Owobo Ogunde is a Nigerian actor who has gained fame and recognition for his role as Baṣorun, the ruthless and ambitious warlord, in the Netflix original series Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre.
The series, which is a sequel to the 2022 film Anikulapo, tells the story of Saro, a traveler who returns from the afterlife with a mystical power and a daunting mission. His character, Baṣorun, is one of the main antagonists of the series, who seeks to overthrow the king and take control of the kingdom.
Biography
As per Wikipedia then Owobo Ogunde was born in 1978 (age: 45 years, as of 2023), in Lagos, Nigeria. He is the son of the legendary Nigerian playwright, actor, musician, and theatre director, who is widely regarded as the father of Nigerian theatre. He grew up in a large and artistic family, as his father had 18 wives and 49 children, many of whom were involved in the theatre business.
Ogunde attended St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, for his secondary education, where he developed an interest in drama and literature. He participated in several school plays and competitions, winning awards and accolades for his performances. He then proceeded to the University of Lagos, where he studied Theatre Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2000.
Owobo Ogunde Wiki/Bio
| Name | Owobo Ogunde |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 1978 |
| Place of birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Actor, producer, director |
| Spouse | Adetutu Ogunde |
| Children | Two |
| Siblings | 48 |
| Education | St. Gregory’s College, Lagos; University of Lagos |
| Debut | Oba Koso (stage, 2002); Everyday People (TV, 2005); The Narrow Path (film, 2007) |
| Breakthrough role | Baṣorun in Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre (Netflix series, 2024) |
| Awards | Africa Movie Academy Award, Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award, Nigeria Entertainment Award, among others |
| Production company | Ogunde Films |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Charity | Hubert Ogunde Foundation, Owobo Ogunde Scholarship Scheme |
| Hobbies | Music, literature, football |
| Links | Instagram- @owoboogunde IMDB- @nm15771578 Homepage- Newsunzip Wikipedia- Not Live |
Career and Achievements
Owobo Ogunde started his acting career in 2001, when he joined his father’s theatre company, the Ogunde Theatre Company, as a trainee. He learned the ropes of acting, directing, and producing from his father’s colleagues and mentors, such as Duro Ladipo, Wole Soyinka, and Ola Rotimi. He also honed his skills in singing, dancing, and playing various musical instruments, such as the talking drum, the guitar, and the flute.
Ogunde made his debut on stage in 2002, when he played the lead role of Oba Koso in the revival of his father’s classic play of the same name. The play, which tells the story of the legendary king of Oyo who defied death, was a huge success and earned him rave reviews and awards. He then went on to star in other stage productions, such as The Gods Are Not to Blame, The Lion and the Jewel, Death and the King’s Horseman, and Ovonramwen Nogbaisi.
He made his transition to the screen in 2005, when he appeared in the television series Everyday People, a comedy-drama that depicts the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He played the role of Segun, a witty and mischievous taxi driver, who often gets into trouble with his passengers and the authorities. He then landed roles in other television shows, such as Super Story, Family Ties, and Tinsel.
He made his film debut in 2007, when he starred in the movie The Narrow Path, a romantic drama that explores the issues of love, marriage, and culture in a rural setting. He played the role of Awero’s suitor, who competes with another man for her hand in marriage. He then featured in other movies, such as The Figurine, Phone Swap, October 1, and The CEO, all directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Kunle Afolayan.
Owobo’s breakthrough role came in 2024, when he was cast as Baṣorun in the Netflix series Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre. The series, which is based on the Yoruba folklore of Anikulapo, the one who has death in his pouch, is a spin-off of the 2022 film Anikulapo, which was also directed by Afolayan. Ogunde’s character, Baṣorun, is the leader of the warriors and the chief adviser to the king, who plots to usurp the throne and eliminate anyone who stands in his way.
He delivered a captivating and convincing performance, portraying the character’s charisma, cunning, and cruelty. He received critical acclaim and praise from the viewers and the critics, who hailed him as one of the best villains in Nollywood history.
He has won several awards and nominations for his acting career, such as the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Actor in a Drama, and the Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Actor in a TV Series.
What is the Anikulapo Series About?
Anikulapo is a historical fantasy series that tells the story of Saro, a travelling cloth weaver who gains the power of resurrection after encountering a mystical bird. He becomes popular in the Ojumo Village, where he falls in love with Arolake, the wife of the king. However, his fame and fortune come at a price, as he has to face the wrath of the king, the jealousy of his rivals, and the demands of the afterlife.
The series is a sequel to the film Anikulapo, which was released in 2022 and became a commercial success. The series was produced by Kunle Afolayan, a renowned Nigerian filmmaker who has a three-film deal with Netflix. The series premiered on March 1, 2024, and consists of eight episodes. The series features a star-studded cast, including Sola Sobowale, Jide Kosoko, Taiwo Hassan, Gabriel Afolayan, Lateef Adedimeji, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Moji Afolayan, Aisha Lawal, Uzee Usman, Adeniyi Johnson, and Funky Mallam.
How Did Owobo Ogunde Prepare for His Role as Baṣorun?
Owobo Ogunde revealed in an interview that he had to undergo a rigorous preparation process to play the role of Baṣorun, a character who is a fierce fighter and a loyal subject of the king. He said:
“Well, there’s first reading the script and understanding it. Then, there was me talking to the director and trying to understand his vision. I also had to do a lot of physical training, because Baṣorun is a very fit and strong character. I had to learn how to use different weapons, such as swords, spears, and bows. I also had to learn some Yoruba language and culture, because the series is set in the ancient Oyo Empire. It was a very challenging but rewarding experience.”
Owobo also praised his co-stars and the crew for their professionalism and dedication. He said:
“It was a pleasure working with such talented and passionate people. Everyone was committed to making the series a success. We had a lot of fun on set, but we also worked hard. I learned a lot from my fellow actors, especially Sola Sobowale, who plays Awarun, a promiscuous trader. She is a legend in the industry, and she taught me a lot about acting and life.”
Love Life and Interests
Owobo Ogunde is married to Mrs. Ogunde, a lawyer and human rights activist, whom he met at the University of Lagos. They have two children, a son and a daughter, who are both in secondary school. Ogunde lives with his family in Lagos, where he also runs his own production company, Ogunde Films, which produces movies, documentaries, and commercials.
He is a lover of music, literature, and sports. He enjoys listening to various genres of music, such as gospel, jazz, afrobeat, and highlife. He is also an avid reader, who likes to read books by Nigerian and African authors, such as Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Ngugi wa Thiong’o. He is also a fan of football, and supports the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, and the English club, Manchester United.
Owobo Ogunde is a Nigerian actor who has gained fame and recognition for his role as Baṣorun in the Netflix series Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre. He started his acting career in 2001, and has since starred in several stage, television, and film productions, winning several awards and accolades. He is married to Adetutu Ogunde, a lawyer and human rights activist, and they have two children. He is a devout Christian, a philanthropist, and a lover of music, literature, and sports.
