In the highly competitive world of Nollywood, Azeezat Shorunmu has carved out a unique and inspiring path. Known for her remarkable talent as an actress, Shorunmu has also made a name for herself as a celebrated scriptwriter, combining the worlds of performance and storytelling in a way that few have managed to do.

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This light-complexioned Nollywood actress; Azeezat, a native of Abeokuta-South in Ogun State, graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from the National Open University of Nigeria, is best described as a dynamic showbiz entrepreneur who has invested extensively in her skills to contribute immensely into the movie industry.

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In a candid interview, Azezat Shorunmu revealed that while acting has been her first love, it was screenwriting that truly gave her a voice and propelled her to fame in the industry. “Acting opened doors for me, but it was scriptwriting that really gave me the power to shape my career and my future in Nollywood,” she explained. “As a scriptwriter, I was able to create stories that resonated with people and breathe life into characters that needed to be told.

“Through my writing, I gained more respect in the industry. I started to be recognised not just as an actress, but as a storyteller with something important to say,” she added.

She shared how becoming a scriptwriter helped her avoid the common pitfalls faced by many young actresses. “When you’re desperate for fame or success, it’s easy to fall victim to exploitation, but writing my own scripts allowed me to control my career and avoid compromising my values,” she said. “It also gave me an edge in the industry, making it easier for me to land roles, and most importantly, it provided a more stable and rewarding financial future.”

With countless hit films under her belt, Shorunmu’s portfolio as a screenwriter continues to grow. From The Return of Kesari to Omo Ewekoro, her scripts have left an indelible mark on Nollywood. “I lost count of how many scripts I’ve written,” she admitted, reflecting on her prolific career. “Each story I write is an opportunity to create something new, something fresh, and something that speaks to people. The more I write, the more I learn about myself as an artiste.”

Her ability to seamlessly blend acting and scriptwriting has not only cemented her position as a respected figure in Nollywood but has also proven that with the right mindset, one can thrive in multiple aspects of the film industry.
“A lot of people think you have to choose one path, but I’ve learned that with dedication and passion, you can excel in more than one area,” Shorunmu said with a smile. “For me, screenwriting gave me a voice, and with that voice, I found my fame and purpose in Nollywood.”

She began her acting career by training at Scene One School of Drama, a well-known school owned by the famous actress Funke Akindele, also called Jenifa. She was full of passion and dedication. Later, she continued to improve her acting skills at the Future Concept of Sir Dele Ogundipe School of Drama, a respected school that is known for producing talented actors.

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Popular Nigerian singer, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, known as Naira Marley, has testified before an Ikorodu Magistrate Court as part of the ongoing Coroner’s inquest into the death of fellow artist, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad.

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Appearing virtually on Friday, Marley refuted allegations linking him to the singer’s demise, stating he had no hand in Mohbad’s death. He explained to Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi that Mohbad had been signed to his label, Marlian Records, for a four-album deal but left due to persistent conflicts with his manager, Opere Babatunde.

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Dismissing claims of harassment or threats against the late singer, Marley referenced a police report that had cleared him of any wrongdoing. He also responded to a widely circulated video where Mohbad suggested that he and his team should be held responsible if anything happened to him, stating that Mohbad and his family later apologized, attributing the statement to the influence of drugs.

The musician maintained that he had not seen Mohbad for a year before his death and was outside the country at the time of the incident.

However, a legal representative of the late singer, Oluwasanmi Falade, disputed Marley’s claims, confirming that there was indeed a conflict between Mohbad and Marlian Records over unpaid royalties. He revealed that multiple legal letters had been sent to the label regarding the dispute but were ignored.

Falade also recounted that Mohbad had reported an attack by music promoter Sam Larry to the police, but efforts to arrest the promoter were unsuccessful.

Following these testimonies, Magistrate Shotobi has summoned Sam Larry to appear before the court at the next hearing on April 11. Additionally, the court has ordered the pathologist who conducted Mohbad’s autopsy to submit the report before the next proceedings.

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The Nigerian film industry is grieving over the passing of veteran actress Nkechi Nweje. The news of her demise has left her colleagues and fans in shock.

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Actress Rita Edochie took to Instagram to express her sorrow, sharing an image of a candlelight against a dark background with the caption, “This world is really not our home.”

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Actor Stanley Ontop also paid tribute, posting photos of Nweje while expressing his disbelief.

“Nollywood in tears as we lost one of our vibrant Nollywood actress @nkechi.nweje After a brief illness. Couldn’t post since morning because it was like a dream to me.

“Ezigbo Nwanyi Onitsha Rest in peace ma’am, my best friend, she always call me on phone advising me. The last time we spoke was during Queenth saga, she said Ontop stop. Am still speechless,“he wrote.

Other Nollywood stars, including Destiny Etiko and Anita Joseph, have also expressed their grief over her passing.

Nweje was widely respected for her exceptional performances, particularly in motherly roles. Her contributions to the industry have left an enduring legacy.

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