Toka McBaror

Last updated

Toka McBaror
Born
Toka McBaror

Kaduna, Nigeria
Occupations
  • Film director
  • movie producer
  • music video director
  • cinematographer [1]
Years active1998-present
Known for
Awards See below

Toka McBaror is a Nigerian filmmaker, producer, movie [2] [3] [4] and music video director [5] [6] born, raised and is based in Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria but originally from Delta State. [7] He received an award nomination for "Kada River" at the 2018 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival in Canada, [8] [9] 6 award wins for the movie, Lotanna including: "Best Film", "Best Director", "Best Cinematography", "Best Art Director", "Best Costume" and "Best Sound Editor" at the 2017 Golden Movie Awards. [10] [11]

Contents

He also has to his awards credits, "Best African Film" and "Best Nollywood Director" from the 2018 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, TINFF, which took place in Toronto, Canada. [12] for the movie, The Island, and was again nominated for the "Best Cinematography" and "Best Director" categories at the ZAFAA Global Awards, for his 2017 movie, Lotanna. [13]

Career

In 2011, Mcbaror directed the Nigerian singer, J'odie's musical video, "Kuchi Kuchi (Oh Baby)". [14]

He directed the film, "Blogger's Wife", released to the Nigerian cinemas on Friday, February 10, 2017. The film was produced by Seun Oloketuyi, featuring Nollywood actors and actresses like Segun Arinze, Adejumoke Aderounmu, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ijeoma Grace Agu and Adeniyi Johnson. [15] Still in 2017, "Kada River" a movie produced by him was nominated for an award at the Nollywood Film Festival in Toronto, Canada. At the 2017 Golden Movie Awards, he was nominated in six categories, including: "Best Film", "Best Director", "Best Cinematography", "Best Art Director", "Best Costume", "Best Sound Editor".

In August 2018, the movie which he directed titled, "The Island" was awarded "Best African Film" and himself, "Best Nollywood Director" at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, TIFF, which took place in Toronto, Canada. In September of the same year, he directed the movie, "Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons" by Ayo Makun, a popular Nigerian comedian. [16] He was again nominated for the "Best Cinematography" and "Best Director" categories at the ZAFAA Global Awards, for his 2017 movie, Lotanna.

In 2019, he released an action Crime TV Series titled, Paper Boat. [17]

In early 2020, he directed Lilian Afegbai's first movie of the year titled, "Double Strings". [18] Later on February 22 at a press conference in Abuja, he announced the auditioning for his new movie titled, Red Caravan, which he would direct and co-produce, with estimated production cost of N61 million, and is to be shot in Kaduna State. The film centers on epilepsy and is set in the 1880s, at a period when slave trade thrived and is to be acted by about 600 actors and actresses. [19] During the Covid-19 outbreak, McBaror released a web series of short films entitled, The Chronicles, aimed at spreading public awareness on the Coronavirus disease. [20] [21]

By 2021, his first ever attempt at horror movie production, a movie titled Creepy Lives Here had its official trailer released in January [22] [23] starring Afeez Oyetoro, Nancy Isime, Bimbo Ademoye ex Big Brother Naija (season 3) housemate Temidayo Adenibuyan aka Teddy A, Beverly Osu, and Mike Godson. By February we had our first look at Underbelly Movie [24] which stars Nollywood notable acts like Stan Nze, Femi Adebayo, Ali Nuhu, Maryam Booth and Kunle Coker.

In 2023, he directed Dark October, a film centered on the true life event of the lynching of four young Nigerian students from University of Port Harcourt, who were falsely accused of theft in Aluu area of Port Harcourt popularly known as Aluu Four lynching. [25]

Filmography

Music

YearTitleSingerRoleRef.
2011Kuchi Kuchi (Oh Baby)J'odiedirector
2019Power Rangers Teni (singer) director [26]
2020Under The Sky Praiz director [27]

Film

YearTitleActorsRoleRef.
2023 Dark OctoberChuks Joseph, Boman Bognet, Oge Gabriel, Favour Ben, Prince Daviddirector [28] [29]
2022AlmajiriAyo Makun, Alexx Ekubo, Asabe Madakidirector
2021 UnderbellyKunle Coker, Martins David, Femi Adebayo, Akume Akume, Stan Nze director [30]
Creepy Lives Heredirector [31]
2020 Double Strings Lilian Afegbai, Steve Asinobi, Ushbebe Comedian, Victor Deckerdirector
2019 Paper Boatdirector
The Millions Toyin Abraham, Vera Chidera, Etinosa Idemudia co-director
Made in Heaven Toyin Abraham, Dauda Adewale, Cassie Daniel, Eso Dike, Lasisi Elenu director [32]
2018 Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons Segun Arinze, Fathia Balogun, Falz, Nancy Isime director [33] [34]
The Island Femi Adebayo, Segun Arinze, Tokunbor Idowudirector [35]
Kada River Fella Makafui, Chris Okagbue, Rachael Oniga, Joke Silva director •
co-producer
[8]
2017 Lotanna Liz Benson, Chris Attoh, Henry Adofo, Jide Kosoko, Bimbo Manuel director
Blogger's Wife director
2015 Ikogosi Kunle Adetoba, Didi Ekanem, Chelsea Eze, Emem Isaacdirector •
producer
2014 Cubweb Tomorrowdirector [36]

Web/TV Series

YearTitleRoleRef.
2020 The Chroniclesdirector [37] [38]

Awards and nominations

YearEventPrizeRecipientResult
2018ZAFAABest cinematographyHimselfNominated
Best directorNominated
TINFFBest Nollywood directorWon
2017 GMA Best Film Lotanna Won
Best DirectorHimself (for Lotanna)Won
Best CinematographyWon
Best Art DirectorWon
Best CostumeLotannaWon
Best Sound EditorHimselfWon

Related Research Articles

<i>The Figurine</i> 2009 film by Kunle Afolayan

The Figurine: Araromire is a 2009 Nigerian supernatural suspense thriller film written by Kemi Adesoye, produced and directed by Kunle Afolayan, who also stars in the film as one of the main protagonists. It also stars Ramsey Nouah and Omoni Oboli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Osas Ighodaro</span> Nigerian-American actress

Osariemen Martha Elizabeth Ighodaro is a Nigerian actress, television host and philanthropist born in the United States. She won the 2010 Miss Black USA Pageant and founded the Joyful Joy Foundation, a fundraising organization for malaria. Osas emerged as the highest-grossing Nollywood actress of 2018, and was awarded Best Actress in a Drama consecutively at the 2022 and 2023 AMVCA for her roles in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story and Man of God, respectively.

<i>Married but Living Single</i> 2012 Nigerian film

Married but Living Single is a 2012 Nigerian romantic drama film, directed by Tunde Olaoye and starring Funke Akindele, Joseph Benjamin, Joke Silva, Tina Mba, Kiki Omeili and Femi Brainard. The film was inspired by a book of the same name by Pastor Femi Faseru of KICC Lagos and tells the story of Kate, a career driven woman who's married to an entrepreneur, Mike. Mike is diagnosed with lung cancer; Kate has to choose to either take a break from work to be with her husband while he recuperates from his surgery, or stay dedicated to her company which now stands a big chance of winning an important contract with a big telecommunication company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Femi Adebayo</span> Nigerian actor and director (born 1978)

Femi Adebayo Salami(born December 31, 1978) is a Nigerian film director, actor, lawyer, producer and special adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Arts, Culture, and Tourism. He is the son of actor Adebayo Salami.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adesua Etomi</span> Nigerian actress (born 1986)

Tolulope Adesua Etomi-Wellington commonly known as Adesua Etomi is a Nigerian actress and entrepreneur. She debuted her film career with Knocking On Heaven's Door (2014). Since then she has starred in several films and many awards. Amongst them is the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

<i>Ikogosi</i> 2015 Nigerian romantic drama film

Ikogosi: The Last Turn on Left is a 2015 Nigerian romantic drama film, produced and directed by Toka McBaror. It stars Chelsea Eze, IK Ogbonna, Lisa Omoriodon, Leo Orji, Didi Ekanem. The film narrates "the story of a simple holiday which goes bad and turns into an ugly trip".

<i>Just Not Married</i> 2016 Nigerian heist drama film

Just not Married is a 2016 Nigerian heist drama film starring Stan Nze, Rotimi Salami, Roland Obutu, Judith Audu, and Brutus Richards. The film was written by Lani Aisida and directed by Uduak-Obong Patrick. The film was shot within Lagos State.

Pascal Amanfo is a Nigerian film director, based primarily in the Ghana film industry.

<i>Lotanna</i> 2017 Nigerian film

Lotanna is a 2017 Nigerian crime drama film, directed by Toka McBaror. The film stars Chris Okagbue as the title character. The film had its worldwide release on 8 April 2017 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria. The original soundtrack for the film was done by Naeto C and Praiz, and was well received by film critics as a high-point in the film.

Chris Okagbue is a Nigerian model, actor, movie producer, and reality television star. He was the winner of the Gulder Ultimate Search season 8 reality show. He is of the Igbo tribe and is the son of the former Obi of Onitsha.

Olakunle Oladunni Churchill, is a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist. He is the founder of Churchill Group and Churchill Foundation.

<i>Kada River</i> Film directed by Toka McBaror

Kada River is a 2017 Nigerian romantic drama film directed by Toka McBaror who also co-produced it alongside Forinclay Ejeh and executive produced by Olakunle Churchill. The film stars Nollywood actors and actress such as Joke Silva, Keppy Ekpenyong, Rachel Oniga and Bayray McNwizu. Others including an ex-housemate in Big Brother Naija 2017 - TBoss, Ghanaian actress - Fella Makafui, Chris Okagbue, James Blessing, Rakiya Attah and Oluchi Madubuko. The film is an epic portraying the crises rocking Kaduna State, with the title being another name for the Kaduna River.

Made in Heaven is a 2019 Nigerian romantic drama film directed by Toka McBaror and produced by Darlington Abuda. It features Nollywood's Richard Mofe Damijo, Jide Kosoko, and Nancy Isime, Ayo Makun, Toyin Abraham, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Lasisi Elenu, former Big Brother Naija housemate - Kemen, and others. The film shows its central characters seeking spiritual help in their daily lives.

The Island is a 2018 Nigerian action film directed by Toka McBaror. The film was co-produced by Daniel Cole Chiori and Freda Francis and stars Nollywood actors and actress such as Femi Adebayo, Segun Arinze, Sukanmi Bahlofin, Sambasa Nzeribe.

Rekiya Yusuf is a Nigerian Nollywood actress. She was present at the launch of the African Movie Channel Original Productions (AMCOP), a production arm of the African Movie Channel (AMC) alongside other top Nollywood filmmakers.

<i>Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story</i> 2020 Nigerian film directed by Ramsey Nouah

Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story also known as The Armadas is a 2020 Nigerian thriller action film executive produced by Charles Okpaleke and directed by Ramsey Nouah. It is the official remake of the 1995 Nigerian classic action thriller film Rattlesnake which was directed by Amaka Igwe. The film stars Stan Nze, Chiwetalu Agu, Osas Ighodaro, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Ayo Makun in the lead roles. It had its theatrical release on 13 November 2020. It received mixed reviews from critics and ranked 24th overall on the list of highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time at the end of its theatrical run. It is regarded as one of the best Nigerian films of 2020.

<i>Survival of Jelili</i> 2019 Nigerian comedy film by Desmond Elliot

Survival of Jelili previously titled as Jelili Reloaded is a 2019 Nigerian comedy film produced by Femi Adebayo and directed by Desmond Elliot. The film is a sequel to the 2011 comic film Jelili. The film stars Femi Adebayo in the title role as Jelili, while also stars Toyin Abraham and Dele Odule in the lead roles. The film had its theatrical release on 6 December 2019 and received positive reviews from critics. It was also streamed via Netflix on 8 July 2020.

<i>Akpe: Return of the Beast</i> 2019 Nigerian action drama film

Akpe: Return of the Beast, is a 2019 Nigerian action drama film directed by Toka McBaror and produced by Justice Nuagbe. The film stars Jide Kosoko in the lead role whereas Juliet Ibrahim, Bolanle Ninalowo, Daniel Lloyd and Eniola Badmus made supportive roles. The film rotates around Akpe, a self-proclaimed king of the Zanga where his closest friend organizes a group of boys to conquer the street.

The 2021 Best of Nollywood Awards is the 13th edition of the ceremony that took place in Lokoja, Kogi State on 11 December 2021

<i>King of Thieves</i> (2022 film) 2022 Nigerian film

King of Thieves (Agẹṣinkólé) is a 2022 Nigerian thriller film produced by Femi Adebayo and directed by Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani. It stars Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Toyin Abraham, Broda Shaggi, Adebowale "Debo" Adedayo aka Mr Macaroni, Lateef Adedimeji,Ibrahim Yekini and Ibrahim Chatta. The Epic Yoruba-language movie was produced by Femi Adebayo's Euphoria360 media and co-produced by the Niyi Akinmolayan's Anthill studios. The movie's premiere was held on April 4, 2022, and the star-studded event was held at the IMAX Cinemas, Lekki, Lagos which featured lot of trends and talk-point. The movie hit the cinema nationwide from April 8, 2022,

References

  1. "Funke Akindele makes directorial debut in Mo Abudu's 'Your Excellency'". August 6, 2019.
  2. Kehinde, Opeyemi (August 21, 2019). "Ali Nuhu, Ramsey Nouah, Chika Lann feature in 'The Millions'". Daily Trust. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  3. "Blossom Chukwujekwu News" . Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  4. "Somkhele Iyamah, Adesua Etomi, Adunni Ade attend old school themed premiere". Pulse. April 9, 2017. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  5. "Teni - "Power Rangers" | Download MP3 « tooXclusive". June 13, 2019.
  6. "'Under the Sky' with Praise". October 12, 2020.
  7. Offiong, Adie Vanessa (April 6, 2019). "I Thought I Would End Up A Basketballer – Toka Mcbaror". Daily Trust. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  8. 1 2 Husseini, Shaibu (September 16, 2017). "A huge world premiere for Toka Mcbaror's 'Kada River' in Toronto" . Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  9. "Alter Ego, Kada River… Movies to be screened at Nollywood Travel Film Festival". News Agency of Nigeria. August 31, 2017. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  10. "Nollywood director, Toka McBaror bags six awards at the Golden Movie Awards 2017". Sagagist. July 26, 2017. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  11. "Epic Drama 'Lotanna' Goes on Amazon Prime Video – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  12. "Nigerian Movie, The Island, Wins Best African Film Award at 2018 TINFF". August 18, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  13. "Ghana Earns 14 Nominations At 2018 African Film Awards London". Ghafla!. September 26, 2018. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  14. "MUSICNew Video: J'odie – Kuchi Kuchi (Oh Baby)". BellaNaija. February 17, 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  15. Ohai, Chux (January 19, 2017). "Blogger's Wife to hit the screen soon". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  16. Augoye, Jayne (September 7, 2018). "AY releases trailer of new film" . Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  17. Okechukwu, Daniel (October 30, 2019). "TOKA MCBAROR TEASES ACTION CRIME TV SERIES 'PAPER BOAT'". Culture Custodian. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  18. "Behind an Unsolved Murder lies a Dark Secret – Watch the Trailer for Lillian Afegbai's "Double Strings"". BellaNaija. February 21, 2020. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  19. Akan, King (February 21, 2020). "Red Caravan Movie Audition Holds Weekend". Abuja: This Day Live. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  20. "Toka McBaror's Covid-19 awareness short film The Chronicle is A Frightening reality of the North". May 2, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  21. Roberts, Julia (May 1, 2020). ""The Chronicle" by Toka McBaror is all About Spreading Awareness on Coronavirus" . Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  22. "McBaror's 'Creepy Lives Here' is Fearful". January 23, 2021.
  23. "Toka McBaror taps into claustrophobic dread in trailer for Creepy Lives Her". January 12, 2021.
  24. "Watch Stan Nze, Femi Adebayo, Maryam Booth in the First Teaser for Toka McBaror's "Underbelly"". February 2, 2021.
  25. "Linda Ikeji makes film production debut with dark October". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. January 21, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  26. "The iconic new song by Teni - Power Rangers: Why we absolutely love it!". June 17, 2019.
  27. "Download VIDEO: Praiz – Under the Sky » TapoutNaija". October 14, 2020.
  28. Augoye, Jayne (January 19, 2023). "Linda Ikeji makes Nollywood debut with film on extrajudicial killings 'Dark October'". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  29. "Watch Dark October | Netflix". www.netflix.com. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  30. "Stan Nze, Femi Adebayo, Maryam Booth star in 'Underbelly' teaser". February 3, 2021.
  31. "Must Watch Trailer: Nancy Isime, Bimbo Ademoye, Beverly Osu in "Creepy Lives Here"". January 11, 2021.
  32. "Made in Heaven". Nollywood REinvented. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  33. "Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons review – cheerful comedy, lost in translation". TheGuardian.com . December 7, 2018.
  34. "Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons - Movie Reviews". Rotten Tomatoes .
  35. "The Island". IUVIT Media Sales. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  36. "Nigeria: Foluke Daramola-Salako Premieres Cobweb Tomorrow". All Africa. Daily Independent (Lagos). June 26, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  37. "Chronicle: Movie on Coronavirus". Nolly Movies Planet. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  38. "The Chronicle by Toka McBaror is all About Spreading Awareness on Coronavirus". Latest Nigerian News. Bellanaija. May 2, 2020. Retrieved October 5, 2020.