Nollywood actress and producer Allwell Ademola passed away on Saturday at the age of 43.
Ademola was a highly versatile and accomplished creative, with a career that cut across film, theatre, television, and music. From her childhood introduction to acting to her work alongside some of Nollywood’s most respected veterans, she made a lasting contribution to Nigeria’s arts and entertainment industry.
Below are five key facts about her life and career:
- Allwell Ademola was born and raised in Lagos, where she built a diverse career as an actress, filmmaker, movie director, scriptwriter, and musician.
- Her acting journey began in 1985 when a talent scout known as Uncle Wole visited her school to select children for animal games on NTA. As the head of her school’s Cultural and Dramatic Society, she was chosen for the programme.
- She later appeared in the iconic NTA children’s television show Tales by Moonlight, which brought her wider recognition among viewers.
- In 1993, Ademola joined stage productions at the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) at the National Theatre, Lagos. From 1995, she also performed at venues including the MUSON Centre, Apapa Club, and with the Royalty of the Black Theatre Movement (ROTBM).
- Her first experience on a movie set saw her work with notable industry veterans such as Prince Jide Kosoko, Edith Jane Azu, and HRH Wole Amele, as well as theatre professionals like Cliff Igwe, known for productions including The Draught Promise and The Killer Priest.