Waiting To Watch Destiny Etiko In Brother Bernard!, by Isaac Asabor

It is not an exaggeration to opine that the use of the voice “Brother Bernard” by skit makers in Nigeria is a cultural phenomenon or trend that has caught on. In fact, it is common for certain phrases, accents, or character voices to become popular in comedy skits, and once they gain traction, creators continue to use them for humor and familiarity, and that is likely what the film, “Brother Bernard” a 2024 Nigerian movie starring Destiny Etiko and Fredrick Leonard would surely be characterized with.

However, while this writer is bemused about why skit makers have the predilection to boost their skits with “Brother Bernard” ostensibly to make it more humorous, he is not bemused that there is film titled, “Brother Bernard” as it is not arguable that Destiny Etiko featuring in the film will play the role that would resonate with audiences, and has become a recognizable and entertaining element in Nigerian skits.  

Given the foregoing backdrop, there is no denying the fact that “Brother Bernard”, a 2024 Nigerian movie starring Destiny Etiko and Frederick Leonard would surely resonates with its targeted audience. As gathered, it is a must-watch film that combines education and entertainment. The plot revolves around two best friends who find themselves in a hilarious and entertaining situation as they both fall for a man of God.

The reason for waiting to watch Destiny Etiko in the film cannot be farfetched as the thespian is not a pushover in the Nollywood industry. After all, an African proverb says, “Nor Be Money Dey Cook Better Soup, Na who cook soup dey cook better soup”, contrarily to the popular version that says, “Na Money Dey Cook Better Soup”. Explanatorily put, a bad cook may have all the ingredients and money needed to cook a delicious soup, but may end up cooking a tasteless soup”.

However, in the case of Etiko, particularly when seen through the eyes of the foregoing proverbial backdrop, she has always been a good cook as her background and record eloquently speak for her in the literary kitchen of Nigeria’s Nollywood.

For the sake of clarity, Destiny Etiko is a talented Nigerian actress known for her remarkable acting skills, captivating on-screen presence, and delectable physical appearance. She was born on August 12, 1989, in Udi, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Destiny received both her primary and secondary education in Enugu State. She later moved to Awka, Anambra, to continue her studies. Inspired by her mother, she decided to pursue a career in acting.

She ventured into Nollywood (the Nigerian movie industry) in 2011. Her breakthrough came with the movie “Idemili”, produced by Ernest Obi in 2012 (although it was not released until 2014). Her role in “Idemili” earned her a City People Entertainment Awards nomination. Before that, she had appeared in other films but had not received prominent roles.

Unlike the norm of relocating to Lagos for success, Destiny has remained in Enugu throughout her acting career. She has been vocal against sexual harassment from male movie producers in Nigeria. In 2019, she gifted her mother an apartment as a token of appreciation for supporting her decision to become an actress. In a similar vein, she is also reputed to have gifted her mother a car. Sadly, she lost her father in May 2020.

Her philanthropic disposition cannot in anyway be skipped in this context as she has established the Destiny Etiko Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at improving the conditions of people living in poverty.

Without a doubt, Brother Bernard is unarguably going to be a must-watch as Destiny is a versatile actress who has showcased her talent across various genres in Nollywood. Some of the genres she has worked in include: Drama where she has delivered powerful performances in dramatic roles, portraying complex emotions and intense situations as well Comedy where she has also excelled in comedic roles, bringing humor and lightheartedness to the screen.

Also, she has been part of epic movies that transport viewers to historical or mythological settings, often with grand visuals and captivating storytelling.

In a similar vein, romance films have allowed her to explore themes of love, relationships, and emotional connections, even as she has dabbled in thrillers, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with suspenseful plots.

Talking about projects she has been involved in, it is not an exaggeration to say that Destiny has been busy with several exciting projects, and some of her recent and upcoming works cut across Osama, Strong Woman and “Shege Banza”.

In Osama, which also features Zubby Michael, Gentle Jack, Edomi Victor, and Princess Candice, the movie promises an intriguing storyline and captivating performances.

At this juncture, it is not a misnomer to opine that not a few of her fans are expectant of the film “Brother Bernard” they crave seeing her in action, and also as the title resonate with the use of the voice “Brother Bernard” by skit makers in Nigeria, therefore putting the film on the pedestal of being hilarious, entertaining, and educative, even as it is expected to be enlightening on the societal issue it is set to address.

In fact, it will not be forgotten in this context that her versatility allows her to shine in various genres, making her a sought-after actress in the Nigerian film industry! As a proof that the film would be surely be engaging and exhilarating, it has been gathered that it has recorded one million YouTube views as at Sunday, July 7, 2024.   So, not a few film lovers are waiting to watch Destiny Etiko in Brother Bernard.