We have to admit that the painful deaths in the Nigerian movie industry have been on the rise in recent times. Just this year alone, many talents in the English and Yoruba Nollywood industry have passed, including one of our most cherished veterans, Amaechi Muonagor, who gave up on Sunday, March 24, 2024, days after seeking aid for a kidney transplant in India. In this article, we shall look at the Nollywood movies that helped shape the late Nigerian actor’s legacy and career.
The great Nigerian actor was 61, and his death came after a long-fought battle with different health challenges, including diabetes. However, while he is no longer with us, his legacy remains immortalized through his remarkable acting career that spanned several decades.
The late Amaechi Muonagor did not just dazzle us with his versatility and compelling acting ability, he also showed showed his funny side that made many of us respect him as an actor. As we mourn his tragic loss, we will not forget to celebrate the massive imprint he left on the Nigerian film industry. Here are some of the movies that defined Amaechi’s illustrious career in Nollywood:
1. Aki and Paw Paw:
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Late Amaechi Muonagor was no stranger to appearing alongside comedic duo, Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme in several Nollywood movies, and he often gave the kind of performance that complemented the comedic display of the two young men.
In “Aki na Ukwa” (2003), Amaechi Muonagor played the role of Chief Osuofia, who was Chinedu Ikedieze’s father. He expertly unleashed his unique style of humor on that project, interacted seamlessly with Aki, and delivered a lot of memorable comedic situations we will not forget in a hurry.
In “Aki na Ukwa 2” (2003), he reprised his role as Chief Osuofia in the sequel, and once again delivered comedic moments alongside Aki and Pawpaw that will forever be remembered when Nollywood fans look back and reminisce on the good old days.
2. Karishika (1996):
This was a classic Nollywood movie directed by the talented Ifeanyi Ikpoenyi. Amaechi Muonagor starred as an important character named Father Abraham and his role added a lot of depth to this captivating story of supernatural vengeance.
He displayed his impeccable acting skills during the battle against the titular character, Karishika, a mean and powerful evil seductress. Amaechi’s compelling performance definitely aided the suspense and drama of a film that is still talked about as one of the most iconic works Nollywood ever produced.
3. Ukwa (2001):
Amaechi starred alongside the talented Nkem Owoh in this one, and his portrayal of Mr. Onuoha, a rich and vibrant man who encountered various misadventures, added a lot of humor and charm to the project. The movie cemented its place as a memorable classic among Nigerian comedy lovers, and it was all thanks to the 2 master actors involved.
4. Igodo (1999):
This was a Nollywood epic fantasy film directed by Andy Amenechi, and late Amaechi played an important role as one of the village elders named Amadi. The interesting film told the story of a village facing serious consequences because of a curse placed upon them in times past.
Muonagor’s performance added substance to the movie as his character played a crucial role in leading and advising the protagonist on their journey to freeing the entire village from bondage. He definitely did his bit to ensure the film was a success, no wonder we can’t seem to forget the project in a hurry.
5. Aki and PawPaw (2021):
Flaunting his timeless appeal and growth, Amaechi’s brilliant role in this recent remake connected him with a new generation of Nollywood fans, and viewers saw the same exquisite acting ability like in times past, just in an older body.
6. Taboo (1999):
This was a compelling movie that focused on several cultural practices and taboos. The highlight of the film was definitely Amaechi Muonagor who proved that he is the master of navigating very complex themes easily.
7. Issakaba:
In this Nollywood action-packed drama directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, Amaechi Muonagor took his acting to another level. He featured as a traditional ruler in the story, playing a pivotal role in promoting themes of justice and community vigilance.
We cannot help but praise the late actor for ensuring the movie’s impactful message carried a lot of weight, and his role certainly contributed to the film’s success among Nigerian audiences.
8. Living in Bondage (1992):
No Nollywood follower who knows the genesis of the industry we have today can forget this movie. It told the story of a man who joined a secret cult, killed his wife in a ritual sacrifice, received massive wealth as a reward, but is later tormented by his dead wife’s ghost.
While this movie was definitely a superb milestone for Nollywood, Amaechi’s compelling role in it further proved that he would be a force to reckon with in the Nigerian movie industry.
9. Oganigwe (2001):
This was a brilliant dive into the world of folklore and fantasy, and the movie allowed Muonagor to explore a different aspect of his acting talent without failing to captivate audiences with his portrayal in the process.
10. Nneka the Pretty Serpent (1992):
This was another role for Muonagor to shine with and his contribution to this project was very vital in its success.
The legendary Zeb Ejiro directed this one and it was definitely a classic. The story revolved around a woman who desperately wanted to get pregnant with a child of her own. This forced her to meet the river goddess a.k.a Mami Wata for help.
The woman went as far as promising to dedicate her child to the river goddess when he or she grows up as thank you for the assistance. Nneka was played by Ndidi Obi and she possessed with terrestrial powers used to wreak all sorts of havoc, including seducing married men to steal their money and souls.
Tributes From Fellow Actors To Late Amaechi Muonagor:
Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O Kanayo, wrote, “Iyi, I was always afraid whenever you did your acrobatic somersault. It was indeed outstanding despite your weight. You would always say. Nwokem, o taa, meaning, you grew up doing it.
On set, there was no dull moment as you did your best to preserve our Igbo culture. God knows why he called you now. Good night dear brother. RIP.”
Popular actor and a special adviser to the Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, Bob Mauel-Udokwu wrote, “My relationship with him was cordial with mutual respect as expected since we both hail from Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State. On movie sets, Muonagor related very cordially with both fellow cast and crew members no matter what age differences that existed.
He was overjoyed when the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr Nonye Soludo visited me alongside me and was optimistic that he would leave the hospital soon enough. Sadly he didn’t make it.”
Clemson-Cornell Ágbogidi Nnonyelu also wrote, “In fact, we were in the same hostel, Mbanefo and belonged to the same Nze na ozo society i.e. igwe en council. We were both prominent ichies. I was the chief priest of the nze na ozo society of our hostel by name Ezeoranyelu, while Muonagor was a stunt master in acrobatic somersault by name Onyemaluife ga ese during outings.”
National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas also had this to say to the government and Nigerians, “The guild is facing complete non-government assistance in every ramification. We want the government to also be involved. When issues of actors’ health are concerned, the government can find a leeway to make things right for us even if we’re struggling on our own as a guild and members to handle some of these things ourselves. The government should consider involving the creative industry in their NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme). Some of these things can also assist in cushioning the effect of these repeated health issues.
Amaechi Muonagor just died. A few days before he died, a certain young man who called himself Egbe Igwe was shouting all over the Internet that Amaechi needed to be flown to India. How can somebody who is not a medical doctor speak about a medical case? How did he know that Amaechi needed a transplant and how did he get India involved? He was busy shouting to the public on the Internet, claiming to be the best person on earth. How can Amaechi who was deeply diabetic require a kidney transplant? How were they going to cut the body to put the kidney? He didn’t have Amaechi’s prognosis, any doctor’s reference letter, or any document to show that Amaechi required a kidney transplant.
I have spoken about the activities of these naysayers who go to where people are sick and make videos. Muonagor’s last video was disrespectful to the guild, his colleagues, and the family. It is an embarrassment that you go to see people in hospital and video them in their gory and condescending state. When I visited Amaechi Muonagor with Chinedu Ikedieze and Bob-Manuel Odokwu, I showed a picture of us in the hospital and the unit where he was. Just recently, somebody just woke up and wrote RIP (Rest in Peace) for Zack Orji and posted it online. It’s tiring.”
Conclusion:
The role Amaechi Muonagor played in the growth of the Nollywood industry was not restricted to the times he was seen on our TV screens, it was more about the lives he touched with his acting skills, the messages he passed across through his characters, and his masterful command of entertainment on and off camera.
As we reflect on his remarkable career and the void his death will leave in our movie industry, it is certain that his legacy will keep inspiring future generations of actors that they can also leave their own mark on the industry, as long as they are as talented and determined as he was.
We say our goodbye to an absolute Nollywood legend, our thoughts are with the family he left behind, his close friends while he was alive, and his dedicated fans all over the world. His story is a telling reminder of how fragile life is, and how we have a very short stay on earth to touch lives with the gifts God has bestowed on us.
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