Though they have transitioned to another realm, the memories they share with us are still very fresh. The originality they portrayed as actors and entertainers makes them unforgettable.
We bring you late Nollywood comic actors who have graced this world; contributed their quota to the growth of the entertainment industry and made movies delightful to watch.
Here are the legendary comedians:
Gbenga Adeboye
Elijah Oluwagbemiga Adeboye was born on September 30, 1959 in Odeomu, Osun state. Adeboye was not just a comedian in his lifetime but a presenter, broadcaster, and master of ceremony. His ability and versatility in portraying different comic characters made him very popular and loved by many.
He started his career as a freelance radio presenter at Radio Lagos. Adeboye has many nicknames but one of them is “ Funwontan” which he got from his programme on Radio Lagos in the 1980s.
Adeboye was a man of many talents; he could sing, act, and crack jokes. He pioneered standup comedy in Nigeria. He impacted and embraced so many lives through his works. Adeboye nurtured and watched them grow until death knocked on his door.
Funwontan was very unique and regarded as a covenant child. He used his craft to address many societal ills. On April 30, 2003, Gbenga Adeboye passed on. Till date, his works are very relevant and all his mentees, friends and colleagues celebrate his remembrance every year.
- Baba Suwe
Babatunde Omidina was born in Lagos Island on August 22, 1958. He attended both primary and secondary in Lagos and Osogbo respectively. His acting career kick-started when he was in secondary school and eventually joined a theatre group called Esumare Theater Group.
This group went on to perform stage plays at the Lagos Television. Afterwards, Baba Suwe was chosen based on his impressive performance to perform at Nigerian Television Authority (NTA Channel 7) and at the National Theater.
Baba Suwe’s acting career started as early as 1971. Erin Keke was the first television comedy series he featured in before Omo Lasan and Iru Esin made him famous in the 1990s.
Baba Suwe’s way of dressing and his facial appearance on screen quickly made him stand out among his peers. Due to his uniqueness, he was regarded as the King of Comedy.
Unfortunately, on November 22, 2021, Baba Suwe died at the age of 63 at his home in Ikorodu after a long illness.
- Dejo Tunfulu
Dejo Tunfulu was a very popular Yoruba comic actor in Nollywood. Kunle Makinde Adetokunbo was born on May 31, 1972. His stuttering character in movies earned him the name, Dejo Tunfulu.
In the 1980s, Dejo joined the school drama club to boost his ambition in theater. Officially, he began acting in 1987 when he featured in a television series titled, “Apere Ijogbon”.
Muftau Oladokun (Alaran)
Alaran was a household name in the movie industry. He is also one of Nollywood’s finest when it comes to acting skills and versatility. Naturally, he was jovial and fun to be with.
His journey into Nollywood was accidental, having been hired as a driver by a theater group. His role was to transport people and equipment to movie locations.
He gained attention for his ability to crack jokes and this led to his first comic role in the theater group. Alaran was chosen when the actual lead did not show up; his interpretation of the script quickly gave him a place in the industry.
Despite not being educated, Alaran was able to distinguish himself from other comedians. He died in 2006 at the age of 46.
- Koledowo
Tajudeen Akanmu, popularly known as Koledowo was a prominent figure in the Yoruba film industry. He was born in 1954 in Osogbo. While growing up, he really loved putting smiles on peoples faces with songs and jokes.
His journey into Nollywood was accidental, having been hired as a driver by a theater group. His role was to transport people and equipment to movie locations.
He gained attention for his ability to crack jokes and this led to his first comic role in the theater group. Alaran was chosen when the actual lead did not show up; his interpretation of the script quickly gave him a place in the industry.
Despite not being educated, Alaran was able to distinguish himself from other comedians. He died in 2006 at the age of 46.
Sisi Quadri
Tolani Oyebamiji Quadri, popularly known as Sisi Quadri was born December 26 1979. He was a native of Iwo, Osun state. Before he joined Nollywood, he was a fashion designer and a good master of Arabic and Quran.
Sisi Quadri was introduced to acting by his mentors, Hameeda Shakeem and Toyin Olaiya. His performance in the movie, “Seranko Seniyan” and “Ebudola” was a breakthrough for him. His popularity grew when he started making skits and featuring in blockbusters movies.
He was very gifted in communication skill — this innate gift enabled him to navigate the world of entertainment very well and delivered outstanding performance through the character he usually portrayed —– comic and insulting. On March 1 2024, Sisi Quadri was reported dead.
