BIOGRAPHY OF SOLA SHOBOWALE –EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS

Sola Sobowale, famously dubbed Toyin Tomato, is a prominent Nollywood actress who combines professional roles as screenwriter, film actress, producer and director. She is not only rated first-class in Nigerian English-speaking movies but also in Yoruba-speaking movies. She has starred in popular movies including Gold Statue (a 2019 movie) and In Case of Incasity (a 2020 movie). Just like Mr Ibu (John Okafor), she is also a comic actress.

Sola Sobowale has been in Nollywood for more than a score of years and she first appeared in Sura the Tailor, a Nigerian movie. She has also scripted, co-scripted, produced, directed and played a plethora of roles in Nigerian movies. 


Family Background

Sola Sobowale (@SolaSobowaleTKV) | Twitter

Sola Sobowale was born to Nigerian middle-class parents, Joseph Olagokun and Esther Olagokun of Christian background on 26th of December, 1963 (a.57) in Ondo State, south-western part of Nigeria. Her parents worked as teachers before their retirement. Mr Joseph, her father, worked as a school principal before his retirement while her mother, Mrs Olagokun, served as a headmistress before her retirement.

Both of them were, at first, objected to Sola’s choice of acting as a career because they wanted her to either become a teacher or nurse. But following a series of solicitations by Tunji Oyelana, her parents consented and her career as an actress began in earnest.


Educational Background

The veteran Nollywood superstar attained elementary and secondary education in Ondo state, Nigeria. In her secondary school days, she was quite an athlete as a young girl. She often represented Ondo state in interstate sporting events back in those days. After the completion of her secondary school education, she gained admission into the Premiere University, University of Ibadan, to study Music. But due to her valour and drive for acting, she later switched to Theatrical Arts.

Acting Career

Sola Sobowale Has Nothing But Admiration For Genevieve Nnaji – Nollywood Observer

Sola got into the Nigerian movie industry through the assistance of her brother-in-law, Tunji Oyelana, who as at that time was versatile, being a Univeristy lecturer, movie actor and singer. 

She first featured in a movie titled Sura the Tailor and subsequently, she featured in Village Headmaster, Mirror in the Sun, Our Husband Have Gone Mad Again, etc,. Thereafter, Sola joined Awada Kerikeri Group which was led by a veteran Yoruba actor, Adebayo Salami. She also featured in Asewo To Re Mecca and Eki Okan, etc.

She came to full limelight after starring as Toyin Tomato in Oh Father! Oh Daughter! A Wale Adenuga superstory drama series. For the thespian aura she brought into the series, several people refer to her as Toyin Tomato till date.


Endorsement Deal

As one of the most-sought-after actresses in Nigeria, Sola Sobowale has several endorsement deals. She is an ambassador to Mouka Foams, BSTAN Home. She was endorsed by Globacomm and represents the telecommunication network company alongside Jide Kosoko, Boda Shaggi, Patience Ozokwor, etc. Information Cradle estimated her net worth to be $450,000.


Acting Style

Sola Sobowale, Deyemi Okanlawon, to feature in King of Boys II

The versatility and popularity of actresses depend largely on the roles and characters they have played perfectly. For some actresses, there are no limits when it comes to picking roles for a movie. As a true African married woman, Sola Sobowale readily rejects going naked in a movie or smooching and cuddling a male partner in a movie.

She also acts, among other roles, as a victim of husband’s maltreatment, or as a businesswoman or a caring mother with a sonorous, mournful and screeching voice.


Achievements

Sola Sobowale is among the most influential and most sought-after actresses in Nollywood. She is an inspiration and motivation to upcoming actors for her discipline and versatility in the industry. She is also famous for her impeccable seamstress style as she makes all her beautiful dresses herself. Aside winning millions of hearts through her impeccable and flawless acting, her role in a popular TV Drama Series, Super Story: Oh Father Oh Daughter reportedly fixes a matrimonial matter.


Sola Sobowale’s Return

Sola Sobolale’s absence was felt in the film industry as she was not active for some years. She left to give her five children good education in the United Kingdom. She returned fully prepared and has continued to dazzle the viewers in her characteristic style. She was featured in Wedding  Party, a 2017 romantic-comic  movie where she took the role of Tinuade Coker. The movie was popularly accepted and it featured other notable Nigerian artistes includung AY Makun, Banky W, Adesua Erotimi, Richard  Mofe Damijo and a host of others. 

In a 2018 political themed film, King of Boys, which she codirected and was produced by Kemi Adetiba, Sola Sobowale featured as Alhaja Eniola Salami, a philanthropist and businesswoman. She starred alongside Jide Kosoko, Toni Tone, Reminisce, Akin Lewis, etc.


Awards

In 2019, she received the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in Nigerian Film: King of Boys. Some of her other awards are:

  • Life Achievement Award, New Vision International Film Festival, 2019 
  • Actress of the Year, Allure Awards, 2018
  • Best Actress in Comedy, African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards, 2017
  • Actress of the Year, New Telegraph Award
  • Hall of Fame, Naija FM Comedy Awards

Personal life

Sola Sobowale is happily married to Oludotun Sobowale who is the former Corporate Executive Director of EKO Hospital. Sola and her hubby are blessed with 5 children, two of whom are twins. 

Movies

The Enemy I know, 2019

Gold Statue, 2019

Seven And A Half Dates, 2018

King of Boys, 2018

Omambala, 2018

Christmas is Coming, 2017

Wives on Strikes: The Revolution, 2017

The Wedding Party 1 & 2 2017

Family on Fire, 2011

Ohun Oko Somida, 2010

Disoriented Generation, 2009

A Can of Worms, 2008

Nibolojasi, 2006

The Price of Love: Life is Beautiful, 2005

The Last Night, 2005

Opin Irin Ajo, 2005

11:45… Too Late, 2005

Total Disgrace, 2005

Dangerous Twins, 2004

Love From Above, 2004

Hope of Glory, 2004

Jawo Nbe, 2003

Okanlomo, 2003

Oyato, 2003

Emotional Tears, 2003

The Outsider, 2003

Unforgettable, 2003

Kosorogun, 2002

Omo Inu Okun, 2001

Outkast, 2001

Lagidigba, 2000

Oduduwa, 2000

Diamond Ring, 1998

Asewo To Re Mecca, 1992


Conclusion

Sola Sobowale has made her mark as one of Nigeria’s most-respected actresses. Besides having won the hearts of many Nollywood viewers, the veteran actress has made substantial wealth from acting. 

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