Biography of Sola Sobowale
Sola Sobowale popularly known as ‘Toyin tomato’ is a Nigerian film actress, screenwriter, director and producer. She is one of the leading actresses who has been in the movie industry for decades. She’s been able to capture the hearts of many through her acting prowess and aura.
Early life and background of Sola Sobowale
Sola Sobowale was born on the 26th of December, 1963 in Ondo State, Nigeria to Joseph and Esther Olagookun. Her father was a retired principal and her mother, a former headmistress. Her strict upbringing contributed immensely to her development into a principled and disciplined individual.
After completing her primary and secondary education, she proceeded to study Music at the University of Ibadan. Being passionate about acting, she switched her course of study to Theatre Arts.
Her Acting Career
Sola broke into the movie industry through the help and support of brother-in-law, Tunji Oyelana. He played an instrumental role in helping her secure admission into the university and getting her debut role in Sura the tailor. Initially, Sola’s parents weren’t supportive of her acting career until Oyelana persuaded them thus making them understand that acting is a noble profession and not a wayward lifestyle. She made her debut appearance in Sura the Tailor. She subsequently starred in Village Headmaster, Mirror in the Sun, Our Husband Have Gone Mad Again and others. She was also a member of Awada Kerikeri Group under the leadership of Adebayo Salami in 1992.
She rose to stardom after featuring as Toyin Tomato in Oh Father! Oh Daughter, a Wale Adenuga’s Super Story drama series. Her stellar performance in Oh Father! Oh Daughter! gained her the moniker “Toyin tomato” which have stuck till date. In 2010, she scripted, produced and directed, Ohun Oko Somida, a movie starring Adebayo Salami and her daughters, Taiwo and Kehinde Sobowale.
The light skinned actress went on hiatus after relocating to the United Kingdom with her family. She made a comeback in the movie industry with her role in the blockbuster movie, The Wedding Party 1 and 2 in 2016 and 2017 respectively. She starred alongside RMD, Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Ireti Doyle, Jide Kosoko and other A-list actors. In 2018, she played the lead role Alhaja Eniola Salami in a political thriller film, King of Boys co-produced and directed by Kemi Adetiba. The thespian has over 100 (English and Yoruba) movies to her credit.
Her Endorsements
The award winning actress has bagged endorsements with corporate companies like Mouka Foams, BSTAN Homes and Globacom.
Sola Sobowale’s Relationship and Family Life
The veteran actress is married to Oludotun Sobowale. Oludotun was the former corporate executive director of EKO Hospital, before relocating to England. The union is blessed with children including a set of twins.
Awards and Nominations
The leading actress is a recipient of several awards and nominations. Here’s a collection of some of the awards.
Best Actress in Comedy, African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, 2017
Actress of the Year, Allure Awards, 2018
Best Actress in a Leading Role ‘King of Boys’, Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), 2019
Lifetime Achievement Award, New Vision International Film Festival, 2019
Actress of the Year, New Telegraph Award
Hall of Fame, Naija FM Comedy Awards
Sola Sobowale’s Net Worth
Sola Sobowale is rated as one of the richest and most influential actress in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $450,000 dollars.
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