Several actors are known by their pseudonyms and stage names especially in Nigeria and to an extent that has become part of their identity.
In the Nollywood industry, most actors acquire their nicknames from the roles they have played in movies that have fascinated viewers, and it became unforgettable.
Some of these names were adopted at the early stages of their career and it has somehow stuck with them to the extent that several fans don’t even know what their real names are.
Today let’s talk about 5 NOLLYWOOD ACTORS THAT GOT THEIR NAMES FROM A MOVIE CHARACTER.
- MR. IBU
Mr. Ibu is a well-known comic actor who has featured in several movies alongside other notable comic actors in the movie industry.
The veteran actor’s nickname is even more popular than his real name. He however got the nickname after his lead role in the movie, Mr. Ibu and Mr. Ibu in London.
His real name is John Ikechukwu Okafor, I bet some of you don’t know that.
- SAKA
Popularly known for his comic roles, and at the mention of the name Saka, lovers of Nigeria TV ads and movies will burst into laughter, as his nickname has since become a household name.
However, only a few know that Hafiz Oyetoro got his nickname from his role as Simply Saka in a Greg Odutayo-produced sitcom, House A-part. It seems somehow the name Saka even suits him better.
- MAMA G
Patience Ozonkwor is a legendary actress who has been in the Nigerian movie industry for over two decades.
She is nicknamed Mama G and the ‘G’ stands for General, which seems unforgettable to many Nigerians who grew up watching her.
The nickname was given to her because of her constant role as a villain and strong characters in Nollywood movies.
- AKI AND PAWPAW
Chinedu Ikedieze who is popularly called Aki and Osita Iheme popularly called Pawpaw became a household name after their roles in the 2002 comedy movie ‘Aki na Ukwa’.
The movie also happened to be their debut which ended up being one of their best-ever projects.
Their characters in the movie have since then been their nicknames and it’s far more recognized than their actual name.
- OSUOFIA
Nkem Owoh is well-known by many Nigerians by his nickname Osuofia. The veteran actor got the nickname after playing the lead character in the 2003 movie ‘Osuofia in London’.
The movie is also one of the best-selling Nollywood movies of all time. The movie made him more popular, as well as gave him ground in the movie industry.
Almost two decades after the release of the movie, he is still referred to as Osuofia by many, which goes to show that the name is unforgettable, some don’t even know his actual name which is Nkem Owoh.
See the video below for more!
