DOCUMENTARY: Who is Madam Saje ?

By Victor Olubiye Madam Saje, whose real name is Fausat Balogun, is one of the most respected veteran actresses in the Yoruba movie industry. She was born on February 13, 1959, in Ifelodun area of Lagos State, but she is originally from Oke Ode in Kwara State. Her passion for acting began at a young age when she used to follow theatre groups and watch stage plays in her neighborhood. Her journey into acting started in the early 1970s when she joined a theatre group led by the legendary Rafiu Balogun. She trained under him, learning the art of traditional stage performance, script delivery, and discipline. It was in this group she earned her first acting role and began gaining recognition. Her big break came in 1990 when she played the role of “Madam Saje” in the popular TV series Erin Kee Kee. The name stuck with her and became her stage name, which many people still call her today. Fausat Balogun is known for playing the role of a mother in many Yoruba movies, often portraying wi...