The passing of legendary actor Olu Jacobs at 84 brings renewed reflection to his union with veteran actress Joke Silva, widely regarded as one of the most celebrated and enduring partnerships in African entertainment history. The pair first met in 1981 at the National Theatre in Lagos during rehearsals for Wole Soyinka's play, Jero's Metamorphosis, and Jacobs, who had already built an international career in British theatre and television, was captivated from their first meeting. The two formed a close bond that grew into a deep personal relationship, eventually marrying in 1989. Over thirty-five years of marriage, Jacobs and Silva built a family together while simultaneously shaping the landscape of modern Nigerian theatre and cinema, and beyond their individual roles, the couple worked together to build lasting cultural institutions, founding the Lufodo organisation.
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