Nollywood Legend Emmanuel France Passes Away at 84

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Nollywood legend Emmanuel France has passed away at the age of 84. His death was announced on September 16 by filmmaker Olufemi Ogedengbe, who shared the news on Instagram, expressing his condolences and recalling their collaborations on films like Cross My Sin, She Is My Sister, and The Director in 2006.

France, known for his iconic role as a witch doctor in Nollywood films and his famous catchphrase “Tufancha” from the film Suicide Mission, was born in Kano State, Nigeria, in the 1980s. His movie credits include Oganigwe, Narrow Escape, Witches, Silent Night, and Exile.

France’s nationality has often been debated, with many believing he was Ghanaian. However, in a 2011 interview, he clarified that while his grandparents were from the Gold Coast (now Ghana), he was born in Nigeria and held Nigerian citizenship. His career in film began in Ghana, where he studied at the School of Journalism in Accra and worked with the Ghana Film Corporation. He also contributed to Ghanaian cinema by writing scripts and shooting films like The Market Day and the road safety documentary No Time to Die.

Emmanuel France’s death follows shortly after the passing of fellow Nollywood actor Big Larry, marking a sad period for the Nigerian film industry.