By Joke Kujenya
VETERAN GOSPEL movie actor and producer Moses Korede Are, famously known as “Baba Gbenro” in the Mount Zion series Abattoir, has departed to glory following a prolonged struggle with liver disease.
The 65-year-old’s passing was announced on Thursday by fellow gospel actor Oluwaseun Adejumobi, who posted a tribute on Instagram, declaring, “Heaven’s Gain Again. A General Has Gone to Rest.”
He had asked for time to rest while requesting his brethren to remain by his side according to a post.
Are was the founder and president of the Calvary Movies Drama Ministry, based in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Established in 1995, Calvary Movies Drama Ministry aimed to spread the gospel through faith-based drama, connecting audiences with Christian teachings.
He also launched Calvary Movies Television, a Christian streaming platform dedicated to drama evangelism, which featured inspirational stories from Are’s ministry.
Beyond Abattoir, Are starred in multiple gospel films alongside renowned Christian actors, including Evangelist Mike Bamiloye, Damilola Bamiloye, and Tolulope Adegbo.
Meanwhile, his multilingual fluency in Yoruba, Hausa, and English allowed him to connect deeply with diverse Nigerian audiences, making him a respected figure in gospel cinema.
Born on June 11, 1959, Are grew up in Kano State, Nigeria, completing his early education locally.
His academic pursuits took him to Plateau State, followed by further studies in Southwestern Nigeria, where he earned his Higher School Certificate and completed his university education.
He later fulfilled his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) obligations in Jigawa State, gaining a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s cultural diversity.
Known affectionately by fans as Baba Gbenro, Are brought a unique blend of charisma and faith to his work, embodying characters that inspired viewers across generations.
Moreover with his wife, Bamike Rebecca Are, he shared a dedication to gospel ministry, jointly promoting Christian values and supporting the growth of Christian drama through their productions.
Are’s passing has been described as a significant loss for Nigeria’s gospel film community by his team of actors.
They noted that his life and work remain celebrated for his unwavering commitment to sharing messages of hope and faith through drama, leaving a legacy that continues to influence gospel filmmaking in Nigeria and beyond.
