The Days of Evil Men and Homecoming Scares in Nollywood

 

By Olumide Labulo

Late 90s and early 2000s witnessed the golden age of villainous characters in Nollywood. To break it down, it was the era Nollywood was filled with movies about the activities of wicked men that particularly lived in remote towns in the east. They ranged from classic evil uncles to diabolic businessmen, wealthy politicians, cultists and ritualists or corrupt chiefs. These characters, often portrayed by some of Nollywood’s finest actors like Kanayo O. Kanayo, Pete Edochie, Clem Ohameze, Chiwetala Agu, Bob Manuel, Ramsey Nouah, etc. became iconic, not just for their sinister deeds but for the moral lessons that their stories imparted through the themes of greed, betrayal, power, and supernatural revenge or karma. Kanayo especially became almost synonymous with ritualistic characters to the point that today he’s a meme for “blood money” jokes! 

Pete Edochie, another legend of the industry, also became known for playing the role of the powerful and often malevolent figures. Whether as a village chief or a wealthy businessman, Edochie’s characters often embodied the deep corruption and manipulation that came with power. His authoritative voice and commanding presence on screen made him the perfect antagonist. Edochie’s characters were often wealthy individuals who would go to any lengths to maintain their wealth, even if it meant ruining lives or breaking the law.

What made these characters so compelling was not just their actions, but the dramatic, often supernatural elements surrounding their schemes for personal gain at the expense of others. Many times, the evil men would resort to rituals, black magic, or diabolic pacts to ensure their rise to power. This typicality gave Nollywood films a unique, eerie atmosphere, blending the supernatural with everyday life.

The popularity of these evil characters can be attributed to several factors one of which was cultural resonance. The themes of supernatural powers, witchcraft, and occult practices resonated deeply with Nigerian culture, where traditional beliefs and modern realities often clash. These films reflected the tension between the old and the new, the spiritual and the material, making them deeply relatable for viewers. Another is moral lessons and justice. Even though these films showed the evil man as an embodiment of corruption and immorality, they always concluded with karma or divine retribution catching up with the villain. This structure appealed to audiences because it reinforced the belief that no matter how much evil prospers, justice would ultimately prevail like it is portrayed in some of the iconic ones: "Living in Bondage" (1992), "Captives", "Nneka the Pretty Serpent" (1994), "Rituals" (1997), "The Evil Men" (2001), etc.

In today's Nollywood, the focus has shifted to a wider variety of characters and stories, but the archetype of the villainous character — the man driven by ambition, greed, and power — continues to appear in different forms. Films now explore political corruption, family dynamics, and social issues, but the essence of the evil man — the antagonist who pushes the plot forward — remains central to many narratives.