Unarguably, the Sadiq Daba was definitely on the top echelon of his generation.
Although Daba died on Wednesday evening after losing a battle to leukaemia and prostate cancer, his work and impact can never be lost.
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From news reading to acting, his sterling career has been crowned with awards and recognition.
Daba worked as a broadcaster for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and his acting career picked up in the late 1970s, starring as Bitrus in Cock Crow at Dawn.
He co-hosted the popular AM Express with late Yinka Craig (who died of a similar illness in 2008).
Some of his popular series and movies are Cock Crow at Dawn, Behind the Clouds, Ripples, Village Headmaster, Moment of Truth, October 1.
His last movie appearance was in Kunle Afolayan’s ‘Citation’ which was released in October 2020.
The veteran is survived by his wife, Bolaji Daba, whom he met in Jos, six children and many grandchildren.
Love for the radio
Originally from Kano, he grew up in Sierra Leone, where he attended St. Edwards Secondary School.
“I have always been interested in cinema, in broadcasting. I grew up in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and basically, that was where my interest in broadcasting started. I used to listen to the radio and I always dreamt and visualised that one day, people will hear my voice on the radio, because as of then, television was not there in Freetown, it was basically radio. All my dream was radio. And there was this gentleman in Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS), William Roberts, who was what people called DJ; he had such a fantastic voice. I used to listen to him. Apart from William Robert in SLBS, I also used to listen to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Voice of America (VOA). Then one beautiful Christmas, I remember, my father bought me a Philips tape recorder – reel to reel – and I record myself and playback, pretending I am on the radio. That was where my interest started,” he said in an interview in 2017 on how his journey to the world of broadcasting started.
His break came in June 1960 when he visited Nigeria, where he met ace broadcaster, Kalifa Baba Ahmed, then a producer and head of presentation with Radio Television Kaduna (RTVK).
After auditioning, he was employed as a presenter/continuity announcer, reading the news on radio and television. From Kaduna, he moved to Sokoto where his acting career started.
“We were going to Jos to act and then go back to do what you were doing. It got to a stage that I was told that it was not right for me to play Bitrus and come and read the news. So, I was withdrawn from reading the news; I was reporting, editing but not allowed to read the news again. I concentrated more on production. It got to a stage that I was actually removed from the newsroom. I was transferred to Lagos. That was it; no newscasting again, I became a producer. I went over to Jos to fully concentrate on the production of Cock Crow at Dawn,” he recalled.
The family-oriented programme became an instant hit and most of the cast, including Daba, who played the role of Bitrus, a rather naughty boy became popular.
“We were not paid; we were given a stipend, an allowance of N3. It was N3.60K per week,” he added.
From Bitrus to Prof. Yahaya
Daba successfully wowed his generation as Bitrus in Cock Crow at Dawn while stealing the hearts of the millennials and Generation Z (Zoomers) with his exquisite interpretation of the roles of Inspector Danladi Waziri in October 1 and Prof. Yahaya in Citation, both movies directed by Kunle Afolayan.
In 2015, he won the ‘Best Actor’ award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for his role as “Inspector Waziri” in the award-winning movie “October 1.”
Daba, who many in the industry look up to as a role model for his ingenuity, was honoured as “Garkuwan Nollywood,” Hausa translation for “Shield of Nollywood,” by stakeholders in the motion picture industry.
Emeka Rollas, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), who bestowed the title on Daba, described him as a hardworking consistent foremost Nigerian actor who was an inspiration to the industry.
“He is indeed a shield in the industry as his wealth of experience and consistency has contributed greatly to Nollywood.
“Honour, they say, should be given to whom honour is due, and that is what the organizers of this award have done to this veteran entertainer, “he had said at the event held in Abuja in 2018.
Daba, who expressed appreciation for the award said: “I am humbled to be honoured today, and I will sincerely work towards defending the interest of actors and filmmakers to build a stronger Nollywood.” A promise he kept till his last breath, always speaking truth to power and condemning politics of giving recognition based on ‘favouritism’.
“The things I am not happy about is what we talked about concerning the recognition going the wrong ways because of the kind of leadership we have at the helms of affairs in Nigeria who believe in rewarding mediocrities instead of hardworking people.
“If you don’t dance to their music, you are as good as useless. I am sure you have never seen me dancing on the platform of any political party. I will never do it. These are the kind of people they like. These are the kind of people they recognise,” he had said.
An Inspiration
Kannywood director, Babangida Bangis noted that the late veteran inspired many northerners to join the movie industry.
Popular Kannywood star, Ali Nuhu said he grew up watching Daba as Bitrus in Cock Crow at dawn.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar paid tribute to the late veteran.
“Sad that the cock will no longer crow at dawn. Sadiq Daba, thank you for the joy you brought into our homes. May your sins be forgiven, and your memories be a blessing,” the former presidential candidate posted on Twitter.
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, a human rights campaigner, said the passing of Daba was saddening.
“For decades, he gave his best to this country through creative acting and incisive comments on current affairs across media platforms. He was an ardent supporter of truth, who also gave selfless service,” she said.
Over-the-top content platform and production company, NETFLIX also paid tribute via its official page in Nigeria, @NetflixNaija
“A legend in every sense. Rest in Power Sadiq Daba,” it posted with a video of his role in October 1.
Actress Joke Silva wrote on Instagram, “Uncle Sadiq, you had a good run. I thank God that you worked till the end. Rest well dear friend. Rest well.”
Also, movie producer, Kunle Afolayan, wrote, “You will be missed, Uncle S. You made your mark”.
“Rest in perfect peace, Sir Sadiq Daba. A legend and an inspiration” posted Temi Otedola, who played the role of Moremi in Citation
“Rest on Uncle Sadiq Daba. You did it your way!! I grew up watching you in COCK CROW AT DAWN… I celebrate the immense contributions you made to the film and broadcast industry..,” posted Nollywood star, Kate Henshaw.
