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Saint Obi |
Nigerian home video lovers who claim ignorance of
the distinctive face and looks of Nigerian's most
popular actor, Saint Obi, must be a strange lot.
Saint Obi's ascension into the highly important
first place he occupies in the heart of his many
fans is almost magical.
Born in Mbaitoli, Imo state "those-not-so-many years
ago" (he won't tell you exactly how old he is) is
Nigeria's screen god. The 1991 graduate of Theatre
Arts from the University of Jos did not go into
acting immediately after graduation.
Instead, his handsome face, wonderful mien and great
body quickly got him modelling jobs. He was a model
for a few years before he decided to try his hands
at the profession which he has spent some four years
(sons strikes, riots, etc) studying.
Although he has been in quite a few stage plays,
Saint Obi did not hit the national limelight until
he debuted in the widely acclaimed home video,
Without Love. From then on, producers and directors
have continued to scramble for the model/actor who
claims marriage is still quite far from being his
immediate concern right now.
To date, he has starred in most of the films that
are considered the most popular in Nigeria. Sakobi,
Goodbye Tomorrow, Heart of Gold, Amadas, Last Party,
are a few of the films in which he has acted.
Saint Obi continues to model.
Not too long ago, he won a highly lucrative contract
to model for Bevista, one of Nigeria's few highbrow
boutiques. Right now, speculation is rife that
Bevista might renew his one year contract given the
huge marketing success Saint Obi has become for the
boutique, a success which has translated into huge
sales for the clothiers of past Nigerian presidents.
Saint Obi continues to ride high as one of Nigeria's
better paid actors. How much he grosses per film, he
won't tell you.
His high status and stature in the industry is of
course enough proof that he is making a neat pile of
money. Stardom and relative wealth have however left
this handsome dude as simple as they met him.
For the star whose parents were once opposed to his
opting for acting instead of the many other more
lucrative professions, he has carved a solid niche
for himself and none can begrudge him enjoying his
well deserved success.
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