Nigerian actor Peters Ijagbemi has paid tribute to legendary dramatist Hubert Ogunde, describing him as one of the pioneers who laid the foundation for what is now known as Nollywood.
Ijagbemi noted that while many people trace the birth of Nollywood to the commercialization of Nigerian films in the 1990s, the industry’s roots go much deeper.
According to him, Hubert Ogunde played a crucial role in shaping early Nigerian theatre and storytelling, long before the rise of modern filmmaking in the country.
Pioneer of Indigenous Theatre
Ogunde was widely known for transforming traditional storytelling into structured theatre through his travelling theatre productions, many of which were deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and traditions.
His works not only entertained audiences but also helped preserve African identity at a time when indigenous stories were often overlooked.
Inspiring Generations
Ijagbemi emphasized that Ogunde’s creativity and courage inspired generations of filmmakers and storytellers who later built the Nigerian movie industry into what it is today.
“Without the foundation laid by pioneers like him, the Nollywood we celebrate today might never have existed,” he said.
Remembering the Legends
As Nollywood continues to grow into a global entertainment powerhouse, the actor stressed the importance of remembering and honoring those who helped shape the industry from its earliest days.
The legacy of Hubert Ogunde continues to live on through the countless Nigerian stories being told on screens across the world.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
