WAJE SINGS ‘STREETS OF CALABAR’ IN MOVIE STARRING RITA DOMINIC

The popular, multi talented songstress, WAJE, has added another string to her bow. WAJE, arguably Nigeria’s most notable soul singer, is one of the performers and co-writers of the theme song ‘Streets of Calabar’. The hit tune makes it debut in the movie of the same name, starring the 2012 AMAA best actress winner, Rita Dominic.

WAJE’s contribution to the movie Streets of Calabar  doesn’t stop there. Along with Nigerian music producer Chris Madubuko, she also performed and worked on the remix of the 1970’s Osibisa hit song ‘Welcome Home’, which features at the start of this soon to be released Nollywood international movie that promises to be one of the best of 2012/2013.  

Charles Aniagolu, producer and co-director of Streets of Calabar said: “We were thrilled to work with WAJE and Chris Madubuko. WAJE has a brilliant voice and lots of awards to show for it and everyone knows her work with PSquare and J Martins. Her fans will not be disappointed with her contributions to Streets of Calabar”.

Chris Madubuko, music producer and co-writer of the theme song said: “Charles Aniagolu asked us to write a song that typifies the vibes of Calabar. WAJE and I co-wrote the song together and WAJE also put her voice to it. So you can expect to hear an upbeat song that’s really catchy, easy to dance to and of course has the great sounds of WAJE”.

So watch out movie buffs! The film Streets of Calabar not only offers a top quality, international standard storyline that’s vastly tighter than current Nollywood offerings, it also has a great soundtrack, thanks to WAJE, and music producers Teddy Osei (of Osibisa fame) and Chris Madubuko. 

        

New Nollywood kid on the block: Introducing Lisa Kill

Lisa Kill on the set

There’s probably a big chance that you haven’t heard the name Lisa Kill before. But once you’ve seen Streets of Calabar you won’t forget her anytime soon. 

Lisa Kill on the set

She’s the new ‘Nollywood kid on the block’ and after her audition for the role of Margaret, producer and co-director of Streets of Calabar, Charles Aniagolu decided that Lisa was Margaret in more ways than one.

“The role of Margaret is actually a difficult one to play. It requires someone who can come across as being quite strong but also vulnerable and slightly naïve. We all agreed that Lisa had the look we were searching for but that alone is not enough. She convinced us in her audition performance that she was indeed the right actor for the role.” Charles said.

Frank Macaulay, co-director said of Margaret’s character: “The role is of a young mixed race woman, with an approachable quality that makes people feel she’s the girl next door. But she’s also a character who is sensual and virginally innocent, easily fearful, but honest to a fault. Lisa fit the bill and we were very happy with her audition".

Lisa Kill and Gordon Case

Lisa was interviewed on the set of Streets of Calabar after completing one of the bedroom scenes with Anthony Ofoegbu “I was so excited to be selected to play the role of Margaret. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me and I am very grateful. Filming in Calabar has been the most amazing experience. It’s such a beautiful city and everyone is super friendly. I can’t wait to come back for the premiere”.

Lisa Kill on the set

Lisa is young, beautiful and talented and has a long career ahead of her. She is sure to go far in the movie world so if you like to follow Nollywood stars then be sure to add Lisa Kill to the list. This maybe the first time you’re hearing of her but it certainly won’t be the last.

Streets of Calabar’s movie soundtrack will get you moving!

There’s so many surprises in store for the moviegoer who heads to the cinema this Christmas to see Streets of Calabar. If you’re not laughing at the comedy or gripping the sides of your chair wondering what’s going to happen next then you’ll be dancing in your seat because FOLKS this movie boasts a killer soundtrack! It’s produced by none other than Teddy Osei, leader of the famous world music band Osibisa and Chris Madubuko, a well-known Nigerian American music producer responsible for producing hits for such artists as Waje, J Martins and P Square.

 

There are three original Osibisa productions and one remixed by Chris Madubuko, including Kokorokoo, Celebration, Welcome Home and Warrior in the sound track. They are sure to be a delight for both black and white audiences in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas that were familiar with their brilliant sound from the 70’s and 80’s.

                                    Osibisa on BBC 'Top of the Pops'

The music was certainly popular with cast and crew of the movie. Behind the scenes everyone got into a bit of dance action when Mike played by Wale Ojo started spinning the decks during a bar scene when he introduced an Osibisa favourite. Anthony Ofoegbu (Chuks) said:

Osibisa album form 1972

 “The music is just so infectious and it has such a happy vibe that you just can’t help but get up and dance. All the extras were loving it”.

Charles Aniagolu, producer and co-director of Streets of Calabar is a big fan of Osibisa and says:

“I have been a great fan of Osibisa for many years and the band leader, Teddy Osei, remains a great friend of mine. I was still virtually in diapers in the 70’s when Osibisa became the first world music band to hit the top 10 simultaneously in Africa, Europe, the US, Australia, Japan and across Asia. Today they remain as brilliant and as relevant to global music as the Beatles are to pop rock. That’s why I made the decision to have Teddy co-produce the music for my upcoming movie Streets of Calabar, along with another great friend and talent, Chris Madubuko”.

Osibisa album from 1971

The sound track also includes new music written by both Teddy and Chris. This will be released and marketed, along with the film.