Sola Sobowale has been an iconic figure in Nollywood for decades. She made her mark in one of the country’s pioneer TV dramas, The Village Headmaster (1968), produced by Dejumo Lewis. However, when she acted as the side chick of a disloyal man in the legendary Super Story series, Oh Father Oh Daughter, it made the public more aware of her talents. Sola Sobowale’s beauty and sassy demeanor gave the show an extra boost, earning her the iconic “Toyin Tomato” nickname, a moniker that became synonymous with headstrong women named Toyin. After appearing in notable films like Diamond Ring (1998) and Dangerous Twins (2004), the veteran actor took an eight-year hiatus. Her indomitable personality soon skyrocketed once again, thanks to the success of The Wedding Party in 2016, making it as though she never left the Nolly scene.
Over the years, Sobowale has carved a name for herself as a powerhouse performer. Her riveting performances in many films, including the six memorable films highlighted in this article, have cemented her status as a household name in Nigeria. Whenever a director envisions a strong, powerful woman on screen, Sola Sobowale is undoubtedly one of the first names that come to mind.
1. Diamond Ring
In 1998, Nollywood received an entrant to its list of iconic films: Tade Ogidan’s Diamond Ring. At first glance, the title might seem unassuming, but as the story unfolds, you realize there’s more, starting from the scary ghost (played by Liz Benson) in the beginning. The film progresses until we meet Sola Sobowale, who plays the mother of the main character, played by Teju Babyface.
Throughout the film, Sola Sobowale’s tears and anguished cries for her son’s safety in numerous scenes aptly reflect the societal expectations and profound love of a mother in a harrowing, ghostly situation.
2. Oh Father Oh Daughter
Wale Adenuga Productions’ Oh Father Oh Daughter, the first of the Super Story series, debuted in 2001 and catapulted the franchise into the limelight. This success is largely due to the advent of Sola Sobowale, who delivered an unforgettable performance as the iconic Toyin Tomato. Although not the main character, Sobowale’s portrayal of a mistress to a man who betrayed his devoted wife left an indelible mark on viewers.
The moniker, “Toyin Tomato,” coined by the popular series, was a fitting tribute to Sobowale’s character – dangerously red and sizzling hot. The name transcends the confines of the show, becoming a household phrase synonymous with a woman of allure and bold femininity. Her nuanced portrayal of Toyin Tomato remains a masterclass in acting, imbuing the character with depth and complexity.
3. The Wedding Party
Released in 2016, The Wedding Party brought together a stellar ensemble of talented actors, each bringing their A-game to the franchise, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Sola Sobowale shone as a true standout with her performance as Madam Tinuade Coker, the mother of Adesua Etomi’s character.
Sobowale’s portrayal of the dramatic Yoruba mother, jealous wife, and aggrieved mother-in-law was nothing short of majestic, including her ability to transition between these multifaceted roles seamlessly. From her comically exaggerated Yoruba exclamations to her scene-stealing performance during the iconic bride-family dance sequence – one of the most memorable in Nollywood history – she brought an electrifying energy and passion to the screen.
Her presence elevated the entire film, injecting it with an authenticity and depth that resonated with audiences nationwide. It’s no exaggeration to say that The Wedding Party would not have been the same without Sola Sobowale’s brilliant contributions. Her performance was a driving force behind the movie’s success, securing its status as the highest-grossing Nollywood film of the decade.
4. King of Boys
Kemi Adetiba’s King of Boys (2018) is a gripping tale of power, politics, and the intricate web of crime that permeates the elite social strata. At the center of this captivating narrative is Eniola Salami, a formidable businesswoman, philanthropist, and the enigmatic leader of a criminal union, brought to life by Sola Sobowale.
In KOB, she takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, navigating the landscape of betrayal, tragedy, anger, denial, and unexpected hardships. She portrays a woman scorned, reeling from the devastating loss of her two children. Sobowale channels the raw, genuine reactions of a mother consumed by grief with a depth of emotion that audiences can feel through screens.
The spin-off, King of Boys: The Return of the King (2021), further solidifies Sola Sobowale’s command of the character, sealing the package with a performance that cements her status as one of Nigeria’s most versatile and talented actresses. Truly, Sola Sobowale is the undisputed “King of Boys”, both within the confines of this blockbuster franchise and in the real world of Nigerian cinema.
5. Anikulapo
Sola Sobowale embodied the character, Awarun, the first beloved of the protagonist Saro in Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo. She portrayed a wealthy and influential woman who also doubled as a “man-eater.” Her role as Awarun was essential, as her character’s business interests spanned Oyo and other towns, solidifying the flow of business in the 17th-century Oyo Kingdom.
Sobowale’s masterful portrayal captured the essence of a woman who refused to be controlled by men, a trait that resonated deeply with audiences and added depth to the narrative. In the 2024 sequel, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre, Sobowale’s Awarun continued to captivate audiences with her unwavering strength and resilience. Drawing parallels to her iconic performance as Eniola Salami in the King of Boys franchise, Awarun, and Eniola share remarkable grit and tenacity that elevate both characters to the realm of cinematic legends.
6. Shanty Town
Amongst star-studded actors like Chidi Mokeme, Ini Edo, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and others in Shanty Town is Sola Sobowale. The veteran actor showcases her versatility in the crime thriller series as she plays a diviner in Dimeji Ajibola’s mafia crime film.
Sola Sobowale played Mummy Tornado, a Babalawo (diviner) figure that spiritually fortified the crime gangs. Every detail testified to her dedication to look terrifying, from her attire and makeup to her hairstyle. While Sobowale’s screen time may have been limited, she reminded us of her extraordinary range as an actor, capable of embodying different characters. Traits that span through all her movies are her authenticity and strength. And what better person is there to body a strong woman than Sola Sobowale?