Many Nigerian actors are reputed for their versatility and our correspondent in this piece highlights some of them who have featured in both English and Yoruba movies.
Jide Kosoko
A Nollywood legend who has been featured in countless movies. Although he is known to play more roles in the Yoruba wing of Nollywood, he is still considered as one of the actors to reckon with in the English cadre of the industry. He has produced and featured in many movies and TV series, both English and Yoruba including Asiri Nla, Glamour Girls, Koseegbe, Out of Luck, The Department, Gidi Up, Doctor Bello, The Meeting, Last Flight to Abuja and I’ll Take My Chances.
Late Rachael Oniga
One of the most sought-after actors during her time, Rachel Oniga transversed both the Yoruba and English sectors of Nollywood like a colossus. Originally not a Yoruba woman, she hailed from Eku in Delta State but she was born in Lagos and grew up in the Ebute Metta area of the state which allowed her to get the mastery of the Yoruba language.
She used her understanding of the language to a great effect as she was considered for top jobs in the Yoruba wing of Nollywood since she made her debut in a movie titled Owo Blow in 1995. Oniga had joined Nollywood two years earlier and debuted in a movie titled Onome.
Sola Sobowale
One of the biggest actors in the country who have dazzled in the both Yoruba and English genres. Sobowale broke into limelight with her performance in a movie titled Asewo to re Mecca and she endeared herself to many movie lovers with another good show in a sitcom Super Story produced by Wale Adenuga.
Sobowale cemented her legendary status with electric performances in movies including King of Boys, The Wedding Party and Anikulapo.
Bimbo Akintola
Award-winning actress broke into the limelight with the movie titled Owo Blow and has become a regular face on our screen ever since.
She featured more in English movies but she has also appeared in many Yoruba flicks.
Many of her movies include Out of Bounds, Diamond Ring, The Gardner, and Dangerous Twins among others.
Saidi Balogun
Veteran actor Saidi Balogun works more in the Yoruba movie sector, he is also a regular face in English flicks. He has performed admirably in English movies including Above Love and Foreign Affairs, Don’t get mad get even, and Family on Fire among others.
Funsho Adeolu
A graduate of Theatre Art, Funso Adeolu is one actor that can conveniently switch between Yoruba and English movies but he has featured mostly in Yoruba movies.
Kelvin Ikeduba
Kelvin Ikeduba is widely known by his fans as the Bad Boy of Nollywood. Though he started with English movies, his foray into the Yoruba genre of films has been greeted with enormous success. Kelvin is one of the most successful crossover actors.
Clarion Chukwurah
Clarion Chukwura hails from Anambra state but has good knowledge of the Yoruba language. She is one versatile actress who has been able to fit comfortably well into both Yoruba and English movies.
Funke Akindele
unke Akindele flirted with English Nollywood movies but her career was established in the Yoruba Nollywood industry. Akindele featured in a string of impressive Yoruba and English movies making her one of the new and bankable faces in the industry.
Rykardo Agbor
Good-looking Rykardo started life as a model before his journey into acting who acts in English and Yoruba movies. Rykardo is one very versatile actor who switches between the languages with ease.
