By Arthur Madumere, Owerri.
The entertainment industry of Nigeria will converge on today, February 16th, 2021, in the national theater, Iganmu, Lagos, for a night of tribute in respect to the late iconic movie director, Chico Ejiro.
Chico Ejiro symbolizes the creative genii of early Nollywood and the survival spirit that spurred their artistic race. The straight-to-home video production had gained ascendancy in 1992 with the production of Living In Bondage by NEK video links headed by Kenneth Nnebue. But it was Chico as he is fondly called, that quickly emerged as the fetching symbol of this new with his racy directing and pacy production. By the time New York Times southern Africa bureau chief landed in Nigeria in 2002 to interview the director whose works were now provoking new conversation globally, Chico alone has directed 35 movies. He would later famously write “step aside Hollywood, step aside Bollywood, here comes Nollywood!” in direct eulogy to Chico Ejiro.
Chico Ejiro took his earthly bow on 25th December, 2020. At 57, Chico’s creation strides and phenomenal accomplishment had placed him in the pantheon of Nollywood’s icons.
For this reason, his fellow creative entrepreneurs, talent investors and cineastes were spurred to celebrate the Ozoro, Delta State born filmmaker.
The event slated for today is expected to feature tributes from Chico’s colleagues, a documentary on his historical career, music and a brief sermon. In compliance to the covid-19 protocols, the event is expected to be an exterior affair.
