Africa Magic to honour Olu Jacobs with new documentary on his remarkable career

Africa Magic Showcase will broadcast a documentary celebrating the life and work of veteran Nigerian actor Sir Olu Jacobs, following his death on 16 September 2026.

Titled Doyen of Nollywood, the programme has been directed by filmmaker Femi Odugbemi and produced by Zuri 24 Media. It examines Jacobs’ career across theatre, television and film, while also considering the lasting influence he had on Nigeria’s entertainment industry over several decades.

The documentary will premiere on Africa Magic Showcase on Friday, 25 September at 6:35 pm. Further broadcasts are scheduled for Saturday, 26 September at 10:30 pm, Monday, 28 September at 4:30 pm and Wednesday, 30 September at 2:35 pm.

Jacobs was widely regarded as one of the most influential actors of his generation. His work across stage and screen earned him recognition for his versatility, depth and dedication to acting.

As well as his performances, Jacobs was credited with helping to shape the Nigerian acting industry and inspiring a new generation of performers. His career was defined not only by the characters he played, but also by his discipline, professionalism and influence within the sector.

Colleagues reflect on Jacobs’ legacy

Doyen of Nollywood brings together actors and other industry figures who knew or worked with Jacobs. Their contributions provide personal accounts of his career and the mark he made on Nigerian theatre, television and film.

The documentary features reflections from Joke Silva, Afolabi Adesanya, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Patience Ozokwor, Kate Henshaw and Jahman Anikulapo.

Through their recollections, the programme will revisit Jacobs’ most memorable roles while highlighting the standards he set throughout his career. It will also explore the wider contribution he made to the development of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The special broadcasts are intended to give audiences across Africa Magic the opportunity to remember one of Nollywood’s most celebrated veterans and to look back on his work across three major areas of the Nigerian creative sector.

Jacobs’ career, which extended across several decades, established him as a respected figure in theatre, television and film. The documentary will bring together those who witnessed that journey and offer their perspectives on the legacy he leaves behind.