Ladi Ladebo

Raymond Oladipupo Ladebo also simply known by his stage name Ladi Ladebo (7 May 1942 – 16 April 2021) was a Nigerian filmmaker. He was one of the pioneers of Golden Age of yesteryear Nigerian cinema, especially during the celluloid-era optimism of the 1970s. He previously worked as a media analyst and accountant before entering the film industry. He was also popularly called by his nickname as Uncle Ladi.

Career After completing his secondary education in Nigeria, Ladi went to the US to pursue his higher education. He obtained his marketing and business degrees from the universities in the USA. He first went to Bowling Green State University in Ohio and obtained his B.S. in Business Administration in 1968. In August 1969, he received his MBA degree in Marketing from the New York University Graduate School of Business.

He made his entry into the film industry through advertising. He worked as a media analyst and accountant executive for the international advertising agency of Ogilvy and Mather for a duration of three years between 1969 and 1972. His experience working for an international advertising agency earned him the opportunity of working as a production assistant on American feature films and also as a line producer for American television programs.

He began collaborating with veteran African-American actor Ossie Davis in films. He wrote the screenplay and was the producer of the 1976 American film Countdown at Kusini, which was directed by Ossie Davis. Countdown at Kusini was regarded as the first film to be made by Black Americans.

Death Ladebo died on 16 April 2021 at the age of 78 in London.