Award-winning Nollywood actor, Saint Obi confesses: SAM LOCO & I SHARED A LITTLE SECRET

Nollywood actor, Saint Obi (posted by Samod Biobaku)

Nollywood actor, Saint Obi (posted by Samod Biobaku)

By Samod Biobaku

Sixthsense34@yahoo.com

As an actor, award-winning Nollywood actor, Saint Obi has clearly carved a respectable niche for himself in the Nigerian movie industry and would naturally stand in the same gathering with celebrities who need little introduction.

Interestingly, another actor who would have glaringly assumed a bigger dimension of reverence within the movie-making paradigm would have been Samuel Arase Efemwenokiekie popularly known as Sam Loco Efe who passed away on August 7, 2011 in Owerri at the age of 69 even as the cause of his death remains unknown.

While the rest of the Nigerian entertainment community both at home and in the Diaspora chose to mourn the passing of the movie icon, Obi and a gathering of actors, actresses, film producers, movie directors, veterans and other prominent showbiz personalities chose to celebrate his achievements as well as his individual and collective impacts in their lives at a tribute with the theme: ‘A Night of Tribute for the True Colours of a Legend.’

Nollywood actor, Saint Obi (posted by Samod Biobaku)

Nollywood actor, Saint Obi (posted by Samod Biobaku)

For Obi, Sam Loco was more than just an actor as he told Simply Samad during a chat at the popular O’jez Restaurant in Lagos.

Speaking on his relationship with the late actor and film maker, obi revealed that he and Sam Loco shared a little secret; a secret they always joked about whenever their paths crossed.

Besides his admiration and respect for the late thespian, Obi also suggested ways of immortalizing Sam Loco to ensure than the legacies and qualities he stood for do not become eroded with the passage of time.

However, despite his enthusiasm towards commenting on the works of late Same Loco as well as their relationship, Obi presented an evasive countenance towards questions directed towards his career, his personality and other related questions.

The actor made it crystal clear before the interview that he would not entertain questions directed beyond matters that had to do with late Same Loco and interestingly, he stuck to his guns.   

Mr. Saint Obi, it’s a pleasure meeting you here. I was wondering if we could have a minute of your time for a quick media chat

(Instantly frowning and on the verge of moving away) I’m not into all these kind of interviews. I’m sorry.

I just need you to talk about certain things especially your moments with late Sam Loco Efe

Okay.

So, what memories did u have of Sam Loco Efe?

Emmmm… There was a movie titled the ‘Golden Fleece.’ Sam Loco Efe and I made Golden Fleece Together. This was way back in 1996.

I was just a very young actor at that time and he really helped me. It was such a privileged to have worked with him.

Was that your first point of contact?

Yes Uncle Sam was a man who was always all over the place. He was a very friendly person. He was an entrepreneur and he was a very good man.

We have had several cases in Nigeria where heroes like Sam Loco Efe become relegated to the background without any visible attempt to immortalize them. What do you think can be done to ensure that memories of Sam Loco’s times live with us forever?

It is not even possible. You can’t forget him. As long as there’s Nollywood, there will always be Uncle Sam. How can anyone of forget the man we still see on local TV stations, DSTV and the likes. We will surely come around and at some point, we will find a way to immortalize him.

What are your fondest memories of him?

I remember that way back, we did a production in Jos and there was this place where they sell cow tail. The shop was called Madam Kode so anytime he sees me, he goes: “Ah! I miss that Madam Kode oooo.”

Now let’s veer off Sam Loco for a while. You’ve been off the screen for some time now. What have you been doing?

I thought you said we were going to be discussing only Sam Loco?

Okay then! What exactly would you suggest to be done for Sam Loco?

Nothing is too big for Uncle Sam. It’s not a one-man decision. It’s for everyone to get up, put their head together and find out how we go about it because Uncle Sam was no ordinary person. He’s a legend. He’s a Thespian. He was somebody who was well versed in the industry.

Sam Loco was a celebrity during his time. He was a star yet he was never caught in the web of arrogance that many of our young celebrities indulge in. He was big yet he was very humble.

When you are a core profession, what are you posing for? Your work should always be the star while you should be the human being.

For the records, Saint Obi was born on November 16 in the Garden City of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. He hails from Ala-enyi, Ogwa of Mbaitoli L.G.A. in Imo State, Nigeria. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Jos, Plateau State and graduated with B.A. (Hons).

He speaks English, Igbo and Hausa and a little of the Yoruba language.

Obi joined the Nigerian movie industry in 1996 and instantly rose to the top. So far, he has featured in 60 films as male lead.

He remains the first Non - Catholic to get his movie endorsed by Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria. ‘Take Me To Maama’ was sold in Catholic Parishes across Nigeria.