Yoruba Blog

The first and original Alien film was produced in 1979 and directed by Ridley Scott. Before the production, the director had put out a casting call for a very tall, very thin actor to play the character of the eponymous Alien but Ridley had a tough time finding someone who fits his description, he sets out looking at basketball players, and even tested Peter Mayhew who later featured as Chewbacca in Star Wars.

One day scout agent Peter Archer was having a drink in a London West End pub when a Six Feet Ten Inches (6 ft 10in) young black man walked in, Archer thought of ALIEN as soon as he spotted this young man who was coincidentally the son of the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. Immediately Archer arranged for a meeting with the director. "Yes! this is the one" Ridley said as soon as he saw the young man who goes by the name Bolaji Badejo, a student of graphic arts in London, who has travelled extensively with his parents to Ethiopia and the United States where he studied fine arts.

Bolaji's combination of height, slimness and an erect posture automatically landed him the role but unfortunately he could not perform most of the dangerous and physically grueling actions even after taking miming lessons, stuntmen were employed as substitute for the parts where Bolaji’s unique proportions could not be found.

After the movie was produced he returned to Nigeria in 1980 and didn't return for the Alien sequels, which incorporated more puppetry and later animation alongside suit performers; the original was his only film credit.

In Nigeria he ran a successful art gallery in Falomo, and resided at Olonode Street, Yaba until his death in 1992. He died from sickle cell anaemia at the age of 39.

Alaafin Àmúniwáyé (not real picture) was the 22nd Alaafin of Òyó, who ruled the Òyó empire between 1732 and 1738, he appeared to be the only good Alaafin after many short despotic reigns. He was lovable, cheered and admired by many.

But Àmúniwáyé disappointed his people. The graceful king, lacked the strength to preserve his honor. The King was caught in a tryst (having an affair) with the wife of his medicine man who had laced the woman with Magun (literally mean Don't climb or Thunderbolt). He died while having in*******se with the woman.