Albert Egbe is a prominent Nigerian actor and producer, renowned for his contributions to Nigerian television and film. He is best known for his iconic roles as the original Mr. B. in “Basi and Company” and as Baba TC in “The Thrift Collector.” This article delves into his life, career, and notable achievements.
Personal Stats for Albert Egbe:
| Full Name | Albert Egbe |
| Date of Birth | N/A |
| State of Origin | Delta State, Nigeria |
| Birthplace | Warri, Delta State, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Actor and Producer |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Alma Mater | University of Ibadan (Studied Latin) |
Early Life
Albert Egbe was born in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, into a family of Itsekiri ancestry. His educational journey took him to St. Gregory’s College in Lagos, and later, he pursued a degree in Latin at the University of Ibadan. During his university years, he met the notable Ken Saro-Wiwa and both were actively involved in a traveling theatre group. They collaborated on various drama productions, marking the early roots of Egbe’s future in the entertainment industry. After graduation, Egbe initially worked as an administration officer with the Nigerian Federal Government.
Transition To Entertainment
Although Egbe began his career in a government administrative role, his passion for the arts led him to make a significant career change. He decided to study accounting in London, but upon returning to Nigeria, he worked as an accountant at Deloitte and later at Michelin Nigeria. However, his strong affinity for acting and the entertainment industry eventually compelled him to leave the corporate world behind.
Career Highlights
Albert Egbe’s breakthrough role came when he portrayed the titular character in “Basi and Company.” In this television series, he depicted a young man in the city who continually devised schemes for making easy money. Prior to “Basi and Company,” he had notable roles in television series like “The New Masquerade” and “The Village Headmaster.”
An interesting twist in his career occurred when he left “Basi and Company” during production due to a dispute with the series’ creator, Ken Saro-Wiwa. Following this, he ventured into producing the television series “Jagua Nana’s Daughter,” which was based on the novel by Cyprian Ekwensi. His work often involved adapting literary works by Nigerian authors, including Rasheed Gbadamosi’s “The Tree Grows in the Desert” and Ola Rotimi’s “Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again.”
In 1996, Egbe played the role of Baba TC in the UNFPA production “The Thrift Collector.” In this role, he portrayed an isusu agent who frequently found himself embroiled in his syndicate members’ personal issues, including matters related to poverty, STDs, HIV, and family planning. The production received recognition, with the Rotterdam Museum of Ethnology acknowledging it as one of the Best TV Soaps on Population and Development.
From 1999 to 2003, Albert Egbe took on the role of managing the Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria training school located in Lagos. Additionally, he contributed as a screenwriter for M-Net’s “Twins of the Rain Forest.” As of the most recent available information, he was planning to produce a film centered around the Itsekiri warlord Nana Olomu.
Albert Egbe’s career is a testament to his versatility, transitioning from a career in administration and accounting to becoming a significant figure in Nigerian television and film, often focusing on adaptations of literary works. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry in Nigeria.
