TIPTOPSTARS

 Dust is yet to settle on the 2013 Nollywood and African Film Critics’ Awards, NAFCA that ended in Washington DC a couple of weeks ago. To laureates, it was a wonderful experience picking up a prize at the prestigious recognition initiative (also known as African Oscars) which has fast become every movie person’s ultimate dream.

Some of the 2013 NAFCA laureates still swimming in the frenzy of the award are the crew and cast of African Connection, a film that emerged top in the best TV series category. Amongst them is international actress Merlisa Determined whom TIPTOPSTARS has been trailing on this other production. According to the Caribbean-born American actress, African Connection is one of the films she put in quite much as far as performance is concerned. “It’s one of those performances that required me to go an extra mile, yet staying true to my character,” the Houston-based actress told TIPTOPSTARS editor. “There are situations one is bound to, based on their understanding of the story, add a few unscripted lines that end up becoming so spicy to the production. I did just that in African Connection and it worked so well,” Merlisa explained further.

Merlisa who plays one of the lead characters in the series explained that she had a perfect rapport with the other cast and crew and this makes African Connection a great piece. “With my interlocutors, the set chemistry was impressive. I just enjoyed working with John Okafor, Ash Davito, Esther Imoragble, George Ukamado, Aaron Davison, Roseline Bertrand and the others,” she revealed. She went on: “My director got what he wanted from me in terms of delivery and I’m glad he was satisfied.”

Produced by Godwin Ikaikhe and directed by AB Salu, African Connection is a 13-episode series that focuses on love and power. It is revolves around a ruler in Northern Nigeria who makes frequent visits to American to further the wellbeing of his wife and children.  Upon returning, he learns of his terminal illness that gives him little room to live.  The family suffers humiliation when Prince Ahmed finds a seemingly effective answer to his problems by resorting to the greedy option of dealing in illegal drugs. The rest of the story is told in the award-winning series.

African Connection was shot for two months in 2012 on locations in Texas. It has been screened on a local channel in Texas. It will however be officially released in 2014. The lead actress Merlisa Determined plays Fatima, a straightforward, outspoken, bold, independent and loyal friend of the royal family. It is the second series she is featuring in, the first being Medish Conteh’s Family Secrets shot last year in New Jersey, also featuring Cameroonian actress Taka Tanni. It should be recalled that Merlisa Determined was a nominee in the NAFCA best supporting actress category from the movie Page 36.