By Nse Ikpe-Etim
I remember the day, in 1998, when I ran away from home to a village in Badagry, I had no idea what lay in store for me. All I wanted was not to be married. Later that evening, I saw a film cast and crew. Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Basorge Tariah Jnr., Julius Awgu, Jude Orhorha and Francis Duru. It was a relief to see people I knew and that was when I heard Uncle Sam Loco Efe and Late aunty Christy Essien-Igbokwe were on the same set. They both played Kate’s parents in the movie.
I remember him asking what brought me out there, and I narrated my tale. He listened with the ears of a wise man, while he drank a beer and said to me, ‘my daughter, there are charlatans parading themselves as husbands, look well’. That was said as though he had known me all the while. He was truly a father. It was not just an honor to have gotten advice from a man who had proven to the world his versatility, both on stage and on screen, it was a blessing.
I ended up playing a role in the movie, and had the opportunity to work in the same project. It was too much for me at the time. I looked on in awe as he ‘chewed’ his lines, and proffered solutions when it looked as if tradition would find us wanting. He was the voice of reason when the villagers thought they would prove difficult, once they saw him and how his humility shone through, they would open their doors, bring stools, even offer us food.
As an actor, his ability to become the character came easy. He always had a new thing he brought with him. Watching him, you would be ready for a roller coaster ride. His journey from ‘Hotel de Jordan’ which was aired live in the then Bendel state, to Festac 77, he slowly broke generational ties and Nollywood was home.
How can I say all this and not mention his comedic side? His sense of humor made you forget pain, sorrow and anything that had the ability to bring tears of grief. The only tears allowed were tears of joy. He was the definition of natural humor.
A true African who believed in family values. If I could turn the hands of time, I would ask for just another piece of advice. And it’s sad that he’ll depart just when he was about to play my father in a new movie ‘Phone Swap’.
Good night Uncle Sam, and sleep well in the Lord.
*Ikpe-Etim is a Lagos-based actress
27 comments
Am just so cold hearing this sad news that pa sam loco is dad.man am really going to miss him cos he is one of my greatest fan.may his soul rest in perfect peace.
It’s realy painful lol, rest in peace sir
Life is trully nothing but a vapour.You have lived the life n life full of humour that even your body language,your moves ,everything about you is laughter. May your soul rest in peace . Adieu Uncle Sam Loco Efe.And may God give those u left behind the fortitude to bear this loss.
He was a great actor indeed may his soul rest in peace .
Despite the tears evoked by ur succinct tribute, I still ended with a smile. Surely Nollywood actresses are a rare combination. Beauty and brain. Adieu Uncle Sam!
Men….. I can’t believe dat sam loco efe is dead.it is a big shock me & 2 all his fans.we luv man may ur gentle soul rest in de blossom of de lord
Uncle sam may ur soul rest in perfect peace.
it’s really a shocked news when i heard about it.this lost goes to all nigerians, especially those that are getting in tough with his movie.may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace!!!
Life is truly nothing but a market place for every body that will one day go home. He who give has the ability to take back. Uncle sam has been a blessing to the african movie industry expectialy nigeria, pls let every1 watch & pray against evil device at every steps bcus we fight not against flesh & blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places. He has put smiles in life’s under though times marritaly, emotionaly & other wise. What a great loss! His body language, steps & words u will surely laugh away your sorrows, sleep well in the Lord. Adieu Uncle Sam!
Life is truly nothing but a market place for every body that will one day go home. He who give has the ability to take back. Uncle sam has been a blessing to the african movie industry expectialy nigeria, pls let every1 watch & pray against evil device at every steps bcus we fight not against flesh & blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places. He has put smiles in life’s under though times marritaly, emotionaly & other wise. What a great loss! His body language, steps & words u will surely laugh away your sorrows, sleep well in the Lord. Adieu Uncle Sam! What a great loss !
He was indeed a great African legend and will always be remembered in the history of Africa’s biggest film industry and beyond.
May he be received by the most precious angels in THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. R.I.P.
From The Gambia
A great man,a legend has just left d world,uncle sam loco efe sleep well my man!
rest in peace we miss you uncle sam bye……………
Uncle sam loco Efe…we all miss u. May ur soul rest in perfect peace.
a great legends has just left with sorrow in your heart,may your humble soul rest in prefect peace (amen).
A BIG BLOW TO MANKIND AND THE NOLLYWOOD INDUSRTY
May your gentle soul rest in the bossom of the lord. Adieu Mr Sam Loco Efe
uncle sam iam going to miss you,God bless ur soul till meet again.
Life indeed is a walkin shadow…rip Uncle Sam
OMG! how I wish i would wake up tomorrow morning to realize that this news of your sudden demise was only a rumor. You are indeed a true gem of a rare breed.
it is best to b seen in d mantion of God dan to b here on earth runnin afta wordly wealth.we lov u,but God own u.
Am ifunany from imo mbaitoli orodo. i love he our man sam loco efe may you be in de hand of de lord
He was indeed an hero in the entertainment industry of the african movies.May his soul rest in perfect peace……………..
may the lord be with you and wipe away your sins.
this is a big loss to the african movie industry.what an actor what a comedian what a loss,your movies will live on and u will forever be remembered as a legend,rest in peace uncle sam
RIP one of the finest elders in Africa.Will miss your sense of humor. Uganda will miss you indeed. May God grant you eternal peace.
he is indeed a great hero, man i’m going to miss all ur words of advise even while playing a role.adieu uncle sam and may ur soul rest in peace