By Agnes Abubakir
In recent years, the Nigerian movie industry has been saturated with different faces gracing the screen but some old faces have transcended decades.
Below is our pick of highly influential veteran actors that have stayed on our screens for years.
Pete Edochie
Pete Edochie is considered one of Africa’s most talented actors, being honoured with an Industry Merit Award by Africa Magic and Lifetime Achievement Awards by Africa Film Academy.
He came into prominence in the 1980s when he played the lead role of Okonkwo in an NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s bestselling novel, Things Fall Apart.
The 73-year-old legendary actor was recently in the news for kicking against the idea of Nigerian men getting down on their knees to ask women to marry them.
In a video circulated on social media, the actor could be heard saying, “Any young man who gets on his knees to propose to a girl, is not just an idiot, he’s a bloody fool, a compound buffoon”.
Sola Sobowale
Sola Sobowale is a Nigerian film actress, screenwriter and producer. She had her big break in 2001, in the premiere of Nigeria’s popular television drama series, Super Story: Oh Father, Oh Daughter.
She played numerous roles in movies produced by the Awada Kerikeri Group. Through the years, she has scripted, co-scripted, directed and produced several Nigerian films.
She made a comeback to the movie industry in the 2018 Nigerian crime political thriller movie, King of Boys.
In 2019, she won the African Movie Academy Awards, AMAA, for Best Actress in a leading role for her role in the movie.
Olu Jacobs
Olu Jacobs, born 11 July 1942, is a Nigerian veteran actor and film executive.
He has starred in several British television series and international films. Olu Jacobs has been hailed by many as one of the greatest and most widely respected African actors of his generation. He is married to Nollywood actress, Joke Silva.
Taiwo Hassan
Taiwo Hassan also known as Ogogo is a household name in the Yoruba genre of movies. In his younger days, he was everyone’s favourite as he properly interpreted any roles he was asked to play.
Ogogo who clocked 61 began acting in 1981 shortly after he got a job at the Lagos State Water Corporation as an auto-mechanic. He worked at the Water Corporation for about 13 years before he retired in 1994 to concentrate on acting.
The Ogun state actor remains one of the most successful entertainers in the Yoruba movie industry.
Patience Ozokwo
Patience Ozokwo popularly known as Mama G, isn’t stopping anytime soon as she effortlessly delivers her roles.
Despite her wicked mother-in-law roles, Mama G still remains loved by many fans and followers.
Nobert Young
The 60-year-old man is popularly known for the series called Family Circle that made many Nigerian families gather before their TV sets at night. The actor has gone on to feature in other movie productions.
He is married to Nollywood actress, Gloria Young.
Kareem Adepoju
Nigerian film actor, writer and producer, Alhaji Kareem Adepoju popularly known as ‘Baba Wande’ shot into limelight in 1993 after he starred as Oloye Otun in the movie, Ti Oluwa Ni Ile, which was produced by him.
Baba Wande who recently marked his 57th year on stage, started acting in 1963 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group.
Shaffy Bello
Shaffy Bello is a Nigerian film actress and singer. She first shot into the entertainment scene when she featured vocals in a 1997 hit song by Seyi Sodimu titled Love Me Jeje.
She moved back to Nigeria in 2009.
Her TV career includes recurring roles in TV series Tinsel (as Joanne Lawson), Taste of Love (where she plays Adesua) and Femi Odugbemi’s Battleground.
Shaffy Bello-Akinrimisi has been married for 25 years. She and her husband have two children.
Besides being passionate about acting and singing, Shaffy Bello is a fashion enthusiast.
Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is also an ace veteran actor and producer. She kicked off her acting career in the sitcom I need to know from 1998 to 2002.
She has since starred in over 50 movies, the talented actress won the Africa Movie Academy Award, AMAA, for Best Actress in a leading road in 2009
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