Steve Olufemi Sodiya is a seasoned filmmaker with over 30 years of experience. Undoubtedly, he has worked on so many projects over the years as a producer, director, editor, consultant, and post-production supervisor. Sodiya, who doubles as the CEO of Nukoncept Studio, takes pride in working with big legends of the industry over the years. A member of the Directors guild of Nigeria (DGN) also one of the board of trustee (BOT) Association of motion picture and entertainment editors of Nigeria (AMPEEN).
Till date, he has worked on several projects including Figurine, The Wedding Party, The King of Boys (part 1 and 2), Ayinla, Ijakumo, Kofa and his latest project Malaika.
Practically, he has worked with the living legend, Tunde Kelani, fondly called TK closely over the years. TK opened his eyes to many concepts about filmmaking, and for that reason, he made a conscious decision to stay on gate-keeping of quality control (post-production) for the films in Nollywood for a while. This gave him the chance to study different approaches to telling stories and, at the same time, makes sure the final output was not devoid of excellent finishing.
Of course, there are no bad stories. It depends on who is telling the stories and how it is being presented. Nollywood is blessed with very interesting and exciting stories, for example, the Malaika story is a family story of someone seeking to have a child of her own. The story could have been approached linearly but he decided to give all the characters a chance for the whole world to see from their own point of view.
“Most times humans refuse to look inwardly when they have a challenge but rather blame external forces. Nollywood has come of age and it is time to bring a new game to the table” Steve explained.
Starting from the background of advertising agency back then, the advent of film-making in Nigeria was very interesting, the Alade Aromire, of blessed memory, attempted and became successful in home video movies, which caught the interest of a lot of us that are already into advertising and TV. That is how the quest of Sodiya into the film world started.
“Everything about film-making to me is always about the story. I remember when I took on the project Afonja in 2002, written by Adebayo Faleti, the same feeling I got before going into the project is the same feeling I had when I jumped on King of Boys by Kemi Adetiba.”
Adding that , “We had limited resources when we started Nollywood and that affected our creative process. And trying to tell our stories back then, we hardly think of going very wild with our imagination because we try to limit the stories to what we can achieve right here in Nigeria. These days, our creative process has changed drastically since the industry is now opened up to endless possibilities. “
“Netflix hand-picked some of us and gave us master classes on production and post-production, that alone says a lot about the potentials the outside world see in Nollywood”.
Speaking about the challenges, Shodiya narrated what it has been like functioning in the industry; “In recent times, the most challenging film I directed was Ijakumo. We had to merge the past and the present, cultural depth and modern-day lifestyle needed together. We did a serious balance while I worked alongside a beautiful mind and experienced Movie Director, Adebayo Tijani, to make sure we could deliver that masterpiece.” “The fight sequence, which we shot for 3 days, was the most challenging one. It was jointly done with the awesome effort of an amazing stunt coordinator, Mr Nollywood David Ugeonyemechi, as well as Hakeem Effects on special effects. The Art Director, Tunji Afolayan, made life easy for us also, and, at the end of the day, we brought the scene to life”.
“Most of the productions I delved into either breaks the box office or brings tons of awards back home. Last year, 2023, one of the projects I co-produced (Kofa) won best film awards at Amaa awards and Afriff as well”
“I have always belonged to a school of thought that believes in reproducing oneself through training and impacting people as one moves up the ladder. Handling multiple projects is very easy when you already have trustworthy and competent hands to work with you with little or no supervision”.
“Malaika is my latest film, the most challenging part of directing this film is handling well over a hundred children in the ‘Ewe orun’ scene of the film. It has never been easy managing children on any film set. Meanwhile, it is even a vfx scene, which requires paying a lot of attention to details”, he concluded.
The newest lounge in Ikeja, The Traffic Light Lagos, is set to open its doors for an exclusive soft opening this Friday, January 24, 2025.
Afro Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters, will be taking the center stage to deliver his timeless hits, offering fans a night of nostalgia and pure joy.
The club, which promises to redefine the entertainment scene on Lagos Mainland also known as entertainment hub is expected to become the go-to spot for elitist fun seekers.
With its cutting-edge design, world-class sound system, and unbeatable vibe, the venue is the perfect setting for an unforgettable night of music, dance, and celebration.
Jane Essien, the club’s manager, expressed her excitement for the opening and reassured Lagosians that the night will be one for the books. “We are absolutely thrilled to be launching this new hotspot in the heart of Ikeja. It’s going to be a night of maximum enjoyment, and we promise everyone who walks through our doors an unforgettable experience. From the music to the atmosphere, food, exotic drinks and accommodation, we are committed to delivering an experience like no other.”
Fans of Sir Shina Peters can look forward to his legendary Afro Juju classics that have stood the test of time, filling the dance floor with energy and euphoria. This is the perfect opportunity to relive the magic of his evergreen songs, all while enjoying the vibrant ambiance of Lagos’ newest nightlife destination.
The event is backed by notable media partners, including MetroNews Nigeria, Goldmyne TV, and City People Magazine, who are all excited to cover the big night and share the buzz surrounding the opening.
The Traffic Light Lagos is located on Gbolade Adebanjo crescent, beside Adebola house, Opebi, Ikeja
Fast-growing Lagos-based Entertainment and hospitality hub, Avalanche has announced the birth of its educational arm, The Avalanche Creative Academy.
The academy is designed as a top-notch platform dedicated to nurturing creativity and innovation among aspiring creatives.
The Academy aims to provide comprehensive training through various programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, all designed to inspire and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the creative industry.
It offers the following courses: Music Production, Sound Engineering, Photography, cinematography, 3D,graphic designs, motion graphics, Business Management, Creative copywriting, and Creative Strategies.
The Academy’s first set of intakes is scheduled to resume on the 17th of February 2025, while application opens from 13th of January 2025, on a 12-week basis course.
“Together, we can create invaluable experiences for our students and contribute to the creative community
The much-anticipated movie series Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo has finally premiered, currently showing on Netflix, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters.
The movie begins with a haunting scene of seven women under a mysterious spell leaping to their deaths from a waterfall, setting the tone for a gripping tale that unravels in Ilara Kingdom.
The series explores various societal issues, including corruption, greed, gluttony, family values, malicious conspiracies, and the delicate balance of law and order.
Central to its plot is the calamitous fate of Oba Adedunjoye, the Onilara of Ilara, whose failure to perform traditional rites—symbolised by knocking on seven doors—unleashes devastating consequences on his kingdom.
At the heart of this chaos is Esusu, a malevolent and exiled villain whose return wreaks havoc.
Esusu, a ni ohun t’Eledumare o ni.
Eledumare o ni ika, ika ni Esusu
The character of Esusu, pivotal to the story’s depth, is masterfully brought to life by Aliu Gafar.
Gafar’s first appearance, late in Episode 2, immediately shifts the narrative, introducing a chilling force that spares no one, not even the royal family. His commanding portrayal encapsulates the essence of Esusu, a man whose wickedness defies comprehension.
The backstory reveals Esusu’s sinister pact with Ọba Adejuwọn, an ancestor of Adedunjoye.
Desperation led Adejuwon to seek Esusu’s help to evade death—a move that came at an unthinkable cost, forgetting that bi alọ ba lọ, abọ nbọ (a pendulum that swings to is still coming to swing fro).
Esusu’s return demanded not only royal treatment but the freedom to live as he pleased, challenging the very fabric of the kingdom.
Gafar embodies this complex character with remarkable precision, delivering a performance that is both chilling and unforgettable.
With almost two decades in Nollywood, Aliu Gafar has solidified his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor.
His extensive filmography includes acclaimed productions such as Jagun Jagun, Anikulapo, Iyalode, Eefin, and Omo Ajele.
His role in Seven Doors further cements his legacy as a master of his craft, showcasing his ability to seamlessly portray multifaceted characters.
The Yoruba actor has also garnered accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Dallas International Yoruba Movies Awards for his role in Peregun.
His commitment to the industry and his talent for captivating performances continue to make him a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood.
In Seven Doors, Gafar’s nuanced performance as Esusu elevates the series, demonstrating his ability to command attention and bring depth to a complex narrative.
His contribution to the Nigerian film industry remains invaluable, and his portrayal of Esusu is a testament to his enduring excellence