Remembering Olu Jacobs: A Personal Tribute from Cinematographer Tunde Kelani

By Ailf Blog Staff

The Nigerian entertainment industry continues to mourn the loss of legendary actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, known affectionately as Uncle Olu Jacobs, who passed away in 2026 at the age of 84. In a heartfelt personal tribute, renowned cinematographer and filmmaker Tunde Kelani shares his memories of the iconic thespian whose influence shaped generations of Nigerian cinema.

A Chance Meeting That Changed Everything

Kelani recalls first encountering Olu Jacobs in 1978 while working on his graduation project at the London Film School. A group of Nigerian students, including Adefolu, George, and Femi Aloba, had adapted Amadu Maddy's novel No Past, No Present, No Future into their diploma film, Trying Times.

"At the time, Olu Jacobs was a vibrant presence at the nearby Africa Centre in Covent Garden," Kelani writes. "From that very first encounter, he left an indelible mark on me: a consummate, classically trained actor with a commanding presence, yet generous enough to lead our student production without asking for a fee—his only condition being that we provide him a meal across our three-day shoot."

That performance helped Trying Times earn a coveted spot in the Governors' Screening—a milestone that validated the young filmmakers' path.

A Cinematic Reunion

Years later, Kelani and Jacobs would collaborate again on M-Net's New Directions initiative, a groundbreaking scheme that helped lay the foundation for contemporary African cinema. Kelani served as director of photography on Twins of the Rainforest, capturing Jacobs alongside his equally gifted wife, Joke Silva.

"Their on-screen chemistry as husband and wife was electrifying," Kelani remembers. "The camera never forgets; it remains an unforgettable blessing in my life that I had the opportunity to capture that rare intensity on 16mm celluloid film."

The Courage to Come Home

Kelani emphasizes the extraordinary courage it took for Jacobs to leave a flourishing international career. Having built an enviable reputation across British stage, television, and cinema—including work on Roman Polanski's Pirates—Jacobs chose to return to Nigeria.

"At a time when shooting on analogue video seemed absurd to conventional filmmakers, he embraced the nascent Nollywood movement," Kelani notes. "He weathered every infrastructural limitation, pouring his immense craft and discipline into laying the bedrock of an industry that would command global attention."

A Legacy Beyond Awards

Jacobs, a proud son of Egbaland in Abeokuta, was honored as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and received countless lifetime achievement awards. Yet Kelani argues that accolades alone cannot capture his true impact.

"Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs stands unequivocally as a founding patriarch of modern Nigerian screen performance," he declares.

Kelani closes his tribute with gratitude: "Thank you, Uncle Olu, for gracing my lens in Trying Times and Twins of the Rainforest, and for showing us what it truly means to serve the craft."

Sun re o. Goodnight, Uncle.

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Tunde Kelani (TK) is a celebrated Nigerian filmmaker and cinematographer whose contributions to Nollywood span decades.

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