Veteran Nigerian actors, Fausat Balogun, popularly known as Madam Saje, and Kanayo O Kanayo, are set to be honored with the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement’ awards at the 2024 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards. The recognition comes as a celebration of their remarkable contributions to the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, over the years.
The announcement was made by Seun Oloketuyi, the founder of the BON Awards, in a statement released on Friday. He highlighted the importance of recognizing the achievements of living legends, noting that the awards were a way to honor the actors while they are still alive to appreciate the recognition.
“Why must we wait till our movie heroes are dead to give them awards? Posthumous awards are good, but it’s better the recipient receives the awards while alive,” Oloketuyi said. His statement underscores the sentiment that icons such as Madam Saje and Kanayo have not only shaped the industry but continue to inspire the current generation of filmmakers and actors.
Madam Saje and Kanayo O Kanayo are household names in Nollywood, with careers that span several decades. Both have played pivotal roles in shaping the industry and influencing its growth from its early stages to the global recognition it enjoys today. Through their performances, they have earned the admiration and respect of fans and colleagues alike, solidifying their legacy as two of Nollywood’s finest talents.
Speaking on the decision to honor these two veterans, Oloketuyi said, “Actress Fausat Balogun known as Madam Saje and Kanayo are people we grew up watching. They inspired the generation we watch now and still maintained their stand in the industry. That’s why we chose them as this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winners.”
This statement reflects the immense influence both actors have had, not just on their peers, but on a younger generation of Nollywood stars and moviegoers who have been touched by their work.
Madam Saje, known for her roles in Yoruba-language films, has been a staple in the industry for decades, playing both comedic and dramatic roles with a natural flair.
Her ability to captivate audiences with her talent and versatility has made her a beloved figure in Nigerian households. On the other hand, Kanayo O Kanayo, who has been active in Nollywood since the early ’90s, is widely regarded for his compelling performances, particularly in thriller and action films.
He is renowned for playing complex characters and is best remembered for his roles in films that deal with themes of power, politics, and societal issues.
The Lifetime Achievement awards will be presented to the two actors at a grand ceremony scheduled for November 24, 2024.
The event will take place at the Sugar Factory Film Studios in Ilorin, Kwara State, adding to the glamour and prestige of the occasion. The award ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair, bringing together the best of Nollywood’s talents to celebrate its past, present, and future.
The BON Awards, which have been running for over a decade, are a major fixture in the Nigerian entertainment calendar. The awards celebrate excellence in filmmaking, acting, and other aspects of movie production, recognizing both up-and-coming talent and industry veterans.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the highest honors given at the event, reserved for actors and filmmakers who have made a significant and lasting impact on the industry.
Madam Saje and Kanayo O Kanayo now join an illustrious list of past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, a group that includes some of the most iconic names in Nollywood.
Previous winners of the award include Toyin Adegbola, a veteran actress known for her roles in Yoruba films, Madam Kofo, a pioneer in Nigerian television and film, and Adebayo Salami, another giant of Yoruba cinema who has been a guiding force in the industry for many years.
The decision to host the awards ceremony in Ilorin is also significant, as Nollywood continues to expand its reach beyond Lagos, where most of the industry is based.
By celebrating achievements in different parts of the country, the BON Awards highlight the broad appeal of Nigerian cinema and its ability to unite people from all regions.
As the 2024 BON Awards draw closer, the excitement continues to build around the celebration of these two acting legends. For fans and industry professionals alike, the awards will be a moment to reflect on the enduring contributions of Madam Saje and Kanayo O Kanayo, and to appreciate the talents that have brought so much joy and meaning to Nollywood audiences over the years.
With this recognition, the BON Awards further cement their reputation as a platform for honoring the best of Nigerian cinema, while ensuring that the industry’s most influential figures are celebrated in their lifetimes.
The legacies of Madam Saje and Kanayo O Kanayo will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and actors, ensuring that Nollywood remains a thriving and influential force in global cinema.
