Since the advent of what is today known as Nollywood in the early 90s, actors have come and gone, like the saying that “soldier go and soldier come and barracks remain”.

One needs not to argue the fact that the growth of the industry has translated into the discovery and projections of emerging talents whose startling performances further give credence to the industry.

But at the same time, we must also acknowledge some of the notable faces who made waves at a very auspicious time in the industry and later descended into oblivion.

HVP takes a crucial look at the trend in the industry and the place of these old but once popular faces who are currently missing in action as well as the “evergreen actresses.”

Sola Sobowale

There was a time when Nollywood films were not complete without the face of Sola Sobowale who even featured more in English films, than she did in the Yoruba genre. The light complexioned actress disappeared from the scene since the later part of 2006 when the ovation was loud.

Sobowale relocated to Britain to reunite with her family, and practically went off the social circuit. She kept many wondering why she migrated considering her high profile status in the movie industry.

Few years ago, she was reported to have been arrested and beheaded for drug trafficking in far away Saudi Arabia which was later found out to be untrue. Since then, not much have been heard from her, until recently when sneaked into the country to shoot her latest movie titled “Ohun Oko Somida.”

From the rested Village Headmaster, to Lola Fani Kayode’s Mirror In The Sun and a couple of stage productions including Femi Osofisan’s Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again, Sobowale enjoyed a steady rise to fame before she bowed out of the stage.

She also scored more credits in a long list of Yoruba movies- Asewo To Re Mecca and Eri Okan. Sobowale became a household name in the country for her role as Toyin Tomato in one of the stories told in Wale Adenuga Productions’ Super Story. Her fans still miss her on screen. But, people are still asking, where is Sola Sobolwale?

Rita Nzelu

All efforts to ascertain the where about of Rita Nzelu over the years has never yield fruits, and no one can claim to be in the know.

Incessant reports say the light complexioned actress relocated to London to join her suitor then. Another version of it says she has been admonished not to act again. But whatever is the true story ,her unceremonious disappearance on screen still irks her fans.

Nzelu was one of earliest actresses that brought glamour and professionalism in Nollywood. She was reputed for her ability to deliver each role she plays especially comedies where she is often pairs with Nkem Owoh.

She has been missing in action in the last couple of years, but we are certain when she returns we wouldn’t be disappointed to behold the new trend in the industry.

Nnenna Nwabueze

Until 1992, when that best selling premier movie, ‘Living in Bondage”, was produced by Okechukwu Ogunjiofor a.k.a Paullo, not much was known of Nnenna Nwabueze. She was called Merit in that movie and happened to be one of the matriarchs of contemporary video culture in Nigeria.

Nnenna, during her time, ruled the screen as she became a household name in the early days of the indsutry.

But unfortunately, the actress who endeared herself to many fans after starring in that evergreen movie, disappeared into the thin air without traces. Her pretty figure was never flaunted enough nor did she actually get the award of the “screen goddess” she truly deserved owing to marital grip and decisions.

In her debut movie, “Living in Bondage”, she played a descent, supportive house-wife who was unfortunately used for money ritual by her confused husband and the ghost returned to hunt him.

A lot of stories has been peddled as the reason for her disappearance on screen. Some people said, her Delta State born hubby, Chief Okonta banned her from acting, while many others had the feeling that she decided to stay off screen to enable her attend to her family.

In her own words, “I stayed off the screen to concentrate on my family.”

There was a time, it was rumoured that the mother of three kids was staging a comeback to her firs love-acting. “I’m coming back fully into acting. There’s no going back this time around. I’m out to conquer the screen.” she was quoted as saying many years ago.

But that was not to be, as eight years after she made that honest declaration, her face is still missing on screen. An indication that all is not well with our own Merit.

She also starred in “Evil Passion”, “Beyond the Vow” and “Alusi” before she finally disappeared from the screen over a decade ago. The story of Nollywood today cannot be complete without references made to that premier move, “Living in Bondage” and of course, Merit.

Liz Benson

Featuring in that television serial, “Fortunes”, in 1993, brought her fame and fortune. At about the time of her spectacular rise to stardom, the Home video culture was not as popular as what it is today.

Coming to prominence with “Glamour Girls” in 1994, Liz Benson has appeared in countless films that her face is better known than that of any other actress during her time.

Some of the movies where she played the leading role included “True Confessions”, “Shame”, “Yesterday, Evil Men 1 and 2,” “Trial”, “Pureman”, “Scores to Settle”, “Izaga”, ‘Chain Reaction’, “Sunset in Africa”, “Stolen Child”, “Burden” and many others.

A resolute and courageous actress, Liz lost her husband when she was in her mid-20 and unlike some women whose world would crash after the demise of their husband, she has faced life struggles and successfully raised the three children all alone as a single mother. She has made a huge name for herself in acting.

Only two years ago, she remarried to her new hubby, Bishop Great Emeya, in 2009, in Warri, Delta State. It was rumoured recently that she is planning to stage a come back to Nollywood, but since her white wedding, there has never been any indication that Liz is interested in returning to the screen again for the same reason of matrimonial grips.

…to be continued.