Sola Sobowale also known as Toyin Tomato is a Nigerian actress, screenwriter, director, and producer who has been in the industry for decades. She started with the movie Sura the Tailor. Thereafter, she featured in Village Headmaster, Mirror in the Sun, and had her big break with Oh Father, Oh Daughter; a Super Story drama series.
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Since then, Sola has featured in series of movies including some self-produced movies. She was not consistent for some year as a result of her trip to England but came back with full force in 2016.
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Sola Sobowale Biography
Sola Sobowale was born on December 26, 1965, in Ondo State. She was born to Joseph and Esther Olagookun. Her father was a retired principal and her mother, a former headmistress. After her primary and secondary education, she enrolled into the University of Ibadan to study Music. However, due to her passion for acting, she switched to Theatre Arts.
She is married to Oludotun Sobowale. Oludotun was the former corporate executive director of EKO Hospital, before relocating to England. Their union is blessed with children.
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Sola Sobowale Early Career
Sola got into the industry with the help of her brother-in-law, Tunji Oyelana (For the movie Sura the tailor), who also enrolled her into the University. Oyelana doubled as a lecturer, singer and actor. Sola’s parents were against her acting at first but Oyelana was able to convince her parents to see acting as a noble profession and not a wayward lifestyle based on the relationship he has with the family. Luckily for Sola, her parents agreed, and her career as an actress began.
On getting in, she started with Sura the Tailor, and subsequently, featured in Village Headmaster, Mirror in the Sun, Our Husband Have Gone Mad Again e.t.c. Later on, she joined a group led by Adebayo Salami, Awada kerikeri Group. She also featured in Asewo to re Mecca and a celluloid, Eki Okan, e.t.c
Sobowale came to limelight after starring as Toyin Tomato in Oh Father! Oh Daughter!, a Wale Adenuga’s Super Story drama series. Due to the aura she brought into the series, several people still refer to her as Toyin Tomato till date.
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Sobowale’s Return
Like we mentioned, Sola was not consistent in the industry for some years. According to her, she left with her family to the UK so she could give her children good education. She returned prepared with her A+ game and has continued to grace the screen with her out of the world performance.
First, she took the role of Tinuade Coker in the popular romantic comedy-drama, Wedding Party. She was a co-director in the Wedding Party with Kemi Adetiba and Adesua Etomi. The movie was popularly accepted and featured Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Richard Mofe Damijo, AY Makun, Iretiola Doyle, and other A-list thespians.
Also, in 2018, she starred as Alhaja Eniola Salami in a political thriller film, King of Boys co-produced and directed by Kemi Adetiba. The award-winning movie saw Sobowale as a businesswoman, philanthropist, and aspiring politician. Sola starred alongside Veteran Jide Kosoko, Adesua Etomi, Toni Tones, Akin Lewis, Reminisce, Illbliss, e.t.c
Altogether, she has over 70 films (Yoruba and English) to her credit.
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Films
As a producer, Sobowale wrote and produced the Yoruba movie, Ohun Oko Somida (2010). The movie featured her children, Taiwo and Kehinde Sobowale, Adebayo Salami, Ace actress Mercy Aigbe, and Faith Balogun.
Some of the movies she has starred in include;
- Asewo to re Mecca, 1992
- Diamond Ring, 1998
- Oduduwa, 2000
- Lagidigba, 2000
- Outkast, 2001
- Omo Inu Oku, 2001
- Kosorogun, 2002
- Unforgettable, 2003
- Tim ba’taiye Wa, 2003
- The Outsider, 2003
- Emotional Tears, 2003
- Oyato, 2003
- Okanlomo, 2003
- Jawo nbe, 2003
- Hope of Glory, 2004
- Love From Above, 2004
- Dangerous Twins, 2004
- Total Disgrace, 2005
- 11:45… Too late, 2005
- Opin Irin Ajo, 2005
- The Last Night, 2005
- The Price of Love: Life is Beautiful,2005
- Nibolojasi, 2006
- A Can of Worms 1&2, 2008
- Disoriented Generation, 2009
- Ohun Oko Somida, 2010
- Family on Fire, 2011
- The Wedding Party 1&2 2017
- Wives on Strikes: The Revolution, 2017
- Christmas is Coming, 2017
- Omambala, 2018
- King of Boys, 2018
- Seven And A Half Dates, 2018
- Gold Statue, 2019
- The Enemy I know, 2019
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Sola Sobowale Net Worth
Sobowale is one of the most-sought after actresses in Nigeria and has several endorsement deals.
Sola Sobowale is an ambassador to Mouka Foams, BSTAN Homes e.t.c. She was also endorsed by Globacom and represents the company with Patience Ozokwor, Boda Shaggi, Jide Kosoko. e.t.c
Information Cradle estimated her worth at $450,000.
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Awards And Recognition
Sola is an award-winning actress who knows how to interpret her roles. Some of the awards in her possession include;
- Best Actress in Comedy, African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, 2017
- Actress of the Year, Allure Awards, 2018
- Best Actress in a Leading Role ‘King of Boys’, Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), 2019
- Lifetime Achievement Award, New Vision International Film Festival, 2019
- Actress of the Year, New Telegraph Award
- Hall of Fame, Naija FM Comedy Awards
Sola Sobowale Quotes
“A person focused on achieving his/her goals will find life more fulfilling. Keep glowing.”
“Life is all about perspective, 2 piece.”
“The only one standing in your way is you. Go for what you want at full speed, no hesitation, no questions.”
“Don’t take yourself too seriously.”
“When you watch my movies and smile, that’s a form of therapy because you’re relaxed watching me. I also teach through my movies, highlighting the difference between right and wrong.”
“Nollywood is growing bigger, and I’m glad I’m still part of the system.”
“Whenever you see me on screen, just know that God is in control.”
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Entrepreneurial Lessons From The Life Sola Sobowale
Passion
Sola Sobowale has warmed her way into the hearts of many because of her aura. First, it started with her passionate delivery of her role as Toyin Tomato in the Super Story Series, Oh Father, oh daughter. According to her, she got several testimonies from women on how she saved their marriage from divorce. Not only that, she is a role model to several young people aiming for a career in the entertainment industry.
We can never emphasize it enough; whatever your hand findeth to do, do it with all your might. Give it your best shot. Excellence breeds success.
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Be Teachable
Although, Sola has been in the industry for a long time, she recently explained how Kemi Adetiba was instrumental in making her give her all to her fans.
As evident in King of boys, Sola amazed her audience with the delivery of Alhaji Eniola Salami’s role. As deserving, she won the AMAA award for the best actress in a leading role for her role in King of Boys.
In business, be open-minded and teachable. You can learn from anyone, even people you think are beneath you. Great entrepreneurs and champions are teachable people.
2 responses
This woman is a great actress, her role in King of the boys was awesome
Hello Osasuyi,
Yeah, we agree with you Sola is a great actress.