Lari Williams's giant strides, dreams and regrets for 50 years on stage

To say that entertainment veteran, Lari Williams (MFR), lived and died on Nigeria's entertainment stage is to say the obvious.

Williams, popularly called Uncle Lari in the entertainment industry, joined his ancestors on Feb. 30 in Cross River during a brief illness. He was aged 81.

Although he is gone to the great beyond, his achievements, legacies, footprints, especially in the world of performing arts, will live with Nigeria, in the entertainment industry and in the lives of his numerous fans.

As a trainer/mentor in performing arts, he had many students; as an influencer, he modelled for thousands; as a dancer, he was a sight to behold; as an actor, he was outstanding; as a scriptwriter and director, he was sought-after. He was also an excellent drummer.

In general, Williams, the pioneer President of Actors' Guild of Nigeria (AGN), thrilled many in his more than 50 years on stage.

Born on Lagos Island, Williams began his journey into entertainment shortly after Nigeria's independence.

The all-rounder in arts attended CMS Grammar School, Lagos, trained as a journalist and actor in Britain and lived at the Artistes Village, National Theatre Annex, Lagos, for years, making himself available for whoever needed his selfless services.

He desired a vibrant, unique, disciplined and prosperous entertainment industry and sweated toward its actualisation.

Williams came to limelight when he was invited by Federal Government to the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC '77), which showcased Nigeria's cultural, entertainment and tourism potential.

The father of six and grandfather of 12 was often called stage marshal because of his versatility.

He committed to the revival of stage performance in Nigeria, consistently encouraging movie producers and directors to promote professionalism in the industry.

Although all his dreams did not come through before his departure, Williams wrote his name strongly on the sands of time.

He longed for public celebration of his 50 years on stage years ago, but did not achieve it due to lack of sponsorship.

The stage icon also longed for a professional acting tour of Nigeria in 2018 aimed to take the message of training and professionalism in the industry farther.

Regrettably, lack of sponsorship also killed the dream.

"Acting should not be seen as an option for those without jobs or employment; only the trained should qualify to perform.

"There is an urgent need for improvement in the skill of professional actors so as to add value to stage performance, movie production and the entertainment industry as a whole.

"It shouldn't be a place for school dropouts because artistic genius is typified by persistent search for beauty and commitment to excellence," Williams once told a news reporter.

Williams's first child, Femi, describes him as a perfectionist.

Femi, a father of three, notes that Williams was born at Olowogbowo on Lagos Island, where he also grew.

"My father was a perfectionist, he never compromised, he impacted many young artistes through training and mentorship.

"Even at a short notice, he would gather his troupe in the playhouse for an outstanding performance," he says.

Also describing Williams, his last child, Seun, a lawyer, says: "My dad was the most-talented Nigerian artiste I know.

"My dad was an artiste per excellence, he wasn't an orthodox father.

"We were very close. I am his last baby, it was difficult for him to let go of me.''

Seun is convinced that his father was an exceptional playwright, poet, director, musician, dancer and drummer.

"He spoke French and Italian, and was very good in use of English Language because he travelled far and wide," Seun adds.

Seun says his father's commitment to doing things right encouraged him (Seun) to study law.

According to him, his father was the first actor to perform on top of the 1,200ft Zuma Rock in Abuja.

The performance was on 'The bird that sings in the rain', Seun notes.

He also recalls that Williams was in the cast of Village Headmaster,

Nigeria's first soap opera, adding that he participated in the first home video entitled, 'The Witch Doctor'.

"He was the first to bring on stage 'Egun Lapampa', a dreaded Lagos Island masquerade as part of his play,' Awero', Seun says.

To Emeka Rollas, incumbent AGN President, Williams was a thoroughbred thespian, poet, playwright and teacher.

Rollas adds that Williams was a great performer, saying that the late veteran actor was passionate about training and skill development.

" Chief Williams was an accomplished actor both on stage and screen.

"His death is a colossal loss to Africa's creative industry,'' Rollas says.

Similarly, Isioma Williams, Coordinating Chairman of Guild of Theatre Arts Drummers, describes Williams as a great drummer, priceless counsellor and mentor.

"Uncle Lari means much to the drumming community,'' he says, adding that he did much to make the world a better place.

Analysts also note that the theatre legend excelled academically and it earned him lecturing jobs in theatre arts in the University of Lagos, Lagos State University and University of Calabar.

They believe that his professional expertise is connected with his early engagement with the World Service of British Broadcasting Corporation in a famous radio programme – Focus on Africa – where he contributed as a writer and performer of radio plays.

Williams was honoured by two successive Nigerian presidents – Member of the Order of Federal Republic by the late President Musa Yar'adua in 2008, and Lifetime Achievement Award by President Goodluck Johathan in 2013.

Williams had the chieftaincy title of Omenka I of Akumasi Kingdom in Delta.

For 30 years, Williams was a columnist with Vanguard newspaper on the topic: "Stage and Screen''.

He founded a theatre company – Lari Williams Playhouse, specialised in music, poetry, dance and acting.

As a youth, Williams was the ABA Bantam Weight Champion at Olowogbowo Boy's Club, Lagos, and Table Tennis Champion of University of Iowa, U.S., 1980-1981.

In his early years, he established a band called, 'The African Spirits, based in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. in 1981-1982.

He was a performer and entertainer at London's West End in the 70s as a result of his scholarship in Stratford East-15 Acting School.

In November 1971, the stage icon produced his first full length play – Kolanut Junction – at the largest auditorium in London, the Commonwealth Hall, with a galaxy of Nigerian stars including Olu Jacobs, Taiwo Ajayi, Lycett, Taiwo Jegede and Benita Enwowu.

His talent in music made him to produce a 10-track African music album.

As a writer and poet, he published a collection of his poems.

He recorded no fewer than 17 soap opera appearances on the Nigeria Television Authority, and played several roles in about 15 Nollywood films.

Analysts believe that Williams's life of 81 years and his more than 50 years of dedication to the arts and entertainment industry were significant.

They urge his family members, friends, benefactors, fans and others to sustain his legacies as a strategy to immortalise the veteran.