Since the Nollywood industry may boast of many great professionals, it can be heartbreaking to see talented and gifted actors waste away performing the same part over, so limiting such an individual. A skilled actor should, in theory, be able to imitate other actors and play a variety of characters across various films.
Generally speaking, these actors may not be solely to blame. Aside from the fact that some actors are very comfortable playing stereotypes or typecast roles because it’s what got them noticed and they don’t want to risk becoming irrelevant, other actors have little choice due to viewers who won’t let go of a particular role or character they’ve played in the past.
However, critics claim that the typecasting and stereotyping of Nollywood actors has hurt their talent and inventiveness, and that when these performers are cast in a completely different part, it frequently feels out of place. Consider Iya Gbonkan playing a genuinely kind and loving mother or mother-in-law, or Kanayo O Kanayo becoming a destitute character in a film.
Kudirat Soremi
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Kudirat Soremi, often known as “Mama No Network,” is a prominent Nigerian comedy actress and producer. She is the spouse of Chief Soremi Adeola, a well-known Nigerian comedy actor also known as “Lanko Omo Oba Dubai.” On April 25, Kudirat Soremi (Mama No Network) was born in Ogun State. The funny woman’s hometown is Olisa in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The actress is well-known for portraying a character who is partially deaf, earning her the moniker “Mama No Network.” With this humorous act, she was able to win over the hearts of many Yoruba movie fans and win herself a devoted following. There have been concerns regarding whether the actress is actually suffering from the ailment because of how well she plays the part.
Kudirat Soremi, who has been working in the entertainment sector for about 20 years, revealed that the Tope Egbeji-produced film Aginju Iberu was where she made her acting debut as a character who was partially deaf.
Kudirat Soremi (Mama No Network) disclosed that she made the decision to remain in the role after appearing in the film “Lagos to Benin” in the same capacity. Mama No Network gained notoriety thanks to the movie, which was produced by renowned Nigerian actor Bolaji Amusan, also known as Mr. Latin.
Kunle Makinde Adetokunbo aka Dejo Tunfulu
Born on May 31, 1972, in Idumota, Lagos State, Kunle Makinde Adetokunbo is an Abeokuta, Ogun State native. He is a well-known actor, writer, and producer of Yoruba comedies.
He gained notoriety as Dejo Tunfulu thanks to his comedic movie appearances, in which he frequently played an idiot and a stammerer. He is at the top of the list of the very few actors who can play this part effectively. He does this persona so convincingly that it almost seems unbelievable that he isn’t a complete moron in real life.
He gained notoriety for his part in the film “Omo Oran,” which also included the seasoned actor Fatai Adetayo (Lalude). Even though Dejo isn’t as well-known in movies today as he once was, people still remember him.
Adebayo Salami aka Oga Bello
Oga Bello is one of the veterans who can answer with confidence when you call the veterans still active in the game.
Salami, who earned the moniker “Oga Bello” from the now-retired “village headmaster,” has created another star in the business, Femi Adebayo. Oga Bello has consistently played the part of a wealthy man, wealthy uncle, or “sugar daddy” in movies.
Although the 68-year-old has played a few roles as a poor guy, such as in the movie Omo Ghetto, it is clear that he is most comfortable playing the big-hearted role that he has always played.
Olaniyi Afonja aka Sanyeri & Adekola Tijjani aka Kamilu Kompo
Yoruba Nollywood comedian, actor, writer, and producer Olaniyi Afonja is also known by the aliases Sanyeri, Ambali, Dadubule, and Opa Okan. He was born on October 14, 1974, in Oyo State. After finishing his secondary schooling, Sanyeri joined the Prince Seyi Adeoye theater company in 1992. There he met Adekola Tijjani, also known as Kamilu Kompo, who would go on to play his ‘twin’ in numerous Yoruba films.
Olaniyi Afonja “Sanyeri” and his pal Adekola Tijjani “Kamilu Kompo” relocated to Lagos in 1996 in order to advance their acting careers. From Floor Show, they had the chance to move on to home video movies.
Adekola Tijani, also known by the aliases Kamilu Kompo, Muniru, and Golugo, is a skilled actor, writer, producer, and director in Nollywood. He was born on May 1st, 1975, and is an Oyo State native. He performs on stage, is a comedian, and hosts events. After producing the immensely successful Yoruba comedy film Kamilu Kompo in 2009, he adopted the title of the film as one of his identities. He is the owner of the Adekola Tijani films division dek films chamber. Both Sanyeri and Kamilu Kompo play stereotypical roles. They tend to perform “serious” roles at the back and are more invested in comedic sequences.
Ganiu Nofiu aka Alapinni Oosa
Ganiu Nofiu also known as Alapinni is a Nigerian veteran actor, who has starred in several Nollywood Yoruba movies.
He is very talented and mostly plays the role of herbalist in yoruba movies, a role he does so well. He has a really funny way of interpreting his roles and despite making some really funny statements, he rarely laughs. He just maintains a straight face which makes it funnier.
Some of the films he has featured include Bolode Oku, Omo Abore, Gongo Aso, just to mention a few.
Peter Fatomilola
Peter Fatomilola is a Nigerian dramatist, lecturer, film actor, poet and prolific playwright. The actor is known for his unique knowledge of herbs and the Yoruba tradition. Fatomilola often plays the role of an herbalist or Ifa priest in movies and he once revealed in an interview that these roles actually mirror who he is in reality. Peter Fatomilola was born on the 16th of January, 1946 at Ifisin Ekiti in Ido Osi, Ekiti State.
Fatomilola stated that his father, Chief Abraham Ojo Fatomilola was the Olu Awo of his town (head of the herbalists).
His background as the son of an Ifa Priest has influenced a lot of his Nollywood roles. Fatomilola joined the Olokun Theatre group in 1967. He was under the tutelage of the late Professor Ola Rotimi, a renowned dramatist and prolific playwright at the Obafemi Awolowo University.
He revealed that he also trained under Professor Wole Soyinka for 10 years. Also, he learnt some aspect of Yoruba oral literature from Professor Wande Abimbola.
The actor was a member of the academic staff of Obafemi Awolowo University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1978. Fatomilola was the first ever Papa Ajasco in the comedy movie produced by Wale Adenuga.
Tajudeen Oyewole aka Abija Wara bi ekun
Alhaji Tajudeen Oyewole is a veteran Yoruba actor popularly known as Abija Wara Bi Ekun, born in Osogbo in October 25, 1957.
Abija is the dare devil actor in the film, robed in charm- riddled costume, horn in hand, as he use to command fire and brimstone on his perceived enemies.
Infact, he was the ‘enfant terrible’, the nemesis of wicked people in most Yoruba movies of those days. Abija is popularly known for his war movies and the first actor to ever receive calls without a phone or SIM card, but simply through the wind.
Sola Sobowale aka Toyin Tomato
Notable actress, Sola Sobowale also known as Toyin Tomato is a known face who has been in the industry for decades.
She is famous for playing the role of a ‘no-nonsense’, hot-tempered woman who cannot condone rivalry and a high-ranking area mama, who commands respect from her followers. Sola started her career with the movie Suara the tailor. Thereafter, she was featured in the Village Headmaster, Mirror in the Sun, and had her big break with Oh Father, Oh Daughter; a Super Story drama series where she bagged the name ‘Toyin Tomato’.
Recently in the film titled King of boys, she played the stereotyped role of Eniola Salami who is a powerful businesswoman and influential political figure.
Margaret Bandele Olayinka aka Iya Gbonkan
Iya Gbonkan is a household name when it comes to people who are familiar with Yoruba movies. From being the wicked leader of the occult to the terrifying mother who kills and sucks the blood of her own children in movies, Iya Gbonkan’s delivery of her special roles has remained intriguing and daring till today.
Before she started typecast roles, she featured in minor role until she was finally promoted into a supporting role and eventually discovered her major talent; acting the role of a wicked mother and witch.
In fact, not to sugarcoat words, the mere sight of the grand leader of the underworld mothers as the character of Iya Gbonkan projects most times, would give an audience nightmare for days.
Iya Gbonkan undertook her first performing arts training under the mentorship of Duro Ladipo. During this period, performances were basically delivered on stage. Iya Gbonkan emerged into the film industry in the early 70s featuring in the Ifa Olokun TV series by Yemi Elebubon.
Kelvin Ngozi Ikeduba
Kelvin Ngozi Ikeduba popularly known as Kelvin Ikeduba is a famous actor, model and a television personality.
He is a popular Nollywood ‘bad guy’ who is famous for his roles both in English and Yoruba as a cultist, thief, tout, bully and villain.
In 2014, Kelvin won the award for Best Cross Over Actor at the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards (YMAA).
Ojo Arowosafe aka Fadeyi Oloro
Ojo Arowosafe is also a veteran actor in Yoruba film industry, he is also known as Fadeyi Olori. He was born on the 15th of September, 1957 in Ekiti State.
He used to act with late Aworo, years back as they were very close. They acted movies together like Arelu, Yanponyanrin, among others. Fadeyi Oloro was quite popular in the 80s and 90s for his role as a wicked herbalist in movies.
He used to paint his face and neck pure black so much that most viewers couldn’t recognize his real face. He was recently in the news seeking for financial help from Nigerians due to his ill health.