if we could focus more on them, we'll end up creating our stories of the portraits of our dreams.

You are a regular reader of the Humans of New York’s, what story has really inspired you?

Yes, I'm a regular reader HONY. Actually all of HONY's stories inspire me.

What’s your favourite camera to shoot with?

I'm a Sony fan. Sony is quite a good camera for me. But it's not perfect because all street photographers use either Fujifilm or Olympus. I guess I want to be among the street photographers who are rare and use Sony cameras for street photography.

You told me about your English, what would you recommend for a foreigner who is trying to be better with the English language?

Yes, I'm not that good with the English language, So I spend time on YouTube looking for some videos where they teach English, this is how I've learned.  

How has being from Morocco made you a better photographer?

Firstly, I'm just an amateur street photographer who is looking forward to being an expert. I have developed my own way of photographing street portraits but I still have some obstacles because of the mindsets of the people of Morocco towards cameras. 

In Nigeria, people are too conscious to have their images taken. How do you appeal to folks in Morocco?

As I told you, I've developed my own way to photograph people. Once someone catches my attention, I head to him, to be closer, then I act like I am not photographing him by positioning my camera in a way to make it look upward, and wait until he lifts his or her face. Some people start being so curious sometimes but then I click the shutter button and that’s it.

Who is the photographer you currently admire?

There are so many. I admire them because they have a perfect sight. Also, they are good at pictures processing.

What’s your big dream as a photographer?

My big dream as a photographer is to become an expert.

What’s your advice to beginners, bigger camera or a bigger mind?

Shape doesn't matter, what matters is your knowledge in light and some photography basics, for me bigger mind is more important.

Nsukka; The Small City of Red Earth

The Small City of Red Earth 

You’ve probably read of Nsukka in fiction books. Like Jo’burg, it is not a state capital but its importance to the eastern part of Nigeria is superbly interesting. Not because it first had a university in the east or the production of palm oil during the colonial era, but the weather. And the pastoral life is such that endears a creative mind.

A skyline view of this small city lacks intricacies in planning and high rise buildings. It does not have a modern day cinema or any world class luxury attraction but if the arrangement of trees, large worship centres, a couple of nightclubs and the contribution of peace; less death from accidents and gun shots make the list, then Nsukka is enviable. 

Unlike Jo’burg, its population is around 300,000 people, using the 2006 national census figure. And its architecture is nonexistent. But what Nsukka lacks in structure, it compensates in kind. The people are warm at heart and welcoming. They could be grossly respectful and hardworking. Nsukka is like the courtesy hub of the eastern region of Nigeria. And culturally, the Nsukka heritage is beautiful. Rich in folklore, the locals are still very much in sync with the dialect which is a variation of the Igbo language unlike other emerging cities that are losing the uniqueness of language.   

While Jo’burg is outrageously developed and thrives in gold and attracts western investments, Nsukka’s growth has been remarkably snail-paced. If you left fifteen years ago and visited again in 2015, you’d probably have not missed a thing. Maybe a new bank would have opened up a branch but speaking of transformative change, in Nsukka, it is more individualistic than communal. The government roads are still helplessly deplorable.  And the link-roads are still narrower than a runway model’s pair of trousers. 

It would be unfair to expect much from Nsukka, just like Nigeria. Politics have not particularly helped it. And the cities that I could rank it with were built on dedication, sincerity and consciousness. Nsukka’s exports are rather subliminal yet fundamental. When it is not pure honey treated by dedicated hands or the locally made, protein rich okpa, served hot, it is predominantly educational. Nsukka has more university educated people than many small cities in Nigeria. The University of Nigeria is one of the many reasons its economy has remained viable.

Nsukka does not exist in isolation. Its growth is contributively an effort from neighbouring towns. Traders on their way to Abuja or Benue use the high way. This has been particularly helpful to roadside traders. Obollo-Afor, one of the neighbouring towns once thrived in commercial sales of palm oil used its Ogige market. Though not exhaustively diminished, the trade still leaps, begging for more attention especially from the young people who are targeting cities outside the east for business and jobs. 

Lovers of nature and heights may love Nsukka for the hills, the green and the simple life devoid of rush, constant quarrels under scotching sun as seen in Lagos make this place a haven. But if you are not employed by the banks or the university in Nsukka, chances are that you are a student or a trader in the Ogige market trying to keep pace with the world.

The hills in Nsukka serve as meditation points for anyone who cared. No tourist would visit Enugu and feels satisfied without a glimpse of Nsukka. Its essence is wrapped around the friendly people, the sight of freshly harvested fruits and the low cost of living. Nsukka is about an hour drive from the state capital which shares same name with the state, Enugu. This city is not necessary commercial but it thrives. Sometimes it is location for Nollywood filmmakers.   

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie set her first novel in Nsukka. In Purple Hibiscus, Kambili lives in the university campus with her parents, like the writer when she was younger.

To explore the serenity of Nsukka, the university campus is the best spot. While the government reserve areas have sit-out spots, the campus is usually calm, safer and enchanting to the muse. The poet, Christopher Okigbo and the novelist, Chinua Achebe relished the hills and the red earth of Nsukka. The late Nnamdi Azikiwe also lived in Nsukka.

The drop in the temperature of the weather at night, the expanse of space and the easy life is what characterise Nsukka. For someone who moved from Port Harcourt, a commercial city, in 2012, Nsukka is ideal for studies. When I first visited, it was below what the Garden City offered in nightlife, entertainment and varieties of food but the uniqueness of any place can only be fully appreciated if the difference is not called weakness but uniqueness. 

If an escape from a thriving world of noise is what you desire, Nsukka offers a chunk of sanity. The traders are sincere with prices; they don’t make you bargain forever before you are granted sales. And the town has fewer cars and the few roads are never congested unless the university has an important event.