Legendary Nigerian comedian, Baba Sala died on the night of Sunday, 7th of October, 2018. In our grief, we couldn’t help but remember these 8 awesome facts about Baba Sala that you might have forgotten.
He is regarded as the father of Nigerian comedy.
Starting his career in comedy in the late 60s, he formed the Moses Olaiya International Alawada Theatre Limited and toured Nigerian cities performing his acts.
He didn’t always do comedy.
He started out his career as a high life musician in the early 60s, under a band called ‘Federal Rhythm Dandies’.
He mentored King Sunny Ade.
He and Sunny Ade were both in the band – Federal Rhythm Dandies, were many believe he mentored the King of Juju.
The origin of his name.
While we’ll fondly remember him as Baba Sala, his real name is Moses Olaiya Adejumo.
Starting out his comedy career in a predominantly Muslim community was what influenced his choice of moniker.
He was honoured in a special edition of popular gameshow – ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’
In 2009, Baba Sala was during a special edition of ‘Who wants to be a millionaire?’, for his positive impact toward the development of the country through entertainment. He was awarded with N1m.
He was given a one year contract to air his Alawada Series on Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) – the first television station in Nigeria.
The contract was given based on the directive of the then Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was a big fan of Baba Sala’s. The series will later air on NTA Ibadan every Wednesday between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
He was also a producer and filmmaker.
He produced the popular Yoruba movie – Orun Mooru, alongside a number of others in the 80s and 90s.
He was awarded a national honour.
In 1978 General Olusegun Obasanjo awarded the legendary comedian the national honour of ‘Member of the Order of Niger (MON)’.
He has a published biography.
In 2017, Kunle Ajayi, Babatunde Akinola, and Collins Oyedokun published a biography titled ‘Triumph of Destiny’, chronicling the life and times of the icon.
“He died in his sleep after supper.”
Emmanuel, one of Baba Sala’s sons, said his father passed away in his sleep, after he’d had his 6pm supper.
