Taiwo Ajai-Lycett

Taiwo Ajai-Lycett: Nigerian Actress, Journalist, and Cultural Icon **Early Life and Education** Taiwo Ajai was born on February 3, 1941, in Lagos, Western Region of Colonial Nigeria, as the first of a set of twin girls. Her father was of Awori heritage. She received her early education at Mt Carmel Convent School and Methodist Girls' High School in Lagos. She relocated to London in 1960 to pursue her higher education. In London, she studied Business and Finance, and later trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Ajai-Lycett's career began in journalism and administration. In 1962, she started working as a sub-editor for *The Pioneer* magazine. She later transitioned into public relations, working for the Nigerian High Commission in London from 1963 to 1965. Her professional acting career began unexpectedly in 1966 when she took a role in the play *The Lion and the Jewel* by Wole Soyinka, at the Royal Court Theatre in London. She made history in 1972 as the first Black actress to appear in the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she starred in *Timon of Athens*. She was also a founding member of the Talawa Theatre Company, one of the UK’s leading Black theatre companies. In Nigeria, she has had an enduring career in Nollywood and on stage, becoming an influential figure known for her commanding presence and commitment to quality storytelling. Beyond acting, Ajai-Lycett served as the editor of *Africa Woman* magazine in the 1970s. **Notable Works** Her notable works span stage, film, and television, both in Nigeria and internationally. On stage, highlights include *The Lion and the Jewel* (1966), *Othello*, and *Death and the King’s Horseman*. In film, she is recognized for roles in *Tinsel* (TV series), *Dazzling Mirage* (2014), *The Arbitration* (2016), and *Oloibiri* (2016). **Honors and Current Status** Taiwo Ajai-Lycett is highly regarded for her pioneering role in both Nigerian and Black British theatre. In recognition of her contributions to the performing arts and the nation, she was honored by the Nigerian government with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). She continues to act, mentor young artists, and is an advocate for excellence in the Nigerian creative industry. She currently resides in Lagos, Nigeria, and remains an active cultural voice and respected elder statesman of the arts.