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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 2642
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 03:55 pm: | 
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It's been so long since I appeared in a film, that watching the success of Nigeria's Genevieve Nnaji actually makes me miss it.
Of course, my experiences in Arabic films were nothing like hers today...
NIGERIA has created its own thriving movie industry...NOLLYWOOD...and is quickly dominating South Africa, Senegal, Ethiopia, Egypt and Cameroon for box-office dominance. For instance, in KENYA--the top 5 hit films last year were all made in NIGERIA!!!
Genevieve has now starred in over 35 films and was just recently in NEW YORK CITY to receive the African Film Award for TOP BOX OFFICE STAR. She is the first "female" to be the continent's #1 box office grosser. Her 6 films from last year earned $10 million for NOLLYWOOD.
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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 2644
Registered: 02-2005
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 04:09 pm: |
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Now for the absolute DOWNER.
As Genevieve strives to look like a "Black American" woman....
....another Nigerian actress, OMOTALA, strives to look like a White Woman.
It's very sad that this is engulfing Africa now.
Here is a photo of OMOTALA as her natural dark self in public:
Here is the film "OMOTALA" who starred in 9 films last year and is part of the reason that young African girls want to bleach their skin.
I just despise this image so much and the fact that NO ONE...no one cares about African children being exposed to all this "artifical light" and fake hair. Even Genevieve and Oluchi, who strive to look like Black American women, are guilty of this. But I especially hate Omotala. She is no better than the women who circumcise innocent girls....for the MEN.
Here is OLUCHI arriving and looking stunning.
This is my new favorite model---Jamaica's beautiful NADINE WILLIS.
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Renata
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 313
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 04:54 pm: |
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I'm so glad that you told me about the problems with colorism in Africa. I seriously was thinking about trying to get into African films (as an actress), because I wanted to do more "art" than "commercial" films. After reading your posts, I'd still be interested, but was thinking that I don't want to try to pass myself off as what authentic Africans should look like, and wondered if I should try to get into roles that may be considered "mixed". However, I'm NOT mixed and don't want to lie there, either. I'm kind of torn. I want to do African films, but don't want to make a lighter image "the face of Africa".
What would you recommend? |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 2646
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 05:18 pm: |
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Well, Renata there's no way for you to do African films and not be considered "mixed". You'll always be cast as that, because the African "audiences" are so pure black. For instance, Genevieve Nnaji is considered "ligh skinned" by most Nigerians.
But at least you can knock Omotala out of her "impersonation" of mixed women. And look like a real one.
I hate most African films, because the women look NOTHING like African women. Unlike the white woman, the "majority" is never represented.
Senegal is the only country that truly captures Africa and the African women in their films.
Here are Senegal's two top movie actresses:
Fatou Ndiaye
and my favorite...
the great actress, the Meryl Streep
of Africa...
Rokhaya Niang
Yukio never seems to read these threads where
I talk about colorism in Africa.
Which I ALWAYS do.
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Renata
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 316
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 05:31 pm: |
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Rokhaya Niang is beautiful. Was she a model once? She looks long and "limby" enough to have been one.
Well, another question: if I were to do African films, how SHOULD I be typecast, without harming the image of Africa, without harming Africans' image of themselves, yet without trying to whiten myself (as far as roles go)?
Keep in mind that I'm Lisa Bonet's skin color, but with big, fluffy (texturized nappy) hair that I would NEVER bleach. |
Renata
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 317
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 05:33 pm: |
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Would I even make a believable American? Or would that, too, be a bad image as the majority of black Americans aren't really my color? |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 2647
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 05:45 pm: |
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Renata, you can only represent what you are.
If you look like Lisa Bonet's color with puffy hair, then you automatically will symbolize mixed people. You have no control over that.
You can scream all day that you are just as black as Lauryn Hill and that you are repesentative of your Black ancestors's blackness...but the truth is you're not.
You can only represent what you have now become.
In Africa, the women will hate you because you are not their own reflection....and many of the men will worship you because you are the whiteness; the status symbol that they covet.
That's the painful truth, sister.
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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 2648
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 05:48 pm: |
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What is racist and unfair, Renata...is when the majority of the black women in the society look like black women---but the majority of black women in the MEDIA, supposedly representing black women, are mixed and light looking. Then it becomes Supremacist Conditioning that is harmful to our people, because it sends the message that we shouldn't exist.
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Eyona
Newbie Poster
Username: Eyona
Post Number: 3
Registered: 12-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 05:57 pm: |
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i don't like OMOTALA EITHER I THINK SHE IS GOD DAMN FAKE!!!! looking at this woman she looks nothing european at all.............yet she bleach her skin and wears blond hair.... she has a very beautiful african features and don't seem to appreciate it. ......... this is a epidemic that has spread through africa.... especially west africa......... it is a shame when u go to nigeria and ghana and see all those women bleaching their skin...... to look white all because of those self hating african men!!OMOTALA has kids....... imagine the kind of message she is sending them... |
Renata
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 319
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 05:59 pm: |
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"In Africa, the women will hate you because you are not their own reflection....and many of the men will worship you because you are the whiteness; the status symbol that they covet."
That's what I'm afraid of. Thanks for your answers. So, if I ever try to act in an African movie, I'll make sure to not play an authentic African person (that's if I were to ever even be considered).
I must say that you do have a point: even if I think one thing, my image may send another message. Whether I like it or not. |
Renata
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 320
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:03 pm: |
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Maybe I should consider independent American films. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 2650
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:05 pm: |
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Renata, EXACTLY.
Mary J. Blige thinks that children
look at this image and see what she really
means by it.
But they don't.
What they is a black woman CONFIRMING what the dominant culture and society says about black people. That black is inferior.
Regardless of what Mary MEANS to symbolize, that is what she symbolizes.
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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 2651
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:09 pm: |
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RENATA,
You should just be yourelf, go wherever you wish and try to spread YOUR BELIEFS (because your beliefs are actually good for our people).
We need the ones who look like you to speak out against "darker folks" and their self-hatred and self-destruction.
If they would learn to love themselves...then they could TRULY love you for who you are.
There is nothing wrong with a black man loving you....what's wrong is when it's for your GENES, your "blood connection" to WHITER FOLKS and not your soul. There is nothing wrong with me idolizing your movies...but it is wrong if my adoration of your looks is because I hate my own.
You need to be yourself and use your knowledge to spread the cure.
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Medusa
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:10 pm: |
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Kola this is one brilliant ass thread, girl.
Eye opening.
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Medusa
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:12 pm: |
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RENATA,
You should just be yourelf, go wherever you wish and try to spread YOUR BELIEFS (because your beliefs are actually good for our people).
We need the ones who look like you to speak out against "darker folks" and their self-hatred and self-destruction.
If they would learn to love themselves...then they could TRULY love you for who you are.
There is nothing wrong with a black man loving you....what's wrong is when it's for your GENES, your "blood connection" to WHITER FOLKS and not your soul. There is nothing wrong with me idolizing your movies...but it is wrong if my adoration of your looks is because I hate my own.
You need to be yourself and use your knowledge to spread the cure.
I agree Kola 100%.
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Renata
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 321
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:24 pm: |
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OK, so I'll still consider doing African cinema (again, if I'm even considered for a role), but won't take the role of an African woman.
Again, thanks.
Now, I'm wondering if there's the height discrimination that there is in the US? I am only 5'2". |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 2652
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:27 pm: |
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Renata---there's a lot more casting couches in Africa and "no legal recourse" whatsoever.....so as an outsider going over there......that's really the bottom line you should start from.
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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 2653
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:29 pm: |
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If I were you, I'd take a trip there first and visit the studios.
With your coloring and because you are American--I'm sure you can get some immediate consideration.
I have good friends in Nigeria who will host you and protect you.
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Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 2654
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:31 pm: |
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And we could send you as Kola Boof's "sister", I would do a letter for you. That would really help with avoiding the couch.
I know a lot of powerful men there.
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Renata
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 322
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 29, 2005 - 06:53 pm: |
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I'll be emailing you soon.
Thanks. |
samia c
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 05:56 am: |
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Hi Kola and Renata,*
This is my first day visiting the AALBC website, and I came across your discussion. It caught my attention because at home we are currently Nigerian - Nollywood - mad! We get them in the UK, and have been addicted ever since. lots of actors are absolutely amazing nothing compared with the ones you can see in Europe - I'm sure you can appreciate - as it feels so real! My opininion is there are a lot of different type of actress, I have seen light skinned green eyes actresses doing very well but also "dark skin" just as well. I think Renata should give it a try as some of the story lines go so far beyond Nigeria you might just find your space! Good luck - Kola your input on African cinema is very interesting. Take good care |
Roxie
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Roxie
Post Number: 472
Registered: 06-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 11:29 am: |
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my school's international club held a showing of the comedy "osoufiah in london" (courtesy of the nigerian students). Although it's not the first AFRICAN film I've seen, It's my first nigerian film.
Anyone familiar with it?
It was so popular with the students that they plan on showing "osoufiah in london part 2" come next semester.
I can't wait! |
Roxie
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Roxie
Post Number: 474
Registered: 06-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 11:33 am: |
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VIVA LA CINE' AFRIQUE ! |
Renata
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 323
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 12:36 pm: |
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Kola, I can't quite remember your email address. Write to me at mysisters_keeper@yahoo.com
Roxie, I saw that movie, it was hilarious. Before I was pregnant, I used to go to an African restaurant (Queen's Restaurant in Norcross, if anyone's interested), and they had African satellite television, so I'd sit there and eat and watch TV for hours. |
Cynnique
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 04:43 pm: |
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One question: Over and over I keep hearing this "self-hate" catch-all phrase thrown out there as an explanation for anything that smacks of a black woman wanting to emulate the standards of those who are successful and rich and famous. Maybe the question we should ask is if these women really "hate" themsevles. Since you all keep harping on how despised black women are, using your argument, why then would anyone want to be a black woman? Why can't it be not about hating yourself, but instead about loving yourself enough to not want to be despised??? That is a more normal reaction than wallowing in the masochistic state of being "despised". "Vanity, thy name is woman." If females of any color or ethnicity want to do what makes them feel good about themselves then who is to tell them not to? How many natural blonds or red heads are there in the world? Hair coloring products and cosmetics are a billion dollar industry, all because women want to love themselves. Self hate? Gimme a break. Just because all black women don't want to join the misery loves company brigade doesn't mean they hate themselves. That's just an accusation used by malcontents with an agenda who want to stifle free spirits and make them feel guilty. Live and let live, I always say. |
sean
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 07:45 pm: |
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Kola i will have to disagree with your statement about Genevie Nnaji being consider a light skinned woman in west africa......... the reason why Genevie Nnaji is so popular among other nigerian actress is because she didn't bleach her skin....... i have heard many nigerians say that they just hope she doesn't bleach her skin...... i am a african american man who is married to a very beautiful dark skin woman from Guinea and she is just the same complexion as Genevieve..... as a united nations representative to west africa i have travel and lived in countries like Guinea( where i met my wife) sierra leone, liberia, ghana, nigeria, and ivory coast..... and most of the dark skin woman i met is just as dark as ms Nnaja...... i haven't gone to east africa yet therefore i don't know much about the women there.... i know that depanding on the equator that is how their complexion look....for example most dark skin people i met in Ghana were darker than the people in liberia, guinean and sierra leone because ghana is closer to the sun.... and i have africans friends who are light skin and they are not mix at all and no bleach... natural light skinned black people....anyway people tell me the reason i love and cherish dark skin women is because i am mix but i don't agree i feel people are entitle to love who ever the hell they want.... it shouldn't be about color!!! |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 2656
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 08:22 pm: |
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Sean,
#1, I didn't say she was "light skin" (her and I are about the same color; she's slightly darker than me)...I said that to a lot of INDIGENOUS Nigerian people....she is light.
For instance, if you put her on the steets of LAGOS, the capital of Nigeria, she will be far lighter than the majority of Nigerian women walking to and fro---more being "Black" than "Chocolate". No one can deny that and that was my point.
Of course, she is dark chocolate and I'm a huge fan of hers or I wouldn't have started the thread.
#2--If 99% of the people of NIGERIA are dark brown to deep black, which they are, then I think it's unfair that 50% of the people in the videos are light skinned, many Non-Nigerian (imported solely for having light skin) and that BLOND hair and BLUE EYES, white looks, are fettished by people who spend billions on FAKE HAIR from KOREA and SKIN LIGHTENING ointments, which they do. That's a sympton of Colorism plain and simple. I don't care how many light skinned friends that you and I have.
I just offered to help a very lightskinned woman get set up in Nigeria--my friend RENATA (have you been reading the posts?)....so I am always BAFFLED at how few people can separate the "intellectual properties" of the conversation from the personal feelings.
Apparently, I don't HATE Renata for being lightskinned or hate other friends that I've gone out of my way to help for being "light"....otherwise, I wouldn't be offering to help her get started and sending her off as "Kola Boof's sister"....and I'm really sick of people not separating the two.
We have a major PROBLEM in the black race with COLORISM....and I refuse to stop talking about it just to appease light skinned people or people who want to coddle light skinned, mixed and biracial people. I'm so sick of our communities and families being DESTROYED by the preferential treatment that White Supremacy affords these people (like yourself) that I don't know what to do.
And the FACT IS....everything is about color in the world. It doesn't matter what it "shouldn't" be about....IT IS, Sean. And if you really want "love" between us then you are going to have to HELP the darker masses to love themselves and stop worshipping the slave master they miss.
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Afroamerican
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Afroamerican
Post Number: 168
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 06:47 pm: |
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Complexion really IS determined basically by how dark the people are around you! I've heard Sengelese men talk about "light skinned" girls in their countries and when you see a picuture of the girl she's dark brown or medium brown. But its because THEY are so dark, complexionslighter than them really is light skin!
You also can NOT deny Sean that their is TONS of colorism in Nigeria. I've heard Nigerians often make fun of Ghana people because they consider them "darker" Africans than themselves!
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