Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/bcm/src/dev/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121 Nollywood actors | Zikoko!
There’s something about Segun Arinze’s eyes that has characters confessing all their past, present, and future sins, but must Nollywood typecast him as an olopa? The man has played a police officer in Afamefuna, Merry Men 3 AND Blood Sisters.
Nollywood needs to remove “olopa”from our king’s head and put him in something new. We have a couple of suggestions.
A priest
Image Source: Nollywoodbymindspace
What’s the difference between a priest and a police officer? Well, a lot, but they both have the uncanny ability to get people to confess all they’ve done and might want to do in the future. If Nollywood still wants to make use of his truth-revealing, olopaeyes, then they should make him a priest.
A vengeful man
Image Source: Zikoko!memes
We need someone to wipe out his entire family in the first 30 minutes of a film so his character can spend the next 60 to 90 minutes threatening, maiming and killing people. Have you seen him in Silent Night? We know he can do this.
Somebody’s disapproving daddy
Image Source: Zikoko!memes
We need more Nollywood romance, and every self-respecting romance needs someone to stand as a stumbling block in the way of the protagonist’s love. We volunteer Segun Arinze in the role of disapproving daddy who thinks no one is good enough for his darling child.
A murderous choir leader
Image Source: Zikoko!memes
He could honestly go around hacking people down with a saw, as long as we get to hear him sing every now and again.
An ever-grieving widower
Image Source: Zikoko!memes
Older people are allowed to fall in love, too. Nollywood needs to actually take this one seriously and give Segun Arinze a character that spends half the film grieving the loss of his first love and the other half rediscovering himself and falling in love with someone new.
A historical figure
Image Source: torinews!
It’s already been announced that he’s playing MKO Abiola in a biopic. But people need to be reminded of Segun Arinze’s range yesterday, so we’ll need the filmmakers to speed things up and give us that biopic NOW.
A time-traveling juju man
Image Source: Zikoko!memes
Nollywood’s already given us one juju sci-fi film, so we know they can do it again. They need to put Segun Arinze in costume and have him muttering out incantations through space and time as soon as possible.
The Nigerian movie industry has lost quite a few talents in recent times, but these late Nollywood actors left a lasting impression that’ll keep their memories alive.
Nollywood actors who have died in the last few years
Murphy Afolabi
Source: Instagram/@murphyafolabi20
He passed away on May 14, 2023, just a few days after celebrating his 49th birthday, but the actor was a force to reckon with in the Yoruba faction of Nollywood, having featured in over 100 movie productions. Some of his notable works include Olokiki Oru, Wasila Coded Reloaded and One Blood.
Source: Instagram/@theofficialsaintobi
Before his demise, the veteran film star who rocked the late 90s and early 2000s kept a low profile, with fans pining to have him on their screens again. Unfortunately, Saint Obi bade the world goodbye on May 7, 2023, after battling an undisclosed illness. He starred in over 60 Nollywood movies and produced his first movie, Take Me to Maama, in 2001. Some of his notable works include State of Emergency, Final Whistle and Sakobi the Snake Girl.
Chief Ojo Arowosafe ( Fadeyi Oloro)
Source: Instagram/@fadeyioloro1
Popularly known as Fadeyi Oloro, the veteran Nollywood actor passed away on March 7, 2023, aged 66. His daughter, Fasunwon Oluwafunke, broke the news of the actor’s death following a protracted battle with a terminal disease. Fadeyi Oloro was loved by many for his iconic roles in Yoruba movies, as a traditional warlord or herbalist. Some of his notable works include Inubibi, Anike Olufa and Akoni Mefa.
Kunle Adetokunbo (Dejo Tunfulu)
Source: The Guardian
Dejo Tunfulu passed away, aged 49, in April 2022. He was loved by many for his funny and chaotic characters as the help or gateman in Yoruba movies. He was also a writer and movie producer, who worked on movies like Jide Jendo, Yemi My Lover and Booda Ode.
Gbenga Richards
Source: Instagram/@gbengarichards
Gbenga Richards died on May 12, 2022, after battling an unknown ailment. Richards was a leading Nollywood star who dazzled viewers with his performance during the 1990s and early 2000s. Some of his notable works include Sango, Mirror in the Sun and Super Story.
Sam Loco Efe
12 years after his demise, Sam Loco Efe still holds a place in the hearts of colleagues and fans because of his indelible work on setting the blueprint for comedy in Nollywood. He died in August 2011. According to reports, the actor was found dead in a hotel room in Owerri, Imo State, after what seemed like an asthma attack. Some of his notable works include Police Recruit, Daddy Must Obey and Tom & Jerry.
Ernest Asuzu
Ernest Asuzu is among the late Nollywood actors who ruled supreme during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The actor took an exit from the movie scenes in 2015 after he came down with a stroke that affected his speech. Asuzu passed away in January 2021 aged 37. Some of his notable works include Ogidan, Highway to The Grave and Formidable Force.
Karibi Fubara
He’s one of the late Nollywood actors whose death left fans and colleagues completely heartbroken because of how open he was about his battle with kidney cancer. Fubara died in December 2021, months after announcing he’d had a successful surgery to take out 90% of his tumour. Some of his notable works include God Calling, The Smart Money Woman and Ratnik.
Sadiq Daba
Source: BBC
Sadiq Daba was a veteran broadcaster and Nollywood thespian who died in March 2021 at the Ayinke General Hospital in Ikeja, after battling leukaemia and prostate cancer. Daba was loved by fans and colleagues, especially for his role as Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, which earned him an AMAA for Best Actor. Some of his notable works include Citation, Eagle Wings and Seven.
Victor Olaotan
Best known for his role in the hit TV series, Tinsel, Victor Olaotan died in August 2021 aged 69. The actor had taken a break from the acting scene in 2016, following a life-altering car accident on his way to a movie set, that left him incapacitated. Some of his notable works include Lotanna, Three Wise Men and Alter Ego. He’s among the late Nollywood actors we won’t forget soon.
Pat Nebo
Photo source: The Punch
Not an actor, but Pat Nebo was one of the leading behind-the-scenes men in Nollywood. He was a renowned production designer and art director who worked on some of the biggest and successful movies in the industry.
Nebo passed away on September 14, 2023, after a prolonged battle with an undisclosed illness. Some of his notable works include Phone Swap, Citation and Being Mrs Elliot.
Yemi Lawrence Adeyemi
Photo source: New Telegraph
Best known for his role as Suara in Wale Adenuga Production’s Super Story series Oh Father, Oh Daughter, Yemi Lawrence Adeyemi passed away on September 24, 2023. The veteran actor’s son shared the sad news with fans who had not seen much of him since he featured in the popular 2001 TV series.
Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji
Photo source: Instagram/@iamsisiquadri
He passed away on March 1, 2024, aged 44. Popularly known by his fans as Sisi Quadri, the comic actor was a force in the Yoruba movie industry. Before his demise, he had crossed into skitmaking, collaborating with content creators like Isbae U, Bimbo Ademoye, Mr Macaroni and many more. Some of his notable works include Anikulapo: The Rise of The Spectre, Seranko Seniyan and Eran Iya Osogbo.
John Okafor
Photo source: Instagram/@realmribu
Popularly called Mr Ibu by fans, the legendary comic actor passed away on March 2, 2024, aged 62, after a two-year-long battle with his health.
In November, the actor lost a leg to amputation but fans and well-wishers had hoped he’d brace the storm and return to TV screens. Mr Ibu was renowned for his comedic roles in Nollywood and his jovial personality in real life. Some of his notable works include Mr Ibu, Police Recruit, Mr Ibu Goes to School and Nicodemus.
Deji Aderemi
Photo source: The Punch
Also known as Baba Olofa Ina, the veteran Nollywood actor died on January 4, 2024 aged 73. According to reports, the thespian died of cancer in his hometown of Ede, Osun state. Baba Olofa Ina was famous for taking on roles of traditional chiefs and ifa priests in Yoruba movies. He was among the respected veterans pulled in for Kunle Afolayan’s Netflix series: Anikulapo Rise of The Spectre. Some other notable works include Kabiyesi Olodumare, Ija Omode and Ewe Orun.
[ad]
Nollywood actresses who have died in the last few years
Cynthia Okereke
The actress passed away in July 2023, a year after she was kidnapped while filming in Enugu. According to the chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (Delta State Chapter), Emma Onyemeziem, she died after a brief illness. Okereke was known for taking on comic roles in movies alongside colleagues like Nkem Owoh. Some of her notable works include King Jaja of Opobo, Lion Finger and Second Chance.
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe
Although not an actress, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was a leading woman in Nigerian cinema who was known for her stellar work with the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA). Osigwe was a filmmaker commonly referred to as the “queen of Nollywood films” because of how passionate she was about spreading the gospel of Nollywood. She died at St Nicholas Hospital (Lagos) on January 9, 2023, following a heart attack.
Favour Daniels
Source: Instagram/@favour_daniels
The fast-rising comic actress’ demise came as a shock to fans who had come to love her for her funny online skits. Daniels, who was also known as Omoge Amama, died in February 2023 aged 26. The young film star was involved in a boat accident that claimed her life.
Rachel Oniga
Source: Instagram/@rachelonigafoundation
Rachel Oniga was a strong force to reckon with in Nollywood, and her demise left a big gap that colleagues can only hope to fill. The veteran film star, 64, passed away in July 2021 from heart-related issues. Until her demise, Oniga was active in the industry and featured in big-budget productions like The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, A Naija Christmas and Chief Daddy.
Ada Ameh
Fans and lovers of the popular TV series, The Johnsons, had a hard time accepting the demise of Ada Ameh. The 48-year-old who’d been battling with her mental health since the demise of her daughter in 2020, passed away in July 2022. Until her death, Ameh was active in the movie scene and featured in projects like Phone Swap, Lockdown and Our Husband.
Sidikat Odukanwi
Source: Diamond Classic Photography
Known by fans and colleagues as Iyabo Oko, the veteran actress battled with her health for years before she died. Rumours of her death first surfaced in 2021 and 2022. However, her daughter finally confirmed her passing on Thursday, June 29, 2023. She is popular for her roles in Yoruba language movies like Okobo Dimeji, Idunnu Okan and Ayitale.
Moji Olaiya
The 42-year-old Yoruba movie star passed away in Canada in May 2017, barely two months after she welcomed a child. Olaiya’s death came as a shock to fans and colleagues who were waiting for her to make a grand return to the screen after her maternity leave. Olaiya was the daughter of legendary highlife maestro, Victor Olaiya, and some of her notable works include No Pain No Gain, Sade Blade and Omo Iya Meta Leyi.
Ify Onwuemene
Ify Onwuemene became a favourite for many Nigerians as the late Sam Loco Efe’s on-screen wife in the TV series, Everyday People. She passed on in May 2021 after battling endometrial cancer. Before her demise, Davido had donated a sum of ₦1m when she was raising funds for her treatment. Some of her notable works include Heaven’s Gate, Closet and I Need to Know.
Aishat Abimbola
Nollywood suffered another major loss when Aishat Abimbola passed on barely a year after her colleague, Moji Olaiya, died in Canada. The actress died aged 42 after battling breast cancer. Until her demise, Abimbola AKA Omoge Campus was a force to reckon with in the Yoruba faction of Nollywood. Some of her notable works include Odaju Obinrin, Omoge Campus and Eje Adegbenro.
Cringe-style acting is a part of the Nigerian movie industry we can’t erase, but we’re here for the crop of Nollywood actors who are changing this narrative.
From the young guns to the OGs, everyone has upped their game, and it’s understandable; the Nollywood of yesteryears is a no contender for box office-shattering, digital streaming and international projects Nollywood.
If you haven’t been paying attention to the names on this list, here’s a chance to get familiar with all the greatness they bring to the table.
Nollywood’s top young actors in 2023
Maleek Sani
Source: Instagram/@maleek_of_ikorodubois
We were never in doubt that this was one smart little man who would one day claim his spot on our TV screens, we just didn’t know it’d be this early. Maleek as a younger Obalola (Tobi Bakre) in Gangs of Lagos had critics deading the narrative that Nollywood cannot produce child actors.
Mike Folarin
Source: Instagram/@mikeafolarin
A lot of things might have taken a back seat in our memories about Netflix’s five-part series, Far From Home, but surely not Mike Folarin’s performance as Ishaya Bello. Afolarin was a delight to watch from start to finish, and if anything, the outrage against him on Twitter after the series debuted was a true testament to how much he bodied the role. This one has us sat and we have no option but to stan.
Moshood Fattah
Source: Instagram/@moshoodfattah
My first onscreen encounter with Moshood Fattah was in Bolanle Austen Peter’s Fela and the Kalakuta Queens (2017), and I just knew he was one to look out for. Six years later, there he was again in Funke Akindele’s Battle on Buka Street, andmy earlier suspicions about him were confirmed. He’s going to be around for a long time.
Chimezie Imo
Source: Instagram/@chimezie_imo
Whether he’s playing a troubled, thrill-seeking teen in films like Nimbe and Kasala, or the lead in a psychological thriller like Choke, Chimezie Imo is a bankable actor who’ll always give you your money’s worth. I mean, it’s not child’s play that he was nominated in an AMVCA category alongside OG Nollywood actors like RMD, Chidi Mokeme and OC Ukeje.
Emeka “Emeneks” Nwagbaraocha
Source: Instagram/@emeneks
You might want to remember this name because he’s one actor poised to have a big career in high-budget, international Nollywood projects. Emeneks captured our attention with his performance as Frank in Netflix’s five-part series, Far From Home. But that wasn’t his first outing, the rising star has featured in projects like Kasala, Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, Prophetess, and most recently, Niyi Akinmolayan’s noir project, House of Secrets, but OGs know him from EbonyLife’s Life 101. He’s making the right moves, and we’re taking notes.
The next rated OGs
Tobi Bakre
Source: Instagram/@tobibakre
A handful of BBNaija alum have tried to break the jinx of being more than reality stars, but no one has done it quite like Tobi Bakre. He completely swooped us off our feet in 2022 and we aren’t complaining because we want more of it. From Gangs of Lagos to Brotherhood, Tobi bodied the action genre so bad, any conversation about Nollywood lacking action stars will always fall dead on arrival. More of it, Tobi, more of it.
Olarotimi Fakunle
There was a lot to take home from Jade Osiberu’s Gang of Lagos, but anyone who watched the film cannot forget the revelation that was Olarotimi Fakunle. Cast as Kazeem, AKA Eleniyan, in the Amazon Prime project, the level of nuance and depth he brought to the character left the audience with mixed feelings about him as a villain. We’re only hoping Nollywood doesn’t typecast him because there are more layers to this bundle of talent.
Maurice Sam
Although he debuted in 2015 on the Africa Magic Television Series, Hotel Majestic, Maurice Sam’s big Nollywood moment came in 2022 with his role as a hired assassin on Netflix’s original series, Blood Sisters. The role has laid the foundation for an exciting career run. You’ll catch more of Maurice in 2022 projects When Men Cry and Perfect Assistants.
Kunle Remi
Half of Twitter NG wanted their feet on Kunle Remi’s neck when Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo dropped on Netflix in 2022, and that’s a pointer to how well he bodied his role as Saro. The Nollywood actor is not a newbie in these streets, but Afolayan’s bet on him as a lead cast opened the audience’s eyes to his depth. He should’ve bagged that AMVCA award, or at best, be nominated in the category.
Adebowale “Mr Macaroni” Adedayo
Source: Instagram/@mrmacaroni
It’s no surprise that Mr Macaroni is well on his way to making a cross-over to mainstream Nollywood. His approach to online skit-making has always been from the lens of a trained thespian, one who knows his onions. So far, he has landed roles in Anikulapo, Brotherhood and King of Thieves, but we need a Nollywood director to cast him as a leading man. He has all it takes to raise shoulders with some of our favourite Nollywood actors.
Nollywood’s top-rated veterans of 2023
Chidi Mokeme
Source: Instagram/@chidimokeme
When you take a break from your acting career, the only acceptable way to make a comeback is as Scar in a big-budget Nollywood film like Shanty Town. Chidi Mokeme only returned to let us know why he ranks high as a leading man in Nollywood, and boy, were we SAT? He ate, left no crumbs and delivered a straight-up onscreen masterclass on how to be a veteran artist. The actor has taken on more projects, and we can’t wait to be schooled again.
Femi Adebayo
Source: Intagram/@femiadebayosalami
When a Yoruba action epic goes on to rank as one of the leading Nollywood films of 2022, it’s because everyone involved delivered. Femi Adebayo carried the entire King of Thieves on his back with his interpretation of his role as Ageshinkole. He’s one of the Nollywood actors out to remind us why he’s ranked as an OG in the first place. Adebayo is set to break his own record with his soon-to-be-released follow-up, Jagun Jagun.
Ramsey Nouah
Source: Instagram/@ramseynouah
Although he’s been busy with the production side of Nollywood these days, our OG bad boy still has a tight grip on us with his performance as Uncle B in Netflix’s Blood Sisters. With that role, he basically said: “I don’t have to say too much, but I’ll still teach y’all HOW TO ACT”. And honestly, we were schooled. Nouah’s latest, Love, Lust and Other Things, is currently doing mad numbers in the cinemas, and he still has us anticipating projects like Tokunbo, Igbo Landing.
Odunlade Adekola
Source: Instagram/@odunladeadekola
Mo Abudu took the creative decision to cast Odunlade Adekola as Eleshin Oba in the first-ever live-action adaption of Wole Soyinka’s play, The King’s Horseman, and we dare say she couldn’t have chosen better. Odunlade bodied that role to the T, and if anything, it was a full-circle moment that served as a personal reminder that he’s who he thinks he is. He went on to show us in Femi Adebayo’s King of Thieves and is currently receiving rave reviews for his self-directed latest, Orisa.
Jide Kosoko
Daddy Kosoko is the gift that keeps giving to Nollywood, and we’re just genuinely thankful that old age has nothing on him yet. The veteran actor has shown out in 2023 big-budget productions like Al-Majiri, Jagaban: Last Man Standing and is poised to feature in Kunle Afolayan’s upcoming series, Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre. Daddy Kosoko isn’t halting his wheels, and we rate it.
While we’re still hoping and praying to have a partner as loving as Ken is to Barbie, these men have graduated from the school of Ken and are loving their partners right.
Louis in The Men’s Club
One thing’s for certain, Louis has fully accepted that he’s just Ken, and Lola is everything. Doesn’t matter what happens, what she does, or what hoops he has to jump through to make her happy, he’ll do anything to put a smile on her face.
Kevin in Isoken
Kevin was always just happy to just be around Isoken, it didn’t matter if they were dancing, hopping kekes to Balogun market, or listening to Fela. He was willing and ready to try anything, as long as he got to do it with her.
Tunde in Flower Girl
He put aside everything to help Kemi get her man back. Tunde was determined to help her keep her happiness, even if that meant watching the woman he loved fawn over her idiot of an ex.
Mide in Skinny Girl in Transit
After a long list of badly behaved men, Mide stepped into Tiwa’s life. At first, it was a little rocky, but he understood fast that he couldn’t do life without Tiwa. Now every time we see them on screen, Tiwa has a big smile on her face, and he looks like he’s astonished by his good fortune.
Dimeji in Love is War
Obviously, Dimeji graduated from the Ken School of Supportive Partners with distinctions. The man supported Hankuri and her ambitions, even when that meant he had to take the back seat. He just wanted to see his queen shine in every way she could.
Deji in The Royal Hibiscus Hotel
This Ken walked into that hotel with a plan- buy it, sign the papers, and leave, but he saw his Barbie and all previous plans came to a halt. Deji was so in love with Ope he didn’t just pause his plans, he tweaked them completely and ended up buying the hotel in Ope’s name.
Nonso in The Wedding Party 2
He was obviously in his K’element with Deidre. From the unplanned, in the moment proposal, to seeing how happy that made her and actually going through with the wedding preparations. No one has Ken’ed more than Nonso.
Have you ever imagined what it would be like if some of your favourite Nollywood OG actors had Youtube channels? Well, I was bored, so I picked some and imagined what their channels would be about.
P.S: I don’t know the true personalities of the actors, so my imagination is based on their movie characters and what I’ve seen on their social media pages.
Patience Ozokwor
I can almost swear Patience Ozokwor would make videos giving advice to mothers and mothers-in-law. She’d talk about how not to let your child’s spouse be more important than you in their life. Once in a while, she’d also provide tips on handling (revenging against) people that mess with you in any way.
"Hello everyone. Welcome to my Youtube channel. Today, I want to talk about how daughters-in-law like to feel they’re more important than you in your son's life. It’s a topic that’s very personal to me, which is why I decided to talk about it today. These girls need to know just because they married your son doesn’t mean they’re now the number one woman in his life. But before that, a shoutout to the sponsors of this video, Meiran Rat Poison. This is the most potent rat poison out there. It can kill rats and humans. Oh sorry, I shouldn’t have said that."
Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme
These two would make prank videos every single chance they get. They’ll prank their friends, family, colleagues and even strangers. And their pranks would range from downright outrageous to almost life-threatening.
"Hi guys. Welcome back to our Youtube channel. Since the last video in which we gave our friend a laxative did so well, we decided to prank him again. This time, we’ll be mixing pepper with itching powder and putting it in his clothes."
Funke would do weekly vlogs about her life. She’d take you around, showing you aspects of life as a mother, to being an actress and producer on set, to all the many other things she does. Then, she’d sprinkle a bit of dancing here and there.
"Hi guys. Welcome back to another week in the life of Funke Akindele. I have a packed week this week, and I'll be taking you guys along. Also, I learnt a new dance yesterday, and I’ll be showing you. By the way, if you guys haven’t watched Jenifa, I don’t know what you’re doing. Episode 1001 will air tomorrow, and this one introduces another Instagram influencer."
Kanayo O. Kanayo
Kanayo’s Youtube channel would be filled with videos of him teaching people how to become billionaires before the age of 30. His tips, of course, wouldn’t be anything you’d expect.
"Good afternoon and welcome back. Today, I’ll be giving you people another tip on how to make money in the fastest way possible. If you really want to get rich fast, it’s important that you’re willing to do any and everything. Today’s tip involves some special "ingredients".
She’d definitely do beauty and travel vlogs. Genevieve’s vlogs would show you how she’s living a soft, relaxed life. She’d do those “Day in the Life” videos where she goes shopping then to the beach to relax. Her travel vlogs would be filled with luxury flights, hotels, restaurants, clothes, etc.
"Heyy! Welcome back to my Youtube channel everyone! I’m so excited because I’m in Mexico right now, and I’m about to head down to the beach. But before that, I’d like to show you guys a quick skincare routine to do so your skin isn’t affected by the sun."
Jim Iyke
I see Jim Iyke creating “bad boy” content on his Youtube channel. He’d advise men on the different ways to “get” a woman without doing too much. He’d also teach them how to behave in relationships so the man is never in a position of weakness. Once in a while, he’d drag people who leave negative comments under his videos.
"Welcome to my Youtube channel. My name is Jim Iyke, and today, we’ll be talking about why men should never be in a position where they’re heartbroken. A man doesn’t get his heart broken, he breaks hearts instead."
Pete Edochie
Half of Pete Edochie’s videos would be him speaking in parables and telling stories about things that happened when he was young. In the other half, he would tell men to be men and teach them what they should and shouldn’t do in different aspects of their lives. He’d give them advice on how to always be the head, and to never let a woman tell them what to do.
"Today is a great day to be a man. If you’re a woman, this channel isn’t for you. They say no matter how strong the lioness is in the jungle, she will always go back home and obey her master, the lion. Today, I want to talk to men who have working wives. Just because she goes to the office and has her own money doesn’t mean she shouldn’t answer to you."
RMD would’ve been a fashion vlogger, giving us different types of fashion hauls. He’d show you how to dress for all events and situations, and how to put outfits together from different items in your wardrobe. Once in a while, he’d show you part of his baby boy lifestyle, which mostly involves travelling and enjoying life.
"Hi guys. Welcome back to my Youtube channel. Today, I’ll be showing you the different ways you can dress to be a wedding guest. From suits to trad to simple formal wear, I’ll be showing you everything. All the links to my outfits would be in the description box below."
Mercy Johnson
Mercy Johnson’s YouTube would be filled with family vlogs and storytime videos. She’d show you her life as a mum and wife, and how she balances it with her career.
"Hello Hello! Welcome back, everyone! Today, I’ll be doing a storytime video telling you about the time I got my first acting job. It was such an experience and I can’t even — *begins to cry intensely*"
Eucharia-Anunobi Ekwu
Eucharia would give the most “interesting” advice to women on her channel. She’d tell them how to be their own definition of classy, how to dress as a woman, what to do and what not to do. She’d be our Youtube mummy.
"Hello, and welcome back to my channel. To all the women out there, I want you to know you can still be sexy while covering your body. You think showing your genitals and mammary glands to the public is sexy? Nah, that’s dirty and vulgar. Sexy is being smart, creative, godly and compassionate. "Michael Jackson never showed his genitals to the public, yet people were drooling over him."
Being an old Nollywood sidekick is no easy task. With limited screen time, they have to work twice as hard to stand out. One minute they’re in class studying, and the next, they’re outside some random girl’s hostel shouting “boyfriend snatcher!” because their friend (and main character) needs them to. Yes, the role of movie sidekick is hard. But here are some of our favorite old Nollywood sidekicks who ate every scene they appeared in.
Susan Patrick – The President’s Daughter
In “The President’s Daughter”, one of the most chaotic old Nollywood representations of IJGB culture to ever exist, Regina Askia plays Vanessa, the daughter of a Nigerian president who returns from the “states” to do drugs and walk around in a hideous grey wig. While Ms. Askia is the official star of the film, Susan Patrick gives an equally hilarious performance as Achika, Vanessa’s best friend and personal hype woman. In an unforgettable scene where both ladies go shopping in a boutique, Vanessa asks the sales girl to send everyone out because, well, when you’re big, you’re big. When the sales girl tries to protest, she quickly tells her to “sharrap”, and in that moment, Achika drops this iconic line:
“If your friends don’t tell people who you are, who will?”
Uche Jombo – Beyonce vs. Rihanna
Rumor has it that the real Beyonce has seen this film. Although Mummy Blue has refused to share her thoughts on this visual masterpiece, the Nollywood/Ghollywood cross-pollination cannot be complete without “Beyonce vs. Rihanna”. The film follows Rhyme (Omotola Jalade Ekeinde as discount Rihanna) and Bernice (Nadia Buari as discount Beyonce), two singers constantly fighting each other for supremacy in the music industry, and the heart of a local champion music producer named Jay (Jim Iyke as discount Jay Z). Most of the movie’s runtime features showdowns between the “singers,” and Uche Jombo, who plays Rhyme’s right hand woman, was always on hand to drag Bernice for filth.
We stan a committed friend.
Martins Njubuigbo – Every film with a Palace Scene
If there’s one thing I miss about old Nollywood, it’s all the palace deliberation scenes. Back in the day, every film set in a village had an igwe, with his council of elders who were always ready to offer sage advice and kiss his ass. Nollywood actor, Martins Njubuigbo, is a regular on this council. From Olu Jacobs to Pete Edochie, Nonyelu has served more terms than a Nigerian military Head of State turned president. Legend has it that if you look into a mirror and say “Igwe” three times, he’ll appear.
Franca Brown – Abuja Connection
Way before Eucharia Anunobi and Clarion Chukwura gave their lives to Christ, they gave us iconic characters in the 2003 drama, “Abuja Connection”. Set in the city filled with contract and senator chasers, the film follows the rivalry between Jennifer (Clarion Chukwura) and Sophia (Eucharia Anunobi), two women who hate each other’s guts because there aren’t enough sugar daddies in Abuja for them to share.. It features the epic scene where Eucharia tells Clarion, “I can see you envy my beauriful bawdy.” Amidst the outrageous wigs, long acrylic nails and heavy gold jewelry, Franca Brown, who plays Eucharia’s sidekick, issues multiple unforgettable threats.
Violent friends, over here please!
Mac Morris Ndubueze – Every film where one or two cultists are gathered
If there is one thing Nollywood campuses are known for, it’s peak cultism action. From Ini Edo as an oppressed student in “Beautiful Faces” to Nonso Diobi as an oppressor in “War Game,” almost all our faves have been involved in at least one cultism-themed drama. Talking about “War Game”, our favorite character in it happens to be the sidekick played by Mac Morris Ndubueze. You know that thing where someone says a lot without saying anything at all? That was Mac Morris throughout the film.
If you’ve ever seen Sola Sobowale in a movie you already know she’s nothing short of iconic. You also can’t help but notice just how similar she is to your mum. Here are ten times the Nollywood Queen reminded us that we are all just her children.
When she reminded all of us that she was the real life of the party in ‘Wedding Party’
Everyone else is still learning work. No Aunty Sola? No party.
When she gives her perfect side eye that reminds you of everytime you got in trouble with your mum.
Once she makes this face, you already know your own is finished.
At Owambes, she always come through with her squad ready to slay.
Because friends who slay together, stay together.
She can’t step out into town with her husband if they aren’t wearing and co.
Even the shoes have to match.
When she sends you pictures of her outfit and you don’t compliment her properly.
It’s like you are blind.
When you always forget she is in her 50s because she still looks like this.
She’s the definition of black don’t crack.
She’s super protective of her children and gets paranoid if any small thing should happen.
If you are even ten minutes late she’ll leave ten missed calls on your phone because as far as she’s concerned ritualists have kidnapped you.
When she reminds us that no matter how fashionable we think we are she’ll still kill us with her slay.
Could your fave ever?
She always has sage advice for you.
The kind of advice that’ll help you avoid disgrace.
She has a contagious laugh that always makes you smile.
When she laughs you just have to laugh.
Her makeup game is even more on point than yours.
You are there still struggling with how to do winged eyeliner.
Whether she’s acting or not she’s always dramatic af.
And we love it.
She always owns the dance floor
Kaffy who?
And even though she’s the sweetest person she never let’s you forget who is boss.
She’s the king of all boys and girls.
Show of hands if you love Sola Sobowale as much as we do. If you haven’t seen her in ‘King of Boys’ you need to go and watch it right now.
