Nollywood actor Segun Arinze is one of the best actors in the Nigerian movie industry, particularly for his portrayal of ‘Bad Boy’ roles, earning him the moniker ‘Father of the Bad Boy Roles’. Did you also know that the Nigerian star speaks all 3 languages of the major tribes fluently? He was recently hailed for this on Twitter by a lady for his acting skills in ‘Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story’ and just how flexible he really is as a thespian. You can also read an earlier post on Nollywood Paints Igbo Men as Rich and Stubborn Illiterates. Meanwhile, @Ifeoma__N wrote:
“Afamefuna just reminded us how flexible Segun Arinze is as an Actor. Old Nollywood actors. He speaks all 3 languages of the major tribes fluently.”
There were several reactions to the tweet by @Ifeoma__N:
@lamspopping: “Some years ago I went for weekend deliverance in my church MFM Prayer City, I like to walk around during prayers so I don’t sleep during the vigils. Looked up like praying and saw Segun Arinze, I was wowed like so actors too pray serious prayers. I’m really glad he’s doing well.”
@AnyafuluAda: “I mean the guy’s name is a combination of two tribes, I won’t be surprised if there’s an ‘Haruna’ in his name.”
@obamiyor: “For a minute, I forgot he is Ibo Arinzeeee!!!”
@_msogochukwu: “That their era, Segun, Tina MBA, Ngozi Nwosu, Rachael Oniga, etc too sabi.”
@ccohambele: “…and he illustrated how tri-lingual an average Nigerian is, more prevalent with the ever nomadic members of the police force.”
If you have not yet seen the Nigerian movie, ‘Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story’ you might want to do so not only because it stars some of the best actors in Nollywood, but it would take you on an entertaining journey through Igbo Culture and Tradition.
Firstly, it is important to note that the movie was directed by Kayode Kasum. It explores the rich cultural tapestry of the Igbo community. The movie was released by Netflix on Friday, March 29, 2024. If you enjoy tales of love, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of the Igbo apprenticeship system, then you will enjoy yourself.
Plot Synopsis:
Directed by Kayode Kasum, the movie “Afamefuna” opens up with the contrasting lavish memorial of Afamefuna’s father and the chilling discovery of Paul’s demise. Inspector Shehau begins to investigate Paul’s death which would grab your attention due to the captivating, engaging, and compelling storyline. You would be able to see the sacrifice, comradeship, and betrayal within the apprenticeship system, as the movie sets out for you to understand.
Stellar Performances: You’ve got to love Stan Nze for his portrayal of Afamefuna and Atlanta Bridget Johnson who played the role of Amaka. It will be difficult for you to blink when their scenes come up. Also, Alex Ekubo’s multifaceted depiction of Paul and Kanayo O. Kanayo’s iconic role as Odogwu, created this breathe of fresh air also into the emotional and cultural complexities of the story.
Visual and Aural Mastery: If you are into stuff like this, then know that the Afamefuna movie is a visual feast which without a doubt, is characterized by its rich color palette and meticulous cinematography. The soundtrack to the movie is also rich with Igbo language and proverbs which definitely adds so much to the film’s authenticity.
Impact and Verdict: NollywoodCelebs commend the Nigerian movie, Afamefuna for focusing on the apprenticeship system. Although the murder subplot lacks surprise, it was generally a good attempt at filmmaking in this part of the world.
Anyway, back to Segun Arinze, he is the eldest of seven children born to Lydia Padonu. He hails from Badagry in Lagos state. During his earlier years, he attended Victory College of Commerce Edidi in Ilorin before going on to complete his secondary education at the Taba Commercial College in Kaduna State.
According to Wikipedia, Segun Arinze popularly known as “Black Arrow,” – a name he got from the classic 1996 Nollywood movie, “Silent Night,” studied Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University. He was briefly married to his colleague, Nollywood actress Anne Njemanze and they were blessed with a daughter, Renny Morenike.
Just in case you didn’t know, Segun Arinze started off as a singer and an actor. However, he first shot into the public eye through singing after he released his debut album, Dream which failed commercially.
In case you want to watch some of Segun Arinze’s movies, you could try Blood Sisters (2022), Eye for Eye (1999), Silent Night (1996), Highway to the Grave (2000), Òlòtūré (2019), Chronicles (with Onyeka Onwenu and Victor Osuagwu), Invasion 1897 (2014), Karishika 2 (1999), Blogger’s Wife (2017), She Is (2019), Who’s the Boss (2020), Curse from Beyond (1999), Deepest Cut (2018) – with Majid Michel and Zach Orji, Family on Fire (2011), The Island Movie (2018), Mark of the Beast (1999), Gold Statue (2019), A Place in the Stars (2014), Across the Niger.
Meanwhile, if you like more Nollywood celebrity gossip and news updates, ensure that you follow us NollywoodCelebs on our Facebook page and our other social media platforms. You will get exclusive behind-the-scenes content from your favourite Nollywood actors and actresses. Enjoy!