Nigerian Celebs Who Should Have Their Biographies Written #AVeryGoodBadGuy

 

The launch of 2face Idibia’s biography, A Very Good Bad Guy, by NET Books (TheNETng), brings to mind many other Nigerian personalities, particularly in the entertainment industry, whose stories need to be told.

While this saddens me, it can be easily remedied, as Ayeni Adekunle, the editor of 2face’s biography has shown.

So here are Nigerian celebrities whose stories should be told in biographies, autobiographies and maybe even film.

• Fela Anikulapo-Kuti

Several materials currently exist documenting the life of Afrobeat creator Fela, from Broadway plays, to documentaries and even books. However, one thing missing is a proper Hollywood film, a blockbuster made about the great Fela. Hopefully, a Nigerian will get to play the lead role, and scenes shot in Lagos!

• The Kuti Family.

The family that birthed Fela is one of the most prominent and influential clans ever in the history of Nigeria. From the Patriach, the late great Rev Ransome Kuti, who was a great educator, missionary and clergy man. His wife, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, was the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria. She was also an activist, leading protests against the colonial masters and even an Egba King. No surprise she gave birth to Fela, Beko, and Olikoye. Add stories from the generation of Femi, Seun and Yeni to the list and you get a Hollywood blockbuster!

• Majek Fashek

If ever there was an inspiring story, this is it, and seeing him in his full elements, performing at Felabration 2015 confirms that. Majek has seen it all – the good, the bad and the ugly. His life’s story told in a book or on film will be a huge hit!

• Hubert Ogunde

The story of this pioneer of drama and theatre in Nigeria deserves to be told. In fact, a film should be made about him. Nollywood owes him that much.

• Mode 9

A biography might not work for this, but a book analyzing the lyrics and stories behind them definitely would, much like Jay Z’s Decoded.

• King Sunny Ade

The music, the longevity, the many (many) women and children, the Grammy nominations, international deals and performances, the money and that anti-aging potion. The story of this great musician needs to be told for him or by him.

• Genevieve/Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Omotola’s early marriage, her meteoric rise to fame, her ageless beauty and family values. Consider Genevieve’s childbirth when she was a mere teenager, her love(less) life, the money and all the rumours. No two women have rocked Nollywood more in recent history. There’s quite a story there.

• Kanu Nwankwo

A Papilo biography would be an instant hit. His career, his struggle with heart disease, the many titles and awards, his family… a true grass-to-grace story.

• Muhammadu Buhari

It is not often that a past military head of state makes a comeback in a democratic setting the way Buhari did, after running for office enough times to rival Abraham Lincoln. The story can run from his military career, the coups, family and then end with his inauguration in 2015.

• Goodluck Jonathan

Anyone can write this story, we’ll even suggest titles – ‘I Had No shoes’, ‘From Otuoke to Aso-rock and Back’, etc.

• Odumegwu Ojukwu

The late Ikemba’s father was one of the wealthiest men in West Africa. Ojukwu grew up rich and polished. Studied at Oxford and returned to join the army. The story of how the Biafra war started and was lost, Ojukwu’s exile to Ivory Coast, marriage to Bianca, and his failed bid to be president of Nigeria.

• Linda ikeji

Everyone is curious about her business, especially her N500m banana Island House. A biography or autobiography will tell us how she did it. Plus all the side gists about her love life and the many celeb beefs.

• Da Grin

His life, his music and his tragic death will make for an awesome story. Yes, a movie had been made, but the reception was kinda errrn… Maybe another one is needed.

• Olusegun Obasanjo

A movie about Baba is much needed. It’s almost the story of Nigeria, if you really think about it. From his poverty-stricken childhood in Abeokuta, to his time in the army, the civil war, and his rise to power. His handover to civilian rule, post-military bid for the top UN job, his alleged coup plot during Abacha, jail, and his 8 year rule as democratic president.

OR

• Obasanjo vs Wole Soyinka

These two have a million and one things written about their lives, mostly self-published. However, wouldn’t it be interesting if they both wrote each other’s stories, seeing as they’re ‘best buddies’ – Soyinka’s story by Obasanjo and vice-versa.

• Ibrahim Babangida

He’s rumoured to have been part of every coup plot from the 60’s to the 90’s. Nigerians still wonder what happened with Dele Giwa, June 12 and MKO, plus the infamous “stepping aside”. These stories need to be told on the big screen.

• Baba Suwe

 Not many people even know or remember his real name; he’s been the film comic with the painted black face for so long. His career, his character, and his alleged drug dealing are tales worthy of being told.

• Baba Sala

His story should be told for almost the same reason as Baba Suwe’s story, and then for more interesting reasons e.g. It’s ben said that he mentored King Sunny Ade.

• Lagbaja

Probably Nigeria or perhaps even Africa’s most enigmatic singer, it would be interesting to finally see behind the mask. Right now he could be anybody, literally, anybody. But that’s not to say his mask is all there is to him. Lagbaja has been making music in since forever, and it’s time he told his own story. No one is a better story teller…

• Ali Baba

He can easily be referred to as the forefather of stand-up comedy in Nigeria. Starting out when being funny wasn’t that profitable and cool, and remaining relevant till now is a feat that should be told, in songs, and in film if possible.

• Wizkid/Olamide/MI

These guys all have great stories in the making if they keep going at their current pace.

• Richard Mofe Damijo

From his days in Checkmate, to his two marriages, his success in acting, and his eventual sojourn into politics, and of course, being the hottest Nigerian man over 50, RMD’s life is certainly interesting enough to read.

• MKO Abiola

Never has there been a more touching ‘grass to grace’ story. From being a pauper to becoming the one of the richest men in Nigeria, his philanthropy, the politics, and of course, June 12, and his ensuing imprisonment are all worthy of a biography and a movie even.

Several other people should definitely be on this list, but it’s a start, just like 2face’s biography. So where to begin…