12 Nollywood veterans still on screen

Nollywood can boast of a vastly talented generation of actors, who till today, continue to make waves across the movie industry. This week, Weekend Magazine takes a look at some of them.   Olu Jacobs He rose to prominence for appearing in a number of international films and TV series in the 80s including John […]

Nollywood can boast of a vastly talented generation of actors, who till today, continue to make waves across the movie industry. This week, Weekend Magazine takes a look at some of them.

 

Olu Jacobs

He rose to prominence for appearing in a number of international films and TV series in the 80s including John Irvin’s, ‘The Dogs of War’ and ‘Pirates.’ Over the years, he has starred in over 100 productions and has cemented his spot in Nollywood as one of the most established actors of his generation.

 

Jide Kosoko

Born to the royal Kosoko family in Lagos, Jide’s rise to fame in Nollywood was objected by his family. Kosoko started acting at the early age of 10 in 1964, starring in the production, ‘Makanjuola,’ before Nollywood established itself as a movie industry. Over the past 50 years, he has gone on to star in many more English and Yoruba movies.

 

Sani Muazu

Mu’azu is a renowned producer, director and actor in productions such as ‘Soweto’ and ‘Mister Johnson’ in 1990. He is presently the MD of the Nigeria Film Corporation and starred in the movie, ‘Lionheart.’ His other works include ‘Riddles & Hopes,’ ‘Amina,’ and ‘Agumba.’

 

Zebrudaya

Chika Okpala got his nickname, Zebrudaya, from his role in the comedy TV show, ‘New Masquerade,’ which ran for ten years, from 1983 to 1993 on NTA. In 2017, he was presented with an Industry Merit Award.

 

Onyeka Onwenu

The broadcaster turned actress started her career in the 1980s as a presenter, before she moved to acting later on scoring major gigs in big shot productions. She won the 2014 Best Actress in Supporting Role for starring in ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ alongside Chinwetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton.

 

Sadiq Daba

His career began at the NTA as a broadcaster, before rising to prominence as an actor in the 1970s, starring in ‘Cockcrow at Dawn.’ He later won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2015 for his role as Inspector Waziri in ‘October 1.’

 

Patience Ozokwor

Patience Ozokwor or Mama G as she is fondly called, is known for her roles as the wicked mother in-law. Her desire for acting began since she was in primary school, also appearing in stage plays. She later on played a role in NTA’s Someone Cares, before shining in the spotlight in numerous Nollywood movies.

 

Pete Edochie

Shooting to fame in the 1980s after playing the lead in NTA’s production of Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ for which he garnered critical acclaim for his role, Edochie has gone on to make his mark in industry, with his son also following in his footsteps as well.

 

Joke Silva

Joke Silva is perhaps one of the most established actresses in the industry. Her acting career began in the early 1990s, starring in both English and Yoruba productions. Over the years, she had won a number of prestigious awards including the Africa Movie Academy Award and her fire only continues to burn brighter despite the years. Of recent, she starred in blockbuster movie ‘Chief Daddy’ that came out in December last month.

 

Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi

A surprising appearance on the list is FAR, who shot to fame in 1996 in her first movie role, although she had been acting right from the age of 8 in school productions, and watching her aunt, Teni Aofiyebi on TV. Starring alongside big shots in the game including Joke Silva and RMD, Funlola reserves a well deserved spot on the list.

 

Richard Mofe-Damijo

More popularly known as RMD was a journalist briefly before going into acting in the late 80s, starring in the TV drama,‘Ripples.’At the maiden edition of the African Movie Awards, RMD won the award for best actor, a well-deserved feat. He recently starred in ‘The Wedding Party’ 1 and 2 and 10 Days in Sun City.

 

Nkem Owoh

More popularly known for his comedic roles, Nkem Owoh is recognized as one of Nigeria’s most comedic acts. He has been acting since his primary school days after discovering his talent at an early age. Perhaps one of his most notable roles including his 2003 movie, ‘Osofia in London’ and in Genevieve’s directorial debut and Netflix movie, ‘Lionheart.