Chief Executive Officer of Don Singles International (DSI), Dominic Nwuzor, who was the manager of the late Nollywood comic actor John Okafor,popularly known as Mr Ibu, said his demise was the end of an era, describing him as the man that truly ‘made Africa laugh.’
Speaking in fond memory of the late legend on Sunday in Abuja, Nwuzor lauded the comic genius of the man he managed for over two decades before his passing in March 2024.
The title “the man who made Africa laugh” often refers to the late actor and comedian due to his iconic and hilarious roles, especially his character in ‘Mr. Ibu’ movies, becoming a household comedic name across the continent.
Born in Nkanu West Local Government of Enugu State, John Okafor was acclaimed to have appeared in over 200 Nollywood films
He was Known for his unique comedic timing, facial expressions, and often portraying foolish or clumsy characters, which resonated deeply with African audiences.
He burst into scenery limelight in 2004 with the movie Mr Ibu, which tells the story of the eponymous single father and his son as they journey through life, getting into a series of tricky, and hilarious, predicaments
According to the DSI boss, “Mr. Ibu” persona was synonymous with laughter across Africa and beyond, as the late legend brought joy to millions.
Speaking in nostalgia of the late comedian, Nwuzor said he was part of his entertainment expedition across Africa and beyond, adding that “Mr Ibu truly made Africa laugh, as he used humour to promote peace and unitythe continent.”.
He said Mr Ibu’s ability to evoke laughter with his natural wit, made him fans favourite all over Africa and acclaimed as one of the continent’s beloved comic actors of all time.
“Mr Ibu, as John was popularly known, was not just an actor, but Nollywood ambassador that used his talent and humour to promote peace, happiness and unity among Africans.
“I signed John in 2004, and then our relationship grew beyond that of business to become that of friendship as we have become so close till his death.
“The deal started with first two years, and I did not bother him with the aspects of Nigerian movies, so he could deal with anyone on Nigerian movies.
“But for anything concerning international showbiz, I have to discuss with the promoters on the basic access requirements and then we would move.”
Nwuzor reminisced that “There was no airport , especially in Africa, where crowd of fans would not gather John, and that was how I realized his popularity outside the shores of Nigeria.
“I can tell you that he was even more celebrated in countries like Ghana, South Africa ,Kenya, Tanzania,Gambia, Garbon, Botswana and he always held the Nigerian flag showing his love for his country,” he said.
The DSI helmsman recounted how Mr Ibu used his craft and popularity to make people happy, build bridges and reconciling warring communities across the continent.
According to him, the late thespian used his craft to project Nigeria in a positive light to the world, especially in countries that have heard negative stories about the country.
Nwuzor said the late veteran comedian was given several hounours and recognitions by leaders and communities across Africa during his lifetime.
He decribed the late actor as one of the positive things other countries wanted to hear about Nigeria, as everybody looked forward to meet him, including presidents of nations.
According to him, “Foreigners fell in love with Nigeria through John and wanted to visit the country because of him, as we got calls from even the Caribbeans.”
“When we went to Botswana, he held the Nigerian flag when we landed to show that he is from Nigeria because they were hearing a lot of negative things about Nigeria then.
“Even a little child in Ghana knows Mr Ibu , and one thing about him was his friendliness and originality, as everything he does is just himself and does not copy anyone.
“I remember vividly, how two warring tribes in Ghana came together for the first time because of John’s performance and he ended up reconciling them.
“He was thereafter given a Chieftaincy title as the ‘Malangula I of Tamale Land’, meaning the peacemaker, and I was named the Ngulala, meaning the mouthpiece of the peacemaker.
“He was a man I would say made Africans laugh and was held in high esteem like a people’s leader across Africa”, Nwuzor said.
The DSI helmsman, who described the passing of Mr Ibu as the end of an era, however urged teeming young talents to embrace mentorship and training to go far with their craft.
According to him, Nigeria has vast and talented youths, with many struggling to find platforms to showcase their creativity due to systemic barriers, limited infrastructure and economic challenges.
He said as a foremost showbiz and personality promoter and artist management firm in Nigeria, Don Single International is set to unveil DSI Movies to provide a platform for talented youths to pursue careers in the Nigerian film industry.
