Q&A With NFFG/NEGA Founder Isaac Izoya – Safety & Cultural Ambassador

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There’s so much excitement in the air about the 20th anniversary of your promotion of Nigerian/african arts and culture via Nigerian films and music in Europe: could you recall the early beginnings?

Wow! My humble beginning was far back 2002, the days of VHS tape and of course, very low qualities of Nollywood productions which were our major connection to our continent and culture.

I am talking about the time with no social media, almost zero internets in Nigeria and phone possibility. The days of prevalent negativity reporting were the order of the day couple with derogatory Western media common documentary about my darling continent, Africa.

Amid these constraints, Ehizoya Golden Entertainment was founded in 2002 as a lone voice in the wilderness, determined to challenge negative narratives about Africa in general and Nigeria in particular with entertainment. By the grace of God, it continues to grow from strength to strength.

What inspired you?

The Love for my country culture and image in particular and Africa continent in general.  The inspiration to tell opposite stories of the Western media betrayers of Africa because video doesn`t lie. Though we tried with magazines English reports by Africans Editors publications once in every two months, certainly, these ideas were not enough to countered the daily hundreds powerful daily newspapers or powerful satellite television stations in the West.

The logistic to counter some of these reports inspired me to used Nollywood as an instrument to educate the West, especially the students about the developments in Africa that after, we are not a forgotten black continents as the western media portrayed us to be. The quest for that gave birth to the production of SINNERS IN THE HOUSE movie which was the first Nollywood movie partly shot in Germany and Nigeria and the first ever Nollywood movie ever premiered in Europe with top Nollywood stars that starred in the movies with the director and several Africa Ambassadors, the then Ghana Airlines Managing Director and of course Nollywood fans across Germany that showed up in Berlin, Germany for the historic event.

The excitement of meeting Nollywood stars for the very first time by many is a picture I can never forget.

What were your basic challenges in doing this?

Lack of Sponsorship! That was and still major hurdle. I learnt from the early stage that I have sponsorship challenges to battle with despite the great Idea of image cleanse for both my host country Germany and Nigeria. I learn in a hard way and that gave birth to our Motto – “THE SHOW MUST GO ON!” whether the Devil likes it or not.

Ironically, another challenges were always from PHD – Pull Him DownNigerians. I recall when some Nigerians approached the same stars I advertised, collected their details and applied for visas for them in same German Consulate in Lagos without my awareness. Few days for visa appointments, they wrote the Mission for cancellation of the event and requested the consulate to returned their passports back to the stars without visa.

Cleverly enough of the suspicious cancelation, the mission emails me to confirmed the visa cancellation request. I was shocked to my toes of such wickedness by fellow Nigerians but to the glory of German efficiency at the Mission in Lagos. I also recall in those good old days without social media with only analog posters and flyers promotions alone, some guys will be moving from shops to shops pulling down our posters just to kill our shows. What`s their reasons you certainly want to know. Isaac always delivered on promised but will not and for that, we must crash him they said respectively. To their greatest surprised, The Show is still goes on.

When did you triumph if any?

The meaning of the word triumph for me is been able to make people happy and change the narrative about Africa with the promotion of Nollywood movies in this part of the world. We have taken job from negative documentarians TV Channels about Africa that specialized on that. Above all, we have contributed immensely on integration and Inter-cultural actualization within Europe and Africa than any other organizations without huge sponsors since 20 blameless years. The wrong impression about Germany or Nigeria has changed a great deal in both countries courtesy of our relentless promotions since day one.

The first shows….who funded it?

I funded it all with my hard earned money and of course, with few artistes that assisted me by paying for their flight tickets. I don`t want to remember the huge losses in all. But I refused to give up till date with the slogan “THE SHOW MUST GO ON!” whether the Devil likes it or not.

Any supporters and sponsors?

In our early days, Ghana Airlines stood by us in flights sponsorship after our first show that impressed the then General manager that honoured our invitation by attending the show. Like I said before, some artistes appreciated our efforts in taken care of their flights tickets when the going got tough. But I will always be grateful to all past Nigeria and Germany Consul Generals and Ambassadors that served in Germany from the days of Ambassador Baba Waki 2002 till date with His Excellency, CG, Amb Wahab Akande and those that also served in German consulate, Lagos and German Embassy in Abuja. They`ve all been there for us moral, diplomatically and otherwise. They`ve always been source of inspiration to us. We thank God that we never disappointed any of the Mission till date and will never.

We have been able to proved to so many Nigerians that both Missions are there to assist you if only your records are clean.

Since I moved down to Frankfurt am Main from Berlin, Frankfurt based Hessen State Ministry of Arts and Culture (Kulturamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main), Ethiopian Airlines, IrabTV among others have been outstanding in their relentless supports to see the continuity of our Nollywood events.

Like you know, a tree cannot make a forest, for that, I say Kudos to Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V team both in Nigeria and Europe for their outstanding sacrifices and resilience towards the success so far. Not everyone will spend their precious time and hard earned money in organizing not profitable event for so long if not for the passion and ones love for cultural heritage. It has not been easy I must confess considering the financial constrain due to lack of viable sponsors. “Not again! This was the last event”. These are our submission after counting our losses annually. Ironically, passion won`t let you rest, after some few months, we`ll be calling each other again requesting for a date for the next event to enable us plan our annual holidays at work. It`s funny how time flies and here we are counting 20 years in cultural promotions in this part of the world. It`s a good record. We thank God for life.

You have promoted many artistes too many to count..could you make a roll call?

Hahahahaha! Roll Call? They are “too numerous to mention” according to late veteran, Justice Isiril of blessed memory in my first Nollywood movie SINNERS IN THE HOUSE in 2022.

I always summarized it with almost all A-List stars in Nigeria, be it Nollywood, Music or comedy. Almost any top artistes you could think of must have made our trip. Except If you insist,

Yes! I insist, please, name the few ones you can remember now without looking into your computer.

Well, funny enough like a powerful magnetic force, we have been able to pull the crème de la crème of industries across the globe to Berlin and later Frankfurt, Germany for our annual events. In no particular order among whom are Senator Donzella James of Atlanta Georgia, USA, Hollywood film maker Queen Blessing Ose Itua PHD – Goodwill Ambassador At-Large to the United Nations, award-winning Development Advocate and a recipient of President Barack Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Service, His Excellency, Ambassador Rimdap rtd UK, His Excellency Ambassador Ejinaka John rtd New York, His Excellency, Hon. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, H. E, Lt. Gen. F. G. Sibamba, the then Zambia Ambassador to Germany, H.E, Mr. R. I. Alhassan, the then Ghana Ambassador to Germany, CDA, H. E, Baba Wakil Nigeria acting Ambassador to Germany, Nigeria Ambassador to Greece, H.E, Prof, S.O Agbi PhD, Prof. Andrew Haruna, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria and top Africa film and music industry mega stars and Europe based stars to name but a few have all honoured our invitations to Germany to grace our events.

Some of the artistes who have benefited on our early days Europe tours include prominent Nollywood icons; Patience Ozokwor a.k.a Mama G, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Jackis Appiah, Mercy Johnson, Nadia Buari, Emeka Ike, Benedict Johnson, Charles Inojie,, Ngozi Ezeonu, Francis Duru, Empress Njamah, Nkeiruka Sylvanus, Jim Iyke, Desmond Elliot, Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme a.k.a Aki and PawPaw, John Okafor (a.k.a. Mr Ibu), Victor Osuagwu (a.k.a. One Dollar), Francis Duru, Bishop Okon, Cynthia Agholor etc.

STAND-UP COMEDIANS:

Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basket Mouth, Julius Agwu, Francis Agoda a.k.a I Go Dye, Ogbolosingha, Sheddi Baba, Maleke, Gordon, Gandoki, (Kenneth Oviahon R.I.P)

MUSICIANS:

Timaya, Kiss Daniel, 2Face/2Baba, Don VS, Olu Maintain aka Yahoozee, NigaRaw, J. Martins, Kingsley Elikpo aka Zeez, Bernard Ohenhen, BigBen, Deacon/Mr/s Palmer Omoruyi and MacoRas to mention only but a few. A record that remained unbroken by any African entertainer in EU Nations till date.

LIST OF (SOME) PAST RECIPIENTS OF NOLLYWOOD EUROPE GOLDEN AWARDS – NEGA;

NOLLYWOOD STARS: (ACTOR/PRODUCERS/DIRECTORS)

CHARLES INOJIE (Actor/Director) 
ZIK ZULU
MONALISA CHINDA
JACKIE APPIAH (Ghana Actress)
DOUBLE A ENTERTAINMENT (HOLLAND)
PATIENCE OZOKWO (aka Mama G)
RAMSEY NOUAH
EMEKA IKE     
COSSY OJIAKO
BISHOP IMAN OKON
QUEEN BLESSING EBIGIESON
AGHOLOR CYNTHIA
NADIA BUARI – Ghana Actress
LANCELOT ODUWA (Producer/Director)
OSUAGWU VICTOR IFEANYICHUKWU (aka One Dollar)
OKAFOR ZIK ZULU (2012 Association of Movie Producers – President)
EMELONYE OBI, (Producer/Director; United Kingdom)
OGUNJIOFOR OKECHUKWU POLYCARP (Produce of Nollywood 1st movie)
WERNER DOROTHEE Berlin, Germany
TONY MOFE – (Gandoki – Standup Comedian)
Dr. QUEEN BLESSING O. ITUA PHD – (Hollywood Star, Author and Chief of Staff to Senator D. James, USA)

POLITICAL & DIPLOMATIC FIGURES;

HIS EXCELLENCY, AMBASSADOR ABDUL BIN RIMDAP retd London, UK
HIS EXCELLENCY, AMBASSADOR. JOHN CHIKA EJINAKA retd.  Frankfurt, Germany & New York USA
HIS EXCELLENCY, AMB HABIB BABA HABU New York retd
HER EXCELLENCY, SENATOR DONZELLA JAMES, (Democratic senator representing Metropolitan Atlanta’s 35th District of Georgia),
SIR MIKE MBAMA OKIRO IGP rtd, CFR, NPM, mni.Chairman
MRS CHARITY OBUAH – Humanitarian/ Orphanages Foundation
MR .UMEJURU ISAAC – Peace Advocate
CHIEF ONYEMA ANTONY AJIDUAH – London UK
CHIMEZIE EBI – Youth Empowerment

BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR!

DR. DONALD PETERSON“CEO Richfield Group – Abuja
DR. PAULYN JANSEN (CEO AYF, Bonn, Germany)
DR. VICTOR NJINMAH OTUNBA (Group Chairman at Njinmah Foundation, Germany)  
BENJAMIN JAMES (Hoffenheim Jr Team Bundesliga Football Coach – Germany)
STEVE OLU (CEO – Vigiscope EK  GmbH, Germany)
ALHAJI MONSURU ADELEKAN – Excellence in Humanitarian Services
ROSALYN DRESSMAN (President African Union Tide, Dortmund, Germany)

MUSICIANS

INNOCENT IDIBIA (aka 2Face/2Baba)
KISS DANIEL – Musician
DON VS – Musician – Italy
EHIMARE FESTUS EROMOSELE. G-Worldwide Label Dirtor
LOUIZA WILLIAMS – Kiss daniel manager
LOVE ITOYA – Musician, Greece
OMOROGBE EFE –  2Baba Manager

JOURNALISTS

IWENJORA FREDRICK OBIORA: (Vanguard Newspaper, Lagos, Nigeria)
SHIABU HUSSEINI: (Guardian Newspaper, Lagos, Nigeria)
EMEDOLIBE NGOZI ERASMUS: – (Mirror Newspaper, Lagos, Nigeria)
AKANDE OLUSEGUN VICTOR: (The Nation Newspaper, Lagos, Nigeria)
NWAGBARA CHARLES NWAKERENDU: (High Society Magazine. Lagos, Nigeria)
FEMI AWONIYI: The African Courier magazine, Germany
ELVIS IRUH  (The Voice – TV Magazine Holland)
CYPRIAN JASSON: Nollywood Radio/TV France etc.
DAIRO ABIDEMI EMMANUEL (Channels TV. Lagos, Nigeria)

These are the few ones I can remember for now without looking into my computer.

At a time, there was a lull then it started again…refresh our memories..

On my God! You really did a good back ground check on me. No wonder you was the first journalist that reported about me 20 years ago. It’s obvious in your details.

Yes! Like I said earlier, there are times in life you do a flashback, especially, when you now have a family and also remember that you are not growing younger, you have to sit down and count your teethes with your tongue and make some critical decision in life.

After our usual 2018 Not again slogan – “That was the last event” conclusion, we embarked on one of our biggest show with the tour of 2Baba. I must confess that I have never seen such a humble and considerate star like 2Baba in all my years in showbiz. So much that he would like to know if you recovered your expenses and what help you need from him to make your event a success unlike others that are after their own benefits and of course with stress.

We were very optimistic that at least, we`ll get our money invested due to lack of sponsorship back.  When the unexpected disappointment struck, we decided to count our teethes with our tongue and called it a quit except or otherwise, we find viable sponsors we concluded.

Coincidentally, Covid-19 struck without warning and we were forced to retreat to our tent. Two years indoor was a long time to restrategized and reinforced for a new direction. That`s the crazy thing with passion. Couple with the new Nigeria amazing Consul General in Frankfurt, Ambassador Wahab Akande that coincidentally has extra-ordinary passion for Cultural and Nigeria image promotions and keeping to his promise to stand beside us in promoting Nigeria culture and Image through our events, we could not help than to continue from where we stopped. Hopefully, we`ll be able to put smiles on people faces again but without going home crying.

You once gave me an interview where u said Genevieve Nnaji broke your heart..who else did and why?

Hmmmmm! Please, I wish I could avoid this question. Do you know one funny thing among comedians especially, They`ll have fun unlimited touring Europe free of charge making money and returned to Nigeria to run you down to others just to discourage them not to have a taste of their dividend. Ironically, they will call you behind people you`re planning to promote with soft voice “Oga, I hear say you need comedians for your next trip, kindly add me now, my fans have been calling me asking for my services. I am loyal Sir, please, consider me again on”. As a reputable promoter with dignity, we listen more and talk less.

But glory be to God, we are waxing stronger and gaining more recognitions and awards from a reputable organizations across the world.

There were artistes who did not show after promoting them like Olamide,.. what reasons were given?

I wish there was one reason. You know, we learn every day. Just as the saying goes, “Chinua Achebe — ‘Eneke the bird says that since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without perching.” We`ve also learned to go strictly on contract and any violator will face the wrath of the Europe and Nigeria law. Locking the artist out of Europe for at least, 5 years and paying damages through court.

Who did not break your heart?

Hahahahaha! Question re-mixed! We give glory to God that the good and appreciative ones are far more in number. Hence, I did not mentioned names in your first question, I will also keep it like that in here without mentioning names. The fact is that, most of them are like brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers I can count on any day any time. I give glory to God for gift of life.

Now that your organization is 20 yrs, how do u feel?

A dream comes true! A practical reality of our Motto; “THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!”. Despite all the obstacles, we are still there. Especially, when I recalled how many people met in our shows and later got married and how our movies and shows have helped promote integration and multicultural vision across Europe. That is our greatest source of inspiration and happiness.  

What have you learnt about Nigerian celebrities?

They are very talented, creative and can stand the test of time. They are the mirror measurement of how blessed Nigeria is as a nation. You can see the practical domination of Nigeria movie and music industries in Africa if not the world. I am happy contributing to the nation image cleanse through creativity industry.

As a major player from the times that Nollywood was on videos cassettes and CD, what’s different now everything has gone online?

The only constant thing in life is change. Nollywood is not left behind in this new global village called internet. It has created business opportunities for many and also turned many into poverty. That is the irony of life.

What led to the transition from integration shows to Nollywood film festival Germany and Nollywood Europe awards?

That`s the changes I am taking about. We successfully created Nollywood awareness across Europe nations for over ten years and decided to diversify by taken Nollywood to Europe cinemas and it is paying off. I am always glad watching Nollywood movies on a big screen and to see Europeans applauding our movies after each screening.

Thank God for internet that we doesn`t need road shows again to promote Nollywood like those good old days. Thank God no one is asking me again what is Nollywood?

Let’s talk about this year’s shows and expectations?

This year event is very significant to us as it coincides with our 20 years anniversary. We have gone extra miles to make it a success couple with the heavy weight assistances by the CG Ambassador Wahab Akande, Ethiopian Airlines, Ministry of Arts and Culture, Nigeria In Diaspora Organization NIDO and Nigerians social media presenters across Europe. We are hoping for a good festival.

Looking at the numbers of hotels booked by fans from America, Canada, UK, Denmark, Finland, Swiss, Paris and across Germany already, we are very optimistic that we are going to put smile on people`s faces once again.

Above all, our choice of stars is special.  11 musicians, 8 Nollywood stars and stakeholders with one outstanding comedian to rock the festival plus two journalists from Nigeria to report the events.

In a nut-shell, the expectations are very high and we just hope for the best as we are stepping into record book for one more time because “THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!”..