Fresh tributes continue pouring following the death of Nollywood legend Olu Jacobs, fellow actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has now shared personal memories of working with him.
Jacobs passed away on September 16 at the age of 84, his death has left many in the industry reflecting on his legacy.
Kanayo’s tribute paints a vivid picture of the veteran actor’s discipline, kanayo further described him as a man who took his craft extremely seriously.
Speaking to BBC Focus on Africa, Kanayo recalled Jacobs’ strict punctuality on set, saying Jacob often arrived well ahead of scheduled call times.
He also spoke about Jacobs’ mastery of his lines, according to Kanayo, mistakes were rare whenever Jacobs was in a scene.
“You wouldn’t tell Olu Jacobs that call time is 9 am and he is not there by 8:30. Is it in terms of taking his lines? Such people were like demigods; difficult to forget their lines,” he said.
Kanayo explained that working with Jacobs came with unspoken expectations, younger actors, he said, had to prove themselves quickly on set.
This tribute also highlighted the veteran’s mentorship style, as Kanayo said Jacobs pushed younger actors without ever losing patience for genuine effort.
“God save you if you are on set with Mr Olu Jacobs and you’re not proving yourself to be an actor. He will, in a very simple way, tell you how you can be better,” he said.
He noted that Jacobs never hesitated to share his knowledge however, he expected younger actors to put in real work to improve.
Kanayo also recalled a memorable film project both actors worked on together, the movie, produced by Lancelot Imasuen in Benin, cast Jacobs as a king and Kanayo as his prince.
He reflected on how that on-screen dynamic mirrored their real standing in the industry. Kanayo admitted he wished Jacobs had more time left.
“I would have wished that he stayed more. He has played his part, and it’s time the Lord called him home,” he said.
Jacobs, born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, his career spanned more than five decades across British theatre, international film, and Nigerian cinema.
He co-founded the Lufodo Group alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, Jacobs also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa International Film Festival, among several other honors.
In 2021, Joke Silva publicly shared that Jacobs had been living with Lewy body dementia, and he is survived by his wife and their children.
As tributes continue, Kanayo’s words offer a rare glimpse into the discipline behind Jacobs’ legendary career.
