Nollywood’s legends, Kanayo O Kanayo and Fausat Balogun (aka Madam Saje), are set to be honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2024 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards. Finally, some well-deserved recognition, though you can’t help but wonder, why does it take so long for these icons to get celebrated while they’re still alive?
Why It Matters
Both actors, who’ve been the faces of Nigerian TV for decades, will be celebrated for their significant contributions to the movie industry. In a space as dynamic as Nollywood, these two have weathered the storms, built a legacy, and, dare we say, still put many younger actors to shame. Kanayo O Kanayo, known for his ritual-themed roles, and Madam Saje, a Yoruba movie legend, have been household names long before some of today’s stars even knew how to pronounce “action.”
The BON Awards, according to their website, are meant to honor filmmakers with exceptional talent and creativity. But this year, the spotlight is on veterans—those who laid the foundation for Nollywood as we know it. According to Feranmi Olaoye, the Executive Producer of the BON Awards, “These are people we grew up watching, and they deserve to be celebrated.” No argument there.
What They Are saying
Olaoye isn’t the only one championing this cause. Seun Oloketuyi, the founder of the BON Awards, raised a valid question: why must we wait until our actors have passed on before we give them awards?
“Posthumous awards are good, but it is better the recipient is alive to receive the awards,” he said. Well, it’s about time someone said it out loud. Nollywood has a habit of glorifying its stars only after they’ve exited the stage. The truth is, while posthumous awards might look good on paper, they do little for the person they’re meant to honor. Give them their flowers now, not after they’ve gone!
The award ceremony is set for November 23 to 24, 2024, at the Sugar Factory Film Studios in Ilorin, Kwara State. Hopefully, the event will be as grand as the honorees themselves. And let’s be honest, with the legendary Kanayo O Kanayo in attendance, we’re crossing our fingers that this doesn’t turn into one of his infamous on-screen rituals!
Past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards have included industry titans like Pete Edochie, Jide Kosoko, Liz Benson, and Baba Wande. This year’s honorees undoubtedly belong in this elite circle, though it’s hard to shake the feeling that these recognitions always come just a little too late.
Bottom Line
So, let’s hope Nollywood starts a new tradition, celebrating the greats while they’re still here to bask in the applause.
