Nollywood has come a long way since the era of VHS tapes and video stores.
In 2003, nollywood gave Nigerians some of the most memorable and thought-provoking classics.
It was the year that perhaps one of Nollywood’s biggest exports, Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, aka Aki and Pawpaw, landed their starring roles in ‘Aki na Ukwa’.
So popular were his roles that fans never remembered the movie’s title and assumed it was ‘Aki and Pawpaw’.
While compiling the list, PREMIUM TIMES realized that that year’s movies spanned a few themes, ritual (blood money), comedy, prostitution, and romance.
The stars of that year were undoubtedly Osita and Chinedu, who brought the silliest comic relief anyone could wish for.
Genevieve Nnaji also made her mark with her memorable role in ‘Sharon Stone in Abuja’, while her then-rumored rival, Omotola Jalade, starred opposite her in ‘Blood Sisters’.
ALSO READ: Nigerians spent N2.4 billion on movie tickets in 2021 – Report
The late veteran actor Sam Loco had influence by starring in almost every comedic movie released in 2003, just as filmmakers Kingsley Ogoro and Ojiofor Ezeanyaeche produced the most blockbusters that year.
In 2003, filmmakers didn’t have to rely on social media, but movie posters with a familiar face and dramatic TV spots featuring dealers on Ebinmpejo Lane and Upper Iweka Road.
Twenty years later, we take a trip down memory lane, revisiting the classics that dominated 2003.
“Aki na Ukwa 2” Aki and Paw Paw
In a sequel, to the first release of Aki na Ukwa, with the characters Aki and Pawpaw, played by Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme.
It continued the story of how the duo’s antics got them banished from their father’s house. Moving in with his uncle, they began to terrorize another town.
Frances Nsonwu, Oby Kechere and Amaechi Muonagor joined them. In 2021, a new version was produced by Charles Okpaleke of the Play Network, but it might have had more of an impact than the original.
“Osuofia in London”- produced by Kingsley Ogoro, kola Munis Osuofia in London
It starred veteran actor Nkem Owoh, Francis Odegha, Cynthia Okereke, Mara Ashton, and Romanus Amuta, among others.
‘Osuofia in London’ was produced and directed by filmmaker Kingsley Ogoro. Owoh, 62, played the lead role in the film, which was a box office success. The film earned him critical acclaim and the nickname Osuofia.
It told the story of Osuofia, who came to London directly from her village in Africa. It was after he inherited the vast estate of his deceased brother that he left the town years before and amassed a fortune in London.
The 2004 sequel, ‘Osuofia in London 2’, did not fare as well.
The comedic actor was supposed to reprise his iconic role in ‘Osuofia Goes To Miami,’ which is scheduled to premiere in 2021.
“Billionaires Club”-directed by Afam Okereke Billionaires Club
Billionaire’s Club 2 continued the story of a secret society of men who used hidden powers to manipulate people and earn blood money.
The film starred some of the best actors in Nollywood, including Clem Ohameze, Pete Edochie, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Tony Umez, Sola Sobowale, and Patience Ozokwor.
“Two rats” Two rats
The comedy film ‘Two Rats’ tells the story of two children whose father has been murdered by their uncle. In a selfish move, Uncle Amaechi Muonagor wanted them to work as servants in his father’s house.
The film starred Osita Iheme (A-boy) and Chinedu Ikedieze (Bobo), Amaechi Muonagor, Patience Ozokwor, Andy Chukwu, Prince Nwafor, David Ihesie, Ricky Eze. and Atitebi Haleemah.
“Baby Police” – produced by Martin Onyemaobi, Amayo Uzo Philips Baby Police
Starring Osita Iheme, Kenneth Jideofor and Chinwe Owoh among the long list of actors, the film tells the story of a mischievous boy who constantly annoys his neighbors with pranks and theft.
He eventually got into more considerable trouble and formed the “Nigerian Baby Police Force” (which was made up entirely of adults except for him, Dada), and made money by taking money from “criminals” (who were just ordinary people).
“Abuja Connection”- produced by Ojiofor Ezeanyaeche Abuja Connection (2003)
Starring Chidi Mokeme, Clarion Chukwura-Abiola and Eucharia Anunobi, the film tells the story of Jennifer and Sophia, who belonged to the same clan but were rivals.
However, they knew each other well and had inside information about their mission in the struggle for power and money.
Their battle demonstrated how having influential connections in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, can bridge the line between rags and riches.
“Emotional Crack” – produced by Ebere E. Eze, Rob Emeka Eze, Nse Ikpe-Etim Emotional Crack
Starring Dakore Akande, Stephanie Okereke, Ramsey Nouah and Patience Ozokwor, the film tells the story of a man named Chudi who never appreciated what he had; he had a good wife, but he continually abused her.
He soon realized what he had when he lost her to another man.
“Egg of Life” – produced by Ojiofor Ezeanyaeche EGG OF LIFE
The adventure film told the story of a journey to restore the life of the king’s only son, a group of girls were sent into an evil forest to retrieve the magical egg of Life.
The film starred Uchemba Williams, Funke Akindele, Sam Ajah, Padita Agu, and Pete Edochie.
“Blood Sister”- produced by John Nkeiruka Nwatu Blood Sister (2003)
Blood Sisters tells the captivating story of two sisters who grew up in a world of poverty, where selfish desires are fulfilled and jealousy becomes the main problem in their home.
The film starred Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Tony Umez, Oge Okoye, and Patience Ozokwor.
“Police Recruit”- produced by Ojiofor Ezeanyaeche
Directed by Charles Inojie, the film starring Chiwetalu Agu, Nnamdi Eze, Charles Inojie, Sam Loco Efe, Amaechi Muonagor, John Okafor and Nkem Owoh, told the story of four scoundrels who joined the police and got involved in a crime spree. incompetence and corruption. .
“Separate” SEPARATE
This 2003 romantic film starred Jim Iyke, Ramsey Nouah, Pat Attah, Rita Dominic, and Genevieve Nnaji.
In the movie, Juliet (Genevieve) and Austin (Ramsey Nouah) end their relationship and then play mind games to prove their love for each other. While similar scenes play out in the lives of other characters.
The film included a theme of romance and infidelity.
“Sharon Stone in Abuja” Sharon Stone
This Old Man continued the story of a female Casanova from Lagos, Sharon Stone, played by Genevieve Nnaji, who moved to Abuja after being burned in Lagos for her own game, with an agenda to get government contracts.
He soon found out that making a living wasn’t that easy and he teamed up with another playgirl ‘lady B’.
The film starred Genevieve Nnaji, Tony Umole, Emeka Okoro, Prince Val Nwigwe, and Nneka Kwulu.
“Twin Brothers” – MacCollins Chidebe
Starring Hanks Anuku, Sam Loco Efe, Tom Njamanze, Osita Iheme, Lasa Amoro and Maryann Apollo, this classic told the story of a man who unsuccessfully tried to terminate his daughter’s pregnancy by force.
When she finally gave birth to a set of twins, one of them turned out to be a miniature person.
“Nicodemus” – Directed by Reginald Ebere
Leading the cast, Osita Iheme and John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, Nicodemus takes us into the comical and adventurous story of the daily life of a worthless aspiring electrical repairman.
Even though he can’t fix anything, he jumps from job to job, tries to have sex in his employee’s room, and plays weird pranks with his wife.
However, the real star of this movie was the son. He was a smart and cutesy young man who behaved (and even seemed) more mature than most of the other characters.
“The Return” – Kingsley Ogoro
The Return told the story of a successful but arrogant and ruthless businesswoman who died prematurely but returned to earth as the reincarnation of her own deceased maid Elo, whom she had shown little to no compassion in life.
The film starred Uche Ama Gabriel, Fred Amata, Ruke Amata, Patrick Doyle, Segun Arinze and Richard Mofe Damijo.
“Unconditional Love” – Nkiru Sylvanus
Directed by Jeta Amata and starring Grace Amah, Ansa Ekpo Bassey, Bassey Ekpo Bassey and Olu Jacobs, the film is the story of a young man who was mature enough to choose a wife and settle down as his father ‘Okonkwo’ wished. (Olu Jacobs) and the people closest to him.
His bright prospects seemed to get in the way as he, ‘Emeka’ (Bassey Ekpo Bassey), had trouble choosing from the many women who flocked around him to impress him.
However, he had to go to great lengths to woo her when he found what he was looking for in an ‘Ebere’ girl (Nkiru Sylvanus).
“True Love” True Love
Starring Olu Jacobs, Stella Damascus, Chioma Akpotha Ramsey Noah and Remi Abiola, it was the story of a man in search of true love.
He met a cute blind girl and fell in love with her, but had to fight his highly prejudiced society to accept her love.
“Not man enough” – produced by Nwafor Anayo
With the main stars, Emeka Ike, Genevieve Nnaji and Andy Chukwu, the classic tells the story of the battle between two boys, Nelson and Steve, who want a woman, Maureen.
While Nelson plays the promiscuous flirt, Steve is the good guy in the battle for Maureen’s heart.
