Renowned gospel movie actor and evangelist Korede Are, widely known as “Baba Gbenro,” has passed away at 65 following a prolonged battle with liver disease.
The veteran actor, famous for his role in the Mount Zion YouTube series “Abattoir,” died on Thursday, as announced by fellow actor Oluwaseun Adejumobi through his Instagram page.
Born on June 11, 1959, Are’s journey in entertainment and ministry left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s gospel drama scene.
His early life saw him growing up in a village in Kano State, where he received his initial education before pursuing further studies in Plateau State.
He later relocated to Southwestern Nigeria to complete his Higher School Certificate (HSC) and university education.
Throughout his career, Are appeared in numerous Christian films, sharing the screen with prominent figures in the gospel movie industry, including Evangelist Mike Bamiloye, Damilola Bamiloye, and Tolulope Adegbo.
Beyond his acting career, Are was deeply committed to evangelism.
In September 1995, he established the Calvary Movie Drama Ministry in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, an organization dedicated to spreading the gospel through dramatic arts.
He also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Calvary Movie Television, further expanding his ministry’s reach through media.
Working alongside his wife, Bamike Rebecca Are, he utilized their ministry as a platform to promote Christian faith through dramatic presentations until his death. Their collaborative efforts in ministry demonstrated their shared commitment to religious outreach through creative arts.
Are’s legacy extends beyond his performances on screen.
His dedication to faith-based filmmaking and significant contributions to the gospel drama ministry have left an enduring impact on Nigeria’s Christian entertainment landscape.
The late actor’s work through both the Mount Zion Film Productions and his own Calvary Movie Drama Ministry helped shape the landscape of Christian drama in Nigeria, combining entertainment with spiritual messages to reach diverse audiences.
