A Yoruba Nollywood actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri is reportedly dead.
Oyebamiji marked his 44th birthday on December 25, 2023.
The news of his passing was disclosed by several of his peers within the Yoruba film community.
Announcing his death, Nollywood actress, Abiola Bayo wrote on her verified Instagram handle, “You will be greatly missed, Sisi Quadri. May your soul rest in perfect peace.”
Tunde Yusuf, another actor, shared a photo of Sisi Quadri along with a message expressing the belief that everything unfolds according to the will of Allah. He emphasized the transient nature of life, offering prayers for the departed soul’s rest and blessings.
Regina Chukwu extended condolences to Oyebamiji’s family, recounting his recent struggle for survival. She revealed her apprenticeship under him as a makeup artist on set for many years.
Oyebamiji gained recognition for his role in the movie “Seniyan Seranko,” premiered on December 4, 2004.
Moreover, he was anticipated to enthrall audiences in the upcoming film “Anikulapo: The Return of Spectre,” initially slated for cinema release nationwide but surprisingly dropped on Netflix today (Friday).
In an interview with The PUNCH in 2023, the renowned Yoruba actor discussed the origins of his acting journey. He recounted completing his primary and secondary education in Ore, Ondo State. Subsequently, he connected with his father’s elder brother, who introduced him to his lecturer, Toyin Olaiya (Alaga council), thus initiating him into the world of acting.
“I proceeded to learn cloth design for four years which I concluded in 1999. My passion for education prompted me to further my education at The Polytechnic Iree.
“Afterwards, in 2000 my dad’s elder brother introduced me to my lecturer and mentor, Toyin Olaiya (Alaga council) who brought me into acting. When the late Hameeda Shakeem first saw me, she was so interested in me that she made me become a part of their team of actors.
“After this, I was introduced to makeup and relocated to Lagos where I met many celebrities. That’s how God favoured me and my journey to stardom began. My dad’s mission was for me to be a popular Muslim cleric but I achieved it in another way,” he added.
Continuing, Oyebamiji stressed, “I usually did an extra in movies, acting one or two scenes before I featured in the movie, ‘Seranko Seniyan’ released on December 4, 2004. With the advent of social media, I began skit-making with my friend, Funmi Awelewa before we put together a movie from the skits titled, ‘Ebudola.’”
While fielding a question on how he was popular for insulting people in movie scenes, the late actor opined that it is an inborn talent.
“It’s a God-given and inborn talent. However, I learnt how to insult people in a joking way through my dad and mum. My dad would never beat his children but the words he would say could make one rethink one’s decision; when my dad talks, you would think he is on a movie set.
“The way I act in movies is the way I behave normally; I had to tone down my excesses when I became known. Sometimes I shoot skits from the words I say jokingly or when I’m just being funky with friends.”