Why Saint Obi is Trending Today, August 18th, 2023

Saint Obi is trending today, August 18th, because he was a popular Nigerian actor, film producer, and film director who died on May 7, 2023. His burial is to take place today, August 18th, 2023. He died at the age of 57 after a protracted illness.

Saint Obi’s death has sparked a lot of reactions and tributes from his fans, colleagues, friends, and family, who have expressed their shock and sadness over his demise. They have also celebrated his legacy and impact on the Nigerian film industry and culture. Some of the notable personalities who have paid their respects to Saint Obi include former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, former Ghanaian President John Mahama, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Nigerian singer Davido, Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji, and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote.

Many people will miss and remember Saint Obi, who was a legend and an icon of Nollywood. May his soul rest in peace. 😢

The life and career of Saint Obi

Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi, was born on November 16, 1965, in Okpa, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. He was the only son in a family of nine children. He had his early education in Jos, Plateau State, where he developed his passion for acting and theatre. He graduated from the University of Jos in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts.

Saint Obi joined the Nollywood industry in 1995 and rose to fame in 1996 after starring in some popular NTA commercials. He soon became one of the most sought-after actors in the industry, known for his action-packed and romantic roles. He starred in over 100 movies, such as Candle Light, State of Emergency, Sakobi, Goodbye Tomorrow, Heart of Gold, Festival of Fire, Executive Crime, and Last Party. He has received numerous local and international film awards as a result of his acting career. His honours include Best Actor in Nigeria at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, Best Actor in Africa at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the City People Entertainment Awards, Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Best of Nollywood Movie Awards, and Best Performing Actor at the Afro Hollywood Awards, to name a few.

Saint Obi was not only an actor but also a producer and director. He produced his first movie, titled Take Me to Maama, in 2001, where he starred as Jerry alongside Ebi Sam, Rachel Oniga, Nse Abel, and Enebeli Elebuwa. He also directed and produced other movies such as The God to Serve, The Devil’s Workshop, The Prince and Brat, Making of the King, Golden Moon, Strange Love, Fake Angel, The Greatest Sacrifice, Breath Again, The Hypocrite, More than a Woman, Urioma – Royal Palace, Evil Finger, In the Line of Fire, Scorpion, The Hour has Come, Power from Above, The Covenant, End of the Royal Battle, The Golden Fish, and Hole in the Heart Oracle.

Saint Obi was also a musician who released some songs such as Imagine… The Dream, You’re My Girl, Precious Mama, Ije Love, Nwa Abakiliki, and Sexy Dancer, among others. He also had a record label called Agwhyte Music International (AMI), where he signed some upcoming artists such as Kizzy B and Mekxo³.

Saint Obi was married to Mrs. Lydia Saint-Nwafor, and they had beautiful children together. He was a devoted husband and father who loved his family dearly. He was also a philanthropist who supported various causes and charities such as education, health care, empowerment, and peace initiatives. He died in Jos on May 7th, 2023, at the age of 57 after a protracted illness. His death was a huge shock and loss to his fans, colleagues, friends, and family, who mourned and paid tribute to him.

The impact of Saint Obi’s death on Nollywood

Saint Obi played a vital role in the development and growth of the Nollywood industry. He was also a mentor and inspiration for many actors and filmmakers who followed in his footsteps. His death has affected the Nollywood community and the fans in various ways and has created a vacuum in the Nollywood industry, as he was one of the most versatile and talented actors who could play any role and genre. He was also one of the most prolific and successful producers and directors who had a vision and a passion for making quality movies. He had a loyal fan base and a wide appeal across different regions and demographics. His death has left a gap that will be hard for anyone else to fill.

Saint Obi’s death has also sparked a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for his work and legacy among the Nollywood community and its fans. Many people have been revisiting his movies and songs and sharing their memories and emotions on social media. Some of his movies have been re-released or remastered to honour his memory and celebrate his achievements. Some of his colleagues and friends have also organised or attended tributes and events to pay their respects and express their gratitude to him.

His death has also challenged and motivated the Nollywood industry to continue his legacy and uphold his standards. Many actors and filmmakers have expressed their determination to emulate his example and learn from his experience. They have also pledged to improve the quality and diversity of their work and to address the issues and challenges facing the industry, such as piracy, funding, distribution, regulation, and recognition. They have also vowed to support each other and collaborate more to create better movies for the audience.

The legacy and influence of Saint Obi on Nigerian culture

Saint Obi shaped and reflected Nigerian culture and identity through his work, which showcased the diversity and richness of Nigerian culture as he portrayed various characters and stories from different ethnic groups, regions, and backgrounds. He also explored various themes and issues that were relevant and relatable to Nigerian society, such as love, family, politics, religion, crime, corruption, poverty, violence, and peace. He also incorporated elements of comedy, drama, action, romance, and suspense into his movies, making them entertaining and engaging for the audience.

Saint Obi’s work also promoted Nigerian culture to the world, as he was one of the pioneers of the Nollywood industry, which became a global phenomenon. He was one of the first Nigerian actors to feature in international movies and festivals, such as The Last Flight to Abuja (2012), which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, and The Return of Jenifa (2011), which was premiered in London. He also collaborated with other African and foreign actors and filmmakers, such as Ramsey Nouah, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Desmond Elliot, Jackie Appiah, Van Vicker, Majid Michel, Nadia Buari, Yvonne Nelson, John Dumelo, Rita Dominic, Mercy Johnson, Jim Iyke, Ini Edo, Tonto Dikeh, Patience Ozokwor, Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh, Osita Iheme, Chinedu Ikedieze, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, among others.

Saint Obi’s work also inspired and empowered many Nigerians who looked up to him as a role model and a mentor. He was a symbol of success and excellence who achieved his dreams through hard work and dedication. He was also a philanthropist who supported various causes and charities that improved the lives of many Nigerians. He was also a patriot who loved his country and advocated for peace and unity among its people. He was also a visionary who had a passion for making quality movies that would educate and enlighten the audience.