Embodying grace and bounciness, octogenarian Taiwo Ajai-Lycett (TAL), ever beaming with her infectious smiles at 82, remains an inspiring icon in the realm of Nigerian cinema.
The story of this iconic figure with her indomitable spirit unfolds a narrative that transcends time – woven with passion, triumph, and a lifelong dedication to the art of acting.
Her illuminous journey continues to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the worlds of theatre, film and activism.
The beginning
Taiwo Ajai-Lycett’s story begins in Lagos, where she emerged as the first of a set of twin girls on February 3, 1941. Her educational journey took her from Mt Carmel Convent Primary School to Methodist Girls’ High School, all in Lagos, setting the stage for a remarkable future.
In pursuit of knowledge and self-discovery, she travelled to London, immersing herself in business studies and cosmetology at the Christine Shaw School of Beauty Science.
Artistic awakening
In the vibrant mosaic of Nigeria’s cultural landscape, few names shine as brightly as TAL. She has not just witnessed but has actively shaped over 57 years of Nigeria’s cinematic history.
From her unexpected acting debut in Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel, to recent ventures in audio drama on climate change, TAL’s journey is a celebration of talent, tenacity, and triumph over adversity.
At that turning point in December 1966, the unplanned performance sparked a passion that led her to enrol at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. In 1972, she left her corporate career, embracing the world of theatre with the Traverse Theatre Group at the Edinburgh Festival.
The good, the bad and the ugly are the things that have made me strong
Her artistic journey continued to flourish, with notable roles in plays like Amadu Maddy’s Life Everlasting and Yemi Agbaje’s Parcel Post. A return to Nigeria in 1971 marked a new chapter in her career, where she became a fixture in the country’s burgeoning film industry, striking an ineffaceable mark on productions like the recent award-winning soap opera Tinsel; and the Nigerian movie Oloibiri, among others.
Life’s challenges
TAL’s journey is not without its share of challenges. At the age of 15, she became a mother, and at 65, she faced the horror of a robbery and assault. Undeterred by these adversities, she pursued education, registering for evening school to acquire Western education. Her strength and resilience are encapsulated in her words: “The good, the bad and the ugly are the things that have made me strong.”
The dance of life
Beyond the stage and screen, TAL’s life is a testament to the joy of movement. And as an octogenarian, she dances with a vitality that defies age, embodying the spirit of staying active and embracing life.
When asked about her secret to maintaining good health, she attributes it to love, simplicity, and continuous movement. Her philosophy emphasizes that one doesn’t need a gym, just walking and staying in motion can be transformative.
A trailblazer equalist
As the first editor of Africa Woman Magazine in the 1970s, TAL not only contributed to the literary world but also championed feminist ideals. Her public speeches resonate with a call for women to support and uplift each, and one another, emphasizing the strength in unity and cooperation.
Legacy in cinema
The silver screen is illuminated by TAL’s presence, from the captivating performances in plays like Shylock and Song of a Goat, to her collaborations with renowned actors like Michael Crawford in Some Mothers Do Have Them.
Her cinematic legacy is etched in the hearts of Nigerians who, in the 1980s, marvelled at a black woman speaking Yoruba in a foreign film.
In the grand scenery of Nigeria’s cinema, TAL remains an achiever, casting a brilliant light on the transformative power of art
Storied portfolio
TAL’s illustrious career showcases her exceptional talent across various genres with her repertoire extending to Fred Adegboye’s The King Must Dance Naked, Laolu Ogunniyi’s TV series Winds Against my Soul, Rasheed Gbadamosi’s The Mansion, and more.
The list is a proof to her versatility and enduring presence in the world of Nigerian cinema. Additionally, she contributed as a director alongside actor Louis Mahoney and writer, Mike Phillips at the Black Theatre Workshop in London.
Climate change conversations
In a pioneering move that transcends conventional performance spaces, TAL lent her voice to the audio drama and theatrical podcast titled, Climate Change and other Small Talk.
This collaborative project between Why Not Theatre, Canada, and Sunny Drake Productions was unveiled on Earth Day, with a mission to not only entertain but to also spark conversations and impact the environment and contribute to building a sustainable future.
Continued passion
Still demonstrating an unwavering enthusiasm for her craft, the 82-year-old luminary recently engaged in a lively WhatsApp chat with this reporter, during which she revealed her involvement in Editi Effiong’s The Black Book, where she portrayed the character of a morally bankrupt and professionally compromised newspaper editor.
This intriguing revelation adds a contemporary layer to TAL’s expansive career, emphasizing her adaptability and continued relevance in the dynamic landscape of entertainment.
In the grand scenery of Nigeria’s cinema, TAL remains an achiever casting a brilliant light on the transformative power of art and a life well-lived, proving that age is no barrier to passion, and any adversity can be the stepping stone to greatness, an enduring ode to the magic that unfolds when talent meets tenacity.
Marriage
In 1959, she had travelled to the United Kingdom through her then boyfriend, David Akinduro, whom she later married. However, the marriage ended in a divorce due to domestic violence.
Subsequently, she got married to Thomas Lycett, and their union proved enduring.
