Streets of Calabar has a rapturous secret!

The character, De Don. Who is the actor behind the mask? Do you know?

Those of you who have watched the trailer and read the synopsis for the soon to be released Nollywood international movie Streets of Calabar will already know the story involves two dodgy jokers, a 419 (advance fee fraud) scam and a crime boss trying to take over the peaceful streets of Calabar. But who is the actor behind the very distinctive red hat and black mask? Nobody seems to know. Surprisingly in fact, it’s been a very well kept secret.

The only information revealed so far by the producers of this movie is that the character known as De Don, is played by a very well known and much loved Nollywood actor. But just when his identity will be revealed appears to still be under wraps.

The evil De Don!

Writer and producer of Streets of Calabar, Charles Aniagolu said, “We’re undecided yet whether we should reveal the actor’s identity before the premiere of the movie or whether to keep it a secret and surprise everyone on premiere night”.

The actor behind the character said, “I was very excited with the script for this movie. The role of De Don was a real challenge and I love challenges. I am always looking to go above and beyond whatever parts I have played in the past. So for me, it was another opportunity to push myself and improve on my craft”.

Who is this?

The Facebook fan page for Streets of Calabar has had a number of people posting comments and guessing the identity of this actor.  Some fans believe the face of De Don might be Keppy Ekpenyong or Jim Ike. Some have even said it might be Rita Dominic! Well, if it is Rita, then this would mean she plays two roles in the film. Is that probable?

So, who is this mystery person? Should the producers of the movie publicise the face behind the mask before the movie premiere or is it better to do a reveal on the night of the premiere? Tell us what you think…

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. 

        

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.