AdminBy Victoria Ebojudah
Losing a vital actor such as Moses Korede Are, popularly known as Baba Gbenro, is beyond losing an outstanding actor and getting a replacement.
The impact of his character in the life of the audience is something that many fear, can never be replaced, especially for a Christian production such as Mount Zion, which has impact and evangelically oriented.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Mount Zion Films Production (MZFP), founded by Mike Bamiloye, is one of the most prominent Christian based production in Nigeria. Through a series of teachings at the Mount Zion Christian institute, Bamiloye has been able to train and nurture actors who perceive themselves as ministers of the gospel and not as stars. Most of them go by the title ‘evangelist’. Mount Zion has succeeded in creating and serving an audience who interpret their videos as sermons, the videos attempt to lure a wider audience through reference to popular Yoruba indigenous imagery, and to Yoruba tales and cosmic worldview. It was through MZFP, that Moses Korede Are became popular, by his role of Baba Gbenro.
Who is Baba Gbenro and why is His Impact Strongly Felt, Even in Death?
Korede’s portrayal of Baba Gbenro was nothing short of extraordinary. His exceptional acting talent, coupled with a genuine passion for the role, brought to life a character that resonated deeply with audiences. Baba Gbenro’s steadfast faith, profound wisdom, and unwavering support for his spiritual sons were pivotal to the narrative, making him a cornerstone of the series and a beloved figure among fans.
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As Baba Gbenro, Korede served as a vital bridge between the storyline and its devoted viewers, drawing them into the narrative with strong emotional resonance. His masterful portrayal made every victory, defeat, and divine intervention feel intensely personal, as if the audience were living through each moment alongside him. This powerful connection transcended mere entertainment, transforming into a deeply spiritual experience for many viewers. For such an emotionally invested audience, his absence from the series would be highly felt, leaving an irreplaceable void in the fabric of the story. His mentorship and spiritual strength were pivotal in the development of characters such as Chief Durosanya, Rambo, Martins, Akin etc. making his absence difficult to compensate for or fill.
The character Baba Gbenro was like the human like God figure in the “Abattoir” series. He was the man every character could run to for solution; even the audience could trust his judgement. He was an instrument in the hand of God to pull men from the claws of death and hell, even the worse of them, such as Rambo, Chief Durosanya, Flora, etc. Whenever Baba Gbenro was involved in any situation, no matter how bad, the audience are rest assured that the situation would end well. He was a beacon of hope and light in the Abattoir series.
Furthermore, Korede’s ability to perfectly portray the character of Baba Gbenro, stemmed from his own personal hunger and commitment towards the spreading of the gospel and positively influencing lives. A typical example of this is Calvary Movies, which has him as its founder. It was established on September 2, 1995, this ministry arose from Are’s deep conviction to use drama evangelism as a powerful medium for preaching the gospel and bringing its messages to life.
Moses Korede Are has produced and directed numerous gospel films that entertain while educating viewers on themes of faith, forgiveness, and the transformative power of prayer. The reach of Calvary Movies Drama Ministry extends into the digital realm; its Facebook page, named Moses Korede Are-Calvary, has garnered a substantial following of 46,000, creating a community dedicated to faith-based content. Additionally, before his death the engagement on this Facebook page ranged between 300 to 100 likes, with less than 20 comments, and a few shares. But as at 17th November, 2024, barely three days after his death, a particular post got over 3,000 likes, more than 150 comments and over 70 shares.
This clearly showed the impact of Moses Korede Are, especially as Baba Gbenro to the life of his audience. A comment read, “My heart is heavy oh kaiiii God, I’m crying over someone who I never met because you touch my life, my very own baba Gbenro. RIP Evang Korede Moses Are. I’d miss you.”
Through Abattoir, Dr. Moses Akorede has left an indelible mark on the world of gospel drama. His portrayal of Baba Gbenro challenges viewers to live lives of faith, love, and purpose, demonstrating that the work of the Kingdom is not in vain. As Emmanuel ‘Tosin Rabiu aptly wrote, “Rest on, gallant soldier of Christ.” Dr. Akorede’s legacy will continue to inspire, even as he rests from his labors in the presence of the Lord.
