Madam Saje recalls pre-fame hardship, says she once stole food to survive - The Nation Newspaper

Abeni Balogun Fausat

Fausat Abeni Balogun, popularly known as Madam Saje, is a veteran Nigerian actress and one of the most respected figures in Yoruba cinema. Born on February 13, 1959, in Ifelodun, Kwara State, she began her acting career in 1975 with a theatre troupe before making her mark on television. She became a household name after her memorable role as Mama Saje in the 1990 comedy series Erin Kee Kee, a character that earned her the nickname she is still fondly called today. Over the years, she has appeared in more than 80 films, many of them Yoruba-language classics such as Omo Elemosho, Adufe, and Alase Aye. Her ability to embody motherly, comedic, and dramatic roles with ease has kept her relevant across decades. She is married to actor and producer Rafiu Balogun, who was also her early mentor. Their family is deeply involved in the film industry, with her son working as a director and her daughter as both an actress and designer. In 2016, she was honored with a Special Recognition Award at the City People Entertainment Awards.