“Olu Jacobs, the Igwe of Nollywood” by Onoshe Nwabuikwu

The following is an excerpt from an opinion piece by Onoshe Nwabuikwu. The post was originally published at YNaija and you can read the entire piece here 

‘When you think of an Igwe in a typical Nollywood movie, what three names come to mind? If you’re like me, your list will be very short. Short or long, I can bet that Olu Jacobs, one of Nollywood’s remaining authentic international stars, would be top on your list. How did he emerge as the actor who arguably has played Igwe more times than anyone in Nollywood? I’m sure there’s an interesting story there somewhere.

Why is Olu Jacobs seemingly at peace with Nollywood? Here’s a man who began acting abroad when it was a big deal, before many of today’s stars were born. He appeared in the famous 1979 film Ashanti as Commissioner Batak alongside Michael Caine.

It’s instructive that the man at the centre of it all doesn’t while away his time regaling anyone who cares to listen about ‘before before’. He has chosen instead to face his job and do it to the best of his ability. Is it any wonder that he’s become the Igwe of choice, a bonafide king? He’s played all the roles he can possible play as a king. He’s played the rich king, with a fleet of luxury cars. He’s played the traditional Igwe. He’s played the cuckolded Igwe. He’s played the devilish Igwe. He has even on occasion played the lover boy Igwe. And so on and so on.

It’s therefore my pleasure to present the Igweeeee’.

Read the full post at http://www.ynaija.com/olu-jacobs-the-igwe-of-nollywood-onoshe-nwabuikwu-reviews-the-amvcas-and-nollywood-at-20