By Anthony Ada Abraham
Reactions have continued to trail the death of Mama Zainab Bukky Ajayi, as she was fondly called by fans and colleagues in the industry, at the age of 82.
The late Bukky Ajayi, who studied drama at the Institute of Drama, London and later worked in London before coming to Nigeria where she started a broadcasting career as an announcer, presenter and newscaster at Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was part of the now rested TV series ‘Village Headmaster.’
She was seen by many as a living legend of the Nigerian film industry.
Confirming her death in a statement, chairman AGN caretaker committee, Steve Eboh, said “Aunty Bulky, as she is fondly called is one of the greatest thespians that have toiled to sustain the present day Nollywood during her active years. She will be greatly missed by the entire Nollywood community and her fans all over the world. On behalf of Nigerian actors, we sympathise with the Ajayi family, while urging them to take solace in the fact that mama led an exemplary life.”
The eloquent actress touched many hearts at the AMVCA after she got a standing ovation for her Industry Merit Award.
According to Nollywood/Kannywood producer, Uzee concept, he said he is still in shock as he last met her at the AMVCA. She prayed for her soul to rest in peace.
“Sad sad sad. The industry is in shock. Like I’m still shock. Even I saw her March at the AMVCA o. May her soul rest in peace. She will sure be missed because her professionalism is what we needed at this time in the industry. We are loosing lots of veterans in the industry this days. We need to pray for our beloved industry.”
Although, she became a presenter and then a news reader.
She presented a couple of children’s programmes and ‘Nigerian’s Sketches,’ a programme which was all about Nigerian culture,and Diran Ajijedidun of blessed memory was her producer.
She was later transferred to Port Harcourt and later back to Lagos, and it was at that time she started her acting career with the ‘Village Headmaster’ in the 70’s, and she later got a role in Amaka Igwe’s ‘Checkmate.’
Also paying her condolence is Nollywood actress, Sonia, who sent out her WhatsApp message through to our correspondent, sharing her pain over the death of Bukky Ajayi. She said she had been her mentor right from her childhood.
“It is unfortunate to hear such a news. She was one of my best. I watched her act right from when I was a child, she was one of the actors that made me want to act because I enjoyed watching her. What can we say, but pray to God for her soul. May she rest in peace. She will always be remembered for her good works,” she prayed.
In addition, Love Egbule an upcoming actress based in Abuja, expressed shock and prayed the family to bear the irreparable loss.
“My dear, do you know I just saw the news on instagram just now? Honestly is disheartening. She has influenced lots of us in the movie industry positive. And her motherly care and advice is what I will continue to respect and enjoy. She will surely be missed.
Leave a Reply