The first time I met the legendary Legemah in person was in 2023. This prolific writer, outstanding actor and experienced director endowed with the technicalities of impeccable filmmaking is always full of life, humour and artistic spontaneity.
Our Edo-born Henry Iyobosah Legemah is a force of nature especially with his excellent role interpretation. This multi-talented and multidimensional artist reverberates dramatic excellence, exudes artistic intelligence and constantly actuates charisma on several levels. He breathes life onto every role he is given. But what makes the “legendary legendariness” of Henry Iyobosah Legemah so peculiar?
Let us examine a slice of a slice of a slice of his intimidating filmography.
Blood of Enogie: In this intriguing story of royal succession in Isibor Dukedom, we meet the contentiously charming elder, the father of Itohan, called Chief Enoma, played by Henry Legemah.
This series reminds us all of the importance of raising our children right and maintaining a good relationship with them, otherwise it could lead to strained future relationships. Chief Enoma was antagonistic against Itohan’s decision to support the Enogie in taking in a second wife. However, Chief Enoma reminds me that ultimately, our parents might seem harsh but they are usually looking out for our best interests, considering how the story later panned out.
Culture: In this Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen direction, we find the Enogie embodied and really personified in the person of Henry Legemah. He carried the role with the authority and characteristically subtle nuance it deserved. Starring alongside Chinyere Wilfred, Benjamin Olaye, Monalisa Chinda and occasional humorous references from Andrew Osawaru and Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, Legemah’s script and character interpretation was impeccable. I learnt the importance of true love and acceptance from this film but also appreciated the deconstruction of our cultural realism with regard to our marital alliances.
Rita’s Draughts: This ROK Studios film written by Aimiuwu Nosazeme Eseosa, directed by Kabat Esosa Egbon and Osazee Osagie Ikpefuran and shot in Benin City was a great definition of a phenomenal family drama. But it would have felt hollow without the dramatic effect of the great Legemah himself. Playing Osazee, a kind father but irresponsible drunk, he showed brilliance in every breath both on and off camera. I learnt from “Rita’s Draughts” not to give up doing what you are good at until you succeed. I love that I also got to act a scene with this masterful and great actor. Once upon a time I used to see him on television as a child but I have grown up to work with him in real life. It’s a dream come true for me. I am grateful to work with my heroes.
Tuke Tuke (Ovbigbo and Ovbiedo Saga): Most people are trying their best to survive in a harsh economic climate, especially our bus drivers also known as Tuke Tuke bus drivers. This film written by Aimiuwu Nosazeme Eseosa and directed by Jeremiah Onoge (DGN) stars Ebele Okaro, Ruby Orjiakor, Kelvin Avielele (MC Twinko), Precious Otas also had a scene with Henry Legemah where his character ran a loan business. This film teaches us that the road to success is rough but if you keep trying your best, you can succeed.
Izoduwa: Etinosa Idemudia says she had to go deep, deep down in order to interpret this role. But Chief Ogbebor played by Henry Legemah was exceptional in this Kabat Esosa Egbon-directed film. I learnt that what is destined for us will not pass us by. I love how the central conflict of this film from the stables of ROK Studios begins. And I love the resolution. Quite unexpected. A thoroughly engaging film with a highly satisfying conclusion.
Conclusion: I consider myself quite privileged to have interacted with this phenomenal force of nature. This is a great man that knows how to keep the jokes coming in. There is never a dull moment with the legendary legendariness called Henry Iyobosah Legemah. Every moment with him is full of artistic brilliance. In case you need an excellent actor for the roles he can carry, you will enjoy working with him. He is experienced. He is connected. He is greatly talented, knows about a billion stories and interprets his character with a special flair, a flavour exuded and demonstrated by the best of the best.
With his cultural inclination leaning towards the Edocentric, I am grateful for the legendary legendariness of the exceptional Henry Iyobosah Legemah and his conscientious endeavours to push Edo To The World.
