Nollywood Mourns Veteran Actor and Filmmaker Segun Remi, ‘Chief Kanran’

Veteran actor and filmmaker Segun Remi, widely known as Chief Kanran, has passed away at the age of 72.

The news of his death broke today on social media. Actor Yemi Solade reacted to the loss, posting a video of himself with the late actor and actress Jayeola Kuti, captioned with a note of disbelief: “I am yet to believe he is no more.”

Chief Kanran’s career began in the 1970s with stage performances such as Ola Rotimi’s Kurunmi and Nigeria’s FESTAC’77 entry Langbodo. He gained national recognition in 1988 after portraying Alaafin Kanran in a Lagos Television drama, earning him the nickname by which he would be known for the rest of his career.

Over the decades, he starred in numerous Yoruba films, including Vigilante, Ose-Sango, Eri Okan, Eewo, Orire, Ofa Oro, Ayanmo, Great Bird of Eternity, and Shattered Bridge. Known for playing wealthy and authoritative roles, Remi also directed films and openly discussed the struggles faced by veteran actors in Nollywood.

In past interviews, he recounted setbacks in his career, including multiple fires that destroyed his office and production equipment, halting his film projects. He also spoke out against the neglect of older actors in the industry, a cause he passionately championed in his later years.

Source: African Publicity