Re-imagining the Life Journey of Nollywood Legend, Sola Sobowale

Sola Sobowale is a celebrated Nigerian actress, film director, and producer. She was born in Ondo State, Nigeria, on December 26, 1965, and grew up in Lagos. Sobowale attended the University of Lagos where she studied Theatre Arts, graduating with a degree in 1989.

The Early Beginnings

Sobowale’s journey to becoming a Nollywood icon began in the early 1990s. She started out as a television actress, appearing in popular Nigerian TV shows like “Super Story”, “Owuro Lojo”, and “Family Circle”. Her talent and hard work soon caught the attention of movie producers, and she was offered her first movie role in 1992.

Debut Movie

Sobowale made her debut in the Nigerian movie industry with the film “Ohun Oko Somida”. The movie was a commercial success and marked the beginning of a long and successful career for Sobowale. She went on to appear in numerous movies, both in Nollywood and in other African film industries.

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Iconic Roles

One of Sobowale’s most iconic roles came in the 1998 film “Violated”. The movie, directed by Amaka Igwe, was a critical and commercial success, and Sobowale’s performance in the lead role earned her widespread acclaim. She won the Best Actress award at the 1998 Reel Awards and the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Sobowale continued to make a name for herself in Nollywood throughout the 2000s. She appeared in popular movies like “Dangerous Twins”, “Family on Fire”, and “Dangerous Sisters”. Additionally, she began to explore her talents as a director and producer. She directed movies like “Eleyinju Ege” and “Ohun Oko Somida” while also producing the hit movie “Ise Onise” in 2009.

Career Break

In 2014, Sobowale took a break from acting to focus on her family and other business ventures. However, she returned to Nollywood in 2016 with a bang. She starred in the movie “The Wedding Party”, playing the role of Tinuade Coker, the overbearing mother of the bride. Her performance in the movie was widely praised, earning her several awards, including the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

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The Wedding Party

Sobowale’s performance in “The Wedding Party” marked a turning point in her career. She became one of the most sought-after actresses in Nollywood, and her career entered a new phase of success and recognition. In 2017, she appeared in the hit movie “King of Boys”, playing the role of Alhaja Eniola Salami. Her performance in the film was once again widely praised, and it cemented her status as a Nollywood icon.

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Accolades and Rewards

Sobowale’s talent and dedication to her craft have earned her numerous accolades and awards over the years. She has won the Best Actress award at the Reel Awards twice, in 1998 and 2001, and the Best Supporting Actress award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2017. She was also awarded the Africa Movie Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

In addition to her successful career in the entertainment industry, Sobowale is also a philanthropist. She is actively involved in several charity organizations, including the Sola Sobowale Foundation, which provides assistance to children in need. She is also a role model to many young actors and actresses in Nollywood, and she continues to inspire and motivate others to follow in her footsteps.