Spotlight on stars of BB Sasore’s Breath of Life

This week’s spotlight is on the cast of Prime Video original Nigeria film, Breath of Life. Written and directed by BB Sasore and produced by Eku Edewor, the film tells the story of a former clergyman who loses everything he holds dear including his faith and goes on a journey of self-transformation when his life is taken over by his Christian houseboy. It has generated a lot of excitement since it premiered on December 15. Moviedom salutes some members of cast of the well helmed movie — Wale Ojo, Sam Dede, Tina Mba, Chidozie Sambasa Nzeribe and Chidozie Imo for their contribution in making the movie tick.

Wale Ojo (Old Timi)
The actor Wale Ojo is on the cast of Breath of Life as Old Timi. An accomplished actor who was born in London, and who started out as a child star working mainly on drama series and television soaps with Africa’s first television station, WNTV Ibadan, Ojo delivers a compelling performance as Timi, a no-nonsense guy, who adamantly rejects God, only to discover it part of a larger plan. An actor who has earned AMAA and Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards nominations, Ojo’s acting career in the United Kingdom began in 1986 where he played a very young Othello in the east end of London. He has gone on to appear in most of the theatres in United Kingdom and in a couple of movie productions in Nigeria including, Phone Swap, which won him the award for best actor at the Nigeria Lite Entertainment awards, CEO, Render To Caesar, Blood Sisters and A Place Called Forward.

Sam Dede (Chief Okonkwo)
Tall, dark and well built, Achibi Sam Dede played a raised game as Chief Okonkwo in the film. Talk of an actor who gives a believable interpretation to any role he is given and that actor is the university teacher and one time Director General of the Rivers State Tourism Board. Indeed, the Rivers State-born actor, director, producer and lecturer is one deep actor and administrator, who is rightly respected for being steady, clear and reliable. Whenever he takes a movie run or stage production, the theatre and movie crowd cheers him. They say its Dede’s undeniable charm and strong screen and stage presence that turn them on. Perhaps, it is such qualities that has not only set Achibi apart from the rest, but has placed him among the most significant figures and brightest stars in the Nigerian and by far continental theatre galaxy. An actor who said he believes in a credible commitment to ethical practices, Dede was admitted to study Theatre Arts at the University of Benin. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Arts degree specialising in acting and directing. Dede returned to Port Harcourt for a postgraduate degree and much later a doctorate degree in theatre arts. He was later to be engaged on completion of the programme to teach acting, voice and speech pattern at the university. A job he still holds till date.

Tina Mba
Clearly a stage and screen amazon, the star of Isoken, Okafor’s Law and Mahmood Ali-Balogun’s box office hit, Tango With Me, had more than a stellar outing in Breath of Life. Mba, also known for her expert portrayal in ‘Make A Move’, and ‘The Tenant’ put up an ‘A’ game that gave more realistic expressions to her role. A native of Oghe, Ezeagu Local Councilof Enugu State, Celestina Mba was educated in Nigeria and London. A proud mother of two (a boy and a girl) and the first of seven siblings, Mba has featured in countless stage and screen productions such as, Death and The King Horse Man, The Lion and the Jewel and in popular television and movie productions such as, Every Day People, Under The Siege, Hotel Majestic, Banana Island Ghost, For Maria, Ebun Pataki, among others.

Chidozie Sambasa Nzeribe (Baby Fire)
Notable and award-winning Nollywood actor, Chidozie Sambasa Nzeribe, is on the cast of Breath of Life as Baby Fire. The product of the Creative Arts Department, University of Lagos and star of Eric Aghimien’s A Mile from Home and Slow Country, Sambasa, as the actor is simply called, put up an inimitable performance in the prime video original. Born Nzeribe Sixtus Chidioze, Sambasa has featured in a lot of successful Nigerian movies, including A soldier’s Story, Hotel Choco, Elevator Baby, Kasala, and The Ghost and The Tout.

Chimezie Imo (Elijah)
Actor and model Chimezie Imo featured as Elijah in Breath of Life and he lived the role delightfully. Elijah was the persistent voice at the back of Timi’s mind, who constantly questioned Timi’s actions and decisions. Born in Lagos but originally from Orsu Council of Imo State, Chimezie started his film and television career in 2014 when he was named runner up on Nigerian talent show, titled, ‘The Next Movie Star Reality Show’. He made his on-screen debut in the film, Learning Curves, and has since starred in TV shows such as, Origin and the comedy 90 Gogoro. His other screen credits include, Shuga Naija, Kasala, Nimbe, and Choke, which earned him a nomination at the 2023 Africa Movie Viewers Choice award for Best Actor in a lead role.