Top 15 Nigerian Actresses

Have you ever wondered who the most popular actresses are in Nigeria’s booming film industry? As Nollywood continues to gain global recognition, so do the talented women at the forefront. You’ve probably seen some of these familiar and stunning faces on the big screen, yet you might not know their names.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 15 actresses in Nollywood. From household names to rising stars, these women represent the diversity of talent and beauty in Nigeria.

Top 15 Nigerian Actresses

Nigeria’s film industry, known as Nollywood, is home to many talented actresses. Funke Akindele who is currently the most commercially successful actress in Nigeria with the highest grossing films in Nigeria. Genevieve Nnaji, who is considered the queen of Nollywood, was the first Nigerian actress to be featured on the Oprah Winfrey show. She’s starred in over 100 films.

Rita Dominic, with her charming smile and expressive eyes, is a favorite. She often tackles complex roles exploring social issues. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, dubbed ‘Omo Sexy’ by fans, is one of the most decorated actresses, with over 100 films and numerous awards.

These leading ladies, along with many other gifted Nigerian actresses, have helped put Nollywood on the global stage. With their beauty, skill, and captivating performances, they’ve built a thriving film industry and inspired future generations.

Here are the 15 top actresses in the Nollywood Industry:

Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa, is a Nigerian filmmaker, actor, director, producer, and politician. Funke Akindele, was born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State. She began her acting career in 1998 when she starred in the sitcom I Need to Know from 1998 to 2002.

In 2009, she earned the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her work in Jenifa, which catapulted her to popularity. Akindele reprises the character in a 2015 television series adaptation titled Jenifa’s Diary, for which she was nominated Best Actress in a Comedy at the 2016 and 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. Akindele won the same award in 2020 and 2022, giving her a total of five wins in the Best Actress in a Comedy category. Akindele is the most nominated actress/filmmaker at the AMVCA, with six victories. Funke Akindele is the second director to gross over a billion naira at the Nigeria box office. She has the highest grossing films in Nigeria, with “Battle on Buka Street” being the highest grossing film in Nigeria with a domestic gross of ₦668,423,056 in 2022, while “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” has a domestic gross of ₦636,129,120 in 2020.

Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, Known for her comedic timing, funny English and Yoruba accent, Akindele plays memorable characters like Jenifa. In 2022, she was nominated as the running mate for the Lagos state governorship election by the People’s Democratic Party’s gubernatorial candidate, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran.

Off-screen, she advocates for women’s rights and hosts a TV show empowering young women. This multi-talented actress shows no signs of slowing down.

Rita Dominic

Born on July 12, 1975 in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. She started acting in 1998, and has featured in over 100 movies.

A Time to Kill, the first movie she starred in , was released in 1998. Over the years she have produced a lot of movies, including, The Therapist, The Light In The Dark, The Bound, The Blindspot, and Desecration. She has received numerous awards over the years. She won the best actress for the movie titled “The Meeting” in both 2013 and 2017. She also won the best actress in a TV series. Rita Dominic won the Most Outstanding Actress at the City People Awards in 2004. Rita Dominic won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2012.

Rita Dominic is articulate, daring and vivacious. Her interpretation of roles is near perfect. She’s also involved in many philanthropic activities across Nigeria.

Genevieve Nnaji

Genevieve Nnaji is a renowned Nigerian actress, born on May 3rd, 1979. She began her acting career at the age of eight as a child actor in the then-popular television serial series Ripples. and has featured in over 100 movies.

She debuted in the growing Nigerian film industry in 1998, at the age of 19, with the movie Most Wanted. Last Party, Mark of the Beast, and Ijele are among her subsequent movies. Due to her contributions to the Nigerian film industry, she was the first actor to be awarded Best Actress at the 2001 City People’s Awards, which previously only acknowledged politicians and business corporations. She was also the first actor to be named Best Actress by the Nigerian Censors Board in 2003. Nnaji acquired a recording contract with Ghanaian record label EKB Records in 2004 and released her debut album One Logologo Line. It combines R&B, Hip-Hop, and Urban music.

Genevieve was the first actor to win the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005. Nnaji was one of Nollywood’s highest-paid female actors in 2009. Oprah Winfrey dubbed her the “Julia Roberts of Africa” in 2009. She featured in the award-winning film Ijé: The Journey in 2010. The Nigerian government appointed her as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011 for her contributions to Nollywood.

Nnaji produced her first movie, Road to Yesterday, in November 2015, and went on to win Best Movie Overall, West Africa at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

On September 7, 2018, Netflix acquired her directorial debut Lionheart, making it the first Netflix original film from Nigeria. The film premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival alongside Farming, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s autobiographical directorial debut in which she co-starred with Kate Beckinsale, Damson Idris, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

Lionheart, her directorial debut film, is the first Netflix film from Nigeria and the first Nigerian Oscar submission. The film was disqualified since the majority of its dialogue was in English. After decades in the film industry, she was profiled among other celebrities and business professionals in two new books published in 2020 by Azuh Arinze, publisher and Editor in Chief of Yes International Magazine.

Genevieve is known for playing strong, hard working female characters. She is also a movie producer and director, as well as an entrepreneur with various endorsements and sponsorships.

Ini Edo

Ini Edo, born April 23rd, 1982 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. She began acting in 2000, and rose to fame after featuring in the movie “World Apart” in 2004. Her acting career began in 2000 with her debut in the movie Thick Madam. A producer discovered Ini Edo at an audition.

In 2013, Ini Edo served as a judge for the Miss Black Africa UK Pageant and the De9jaSpirit Talent Hunt. Miss Ini Edo was appointed by the United Nations as a United Nations Habitat Youth Envoy in 2014. She has appeared in almost 100 films. She was nominated for “Best Lead Actress” at the 11th Africa Movie Academy Awards for her role in the movie “While you slept”

In 2021, she debuted Secrets Of April, a luxury fashion and cosmetic brand that offers High Fashion Apparel, beauty items, and accessories for the affluent and famous. As an ambassador, she represents the National Democratic Institute (NDI), an NGO that strives to increase the functioning of democratic institutions.

In 2023, Ini Edo produced ShantyTown, a Nigerian crime thriller, which aired on Netflix on January 20, 2023. Iniobong Edo Ekim is admired for her beauty, poise, and talent. She is considered one of the best actresses in Nigeria.

Mercy Johnson

Mercy Johnson Okojie was born on August 28, 1984. She started acting in 2004 and her first movie was ‘The Maid’. Some of her most popular movies are ‘Dumebi’ the Dirty Girl, ‘The Price of Fame’, ‘Kill the Bride’ and ‘My Heart’.

She auditioned for a role in the movie The Maid shortly after finishing secondary school and went on to appear in additional films such as Hustlers, Baby Oku in America, and War in the Palace. She won an Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 2009 African Movie Award Ceremony for her performance in the film “Live to Remember” in 2009, and Best Actress at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for her role in the comedy film Dumebi the Dirty Girl.

Mercy Johnson Okojie was named Google’s most searched Nigerian celebrity in December 2011, a position she held in 2012. Mercy Johnson was once banned from acting because her fees were too pricey. On 3 November 2013, Nollywood movie marketers threatened to ban her from the profession due to her hefty fees. She and other Nollywood actors, including Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Richard Mofe Damijo, Emeka Ike, Ramsey Nouah, Nkem Owoh, Stella Damasus, and Jim Iyke, were banned from acting because they allegedly demanded exorbitant pay raises per movie. However, the actress apologized, and marketers/producers withdrew the ban on March 9, 2014.

Mercy Johnson made her debut as a film producer with The Legend of Inikpi. She is known for often playing romantic roles, Mercy Johnson is admired for her beauty, talent and charisma.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is a former model, Nigerian actress, singer, and philanthropist. She was born on February 7, 1978, she began her acting career in 1995. She is nicknamed “Omo Sexy”.

While accompanying a friend to an audition, Ekeinde got introduced to acting. Her debut acting role was in Reginald Ebere’s 1995 film Venom of Justice. She was cast as the lead in the film. Her first notable role was in the 1995 film Mortal Inheritance, in which she played a sickle-cell patient fighting for her life against slim chances. She won “Best Actress in an English Speaking Movie” and “Best Actress Overall” at the 1997 Movie Awards for her performance in Mortal Inheritance. She was Nigeria’s youngest actress at the time to have won this. She has since appeared in films such as Games Women Play, Blood Sisters, All My Life, Last Wedding, My Story, The Woman in Me, and others.

Ekeinde has acted in over 300 films since her Nollywood début in 1995, selling millions of copies. Omotola is the second Nigerian and the first Nigerian celebrity to have over one million Facebook likes. In 2004, Omotola received a grand achiever award from the Global Excellence Recognition Awards for her work in multiple sequel films, including Lost Kingdom II, Kosorogun II, and Blood Sister II. In 2005, she was awarded Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Ekeinde obtained her first cinematic movie role in the 2010 film “Ije”. This film was shot in Jos and in the United States. At the time, “Ije” was the highest-grossing Nollywood film. Phone Swap (2012) later surpassed this achievement. She starred in the Nollywood thriller Last Flight to Abuja in 2012, which became the second-highest-grossing film in West African cinemas that year. She has since won over forty domestic and International awards. She was included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2013.

Ekeinde made a brief appearance on VH1’s scripted series Hit the Floor in 2013. On November 2, 2013, she spoke at the WISE- Summit 2013, which was held in Doha, Qatar. In 2014, she was honored as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Nigerian government for her contributions to Nollywood.

Omotola Jalade is one of the highest paid actresses in Nollywood. Omotola is admired for promoting education and women/children’s rights.

Chioma Akpotha

Chioma Akpotha is a renowned Nigerian actress, director and movie producer, born on 12th March 1980 in Lagos State. Chioma Chukwuka made her acting debut in the film “The Apple” in 2000. Chioma also appeared in the 2000 film The Handkerchief. She won “Best Actress in a Lead Role” at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2007 for the film Sins of the Flesh. She was also nominated for an Africa Movie Academy Award for “Best Actress” in the movie “Accident” in 2014.

With over 20 years of experience, she has appeared in over 200 Nollywood films, Chioma has produced/co-produced over eight films, including the award-winning blockbuster On Bended Knees. Chioma Chukwuka is also a mentor and a public speaker.

Chioma Akpotha is best known for often playing strong, opinionated and funny female characters in movies.

Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi

Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, born September 5, 1980, she is popularly known as “World Best” for her acting talent, Toyin has starred in over 200 Yoruba and English movies. Toyin Aimakhu was used to be her name till she changed it to Toyin Abraham in 2016. She stated that the choice was made by her family.

Toyin Abraham began acting in 2003, when Nigerian actress Bukky Wright visited Ibadan to shoot a movie. Abraham has produced, directed, and featured in a number of Nigerian films, including Alani Baba Labake, Alakada, The Ghost and the Tout, Ijakumo – The Born Again, Stripper and Ebimi ni. Toyin Abraham was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Yoruba Film titled Ebimi ni at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards, alongside Joke Muyiwa, who was nominated for Best Lead Actress in a Yoruba Film titled Ayitale. Abraham also appeared in the film Black Val.

Toyin is Bold, hardworking, and comedic, Toyin is adored by her fans.

Omoni Oboli

Omoni Oboli is a famous Nigerian actress, scriptwriter, film producer and director. Born on April 22, 1978, Omoni hails from Delta State, Nigeria. She attended the New York Film Academy.

Omoni began her acting career as a secretary in Bitter Encounter (1996). She also featured in the movie Shame. She went on to play the lead female character in three major movies: Not My Will, Destined To Die, and Another Campus Tale. Omoni left the film industry after a brief career in 1996 to finish her university degree. She married right after school and didn’t return to the field for a decade. An act, she claims, nearly drove her to quit acting. She returned to the screen in 2009, only to discover that there is no longer room for her in the profession. Then she decided to start producing her own movies.

Omoni has written many screenplays, including Wives On Strike and The Rivals, which she co-produced with a friend and won Best International Drama at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival. It was the first Nigerian film to be shown in the festival since its start in 2003. The film received a three-star rating out of four from the festival’s judges. Omoni Oboli has starred in prominent films such as The Figurine (2009), Anchor Baby (2010), Being Mrs Elliot (2011), and Fifty (2015). She is also the first Nollywood actress to win Best Actress in two International festivals (not organized by Nigerians or Africans) in the same year (2010).

Omoni is married with three sons. She is an inspiration to many.

Ruth Kadiri

Ruth Kadiri is a Nigerian actress, screenwriter and movie producer born on March 24, 1988 in Benin City, Edo State. She started acting in 2009 and came into the limelight for her role in Boycott. Some of her popular movies are Matters Arising, Memory Lane, Somebody Lied and Over the Edge.

Ruth is known for her versatility and ability to fit into any role. She has won several awards, including Actress of the year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in 2015, Best Actress of the Year, and Face of Nollywood at the City People Movie Award in 2018.

Kehinde Bankole

Kehinde Bankole is a Nigerian actress, model, and television host. She was born on March 27, 1985 in Lagos, Nigeria, she made her entertainment debut in Miss Commonwealth Nigeria 2003, followed by MBGN 2004. Two years after her debut screen appearance in Wale Adenuga’s Super Story, she was named Revelation of the Year at the 2009 Best of Nollywood Awards.

During her tenure as Lux ambassador, Bankole made her acting debut as Caro in the family drama Super Story: Everything it Takes. She has also appeared in other Wale Adenuga films such as Papa Ajasco and This Life. Her most noteworthy television role is as housewife Kiki Obi in Desperate Housewives Africa, a Nigerian version of the American blockbuster series. She also appeared in the film Prophetess, which starred Toyin Abraham. She recently starred in the widely acclaimed movie Sista alongside Deyemi Okanlawon. She have starred in over 70 movies since her debut.

Kehinde Bankole is best known for often playing strong, independent women in her films.

Nancy Isime

Born on December 17, 1991, Nancy Isime kicked off her career in 2011 she scored her first major role in the TV series Echoes in 2011.

She is also a television presenter, having been on The Squeeze, What’s Hot, and backstage segments of MTN Project Fame season 7. She took over as the host of HipTV’s popular show Trending from Toke Makinwa in 2016. She and Reminisce co-hosted the 2019 edition of The Headies. She was also a judge on The Voice Nigeria 2021. In 2019, Isime debuted her own television show, The Nancy Isime Show. In 2020, she co-hosted The Headies with Bovi. In 2022, she starred as Kemi in the Netflix original series Blood Sisters, which was produced by Mo Abudu’s Ebonylife TV studio. She also played Shalewa in Shanty Town in 2023.

Her vivacious and charismatic personality has earned her several accolades, including Most Promising Actress (English) and Best Supporting Actress (English) at the 2018 City People Movie Awards. Described as one of the most talented actresses of her generation, Nancy continues to star in major Nollywood blockbusters and TV shows.

Adesua Etomi-Wellington

Adesua Etomi-Wellington is a popular Nigerian actress, born on February 22, 1988. In 2014, she starred in her debut feature film, Knocking on Heaven’s Door. She was awarded Best Actress in a Drama at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for her performance in the 2015 romantic drama film Falling.

Other prominent films in which she has appeared include A Soldier’s Story (2015), Out of Luck (2015), and Couple of Days (2016). Etomi portrayed Shiela in the fourth and fifth seasons of Shuga, a television soap opera on HIV/AIDS prevention. Etomi debuted on television in June 2016 as Amaka Obiora, an undercover police officer, in Yemisi Wada’s crime series LasGidi Cops. She was also named one of 14 worldwide superstars by Vogue. Her first song, ‘So Natural,’ was released in February 2022. She began her beauty brand, Sanaa Beauty, alongside Jemima Osunde in October 2023.

Adesua is known for often playing strong, principled women in her roles, Adesua is one of the most prominent actresses in Nigeria today.

Bisola Aiyeola

Born in January 1986, Bisola Aiyeola is a popular Nigerian actress known for her roles in movies like Picture Perfect and Falling. Bisola was a competitor on MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2008, where she finished fifth and Iyanya won. Bisola was a one-time TV host of Billboard Nigeria, which broadcast on Silverbird Television from 2011 to 2013. Aiyeola was the first runner-up in the 2017 season of Big Brother Naija. She won the ONE Campaign reality show while at BBN, which is a multinational Advocacy Organization for Girl-Child Education with offices in London, the United States, Nigeria, and other parts of the world.

Bisola was nominated for a City People Movie Award for Revelation of the Year (English) in 2017, alongside Zainab Balogun, Somkele Iyamah, and Seun Ajayi. Bisola received the AMVCA Trail Blazer Award in 2018. She made her production debut on Introducing the Kujus. In 2022, she became the first African to host Family Feud, an MTN and Ultima TV reality show. Aiyeola also hosted the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

She is known for her comedic timing and lively personality, Bisola continues to star in many Nollywood films and TV series, captivating audiences with her memorable performances.

Bimbo Ademoye

Bimbo Ademoye is a famous Nigerian actress known for her roles in several Nollywood movies. Born on 4th of February 1991 in Lagos State, Nigeria, Bimbo began acting in 2014. In April 2018, she co-starred in Gone, directed by Daniel Ademinokan, with Stella Damasus. Working with Damasus was a defining milestone in Ademoye’s career, she said.

For her part in the film Backup Wife (2017), she was nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy/TV Series at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in 2018.

She was nominated for Revelation of the Year, Best New Actress, and Best Upcoming Actress at the 2018 City People Movie Awards. Bimbo was nominated for Best Lead Role in Backup Wife at the 2018 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. She also garnered two individual nominations for her part in Personal Assistant at the 2018 Best of Nollywood Awards, where she won the award for Best Actress in a Drama.

Other Notable Actresses in the Nollywood Industry

When it comes to powerhouses in Nollywood, Genevieve Nnaji, immediately comes to mind. She’s been acting since 1998 and has starred in over 200 films. Other notable actresses include:

-Stephanie Okereke Linus, an award-winning actress and director known for her advocacy work promoting women’s rights.

-Uche Jombo, who is also a producer and screenwriter. She’s starred in films like Wives on Strike and Holding Hope.

-Nse Ikpe-Etim, known for often playing strong, principled women in films. She came into the limelight in 2008, for her role in Reloaded

-Kate Henshaw, whose career has spanned over 20 years. She’s advocated for causes like HIV/AIDS awareness and education.

-Bimbo Akintola, known for often playing independent, outspoken women. She’s appeared in films like 93 Days and Lipstick and Lies.

-Joke Silva, a veteran stage and screen actress who has promoted the arts in Nigeria through her work founding the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

-Bukky Wright, an award-winning actress known as the “Queen of Yoruba films.” She’s appeared in hundreds of Yoruba-language films since the 1990s.

There are a lot more actresses that haven’t been mentioned. Nigeria has a lot of talented and beautiful actresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about your favorite Nollywood actresses? Here are some common FAQs:

How much do Nigerian actresses earn?

Top actresses can earn between 30,000 and 500,000 naira per scene. The most popular actresses, like Funke Akindele, Ini Edo, Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, Mercy Johnson, Genevieve Nnaji, and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, earn significantly more.

Do Nigerian actresses do their own stunts?

Some actresses do perform their own stunts, but for dangerous stunts a stunt double is commonly used.

Who is the most beautiful actress in Nigeria?

Beauty is subjective, but frequently cited as most beautiful are Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Nancy Isime, Osas ighodaro, Sharon Ooja, Mercy Aigbe, Adunni Ade, and Adesua Etomi.

How can I become an actress in Nigeria?

Build your skills through acting classes or a theater program. Network to find auditions and start gaining experience in TV, films or theater. Work your way up by being an extra or supporting actress. With experience and exposure, leading roles may come.

Conclusion

You’ve now seen some of the top talents taking Nollywood by storm. These powerful leading ladies are making their mark in a male-dominated industry and paving the way for more women to follow in their footsteps.

With their beauty, brains, and acting chops, they prove that Nollywood has a bright future filled with complex, multi-dimensional female characters.