Within the ’90s and 2000s, those that grew up in Nigeria would say they’d the very best time of their lives, because the film trade supplied traditional Nollywood movies.
Again then, Nigerians didn’t fear about trade charges, gasoline costs, or the grownup issues that now weigh closely on many.
They’d collect at a neighbour’s home—particularly one with a generator throughout energy outages—huddling near the tv to observe their favorite comedian actors on display screen.
Regardless of the restricted energy provide, the absence of web providers for streaming and downloads, and the shortage of cable TV, Nigerians had CDs to depend on for watching their favorite actors.
Among the many stars who saved Nigerians glued to their screens have been Aki and Pawpaw, Chiwetalu Agu, the late Sam Loco Efe, the late John Okafor (Mr Ibu), Imeh Bishop Umoh, Victor Osuagwu, and Nkem Owoh.
Owoh—popularly often called Osuofia—who delivers unforgettable performances, seamlessly mixing humour, wit, and social commentary, turned 70 on Friday.
On this article, PREMIUM TIMES highlights seven instances Osuofia introduced unforgettable characters to life.
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Osuofia in London
Point out Nkem Owoh, however the title won’t ring a bell. However say ‘Osuofia’ and add ‘London’, and anybody born within the ’90s or 2000s will immediately know who you’re speaking about—the veteran actor who used humour to brighten their days.
Owoh starred in ‘Osuofia in London’, a two-part film: Half 1, launched in 2003, and Half 2, in 2004. The movie, primarily in English with some Igbo soundbites, featured him as a hunter who was married and had daughters.
Osuofia’s looking ventures have been largely unsuccessful. His spouse always accused him of being a lazy hunter who needed to eat however didn’t need to present the protein for his or her meals.
He was additionally ridiculed for refusing to pay group taxes, important for conserving the village operating. However luck discovered him when his brother, Donatus, who lived in the UK, handed away.
Donatus, whose father had despatched him overseas for research however by no means returned, left his property and enterprise to Osuofia.
Ultimately, Osuofia travelled overseas, and his life took a dramatic flip—although not with out its fair proportion of chaos and comedy.
The movie featured a robust forged, together with veteran actors Francis Odega, Cynthia Okereke, Mara Ashton, and Romanus Amuta.
Produced and directed by ace filmmaker Kingsley Ogoro, Osuofia in London turned a box-office hit.
Ukwa
In ‘Ukwa’, launched in 2001, he performed the function of Ukwa, a cussed and mischievous man who always discovered himself in hilarious conditions.
The movie follows Ukwa, a village champion who strikes to town to stay along with his rich elder brother.
Nonetheless, his keep shortly turns turbulent because of frequent conflicts along with his brother’s spouse.
To his dismay, Ukwa was demoted to the function of the home driver in his new residence.
The movie featured Persistence Ozokwor, the late Amaechi Muonagor, Sam Loco Efe, Chinelo Ndigwe, and Persistence Ozokwor.
After his brother’s dying, Ukwa returned to the village.
Johnbull and Rosekate
Launched in 2007, Owoh performed Johnbull in ‘Johnbull & Rosekate’ (Elements 1 and a pair of). He fell in love with Rosekate however left city for enterprise.
After ten years, he returned, solely to find that Rosekate had develop into a reverend sister.
Refusing to simply accept the scenario, John Bull was decided to combat for what he believed was rightfully his.
Directed by Tchidi Chikere, the movie featured Uche Elendu, Bruno Iwuoha, Camilla Mberekpe, and others.
The Grasp
In ‘The Grasp’, Owoh portrays a crafty, street-smart scammer entangled in varied schemes and cons.
The 2004 movie tells the story of a 419 scammer who perfects the artwork of fraud and turns into a grasp.
Nonetheless, his refusal to pay his dues to the mentor who taught him every part in the end results in his downfall.
The movie, starring Kanayo O. Kanayo, Charles Inojie, and others, showcases Owoh’s expertise for delivering comedic and critical performances.
Lengthy John
Launched in 2002 and directed by Sunday Nnajiude, the movie options Owoh as Lengthy John, the titular character. Witty, parochial, and a meddlesome ‘busybody,’ he’s all the time fast to bombard others with sharp-tongued sarcasm.
Regardless of always casting aspersions on his amoral spouse, he paradoxically struggles to regulate his insatiable libertine wishes. His newest obsession is Tochi, a lovely metropolis woman who captivates him.
Decided to win her at any price, Lengthy John employs each trick within the ebook, disregarding his spouse.
The movie stars Charles Awurum, Rita Nzelu, David Ihesie, Diewait Ikpechukwu, and others.
Stronger than Ache
Launched in 2007 and directed by Tchidi Chikere, the movie featured Owoh as Ulonna.
Ulonna deeply cherished his spouse, Eringa (performed by Kate Henshaw). Nonetheless, his devotion was so excessive that it made him completely submissive to her, inflicting him to be ridiculed and scorned by their group.
However his household intervened, decided to free him from the clutches of his domineering spouse.
This function showcased a unique aspect of Owoh’s appearing skills. It moved away from comedy to give attention to a person’s unwavering love and the societal challenges it introduced.
Yogo Pam Pam
Launched in 1998, ‘Yogo Pam Pam’ was a collaboration between Nkem Owoh and Okey Mac-Anthony, popularly often called Okey Bakassi. It served as a sequel to their first movie, Pam Pam.
Owoh performed Mambo, whereas Bakassi portrayed Loco—two misguided, overly formidable pals prepared to do something besides work to earn money.
Their desperation intensified when a good friend of Mambo’s promised to take them to America in the event that they raised a specific amount inside a month.
Decided to journey overseas, the not-so-bright and naive duo resorted to varied schemes to achieve their goal.
They roped in Yogo, a lady whose love they each unsuccessfully pursued. Determined to flee her stepmother’s fixed stress to get married, Yogo joined their fraudulent ventures.
All through the film, Mambo, Loco, and Yogo ship loads of humour, conserving audiences entertained.
Yogo Pam Pam got here earlier in Owoh’s profession earlier than he rose to fame with an iconic function, Osuofia.
Nkem Owoh
Born in Enugu State, Owoh had his major and secondary schooling in Nsukka earlier than finding out engineering on the Federal College of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
Whereas in college, he started appearing in varied tv and movie productions. After finishing his nationwide youth service, he joined WACO Engineering however was laid off after only one 12 months.
Nonetheless, this setback turned a turning level, main him to discover radio and tv manufacturing alternatives.
His journey within the leisure trade started in 1979 when he began as a author on the Nigerian Tv Authority (NTA).
He additional cemented his popularity by scripting notable productions resembling ‘The New Masquerade’ and ‘Basi and Firm’, a sitcom created by Ken Saro-Wiwa.
He performed the function of a drunkard within the groundbreaking sitcom ‘The New Masquerade.’ This surprising alternative turned the launchpad for his profitable profession.
Film profession
Upon its completion, Owoh entered the film trade when he was contracted to deal with the subtitling for the Igbo-language movie ‘Residing in Bondage’.
In 1995, he wrote and produced the long-lasting movie ‘Ikuku’, during which he portrayed the unforgettable character Osuofia, a drunk. His efficiency within the movie earned him widespread recognition, making him a beloved family title.
In 1997, he produced ‘Ikuku 2’, a sequel to the primary film, during which he reprised his function as a drunkard. That very same 12 months, he additionally made ‘Pam Pam’, collaborating with Okey Bakassi.
Owoh revived the character Osuofia in ‘Osuofia in London in 2003 and its sequel, ‘Osuofia in London 2 in 2004, each produced by Kingsley Ogoro.
His function in these movies introduced him worldwide recognition and cemented his nickname. This breakthrough launched an enduring profession, guaranteeing his steady presence on display screen.
Owoh additionally featured in a number of different movies, together with ‘Lifeless Severe’, ‘Enemy of Peace’, ‘Emeta’, ‘Iron Girl’, ‘Mbakwe the Tailor’, ‘White Youngster’, and ‘Foreigner’s God’, amongst others.
Music profession
Owoh can also be a singer and have become broadly recognized for performing the music ‘I Go Chop Your Greenback’ which satirised advance charge fraud.
The music was featured in The Grasp, during which Owoh portrayed a scammer. In 2007, the Nigerian Broadcasting Fee banned the music.
Owoh’s albums embody Osuofia in London, The Grasp, and Obara’m. His singles embody ‘I Go Chop Your Greenback’, ‘Settlement’ and ‘My Individuals.’
READ ALSO: Ex-minister Kennedy-Ohanenye returns to Nollywood, stars in new film
In November 2009, Owoh was kidnapped in jap Nigeria, and his abductors demanded a N15 million ransom.
He was ultimately launched after his household allegedly paid ransom.
Owoh married his spouse, Ngozi, in 1998.
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