The Nigerian film industry woke up to the sad news of the passing of one of its contemporary pioneers, Chico Maziakpono Ejiro, on Christmas Day.
Ejiro reportedly died from a seizure stemming from heart complications in the early hours of December 25, 2020 after concluding production of his latest film on Christmas Eve.
He was 57.
Until his death, he arguably held the record of the Nollywood filmmaker with the highest number of movies directed.
He owned a production company called Grand Touch Pictures and directed over 80 films within a 5-year period, each shot in as little as three to five days, there By earning the sobriquet of “pa-pa-pa” filmmaker.
In one of his interviews, Ejiro, who had studied Agriculture at the university, he was drawn into film production because of his elder brother, Zeb Ejiro, a renowned producer, and because “Nigerians would not buy blank video cassettes.”
The Delta State-born producer, popularly regarded as “Mr. Prolific”, was known for his blockbusters such as ‘Silent Night’, ‘Blood Money’, ‘Deadly Affair’, among several other notable films.
Several Industry Players Have Been Paying Tributes To Mr. Prolific On Social Media:
“We celebrate your life and all you achieved Chico Ejiro. Working with you in the early 90s was magical. With great movies such as Day Break, Slaves Scores to settle etc… Mr. Prolific! Your legacy outlives you. Adieu”
– Actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
“I’m saddened by the death of a senior colleague, Big Brother, friend and of course one of the pioneer of the Home-Video industry later known as Nollywood. Rest in peace Chico Ejiro! Devastating news this Christmas day”
– Actress, Uche Jombo Rodriguez
“Chico was an authentic Nollywood pioneer and hero. Whilst he did not invent the “kpa kpa kpa” style which arguably made Nollywood the most efficient film industry, he popularized it. Efficiency fuelled by speed was primary for the man tabloids dubbed “Mr. Prolific”. Having cut his teeth in television like most Nollywood pioneers, he launched his movie career with Deadly Affair, a partnership with Opa Williams. Chico’s Grandtouch Pictures was Nollywood in its boom years. We shall miss “Chikoski” whom I communicated with on December 4, 2020, just a few hours before presenting a keynote address at ZUMA Film Festival, Abuja. But the man likely to miss him more is actor, Segun Arinze. At ZUMA, we had discussed Segun’s reprisal of his Black Arrow character in the planned remake of Chico’s seminal movie ‘Silent Night’. Sad Chico Ejiro’s night is now silent… forever.
– Filmmaker, Madu C. Chikwendu
“This is a very sad news that I just received on Christmas day, Chicoejiro dead? Mr. Prolific (as we fondly called him), wetin happen na, you couldn’t even wait for 2021 to come by? What a sad sad Christmas for Nollywood!!! Goodbye my in-law. Your great works will forever speak for you, the story of Nollywood as Nigeria’s greatest export will be incomplete without many chapters dedicated to your proficient and creative works. Sleep well my Bro!
– Film Director, Dickson Iroegbu
“Good night Chico Ejiro “Mr. Prolific”. I can’t forget our days on ‘Nneka the pretty serpent’ set in 1994. Rest on brother
– Film Producer, Okey Ogunjiofor
“Resting in my country home after attending a wonderful Christmas church service, I didn’t even know that a giant of the Nigerian film industry had fallen till a journalist from a popular newspaper called to know my reaction to Chico’s sudden passage! Shock! Shock!! I’m still in shock!!! Could it be that the legendary movie director was making attempt to break into acting big time? Alas this is no longer the make-believe we would’ve loved it to be, for sadly, it’s been confirmed that our friend and colleague Chico Ejiro has transited into eternity! He was a phenomenon. He left indelible mark in the sands of time and therefore will never be forgotten in a hurry. Good night Chico Ejiro. Godspeed. May The Lord’s light shine upon you forever!!! Rest In Peace
– Actor, Bob-manuel Udokwu
“Wow…! On a day synonymous with joy…and merriment…the Nigerian creative family announces a moment of deep loss, and dismay at the fickleness of living. Humble, self-effacing but prodigiously inventive director and visual interpreter, CHICO EJIRO has moved beyond our realm… Today… on Christmas day! We commiserate with his wife, Joy; his older siblings, Zeb, Peter…and the entire Ejiro family. Chico’s footsteps cannot be erased…because he worked hard within the breath of his God-given talent to bring joy, purpose and prosperity to many in Nigeria, Nollywood and across the world. Oh, wicked death… with its poor timing …we didn’t get to say another “Merry Christmas!” Adieu, Chico… Don’t forget to dazzle them yonder…but let your restless spirit find eternal rest. Good night
– Journalist and Film Critic, Femi Akintunde-Johnson