I first Segun Arinze him in 1985 as Segun Aina, at The Nigerian Universities Theatre Arts Festival NUTAF In Zaria; a rather disagreeable nosey boy then with incredible acting talent. He was studying his diploma in theatre arts then and I was a final year student of theatre arts at the University of Jos. Together with Chris Akwarandu, one year my Junior then, we were performing a two-man play. As usual, each university had come with a stage play to perform and be critiqued.
And even in those years of the brilliant tongues of the likes of now Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, and Arise The Morning Show Host, Dr. Reuben Abati, Segun’s was easily the most memorable performance in that particular festival,
I still remember his unforgettable line over 40 years later ..
“I am not annoyed”
delivered with such flair and originality the audience echoed it as he mouthed it to enthralling excitement.
Years later just before the birth of Nollywood Segun’s multiple talent had began its creative journey, he was in every major series, including Ripples Which by now I had become Director of by 1989 to 1990’s the early 2000’s and the birth of Nollywood. Segun had released his debut album, Nwanyi gangan on Premie Music
to rave reviews and several major awards were listing Segun in best actor, best supporting actor and myriad categories. The nosey disagreeable boy had transformed into a giant of Nollywood.
Segun’s delivery was always intensely unforgettable.
Silent Night the movie by The prolific Chico Ejiro, and for, which I was artistic director, was a story revolving around a lead character played by Emeka Ike, but it was the movie that will rename Segun now Arinze as Black Arrow.
Permit me for time and space to allow this snippet from a colleague of mine thoughts to celebrate the enigmatic contributions of my friend and a brother Segun Arinze.
And oh! I can’t end this without the story of his generousity and how he paid me, after I contracted him to do a voice over and I did not have the money.
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