Good Night Uncle Sam: A Tribute To Sam Loco Efe

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.