Most people remember Samuel Arase Efeimwonkiyeke, better known as Sam Loco , as the legendary actor whose slapstick comedic talent graced Nigerian screens for decades. However, there’s a lesser-known facet of this beloved icon: Beyond being an actor, he was also a singer. Thirteen years ago, Sam Loco passed away at the Rapour Hotel in Owerri, Imo State, at 66 years old.
Just before his death, he had completed filming a new movie, “The Unknown Prophet,” and had moved to Owerri to begin editing. Sam Loco’s acting career began in 1960 with his lead role as ‘Akarogun’ in Wale Ogunyemi’s “Langbodo” at FESTAC ’77, which he described as his first well-paid job. He recorded his first big break with the drama club at Government College, Afikpo, where he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in his first stage play, “Vendetta,” earning him a scholarship and setting him on his path to stardom.
Beyond his celebrated acting career, Sam Loco was a man of many talents. PREMIUM TIMES delivers fact-based journalism for Nigerians, by Nigerians — and our community of supporters, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth, meticulously researched news and information.
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