𝟣𝟥 𝖦olden 𝖠ctors 𝖮f 𝖸oruba 𝖭ollywood: A Comprehensive History of Nollywood.

𝟣𝟥 𝖦olden 𝖠ctors 𝖮f 𝖸oruba 𝖭ollywood: A Comprehensive History of Nollywood. 

The term 'Nollywood' was coined by the New York Times journalist Norimitsu Onishi in 2002 when he observed film-making activity in Lagos, Nigeria. The term mirrors two of the most famous areas of film production: Hollywood in the US, and Bollywood in India's Bombay.

The creation of Nollywood started in the 1960s. It was when the first Nollywood movies were being created by historical filmmakers such as Ola Balogun, Hubert Ogunde, Jab Adu, Moses Olayia and Eddie Ugboma. ("History,”) They are considered the first generation of Nigerian filmmakers.

These pioneers started the Nigerian movie industry in a country full of citizens that looked to Hollywood for their entertainment. According to Britannica.com, Hubert Ogunde was a pioneer in the field of Nigerian folk opera. He created the Ogunde Concert Party also known as Ogunde Theatre in 1945. It was the first professional theatrical company in the nation. Because of his contribution to the creation of the Nigerian film industry, he is often hailed as the father of Nigerian theatre (Sheffer, Setia & Tikkanen).

'Nollywood' as we know it today, wasn't always called that. The Nigerian movie scene started with "The Golden age Era" which was the time period between 1950s to late 80s when theatre, stage plays and performance troupes that were mobile dominated the scene. According to the facts, productions from Western Nigeria were the major force propelling the acting industry in this time period. The earliest and most famous Nigerian thespians of then were largely Yoruba people including people like; Moses Olaiya, Jab Adu (Joseph Biodun Babajide), Isola Ogunsola, Ladi Ladebo, Sanya Dosumu and Hubert Ogunde who transitioned into the big screen. It is no mistake that Hubert Ògúndé is regarded as the father of theatre and performance arts in Nigeria.

Latola Films, which started the production of motion pictures since 1962, has often been noted as the earliest Nigerian indigenous film production company in Nigeria. Television broadcasting in Nigeria began in 1959 spear headed by the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) Ibadan, which made it a point to broadcast the theatre and productions of the early pioneers into the homes of the denizens of Western Nigeria.

The Yoruba movie industry, a genre within Nollywood, has a rich history dating back to the mid-1960s when actors from various Yoruba traveling theatre groups ventured into movie production using Celluloid format. Over the years, this industry has thrived and given rise to exceptional actors who have contributed significantly to its growth. Among them, these thirteen actors stand out:

1. Lere Paimo (Eda Onile ola)

Born on November 19, 1939, in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Lere Paimo is a versatile Nigerian film actor, filmmaker, producer, and director. His career began in 1960 when he joined the Oyin Adejobi theatre group, eventually making a name for himself in the epic Yoruba film "Ogbori Elemosho." His contributions earned him a National award of Member of the Federal Republic in 2005.

2. Peter Fatomilola

Born on January 16, 1946, in Ifisin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Peter Fatomilola is not only an actor but also a scholar. He joined the Olokun Theatre group and later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University. His role as Papa Ajasco in a comedy film propelled his fame, and he has featured in several notable Nigerian films.

3. Kareem Adepoju ("Baba Wande")

Popularly known as "Baba Wande," Kareem Adepoju is celebrated for his role as "Oloye Otun" in the 1993 film "Ti Oluwa Ni Ileu." His filmography includes movies like "Oluweri Magboojo," "Arugba," and "Anikulapo."

4. Ebun Oloyede ("Igwe Olaiya")

Lukmon Ebun Oloyede, known as "Igwe Olaiya," is renowned for his comedic roles in Yoruba movies. He started his career as a TV personality at the Nigerian Television Authority and transitioned to acting in stage plays and eventually home videos, becoming one of the industry's top actors.

5. Kayode Olaiya (Aderupoko)

Kayode Olaiya, a veteran Nigerian actor born on April 12, 1949, gained fame in Yoruba indigenous language films. He's known for movies like "Saworoide," "Agogo Eewo," and "The Figurine."

6. Adebayo Salami ("Oga Bello")

Born on May 9, 1952, Adebayo Salami's acting journey began in 1964 with the Young Concert Party. He later joined the Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group and Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group. His role in the first Yoruba film, "Ajani Ogun," marked a significant milestone in his career. Salami has produced, directed, and acted in numerous Yoruba movies.

7. Yinka Quadri

Yinka Quadri, born on September 6, 1959, started his acting career in 1976 with the Afopina Theatre Group. He's known for his roles in movies like "Apaadi," "Olaniyonu," and "Ojiji."

8. Jide Kosoko

Prince Jide Kosoko, born on January 12, 1954, studied business administration at Yaba College of Technology before venturing into acting as a child actor in 1964. He's acted in both English and Yoruba movies and produced his films.

9. Taiwo Hassan ("Ogogo")

Born on October 31, 1959, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as "Ogogo," began his acting career in 1981. He's celebrated for roles in movies like "Omin" and "Bolode o'ku" and has received numerous awards.

10. Sunday Omobolanle ("Papi Luwe")

Sunday Omobolanle, also known as "Papi Luwe," is a Nigerian comic actor, playwright, director, and producer. He's known for movies like "Adun Ewuro" and "Konkobilo."

11. Charles Olumo ("Agbako")

Charles Olumo, a veteran actor, is famous for his iconic 'bad man' roles in Yoruba movies. He began his acting career in 1953, recently clocked 100yrs.

12. Kola Oyewo

Kola Oyewo, born on March 27, 1946, is a veteran actor, dramatist, and scholar. He's known for roles in movies like "Sango" and "The Gods Are Not To Blame" and has a strong academic background in drama.

13. Yemi Elebuibon

Yemi Elebuibon, born in 1947, is a multi-talented writer, poet, author, linguist, and a renowned Ifa priest. He's dedicated to preserving Yoruba culture and heritage through plays, films, and academic contributions.

These actors have left indelible marks on the Yoruba Nollywood industry, contributing to its growth and cultural preservation.

RESEARCHER:

COMR. OLAMIDE AKINWUMI JAMES, AKINWUMIOLAMIDE09@GMAIL.COM 09068215955.