The Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, has been a home of creativity, and storytelling for decades. From its humble inception to its current global popularity, Nollywood has produced some of the most iconic and classic movies in African cinema. While many modern Nollywood productions have gained widespread attention, there's a treasure trove of classic Nigerian movies that have been overlooked or forgotten over time.
These vintage films not only showcase the talents of pioneering actors and directors but also provide a glimpse into Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and history. They tackled complex themes, challenged societal norms, and entertained audiences with their unique blend of drama, comedy, and music. As we take a trip down memory lane, let's revisit some of the most notable Nigerian old movies that people might have forgotten.
1. Shina Peters:
Sir Shina Peters is a Nigerian iconic Juju Musician, Singer and Songwriter. Born Oluwashina Akanbi Peters on 30 May 1958. Shina Peters paid his dues in the industry and has also secured many awards.2. Queen Theresa Onuora:
Queen Theresa Onuora hailing from Unubi town in Nnewi South local government area, Anambra state, Southeastern Nigeria is an iconic musician, dancer, singer-songwriter and performer who popularized "Egede Cultural Dance", although not the founder. She has already paid her dues in the industry.
3. Kids Songs
This children songs reigned late 1990s. The video content is kiddish cartoons that dances to the children songs. Widely accepted children songs that pleases listeners.
4. The Dub Masters
Ukeleke Augustine Onwubuya known as Ras Kimono was a popular Nigerian reggae artist who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He is widely known for his conscious and socially-aware lyrics, and his unique vocal style, which blended elements of traditional African rhythms with the characteristic sound of reggae.
Ras Kimono's music often touched on issues such as poverty, corruption, and political oppression, and his songs were known for their catchy beats and thought-provoking lyrics.
Ras Kimono was born in Onicha-Olona, a town in the Delta State of Nigeria. He was raised in a traditional Igbo family and was exposed to music from a young age.
In the 1980s, Ras Kimono moved to Lagos, where he began performing as a reggae artist in local clubs and bars. He quickly gained a following for his unique style and socially-conscious lyrics, and he became one of the leading voices of the Nigerian reggae scene.
Orits Wiliki, a Nigerian reggae legend, rose to fame in the 1980s. He is known for his unique blend of reggae, Afrobeat, and highlife music. His socially conscious lyrics, powerful vocals, and politically-charged performances have earned him comparisons to Fela Kuti and Bob Marley.
Wiliki was born in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, where he began his musical career.
5. African Masquerade Dance
Pericoma Okoye, also known as Pericoma, was a Nigerian musician known for his Ikolo style of music and mastery of Igbo traditional highlife music. He was born in Nsukka, Enugu State, in the early 20th century.
Pericoma's music was highly influenced by the traditional music of the Igbo people. He incorporated elements of Igbo language and culture into his music, which made him extremely popular among the Igbo people.
6. Helen Nkume:
Helen Nkume was a renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and prophetess born in 1943 at Nbiabike Amekpu Ohafia. She later moved to Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State, where she spent most of her life. Nkume's music career began in the early 1970s with her group, the Young Timers Band, which gained popularity in eastern Nigeria. Her music style blended highlife, afrobeat, and jazz, often categorized as "Countryside Afrobeat. She later transitioned to gospel songs.
