Veteran Nollywood actress Olanrewaju Hassan Adeshina, popularly known as Mama Awero, has declared that she has no plans to retire from the screen, vowing to continue performing for as long as she lives.
The 75-year-old actress, whose career began in 1964, made the statement during a recent interview, reaffirming her lifelong devotion to the craft. “I will die acting. I have been doing this since 1964 and I don’t know how to do anything else aside from acting,” she said.
Beyond acting, the respected screen icon revealed that she also developed expertise in film costuming during her formative years in the industry. According to her, the knowledge was passed down by senior colleagues and mentors who shaped her early career.
Mama Awero began her professional journey with the Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group and has since built a reputation as one of Nollywood’s enduring figures, with a career spanning more than six decades.
Revealing the Roots of Awada Keri Keri
During the interview, the actress also shed light on lesser-known members of the historic Awada Keri Keri theatre group, a platform that nurtured several prominent Nigerian actors.
She noted that while many people associate the group with herself, Adebayo Salami (popularly known as Oga Bello), and Papi Luwe, it also included a long list of notable performers who later became household names.
Among them, she said, were Sola Sobowale, Jide Kosoko, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Ronke Odusanya, Kunle Afod, Bakky Adeoye, the late Funmi Martins, and Dele Odule.
“These names began their career with Awada Keri Keri,” she said, emphasizing the group’s significant contribution to the growth of Yoruba theatre and the broader Nigerian film industry.
A Life Dedicated to the Stage and Screen
Over the decades, Mama Awero has remained a constant presence in Nollywood, earning admiration for her consistency, resilience, and commitment to storytelling. Her declaration that she intends to continue acting until her final days underscores not only her passion but also the deep personal identity she has built around the profession.
As Nollywood continues to evolve, veterans like Mama Awero serve as living bridges between the foundational era of travelling theatre troupes and the modern, globally recognized film industry. Her enduring presence stands as a testament to dedication, legacy, and the lasting power of performance.