By Balogun Kamilu Lekan
Biography
Abeni Balogun Fausat popularly known as Madam Saje was born on February 13, 1959, in Lagos
Madam Saje is a Yoruba actress, writer, and producer.
The thespian has starred in over 80 Yoruba movies, making her a household face among Yoruba movie lovers.
Fausat is a native of Oke Ode suburb of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Madam Saje is well-known for her motherly roles in Yoruba films
Education
Fausat had only primary education before venturing into acting.
In an interview with Tribune she expresses her regret for not furthering her education. She said “The only time I could say I always have regret are times when the English section of the Nollywood would want me to feature in their movies, but because I know my capability when it comes to acting in English, I always declined those offers”
Career
Fausat started acting in 1975 after her primary school education. At first, her dad expresses great displeasure towards her career choice. She recalled in an interview. She said, “At the initial stage of my acting career, my parents never supported me, especially my father. He was against acting. He would come to beat me out of wherever I went for rehearsals then, he would beat the hell out of me”
Her father later surrendered to her choice when he saw her on NTA where she featured in a stage play, “Afonja”.
She had her initial training in the craft from the late Mashado, the founder of the theatre company known as “Ijamodi,” which was based in the Idumota neighbourhood of Lagos Island, Lagos State.
Later, she received training from Rafiu Balogun, an actress and producer who runs the “Balogun” Theatre Group. Fausat and Rafiu got married in 1979.
The television movie “Abeni Ajagun,” which her husband produced, gave Fausat Abeni Balogun her big break. She became well-known after the movie, which received many positive reviews.
In 1991, she featured in a comedy show, ‘Erin Kee kee’ with popular comedian, Late Baba Suwe. She earned her nickname “Madam Saje” from the show.
She launched her career as a producer by working on the late Prince Alade Aromire’s film “Alaroka.” She also produced other movies like “Oro Itan” and “Ebi Dapo”.
Husband and children
Fausat is married to her former boss and actor Rafiu Balogun and their union is reportedly blessed with two children:
- Afeez Adio
- Bintu Balogun
Afeez Adio, is a writer, producer, and director. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Afri Art Communication.
Bintu is an actress that has also featured in different movies.
Net worth
Her estimated net worth is not publicly available.
Achievements
Fausat Balogun has received some awards in the courses of her career. She received a Special Recognition Award in 2016 at the 2016 City People Entertainment Awards.
Below is a list of some of her filmography
- Abgara Obinrin
- Adufe
- Adun Ale
- Akebaje
- Alaimore
- Alase Aye
- Asepamo
- Eepo
- Eto Obinrin
- Gbogbo Lomo
- Ife Kobami
- Ileri Oluwa
- Imported Lomo
- Irenimoyan
- Itelorun
- Iyawo Elenu Razor
- Iyawo Ojokan
- Kokoro Ate
- Laba Laba
- Ladigbolu
- Langbodo
- Leyin Akponle
- Morenike
- Moriyeba
- Nkan Okunkun
- O Ti Poju
- Ogbun Aye
- Ojo Ikunle
- Oju Elegba
- Okan Mi
- Oko Mama E
- Olaitan Anikura
- Olasunkanmi
- Ologo Nla
- Olowo Laye Mo
- Òmìn
- Omo Elemosho
- Omo Pupa
- Omoge Elepa
- Orisirisi (Kose Gbo)
- Owo Onibara
- Oyelaja
- Salawa
- Serekode
- Tanimola
Controversy
Alhaja Fausat was rumoured to have changed her religion from Islam to Christianity. The thespian, however, refuted the claim, stating she is still a Muslim.
“May God not take Islam away from me and may He not take Christianity away from those who are Christians. I am still a Muslim and I never converted to Christianity. It was during a movie where I wore a costume and acted as a pastor’s wife that some people saw and circulated and said I had converted to Christianity. I am still a Muslim and in fact, I am an Alhaja. I went to Mecca in 2011.” She said in an interview
She was also publicly called a “witch” for her roles in some moves. She however defended her role stating it was all scripted as that doesn’t define her real-life personality.
She said, “As actors, we often have to wear certain robes that are not ours. I could be called upon to act as a wicked, rich, kind or diabolic woman; it all depends on the script”.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.
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