From British Stages To Nigerian Cinema: How Olu Jacobs Came Home

Before Olu Jacobs became one of the defining faces of Nigerian cinema, Nigerian audiences had already seen him on their screens.

It was not Nollywood that introduced them to him. It was a Ribena commercial.

In 1977, while living and working in Britain, Jacobs appeared in an advertisement for the drink. The commercial was broadcast in Nigeria, making his face familiar to audiences back home. Jacobs later recalled that Nigerians visiting Britain would recognise him and call him “the Ribena doctor.”

It was an unlikely introduction to an actor whose career would eventually span British theatre, television, international film and Nigerian cinema.

Building A Career In Britain

Born Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs in 1942, Jacobs developed an interest in acting while growing up in Kano. He eventually travelled to London, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

He went on to work across British theatre and television, appearing in productions including Night and Day, The Goodies, Barlow at Large, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals. His international film credits included The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Roman Polanski’s Pirates.

His years in Britain gave him extensive professional experience, but they also influenced his decision to return to Nigeria. Jacobs later spoke about the limitations Black actors faced in Britain at the time and questioned why African stories were sometimes told without African actors at their centre.

Coming Home

Jacobs returned to Nigeria as the country’s entertainment industry was evolving. His theatre training and international experience became part of the commanding presence he brought to Nigerian television and film.

He became particularly recognised for roles as fathers, chiefs, traditional rulers, politicians and other authoritative figures, appearing in hundreds of Nigerian productions over the course of his career.

Together with his wife, actress Joke Silva, he was also associated with the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

From British stages to Nigerian screens, Jacobs built a career that crossed borders and generations.

When his family announced his death at 84, they described him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

Before Nollywood made Olu Jacobs a household name, his face had already found its way home.