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We’re here for the new crop of Nigerian female actors making waves and the older ones flipping scripts and delivering excellence in Nollywood.
If you have yet to pay attention to the names on this list, here’s a chance to know the female actors on your radar in 2024.
Veteran female Nigerian actors
Adunni Ade
Adunni Ade’s appearance in Kunle Afolayan’s Ijogbon indicates she’s back on the big screen. From Funke Akindele’s SHE Must be Obeyed TV show to Bolanle Austen-Peters’s Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti film, one can only perch for what’s next up her sleeve.
Najite Dede
Older Nollywood fans may recognise Najite Dede from her roles in 30 Days and Gidi Up, but she’s also applied her talent to the latest films and TV shows. This year, she stars in Grown after appearing in other recent releases like Unbroken, The House of Secrets, and Riona. She’s proof that talent and experience are recipes for relevance.
Kehinde Bankole
You can only count some of the critically reviewed Nollywood films in the last two years, like Adire, Sista and Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti and leave out Kehinde Bankole. In 2022, she won the Best Actress in A Drama award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). This year, she’s the Best Lead Actress at AMVCA. Tell me, who’s the GOAT again?
Young female Nigerian actors
Ruby Okezie
My first onscreen encounter with Ruby Okezie was in Netflix’s Far from Home TV series (2022), and I knew I’d be there when she features in a new film. Two years later, she appeared in Taiwo Egunjobi’s A Green Fever and is currently starring in Showmax’s series Chetam. My earlier suspicions about her were confirmed.
Sunshine Rosman
Her time on screen dates goes back to the Lunch Time Heroes film in 2015. Since then, notable films like Perfect Assistant and Flawsome (2022) have cast her. She’s also cast in upcoming productions like Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill A Monkey and Chee Keong Cheung’s Son of the Soil—an exciting time in her career.
Genoveva Umeh
When Geneveva won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2024 AMVCA for her role in Breathe of Life, it felt like a special nod to her previous works, from One Night Lagos to Blood Sisters, Far from Home, and Crime and Justice Lagos. She’s a legend in the making.
Sharon Rotimi
Fans have praised Sharon Rotimi for her range in films like The Artifact and TV shows like The Wives and Chronicles. From acting as a baddie to a trophy wife during the day and a fighter at night, she always gives impressive layered performances.
Kanyinsola Eros
If you haven’t seen this young female actor’s work before, her new short series, The Secret Lives of Nigerian Women, is convincing that she’s following up in Nollywood. Kanyinsola Eros’ name rings among the cast of the latest Nollywood films like Muri & Ko and upcoming productions like Murder on Space X.
Blessing Oreva
Blessing Oreva played the gangster babe character in Kill Boro, which made her the film’s breakout star. With such a fierce embodiment of a complex character, I expect to see Blessing bodying different roles on TV.
Ijapari Ben-Hirki
She made her name known to viewers after her performance in I Do Not Come to You by Chance, and any serious director and writer will send her scripts as soon as possible.
The Nigerian movie industry has lost quite a few talents in recent times, but these late Nollywood actors left a lasting impression that’ll keep their memories alive.
Nollywood actors who have died in the last few years
Murphy Afolabi
Source: Instagram/@murphyafolabi20
He passed away on May 14, 2023, just a few days after celebrating his 49th birthday, but the actor was a force to reckon with in the Yoruba faction of Nollywood, having featured in over 100 movie productions. Some of his notable works include Olokiki Oru, Wasila Coded Reloaded and One Blood.
Source: Instagram/@theofficialsaintobi
Before his demise, the veteran film star who rocked the late 90s and early 2000s kept a low profile, with fans pining to have him on their screens again. Unfortunately, Saint Obi bade the world goodbye on May 7, 2023, after battling an undisclosed illness. He starred in over 60 Nollywood movies and produced his first movie, Take Me to Maama, in 2001. Some of his notable works include State of Emergency, Final Whistle and Sakobi the Snake Girl.
Chief Ojo Arowosafe ( Fadeyi Oloro)
Source: Instagram/@fadeyioloro1
Popularly known as Fadeyi Oloro, the veteran Nollywood actor passed away on March 7, 2023, aged 66. His daughter, Fasunwon Oluwafunke, broke the news of the actor’s death following a protracted battle with a terminal disease. Fadeyi Oloro was loved by many for his iconic roles in Yoruba movies, as a traditional warlord or herbalist. Some of his notable works include Inubibi, Anike Olufa and Akoni Mefa.
Kunle Adetokunbo (Dejo Tunfulu)
Source: The Guardian
Dejo Tunfulu passed away, aged 49, in April 2022. He was loved by many for his funny and chaotic characters as the help or gateman in Yoruba movies. He was also a writer and movie producer, who worked on movies like Jide Jendo, Yemi My Lover and Booda Ode.
Gbenga Richards
Source: Instagram/@gbengarichards
Gbenga Richards died on May 12, 2022, after battling an unknown ailment. Richards was a leading Nollywood star who dazzled viewers with his performance during the 1990s and early 2000s. Some of his notable works include Sango, Mirror in the Sun and Super Story.
Sam Loco Efe
12 years after his demise, Sam Loco Efe still holds a place in the hearts of colleagues and fans because of his indelible work on setting the blueprint for comedy in Nollywood. He died in August 2011. According to reports, the actor was found dead in a hotel room in Owerri, Imo State, after what seemed like an asthma attack. Some of his notable works include Police Recruit, Daddy Must Obey and Tom & Jerry.
Ernest Asuzu
Ernest Asuzu is among the late Nollywood actors who ruled supreme during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The actor took an exit from the movie scenes in 2015 after he came down with a stroke that affected his speech. Asuzu passed away in January 2021 aged 37. Some of his notable works include Ogidan, Highway to The Grave and Formidable Force.
Karibi Fubara
He’s one of the late Nollywood actors whose death left fans and colleagues completely heartbroken because of how open he was about his battle with kidney cancer. Fubara died in December 2021, months after announcing he’d had a successful surgery to take out 90% of his tumour. Some of his notable works include God Calling, The Smart Money Woman and Ratnik.
Sadiq Daba
Source: BBC
Sadiq Daba was a veteran broadcaster and Nollywood thespian who died in March 2021 at the Ayinke General Hospital in Ikeja, after battling leukaemia and prostate cancer. Daba was loved by fans and colleagues, especially for his role as Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, which earned him an AMAA for Best Actor. Some of his notable works include Citation, Eagle Wings and Seven.
Victor Olaotan
Best known for his role in the hit TV series, Tinsel, Victor Olaotan died in August 2021 aged 69. The actor had taken a break from the acting scene in 2016, following a life-altering car accident on his way to a movie set, that left him incapacitated. Some of his notable works include Lotanna, Three Wise Men and Alter Ego. He’s among the late Nollywood actors we won’t forget soon.
Pat Nebo
Photo source: The Punch
Not an actor, but Pat Nebo was one of the leading behind-the-scenes men in Nollywood. He was a renowned production designer and art director who worked on some of the biggest and successful movies in the industry.
Nebo passed away on September 14, 2023, after a prolonged battle with an undisclosed illness. Some of his notable works include Phone Swap, Citation and Being Mrs Elliot.
Yemi Lawrence Adeyemi
Photo source: New Telegraph
Best known for his role as Suara in Wale Adenuga Production’s Super Story series Oh Father, Oh Daughter, Yemi Lawrence Adeyemi passed away on September 24, 2023. The veteran actor’s son shared the sad news with fans who had not seen much of him since he featured in the popular 2001 TV series.
Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji
Photo source: Instagram/@iamsisiquadri
He passed away on March 1, 2024, aged 44. Popularly known by his fans as Sisi Quadri, the comic actor was a force in the Yoruba movie industry. Before his demise, he had crossed into skitmaking, collaborating with content creators like Isbae U, Bimbo Ademoye, Mr Macaroni and many more. Some of his notable works include Anikulapo: The Rise of The Spectre, Seranko Seniyan and Eran Iya Osogbo.
John Okafor
Photo source: Instagram/@realmribu
Popularly called Mr Ibu by fans, the legendary comic actor passed away on March 2, 2024, aged 62, after a two-year-long battle with his health.
In November, the actor lost a leg to amputation but fans and well-wishers had hoped he’d brace the storm and return to TV screens. Mr Ibu was renowned for his comedic roles in Nollywood and his jovial personality in real life. Some of his notable works include Mr Ibu, Police Recruit, Mr Ibu Goes to School and Nicodemus.
Deji Aderemi
Photo source: The Punch
Also known as Baba Olofa Ina, the veteran Nollywood actor died on January 4, 2024 aged 73. According to reports, the thespian died of cancer in his hometown of Ede, Osun state. Baba Olofa Ina was famous for taking on roles of traditional chiefs and ifa priests in Yoruba movies. He was among the respected veterans pulled in for Kunle Afolayan’s Netflix series: Anikulapo Rise of The Spectre. Some other notable works include Kabiyesi Olodumare, Ija Omode and Ewe Orun.
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Nollywood actresses who have died in the last few years
Cynthia Okereke
The actress passed away in July 2023, a year after she was kidnapped while filming in Enugu. According to the chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (Delta State Chapter), Emma Onyemeziem, she died after a brief illness. Okereke was known for taking on comic roles in movies alongside colleagues like Nkem Owoh. Some of her notable works include King Jaja of Opobo, Lion Finger and Second Chance.
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe
Although not an actress, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was a leading woman in Nigerian cinema who was known for her stellar work with the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA). Osigwe was a filmmaker commonly referred to as the “queen of Nollywood films” because of how passionate she was about spreading the gospel of Nollywood. She died at St Nicholas Hospital (Lagos) on January 9, 2023, following a heart attack.
Favour Daniels
Source: Instagram/@favour_daniels
The fast-rising comic actress’ demise came as a shock to fans who had come to love her for her funny online skits. Daniels, who was also known as Omoge Amama, died in February 2023 aged 26. The young film star was involved in a boat accident that claimed her life.
Rachel Oniga
Source: Instagram/@rachelonigafoundation
Rachel Oniga was a strong force to reckon with in Nollywood, and her demise left a big gap that colleagues can only hope to fill. The veteran film star, 64, passed away in July 2021 from heart-related issues. Until her demise, Oniga was active in the industry and featured in big-budget productions like The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, A Naija Christmas and Chief Daddy.
Ada Ameh
Fans and lovers of the popular TV series, The Johnsons, had a hard time accepting the demise of Ada Ameh. The 48-year-old who’d been battling with her mental health since the demise of her daughter in 2020, passed away in July 2022. Until her death, Ameh was active in the movie scene and featured in projects like Phone Swap, Lockdown and Our Husband.
Sidikat Odukanwi
Source: Diamond Classic Photography
Known by fans and colleagues as Iyabo Oko, the veteran actress battled with her health for years before she died. Rumours of her death first surfaced in 2021 and 2022. However, her daughter finally confirmed her passing on Thursday, June 29, 2023. She is popular for her roles in Yoruba language movies like Okobo Dimeji, Idunnu Okan and Ayitale.
Moji Olaiya
The 42-year-old Yoruba movie star passed away in Canada in May 2017, barely two months after she welcomed a child. Olaiya’s death came as a shock to fans and colleagues who were waiting for her to make a grand return to the screen after her maternity leave. Olaiya was the daughter of legendary highlife maestro, Victor Olaiya, and some of her notable works include No Pain No Gain, Sade Blade and Omo Iya Meta Leyi.
Ify Onwuemene
Ify Onwuemene became a favourite for many Nigerians as the late Sam Loco Efe’s on-screen wife in the TV series, Everyday People. She passed on in May 2021 after battling endometrial cancer. Before her demise, Davido had donated a sum of ₦1m when she was raising funds for her treatment. Some of her notable works include Heaven’s Gate, Closet and I Need to Know.
Aishat Abimbola
Nollywood suffered another major loss when Aishat Abimbola passed on barely a year after her colleague, Moji Olaiya, died in Canada. The actress died aged 42 after battling breast cancer. Until her demise, Abimbola AKA Omoge Campus was a force to reckon with in the Yoruba faction of Nollywood. Some of her notable works include Odaju Obinrin, Omoge Campus and Eje Adegbenro.
In Nollywood, there will never be a shortage of badass women. From the ones fighting to live life the way they want, to the criminal masterminds dominating every room they walk in, here are all the times Nollywood reminded us that women are all that and a little more.
Alhaja Eniola Salami in King of Boys 1 & 2
It’s only right we start this off with THE King of boys. Eniola Salami came into the game with nothing and built an empire. She ran circles around all the men that underestimated her,and even when it looked like she had met her end, she still came out on top.
Kemi Salami in King of Boys 1
Kemi Salami lived a short life, but she lived it well. She didn’t take crap from anyone, and made sure everyone understood not to mess with her or her mother. She was a force to reckon with.
Isoken in Isoken
In a country that looks down on unmarried women past a certain age, Isoken found a way to live life on her own terms. She did what she wanted, fell for the person her heart chose, and refused to let anyone have a say in her life and happiness. Even when the loudest person was her mother.
Adaeze Obiagu in Lionheart
Adaeze had to constantly remind herself of who she was and what she had. She was constantly trying to figure out how to keep her father’s company afloat, even while working through all the self-doubt and insecurities that tried to sideline her goal. One of the baddest for real.
Lulu in Potato Pohtato
Unhappy in her marriage, Lulu divorced her husband, but instead of leaving him in the house they’d built together, she decided to stay there without a care in the world. Good for her, because she poured her money and sweat into it and deserved to live there too.
Enakhe and Jacinta in Enakhe
Enakhe and Jacinta had to take over their fathers’ criminal dealings after their fathers’ deaths. They fell in love, fell out of it, built families, ran their gangs with iron fists and fought anyone in Edo state that dared to question their authority, all without breaking a nail.
Ebere in The Mystic River
A heavily pregnant Ebere found herself at the mercy of spiriutal forces and had to fight to protect herself, her husband, and their unborn child. She goes through the series using one hand to fight off these forces and the other to discover new, chilling facts about herself.
Matilda Rishante in The Rishantes
The matriarch of her family and Nigeria’s first female senate president, Matilda
moves around with her head up high because she knows she’s the one, and no one can tell her otherwise. She put her family and business on the map and earned her seat in government. Anyone who didn’t like it could get lost.
Sista in Sista
It doesn’t get more badass than Sista. She fought hard to create a good life for her children, and worked her fingers to the bone take care of them. We got goosebumps when she threatened Fola and told him no one could take them from her.
Kemi in Blood Sisters
We’re absolutely here for Kemi and the lengths she went to protect Sarah. From accidentally murdering her abuser, to running from the police, Kemi decided Sarah was her sister, and if she didn’t have enough strength to fight for herself, she was going to fight on her behalf.
Aiyetide in This Lady Called Life
After being tossed out of her mother’s house and having her baby, Aiyetide still fought. She fought through her demons and the trauma of her past to realise her dream of becoming a chef, and in taking care of her son.
Gen Zs always talk about how their behaviour can be traced back to mercury being in Lucozade and their Leo sun rising in Zamfara. And while I can’t confirm that astrology stuff works for real, I can show you another way to gauge your and other people’s personalities — Nollywood actresses. It works for me, and I’m sure it’ll work for you, too. Try it and see.
1. Genevieve Nnaji
You’re not anybody’s mate, and you know it. You were a happening babe back in the day, and you’re still a happening babe. The only difference is that you’ve now rebranded into a she-e-o. You run things; things don’t run you. You smell and look like wealth. Everybody sits up when you enter a room.
2. Mercy Johnson
Your defining trait is that you’re unpredictable. Today you’re a paediatric doctor and tomorrow you’ve left that life behind to become a DJ at a beer parlour near the zoo in Ibadan. The interesting thing is that you’re somehow amazing at anything you do. You believe this life is one, and you’re ready to enjoy it to the fullest. Get it!
3. Tonto Dikeh
Your nickname is Area Scatter. People know not to get on your bad side because they know that if they do, you’ll beat them and their mothers. You’re constantly dragging your ex-bestie on social media and must have the last say, even if the fight lasts three weeks. People don’t know that behind all your gragra, you’re a sweet and cuddly person. This might seem random as hell but if you ever get the urge to try your hand at music, DON’T.
4. Rita Dominic
People never take your poverty seriously because you always look fresh. You could be dying but still exude an aura that says “I’m better than these peasants.” Even though you’re still young, people still view you as a rich aunty or uncle. Your fashion was misunderstood back in the day, but all your Gen Z nieces and nephews are now looking at you like a fashion-forward icon.
5. Funke Akindele
You’re smart and intuitive but people underestimate you a lot because you like shining your teeth up and down. People didn’t rate you before but do now after you did one kick-ass presentation in your office. Now every time there’s a presentation, they drag you into it. You’re not upset, though. You’re milking it for your own gain so you can be promoted and leave poverty behind.
You’re the oldest in your friend group and probably your family too. You’re very nurturing and passionate about protecting the people in your life. Despite this, people are sometimes confused as to whether to fear or respect you, especially after that time you slapped an Uber driver and deflated his tire with your teeth. You’re a parental figure o, but there’s still some craziness deep down.
7. Nse Ikpe Etim
Overraw best in English Language and composure. You probably watch Bridgerton to practice your accent and walk. People are always shocked by how fun and carefree you are because of how you compose yourself. While you’re free with people, you don’t joke about your private life. You could be in a relationship for a whole year, and none of your friends would know.
8. Eucharia Anunobi
Your stories start with, “When I was in the world”, followed by the wildest shit anyone has ever heard and then end with “But now, I’ve given my life to Christ.” Your crazy days were iconic, but all you do now is judge people because you’ve changed, which is annoying AF. Even though you’ve repented from being a wild child, you’ve refused to let go of some worldly things, like makeup. Why are your eyebrows still like that, sis?
9. Toyin Abraham
You’re chill, funny, and everyone likes you. If anyone says they have beef with you, it’s definitely one-sided and you hope they find peace one day. You’re silently making cool cash, but no one notices because they still see you where people are selling okrika. You don’t care, sha. Okrika has badass fashuns, and the girls that get it, get it.
10. Kate Henshaw
You’re a ride or die friend. You value morals, staying fit, and good energy. People respect you because your head is very correct. Before someone says “pim”, you’ve already dragged and/or blocked them. You’re also not afraid to drag your friends when they’re being messy. To you, it’s necessary for their character development. And if you don’t drag them who will?
Before you read this post, here is one thing we beg of you: if you have the phone number of any of these actresses, please link us. We need to be taken kiarof by them.
Shaffy Bello would be the kind of unproblematic sugar mummy that will spoil you silly. A fancy car to cruise town, maybe a tidy apartment in Ikeja too. It’s a sure thing that you will follow her on Dubai trips to flex. And if you are cool-headed, she will likely sponsor your wedding. Who doesn’t want that kind of flex?
2. Tina Mba
She will be discreet and coded, probably because of her political career or her children who wouldn’t like that. But she is likely to be a caring sugar mummy, the one who will remind you that she is old enough to be your mother and which is why she knows what is best for you. So, stop fooling around and get that Master’s Degree. Yep, na like that.
Mama the mama. With her, no dulling, always flexing. She is likely to be the kind of sugar mummy who is ever ready to spoil you, but you must be loyal. No girlfriend of your own, because she needs your 100% devotion. And don’t try to think you can outsmart her or something. You mess up, you get thrown out and another person will take your place ASAP.
4. Ireti Doyle
We need Ireti Doyle to be our sugar mummy because there is this badassery about her that is completely alluring. She looks like the kind of woman who will talk down any police officer who might try to be rude, and that power is intoxicating enough. A sugar mummy that fights for you. Hook it!
5. Eucharia Anunobi
Are you seriously going to pretend that Eucharia isn’t the essential sugar mummy you all want? We need her to spend cool dollars on us and shower us with gifts that we do not deserve.
Since we are in this sugar hustle together, we think you should take this quiz to know what kind of sugar might come your way.
Nollywood has come a really long way, and that is greatly due to the amazing work of some iconic actors and actresses. We grew up with these stars, and we absolutely love and appreciate their work. Keeping up with them, we look at where some of them are now.
Clarion Chukwurah
If you ever watched Nollywood movies back in the day, there’s no way you don’t know the beautiful Clarion Chukwurah. Always playing interesting and daring roles, the award-winning actress who is also the mother of popular music video director Clarence Peters, is currently living her best life in the United States, doing great humanitarian work.
Richard Mofe-Damijo
Ah, RMD… Nollywood’s Denzel Washington. He’s a handsome award-winning actor and former Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism. He’s still acting and on our screens, much to our delight.
Eucharia Anunobi
You can’t not know Eucharia. Her roles were so daring and exciting! She’s a true screen goddess. The beautiful actress is now a pastor at a church in Egbeda, Lagos.
Saint Obi
You should know this name, as well as the face. Obinna Nwafor, who is more popularly known as Saint Obi, is one of those Nigerian actors that you just had to look out for back in the day. He was in everything! Lucky for us, even though his main focus now is business, he still graces our screens.
Liz Benson
Another absolutely beautiful screen goddess, Elizabeth Benson is also a philanthropist, but best of all, she still acts!
Pete Edochie
Chief Pete Edochie is an award-winning actor, considered one of Africa’s most talented, and one of Nigeria’s favourites, despite his many roles as a wicked/evil man. He has given us many funny quotes and memes, and we absolutely love him! Although he no longer acts like before, we’re quite happy to know that he’s alive and doing well.
Patience Ozokwor
Patience Ozokwor is a musician, fashion designer, gospel singer and award-winning actress. Like Pete Edochie, she has played a lot of wicked/evil roles, but we still love her like that! She’s an evangelist now, but she still acts, to our great delight. She’s definitely one of Nigeria’s most talented actresses.
Sam Dede
Sam Dede is an award-winning actor, director, politician and lecturer. He has starred in such iconic movies as Issakaba and Igodo, so you just know that this man was badass back in the day! He is currently a senior lecturer of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt but still acts from time to time, and is doing quite well.
Regina Askia
When you think of Regina Askia-Williams, I’m sure stunning beauty first comes to mind. An ex-beauty queen, Regina shot to fame as the Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria in 1989, then went on to become an award-winning actress. She is now a family nurse practitioner in the US, a healthcare and educational activist, television producer, writer, and public speaker.
Zack Orji
Zachee Ama Orji was one of the ultimate baby boys that year. He is an award-winning actor, director, producer and filmmaker, as well as a pastor. He still graces our screens, and is even better than before!
