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  • Romance might be a staple of Nollywood storylines, but sometimes the love continues long after the cameras stop rolling. From sparks that flew on set to relationships nurtured through mutual friends and shared creative spaces, several Nollywood stars have found real-life partners within the industry. 

    These unions show that Nollywood isn’t just about blockbuster scripts and iconic performances—it’s also about the genuine connections formed behind the scenes.

    Here are the 10 greatest Nollywood actors who are actual real-life couples.

    10. Razak Olayiwola and Moji Afolayan

    Razak Olayiwola, widely known by his stage name Ojopagogo, and Moji Afolayan are one of the most respected veteran couples in Yoruba Nollywood. Their love story began on a movie set in Ibadan, where they first met while working on a film project. After courting for two years, they tied the knot in 2003, beginning a marriage that has endured alongside their flourishing careers.

    Both accomplished in their own right, Razak is admired for his comic timing and versatility, while Moji—daughter of the legendary Ade Love and sister to Kunle Afolayan—carries on her family’s rich filmmaking legacy. Together, they’ve appeared in several Yoruba films, including Tojubole, where their real-life connection translates effortlessly on screen.

    Nearly two decades later, they remain a beloved Nollywood couple, celebrated for balancing family, tradition, and artistry in the industry.

    9. Mide Martins and Afeez Abiodun

    Mide Martins and Afeez Abiodun, popularly known as Afeez Owo, are one of the most enduring couples in the Yoruba movie industry. Their love story is deeply rooted in Nollywood history—Afeez was once the manager of Mide’s mother, the late veteran actress Funmi Martins. Having grown up together, their friendship gradually blossomed into a romance that led to marriage.

    The couple has been married for over two decades, building both a family and successful careers side by side. On screen, they have appeared together in films such as Oju Inu and Eye Aparo, where their real-life bond adds an extra layer of authenticity to their performances.

    Today, Mide and Afeez are celebrated not only for their individual contributions to Yoruba cinema but also for their resilience as a couple who have stood the test of time in both love and career.

    Subscribe to Zikoko Pop newsletter, The Feed, for the most important pop culture news

    8. Stan Nze and Blessing Nze

    Stan Nze and Blessing Nze are one of Nollywood’s newer celebrity couples, tying the knot in 2021. Their relationship sparked plenty of conversation, particularly because of their age difference (Stan is 36 and Blessing is 43), but the pair have remained unbothered by social expectations, choosing instead to focus on building a happy marriage and thriving careers.

    Since getting married, they’ve delighted fans by appearing together in films such as Irresistible You and Husband Man, where their natural chemistry shines through. Both accomplished in their own right—Stan with critically acclaimed performances in projects like Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story (2020), and Blessing with her multifaceted work as an actress and producer—the couple continue to prove that love and partnership can flourish in the spotlight.

    7. Toyin Abraham and Kola Ajeyemi

    Toyin Abraham and Kola Ajeyemi are one of Nollywood’s most popular power couples, especially within the Yoruba film industry. 

    Toyin is an award-winning actress, director, and producer celebrated for her range in both comedy and drama, with standout performances in Elevator Baby (2019), The Prophetess (2021), and her Alakada franchise. Kolawole, an accomplished actor in his own right, has starred in films such as Iyalode, Alakada: Bad and Boujee (2023), and Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper (2022). They have also starred in movies together, with Kola playing Cash in Alakada: Bad and Boujee.

    The two went public with their relationship in 2019, often sharing glimpses of their family life and creative journeys on social media.

    6. Iyke Okechukwu and Florence Okechukwu

    Iyke and Florence Okechukwu are yet another Nollywood couple whose love story blossomed on the set of Tinsel. Playing the fan-favourite couple Chuks and Ene, their on-screen romance won the hearts of viewers across Nigeria. What many didn’t know at first was that the chemistry went beyond acting—it was the beginning of a real-life love story.

    In 2013, the pair tied the knot, turning their scripted romance into a lifelong commitment. Today, they share a family together while continuing to build their individual careers in Nollywood. Their relationship remains one of the most heartwarming examples of how on-screen love can beautifully spill into real life.

    READ NEXT: 10 Times Nollywood Stars Perfectly Played Real Nigerians

    5. Norbert Young and Gloria Young

    Norbert and Gloria Young stand among Nollywood’s most respected veteran couples, with a marriage that has thrived for more than two decades. Norbert has built a reputation as a versatile actor, memorable for his roles in beloved series like Family Circle and Tinsel, as well as powerful performances in films such as King of Boys (2018) and The Black Book (2023). 

    Gloria, who began her career as a journalist, made her breakthrough in the Nollywood classic Glamour Girls (1994). She has since continued to shine in acclaimed films like Half of a Yellow Sun (2013) and The Weekend.

    They have both appeared in movies such as Choke. Beyond their filmography, the Youngs are celebrated not only for their individual accomplishments but also for their longevity as a couple—embodying stability, grace, and resilience both on and off the screen.

    4. Ibrahim Suleiman and Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman

    Ibrahim Suleiman and Linda Ejiofor’s romance is one of Nollywood’s sweetest “from set to real life” love stories. The two first met as co-stars on the long-running M-Net series Tinsel, where they played love interests. What began as a professional collaboration soon grew into a close friendship, and eventually, a real relationship that fans couldn’t help but root for.

    Their bond culminated in a beautiful wedding in 2018, celebrated widely across the Nollywood community. Since then, they’ve continued to shine both individually and together, with Ibrahim building his career as an actor and creative, and Linda balancing motherhood with her acclaimed screen performances.

    Their journey from Tinsel co-stars to real-life partners remains a fan-favourite Nollywood love story.

    3. Lateef Adedimeji and Adebimpe Adedimeji

    Lateef Adedimeji and Adebimpe Adedimeji are one of the most beloved couples in the Yoruba movie industry. Known for their effortless on-screen chemistry, the pair starred together in films like Deja Vu and That One Time, where their performances sparked rumours of a romance long before they confirmed it.

    For a while, they kept fans guessing, denying dating speculations despite appearing in multiple productions side by side. But in December 2021, they surprised the industry with a stunning wedding that quickly became a trending celebration across Nigeria.

    Today, Lateef and Mo Bimpe continue to dominate Nollywood as individuals and as a couple, balancing thriving acting careers with a marriage that has made them one of the industry’s favourite love stories.

    2. Bankole “Banky W” Wellington and Adesua Etomi-Wellington

    Few Nollywood love stories have captured the public’s imagination quite like Banky W and Adesua Etomi-Wellington’s. Their romance began to swell among fans after their appearance in The Wedding Party (2016), where they played a couple navigating the chaos of a glamorous Lagos wedding. The chemistry was so natural that fans speculated long before the pair confirmed that life was imitating art.

    Off-screen, their relationship quickly blossomed. They announced their engagement in 2017, and their lavish, multi-day wedding—spanning traditional and white ceremonies—was one of the most talked-about celebrity events of the year.

    Since then, the “IT” couple has remained a fixture in Nollywood and beyond. Adesua continues to shine as one of the industry’s most versatile actresses, while Banky W balances music, acting, and politics. Together, they’ve also appeared in The Wedding Party 2 (2017), cementing their on-screen and real-life partnership as one of Nollywood’s most iconic.

    1. Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva

    Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva are by far one of Nollywood’s ultimate power couples. Their love story began in 1981 at the National Theatre in Lagos during Nigeria’s 21st Independence anniversary, and it has grown into one of the industry’s most enduring partnerships. Both actors have carved out remarkable careers spanning stage, television, and film, earning them legendary status at home and abroad.

    Beyond their personal relationship, they have also built a creative empire together. They co-founded the Lufodo Group, which houses the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, a training ground for young actors and filmmakers.

    On-screen, the couple has shared their chemistry in films like The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017). Their joint appearances remind fans why they are not only celebrated individually but also cherished as a duo whose artistry and love have shaped Nollywood across generations.

    ALSO READ: 10 Nollywood Actors Who Used to Be Famous and What They Do Now

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  • At different periods in Nollywood, certain names commanded screens, conversations and viewers’ imaginations. They were the faces we couldn’t escape, leading men who defined the era of home videos, shaped archetypes, and carried blockbusters on their shoulders.

    From drama kings and romantic stars to comic reliefs and rugged villains, they ushered Nollywood into mainstream popularity across Africa and beyond. But as the industry evolved, so did some of these once-prominent actors who quietly stepped back from the spotlight.

    This list revisits ten Nollywood actors who were once household names and tracks where life has taken them since their peak screen moments. Some have gracefully transitioned into completely new careers, others have remained in the creative space, and a few have simply chosen quieter lives, far removed from fame and entertainment.

    Here are 10 Nollywood actors who once had the spotlight and where they are now.

    1. Bob-Manuel Obidimma Udokwu

    Used to: Be one of Nollywood’s most charismatic actors

    Best known for: Playing Echedoh in Irretractable Mistake

    Now: In politics

    Bob-Manuel rose during Nollywood’s early home-video boom and became the go-to actor for both lead and high-impact supporting roles in the 2000s. He later expanded into directing and producing in the 2010s and has even received lifetime and industry recognitions since then.

    In 2022, he was appointed by Anambra State governor Chukwuma Soludo as a special adviser on entertainment, leisure and tourism. That move formalised his shift toward public service.

    2. Charles Izuchukwu Okafor

    Used to: Be Nollywood’s ‘moralist’

    Best known for: Playing Eddy in The Evil Inside Me

    Now: A film director and church minister

    Charles Okafor was a popular face in classic Nollywood dramas like Domitila and Computer Girls, before he moved his main focus to projects with moral and religious themes in the late 2010s.

    Since then, Charles has taken fewer on-screen parts to concentrate on directing, public speaking, ministry and advocacy. In a recent sit-down episode of Selahmediate Podcast, he stated that while he’s deeply involved in Christian work and faith-based outreach, he remains a filmmaker, contributing behind the scenes to the industry that gave him a platform.

    Subscribe to Zikoko Pop newsletter, The Feed, for the most important pop culture news

    3. Desmond Oluwashola Elliot

    Used to: Be the face of modern Nollywood

    Best known for: Playing Angel in Missing Angel

    Now: He’s into politics

    There are dozens of popular Nollywood movies with Desmond Elliot as the leading man. He was that huge. He built a high-profile acting and directing career from the 2000s to the 2010s.Then in 2014, he declared his interest in politics.

    By 2015, he had become active in politics. That year, he won a Lagos Assembly seat and was re-elected in 2023, representing Surulere, transforming his public identity into an actor-turned-politician.

    4. Femi Ogedengbe

    Used to: Be one of the early popular English-Yoruba actors

    Best known for: Playing Father Stephanus in Cross My Sin

    Now: An entrepreneur

    Femi Ogedengbe was a familiar face in Nollywood during the late 1990s and 2000s, often appearing in Yoruba and English-language films where he carved a niche as a versatile supporting actor. He was a consistent performer who became part of the wave of actors who kept Nollywood buzzing during its VHS and early VCD era.

    However, Ogedengbe eventually stepped away from Nollywood. Citing frustrations with the industry, particularly issues of exploitation and lack of financial reward, he relocated to the United States. He once stated that he worked in private security when he landed in the Land of the Free. Now, he’s a businessman there.

    5. Kenneth Okonwo

    Used to: One of the stars of early Nollywood

    Best known for: Playing Andy in Living in Bondage

    Now: A lawyer and public affairs analyst

    Kenneth Okonkwo was a star of early Nollywood landmarks, became a household name after Living in Bondage (1994), and was a bankable leading man in films of the 1990s and 2000s. He’s known for a wide variety of roles across a long list of movies and television soap operas like Ripples.

    In subsequent years, he has remained publicly visible as a political commentator and participant. He’s popularly known for working for the Labour Party and presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections.

    READ NEXT: 10 Nigerian Musicians Who Used To Be Famous and What They Do Now

    6. Oluwajimi “Jimmy” Odukoya

    Used to: Be a Nollywood ‘fine boy’ actor

    Best known for: Playing Mike in Tempted

    Now: He’s a senior pastor

    Jimmy Odukoya was an emerging Nollywood actor in the late 2010s and 2020s. He acted in movies and series such as Crazy Grannies, Husbands of Lagos and had a role in The Woman King.

    For many years, he balanced acting with ministry. But after the passing of his father, he took on senior leadership at Fountain of Life Church in 2023, stepping back from Nollywood to focus on God’s work.

    7. McMorris “Terror D’Archangel” Ndubueze

    Used to: Nollywood’s bad boy

    Best known for: Playing Terror D’Archangel in War Game

    Now: He’s a medical doctor

    The actor was widely remembered for cult and tough-guy roles and popularly known in the industry with the stagename Terror D’Archangel.

    However, McMorris Ndubueze has since left the entertainment industry and has become a medical doctor in the United States. His career change is part of a larger trend of Nigerians relocating abroad for new professional opportunities, AKA, Japa.

    8. Samuel “Sam Dede” Dedetoku

    Used to: Be Nollywood’s action man

    Best known for: Playing Ebube in Issakaba

    Now: He’s a university lecturer

    Sam Dede began his acting career in 1995 and gained prominence for his role in the movie Ijele. He is also well-known by the nickname Ebube, which he earned from his lead role in Issakaba, an action movie about fighting crime, that became a cultural touchstone in Nollywood. Dede is often associated with “tough guy” or action-hero roles, showcasing a physical and intense screen presence.

    These days, Sam Dede is a rarity in movies. He’s now mostly behind the scenes as a director and an academic lecturing students and mentoring younger actors.

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    9. Victor Osuagwu

    Used to: Be one of Nollywood’s popular comedic actors

    Best known for: Playing Adindu in Onye-Eze

    Now: He’s an events host and MC

    Victor Osuagwu is a veteran Nigerian actor and comedian widely known for his comical, often mischievous characters. In 2013, he assumed a leadership position within the industry and became president of the Lagos State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). After he left the position, he appeared less in movies and industry glitz.

    But if you think his absence from TV means he has been inactive, you’re wrong — Victor Osuagwu is now an MC, event manager and owner of Victor Osuagwu Feed A Child Foundation.

    10. Zack Orji

    Used to: A power figure in old Nollywood

    Best known for: playing Obidike in Last Warning

    Now: A pastor and public speaker

    Zack Orji is considered a veteran in Nollywood. He began his career in 1991 with his debut film, Unforgiven Sin. He’s also known for his roles in classic films like Glamour Girls (1994) and Blood Money (1997). Orji also once served as the national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

    In 2012, he took a step back from acting and the limelight after Bishop Lawrence Osagie ordained him a pastor. Since then, he has been preaching in and out of Nigeria.

    ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Movies to Watch On YouTube (September 2025)

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  • When Nollywood is mentioned, the stories and sheer volume of films often dominate the conversation. But beneath the industry’s speed and spectacle lies its best treasure: performances that etch themselves into memory.

    From Richard Mofe-Damijo’s embodiment of anger and betrayal in Oloibiri, to Nkem Owoh’s layered comedy in Osuofia in London, to Saint Obi’s commanding presence in State of Emergency, these roles show the full range of Nollywood’s talent.

    This list spotlights moments where skill, charisma, and storytelling blend so perfectly that the performance becomes as large as the film itself.

    Here are the 20 best performances by an actor in a Nollywood movie, ranked.

    20. Saint Obi in State of Emergency (2004)

    Running time: 3h 26m

    Director: Teco Benson

    Genre: Action, Crime

    Saint Obi stars as Detective Smith, a fearless lawman guided by an unshakable moral compass. He’s pitted against Omega 12, a militant group of ex-soldiers who turn to terrorism and hostage-taking to destabilise the nation.

    As chaos escalates, Detective Smith becomes the linchpin of law enforcement’s response, fearlessly charging into danger when others hesitate. 

    What makes Obi’s performance memorable is not just the physical demands of the role, but the way he balances intensity with charisma, commanding the screen throughout.

    Watch State of Emergency on YouTube.

    19. Nkem Owoh in Osuofia In London (Part 1 & 2) (2003)

    Running time: 2h 36m

    Director: Kingsley Ogoro

    Genre: Comedy, Drama

    In this comedy, Nkem Owoh plays Osuofia, a back-country villager who flies to London after inheriting his late brother’s estate and promptly confronts a world of cultural misreadings. From the moment Osuofia arrives, he commits to being embarrassingly honest in public, leading to some of his most human beats: the pride that won’t let his dignity be mocked and the brief tenderness when he confronts grief for his dead brother.

    Osuofia in London became one of Nollywood’s most widely seen comedies and spawned a sequel and countless references in pop culture; Owoh’s performance turned into a durable persona that cemented his status as one of Nollywood’s most recognisable comedic stars.

    Watch Osuofia In London (Part 1 & 2) on YouTube.

    18. Uzor Arukwe in A Tribe Called Judah (2023)

    Running time: 2h 14m

    Directors: Funke Akindele and Adeoluwa Owu

    Genre: Comedy, Crime

    Uzor Arukwe plays Chairman Chigozie Onouha, the flamboyant, sharp-witted and mischievous semi-literate owner of C & K Furniture, who also happens to be a suspected money launderer and ex-boss of Emeka (Jide Kene Achufusi). Arukwe’s Chairman Onouha lingers in the mind not just as a formidable obstacle for the Judah family and a funny supporting character, but as a compelling representation of opportunity and threat. 

    Arukwe finds the perfect balance. He delivers fun but seamlessly shifts into tension when his character’s power dynamic demands it.

    Watch A Tribe Called Judah on Prime Video.

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    17. Sam Dede in Issakaba (Part 1 & 2) (2001)

    Running time: 4h 31m

    Director: Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun

    Genre: Action, Crime

    Sam Dede plays Ebube, the fearless leader of the Issakaba vigilante group who takes up arms against the terror of armed robbers and ritualists wreaking havoc in Eastern Nigeria. He doesn’t just bark orders or swing machetes; he acts with the gravitas of a man burdened by responsibility, constantly negotiating the thin line between justice and violence.

    It’s considered his best performance because it captured everything Sam Dede represents as an actor: intensity, intelligence, and an unshakeable screen presence. Issakaba became a cultural touchstone, one of Nollywood’s most influential films, largely because of Dede’s portrayal of Ebube.

    Watch Issakaba Part 1 & 2 on YouTube.

    16. Lateef Adedimeji in Ayinla (2021)

    Running time: 1h 50m

    Director: Tunde Kelani

    Genre: Drama, Musical

    In this musical drama that imagines the life and work of Ayinla Omowura, actor Lateef Adedimeji plays the legendary Àpàlà singer whose music made him a giant in southwestern Nigeria in the 1970s. 

    The movie follows Ayinla’s rise from local mainstay to star, his relationship with bandmates, lovers, and promoters, his appetite for the good life, his temper, and the tensions that swirl around a prideful, complicated artist.

    He convincingly mimes complex lyrics, channelling the charismatic showmanship that makes Ayinla come alive on screen.

    Ayinla is streaming on Netflix, but is unavailable in Nigeria.

    15. Timini Egbuson in Elevator Baby (2019)

    Running time: 1h 23m

    Director: Akay Ilozobhie

    Genre: Drama, Thriller

    Timini Egbuson plays Dare, a spoiled, hot-headed young man born with a silver spoon who becomes trapped in an elevator with Abigail, a heavily pregnant woman played by Toyin Abraham. When she goes into labour in a stuck elevator, Dare has to strip away his arrogance and rise to save her life.

    What begins as a clash of personalities slowly transforms into a redemptive journey, with Dare confronting his own immaturity and privilege in the face of a life-or-death crisis. This performance is widely considered his best because it required him to carry the emotional weight of this two-character movie.

    Watch Elevator Baby on Prime Video.

    14. Stan Nze in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story (2020)

    Running time: 2h 25m

    Director: Ramsey Nouah

    Genre: Action Thriller

    Stan Nze plays Ahanna Okolo, a young man whose life unravels after a series of desperate choices pulls him into the world of organised crime and bloody retribution. As Ahanna rises from petty schemes to dangerous power, the story explores how loyalty, love, and the will to survive drive him to increasingly extreme acts—while the past he thought he escaped continues to haunt him.

    Nze delivers a layered performance, making Ahanna empathetic without excusing his violence. He invites the audience into the mind of a man capable of terrible acts, yet still recognisably human.

    Watch Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story on Netflix.

    13. Kelechi Ugbede in Collision Course (2022)

    Running time: 1h 15

    Director: Bolanle Austen-Peters

    Genre: Action, Drama

    Kelechi Udegbe plays Corporal Magnus, a struggling police officer weighed down by financial hardship and desperate to climb the ranks. His path collides with that of Mide, an aspiring musician, at a roadside checkpoint where bribes are a means of survival.

    When Magnus accidentally shoots Mide, the incident sparks a chain of legal and social fallout that reverberates through a nation already scarred by state violence. Udegbe brings depth to the role, portraying Magnus not as villain or hero, but as a man caught between duty, survival, and conscience.

    Watch Collision Course on Netflix.

    12. Tobi Bakre in Farmer’s Bride (2023)

    Running time:  1h 52m

    Directors: Jack’enneth Opukeme and Adebayo Tijani

    Genre: Drama

    Tobi Bakre plays Femi, the nephew of a wealthy farmer who returns from the city, a wood carver rather than an academic. His unexpected chemistry with Funmi, his uncle’s young wife, becomes the catalyst for tragedy. He balances the attraction toward Funmi with the weight of his actions: there’s excitement in his movements, but each choice he makes carries a cost.

    This is Tobi Bakre’s best performance because he refuses to play Femi as a straightforward romantic lead. Instead, he presents a character who is both alluring and flawed, whose charm leads to destruction.

    Farmer’s Bride isn’t streaming anywhere at the moment.

    11. Odunlade Adekola in Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman (2022)

    Running time: 1h 36m

    Director: Biyi Bandele

    Genre: Adventure, Drama

    Odunlade Adekola takes on the role of Elesin, the king’s horseman. When the Alaafin dies, Elesin is customarily obliged to accompany his ruler into the afterlife through a ritual self-sacrifice so that the king’s spirit may pass safely to the ancestors. Elesin greets his final day with a boisterous celebration, but his human frailty and the disruptive presence of colonial authorities interrupt the ritual.

    Adekola’s performance anchors the movie with a rare mix of bravado and interior collapse, showing his dawning comprehension of loss. His body language and vocal restraint carry the film’s moral dissonance in ways that dialogue alone could not.

    Watch Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman on Netflix.

    10. Femi Adebayo in Jagun Jagun (2023)

    Running time: 2h 13m

    Directors: Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani

    Genre: Action, Drama

    Femi Adebayo plays Ogunjimi, a fearsome and revered warlord whose ambition threatens to consume everything around him. The film unfolds as a battle of ideologies and wills, with Ogunjimi embodying ruthless power. It becomes a sweeping exploration of leadership, betrayal, and the corrupting lure of dominance. 

    What makes this Adebayo’s best performance is how thoroughly he embodies the contradictions of his character. He is not a one-dimensional villain; instead, he is both admirable and terrifying, a leader capable of inspiring loyalty but undone by pride and paranoia.

    Watch Jagun Jagun on Netflix.

    READ NEXT: The 20 Best Performances By An Actress In A Nollywood Movie, Ranked

    9. Richard Mofe-Damijo in Oloibiri (2015)

    Running time: 1h 34m

    Director: Curtis Graham

    Genre: Action, Thriller

    Richard Mofe-Damijo plays Gunpowder, a militant leader consumed by anger and disillusionment. He’s a man broken by betrayal and neglect, whose militancy is less about greed than about a desperate and wounded cry for justice. His physical presence commands the screen: every movement, barked order and glare conveys the frustration of an entire generation of Niger Delta youths.

    Rather than a one-note villain or rebel, he emerges as a fully realised character whose choices are shaped by systemic failures. RMD strips away the glamour usually associated with his screen presence and leans into grit and anguish, creating a performance that is as unsettling as it is captivating.

    Watch Oloibiri on YouTube.

    8. Fakunle Rotimi in Gangs of Lagos (2023)

    Running time: 2h 4m

    Director: Jadesola Osiberu

    Genre: Crime, Thriller

    Fakunle Rotimi plays Kazeem, the calculating political figure whose manipulative grip on the gangs of Lagos underscores the systemic corruption at the heart of Lagos politics. But unlike the overtly violent gang leaders, Kazeem embodies a more dangerous type of villain: the one cloaked in respectability yet pulling the deadliest triggers from the shadows.

    This performance is compelling because Rotimi allows menace to seep through subtlety rather than loud declarations. His tone and expressions are measured, yet the weight of his authority is undeniable. His restraint creates an aura of unpredictability: you are never quite sure when his calm will tilt into cruelty.

    Watch Gangs of Lagos on Prime Video.

    7. Ramsey Nouah in The Figurine (2009)

    Running time: 2h

    Director: Kunle Afolayan

    Genre: Mystery

    Ramsey Nouah plays Femi, a carefree youth who grows into an accomplished man whose world slowly corrodes under jealousy, betrayal, and supernatural dread. He, alongside his friend Sola (Kunle Afolayan) discovers a mysterious figurine that grants seven years of good luck to whoever possesses it. They find success but after some time, misfortune finds them. Now, they’re forced to confront whether fate, superstition or result of their choices.

    The story darkens as he shades Femi with insecurity and resentment. This movie showed him not just as a matinee idol but as a serious dramatic actor, capable of carrying complex themes of destiny, greed, and human weakness.

    Watch The Figurine on YouTube.

    6. Gabriel Afolayan in Coming From Insanity (2019)

    Running time: 1h 40m

    Director: Akinyemi Sebastian Akinropo

    Genre: Crime, Thriller

    Gabriel Afolayan plays Kossi, a young Togolese boy trafficked into Nigeria as a domestic servant who grows into a brilliant yet conflicted man. The film tells the story of Kossi’s transformation into a self-taught genius with an unusual gift for counterfeiting. When his criminal ingenuity draws the attention of law enforcement and dangerous circles alike, Kossi must navigate the thin line between survival, ambition, and redemption.

    As Kossi, Afolayan plays a character whose contradictions demand subtlety and restraint. He doesn’t play Kossi as an antihero; instead, he makes him a layered character who’s equally sympathetic, dangerous, and inspiring.

    Watch Coming From Insanity on Prime Video.

    5. Femi Jacobs in The Meeting (2012)

    Running time: 2h 12m

    Director: Mildred Okwo

    Genre: Drama

    Jacobs plays Makinde Esho, a mild-mannered Lagos-based corporate executive who travels to Abuja to secure a crucial government contract. What should be a simple meeting with a ministry official turns into days of endless waiting, stonewalling, and power games, thanks mainly to the formidable secretary Clara Ikemba (Rita Dominic).

    As Makinde navigates this frustrating maze, he also develops an unexpected bond with Ejura (Linda Ejiofor), a young National Youth Service Corps member. 

    As Makinde, Femi Jacobs embodies the quintessential everyman caught by Nigeria’s institutional inefficiencies.

    Watch The Meeting on YouTube.

    4. Kunle Remi in Anikulapo (2022)

    Running time: 1h 51m

    Director: Kunle Afolayan

    Genre: Drama, Fantasy

    Kunle Remi plays Saro, a cloth weaver who drifts into a town and into the world of Queen Arolake (Bimbo Ademoye). A sudden and forbidden romance with the queen pulls him into palace life and danger. 

    Out of love, Arolake gives him a small, magical gourd that can restore the dead, but Saro uses the power to change his fortune. Wealth and influence follow, but so do moral compromise and supernatural consequence.

    What starts as a rags-to-riches tale quickly becomes a cautionary drama about the cost of cheating death and the corrosion of character when power meets appetite. Remi threads Saro’s contradictions carefully as he makes the character credible as an ordinary working man, then believable as someone seduced by privilege, and finally as a defeated figure haunted by the fallout of his choices.

    Watch Anikulapo on Netflix.

    3. Wale Ojo in Breath of Life (2024)

    Running time: 1h 54m

    Director: BB Sasore

    Genre: Drama

    Wale Ojo plays Timi, a once brilliant and devout clergyman whose life spirals into despair after a devastating personal tragedy. He abandons his faith, isolates himself from the world, and lives as a broken shell of the man he once was, until a young protégé, Elijah (Chimezie Imo), comes into his life, forcing him to confront his grief, rediscover purpose and find redemption.

    As Timi, Wale Ojo embodies the arc of a man drowning in silence and regret; his performance captures the long shadow grief can cast on a life.

    Watch Breath Of Life on Prime Video.

    2. OC Ukeje in Two Brides and a Baby (2011)

    Running time: 1h 31m

    Director: Teco Benson

    Genre: Romcom

    OC Ukeje plays Kole Badmus, the groom whose calm façade cracks as old mistakes and old loves collide with the promise of a new life. The future of his relationship is thrown into chaos when a figure from the groom’s past turns up with a baby on the eve of the wedding. 

    In this film, Ukeje moves with both quiet intensity and vulnerability: in lighter moments, he can read as awkwardly charming, and in tense scenes, he switches into a man who must answer for choices he once thought were buried.

    In this movie, Ukeje is the central character and his acting proves him as an actor capable of delivering complex romantic roles.

    Watch Two Brides and a Baby on YouTube.

    1. Kola Oyewo in Saworoide (1999)

    Running time: 1h 45m

    Director: Tunde Kelani

    Genre: Drama

    Set in the fictional Yoruba town of Jogbo, Kola Oyewo plays Lapite, an ambitious nobleman who conspires to ascend the throne without undergoing the sacred rites. He ushers in a reign of corruption, greed, and abuse of power. His defiance of tradition unbalances the kingdom, setting off a chain of turmoil, betrayal, and resistance that allegorises the decay of governance and morality in Nigeria’s political life.

    Playing the role of the manipulative and power-hungry king, Oyewo embodies the archetypal political elite: eloquent, cunning and deeply dangerous to the stability of the community. His character is both a product and a driver of Jogbo’s political crisis, and his interpretation gives flesh to Kelani’s vision.

    Watch Saworoide on YouTube.

    ALSO READ: 10 Best Nollywood Movies to Watch When You Need a Good Cry

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  • Nollywood has never lacked premium weepers, the kind of actor who can cry so convincingly that you start feeling bad for a character they played years later.

    Whether it’s the one-tear-drop pros, the floor-rolling sobbers, or the ones that throw their entire body on the ground like they just lost their life savings to a Ponzi scheme, the art of crying is a serious performance skill, and some of your faves have mastered it like PhD holders in Pain.

    In this ranking, we count down twelve of Nollywood’s best on-screen criers, from the legends weeping since the VCD era to the new school actors shedding tears like no man’s business.

    Here are the 12 best on-screen criers in Nollywood, ranked.

    12. Emeka Nwagbaraocha

    Series: Far from Home (2023)
    Role: Frank

    Emeka Nwagbaraocha, a Nollywood crier

    Emeka Nwagbaraocha might look like a heartbreaker, but he’s also a masterful crier, the kind that makes you pause mid-episode and ask, “Where are this boy’s parents?” His tears aren’t loud or dramatic; they sneak up on you, subtle but sharp, carrying a quiet intensity that stays with you.

    In Far From Home, he plays Frank, a gentle student trying to survive at an elite school filled with secrets, privilege, and pressure. As Ishaya’s best friend, Frank often finds himself bruised by other people’s decisions. But no matter how messy things get, Nwagbaraocha delivers emotional truth with restraint, earning him a solid spot among Nollywood’s most promising new-gen criers.

    Watch Far From Home on Netflix.

    11. Rita Edochie

    Movie: No More War (2004)

    Role: Nneoba

    Rita Edochie, a Nollywood crier

    If you see Rita Edochie on a VCD cover, crying with her head tie slipping off, just know somebody’s child is either missing, cursed, or being dragged to the village shrine. She delivers motherly pain with spiritual authority. Her crying scenes carry urgency, cultural weight, and the kind of tears that call down justice from the gods.

    Whether she’s playing a suffering mother, a misunderstood wife, or an ogbanje summoner, Edochie’s emotions are loud, raw, and unforgettable. In No More War, she turns in one of her most iconic performances as Nneoba, a mother shattered by the unjust imprisonment of her son. It’s the kind of wailing that echoes long after the credits roll.

    Watch No More War on YouTube.

    10. Ini Edo

    Movie: Tears For Nancy (2005)

    Role: Nancy

    Ini Edo, a Nollywood crier

    Ini Edo can cry just as convincingly as she can serve bad bitch energy when the role demands it. Back in the days of Part 1, 2, and 3 Nollywood classics, she didn’t just show up with beauty. She showed up with award-worthy sobs.

    Often cast as the village girl, the betrayed lover, or the suffering sister, Ini Edo made crying an art form. Her signature style? Snotty tears paired with dramatic monologues that could stop a scene cold. She was deep in her crier era in Tears for Nancy, where she plays a pregnant woman torn between her hostile family and her fiancé’s equally chaotic clan.

    Watch Tears For Nancy on YouTube.

    9. Chioma Akpotha

    Movie: Gangs of Lagos (2022)

    Role: Mama Ify

    Chioma Akpotha, a Nollywood crier

    Chioma Akpotha is the queen of silent tears and restrained pain—the kind where a single tear rolls down her cheek as she stares into space like her whole world just crumbled. She doesn’t just cry; she performs grief. Every tear feels earned, loaded with backstory, heartbreak, and at least one injustice.

    Once she starts crying on screen, the vibe shifts from “I’m fine” to “God, why me?” in 30 seconds flat. In Gangs of Lagos, she delivers a gut-wrenching performance as Mama Ify, a mother shattered by the loss of her son, a rising artist killed by gang violence. It’s the kind of pain you don’t just watch—you feel.

    Watch Gangs of Lagos on Prime Video.

    8. Hilda Dokubo

    Movie: Stigma (2013)

    Role: Ibiso

    From the quiet, dignified tears of a suffering mother to the chest-clutching, floor-rolling cries of a broken woman, Hilda Dokubo had range—and she used every bit of it.

    When she cries, it’s not just sorrow—it’s a spiritual warning. It feels like she’s about to call down thunder on whoever wronged her. One of her standout crying roles is in Stigma, a 2013 Nollywood drama about HIV/AIDS and the cruel weight of stigma in Nigeria. As Ibiso, a mother navigating grief, discrimination, and loss, Dokubo delivers emotion so raw it feels personal.

    Stigma is not currently streaming but watch this excerpt on YouTube.

    7. Mercy Johnson

    Movie: Weeping Soul (2009)

    Role: Amarachi

    There’s no role Mercy Johnson hasn’t mastered—from the long-suffering house girl to the village sweetheart courted by royalty, to heartbroken lover and tormented ghost.

    And when it’s time to cry? Best believe she delivers classic screamers. If you grew up watching Nollywood in the 2000s, there’s a 98% chance you shed tears simply because Mercy started crying first. From her breakout in The Maid to fan favourites like Weeping Soul—a film that explores the emotional struggles of an orphan fighting for dignity—Mercy makes pain feel personal. Her emotions don’t just show up, they slap.

    Watch Weeping Soul on YouTube.

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    6. Tola Oladokun

    Movie: Jellili (2011)

    Role: Iya Jelleli

    Tola Oladokun is a veteran of Yoruba Nollywood—famously Jenifa’s mother in Funke Akindele’s hit franchise—but she’s equally renowned as a certified “tear-bringer” in YouTube dramas and emotional thrillers. Whether she’s pleading in the market or collapsing under the weight of poverty, her sobs feel like they’ve been brewing for a lifetime.

    Her strength lies in family-centric roles where every tear hints at untold hardship. If there were an award for Nollywood’s most reliable crier, her turn in Idoti Oju would win hands down.

    In Jellili, she embodies a mother pushed to her breaking point by her wayward child—her tears carrying the echoes of years of sacrifice, frustration and sorrow.

    Watch Jellili on YouTube.

    5. Tunbosun Odunsi

    Movie: Ayitale (2013)

    Role: Aremu

    If you’re an avid viewer of Yoruba movies, you likely know Tunbosun Odunsi. He belongs to the class of quiet legends—the actors who may not always be front and centre in blockbusters, but whose acting chops are undeniable. While he may not be a “tear-machine” like Hilda Dokubo or Lateef Adedimeji, when he cries, you feel it.

    His emotional delivery leans away from melodrama and into something more grounded—subtle, restrained pain that doesn’t need wailing or floor-rolling to break your heart. In Ayitale, he plays Aremu, a father caught in a moral and spiritual storm that slowly unravels his world. His tears don’t beg for attention—they earn your respect.

    Ayitale is currently on YouTube.

    4. Bukunmi Oluwashina

    Movie: Ayomi (2015)

    Role: Rantimi

    If we’re talking Gen Z Nollywood criers, Bukunmi Oluwashina is top-tier. Whether she’s heartbroken, betrayed, or just trying to survive in a wicked world, her tears always come soaked in intensity and delivered with full-body commitment.

    She often writes and stars in her own films, so when she’s crying on screen, just know she scripted that heartbreak herself. One of her most powerful performances is in Ayomi, where she plays Rantimi, a young woman navigating love, trauma, and the weight of generational pain with a vulnerability that cuts deep.

    Watch Ayomi on YouTube.

    3. Chinwe Owoh

    Movie: Mothering Sunday (2001)

    Role: Nnewa Senior

    Let’s keep it a buck, Chinwe Owoh didn’t just act in Nollywood movies, she suffered. If you grew up watching Nollywood in the 2000s, you knew that the moment she started crying, the movie had officially entered its tragic phase.

    From losing her children to being thrown out of the house, to crying on the bare floor of a village compound with dust in her mouth, Chinwe Owoh gave Oscar-level wailing every single time. She was typecast as the suffering widow, the abandoned mother, the poor villager constantly dealt a cruel hand by life. In Mothering Sunday, she plays Mama Ejike, a grieving mother whose entire world collapses in slow motion—and you feel every second of it.

    Watch Mothering Sunday on YouTube.

    2. Nkiru Sylvanus

    Movie: A Cry For Help (2002)

    Role: Blessing (Bleh Bleh)

    In the early 2000s, Nkiru Sylvanus didn’t just cry in movies—she made crying a career. With red eyes, trembling lips, and tears pulled straight from the soul, she cried for at least half the runtime in every film. She specialised in the “poor innocent girl” role—an orphan, a maid, a village girl, or the unlucky daughter life just refused to favour.

    Once the camera zoomed in and the piano soundtrack started playing, you knew Nkiru was about to cry like rent was due. In A Cry for Help, she plays Blessing, a vulnerable young woman whose desperation and misfortunes trigger a masterclass in emotional breakdown.

    Watch A Cry For Help on YouTube.

    1. Lateef Adedimeji

    Movie: 07:07 (2018)

    Role: Deji

    Lateef Adedimeji is one of the most expressive criers in modern Nollywood. His crying performances are so intense, you’d think someone stole his destiny. Whether it’s Yoruba epics or contemporary dramas, he brings the ugly cry, the sniffling cry, the “body-shaking like generator” cry—and somehow makes it feel authentic every single time. His facial expressions do 70% of the work; the tears handle the rest.

    In any film where he’s a struggling son, a wrongfully accused man, or dealing with unrequited love, just know the tears are loading. In 07:07, he plays Deji, a man with a wife battling cancer, and delivers a crying performance that should be studied in acting school.

    Watch 07:07 on YouTube.

    ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Action Movies On Netflix

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  • Some of Nollywood’s famous actors have portrayed roles diverse enough to leave little room to make guesses about where they’re from. If you enjoyed the article on the successful Igbo actresses in Nollywood, here’s a list of eight Yoruba actors that shine next to any actor in the industry.

    Jide Kosoko

    Only a few veteran Nollywood actors are as booked and busy on movie sets as Jide Kosoko. What started for him as a childhood dream has stayed his main passion for over four decades. The actor-producer started his career in the days of travelling theatre tropes in the 1960s, but he became popular in the video film era (1990s) with films like Dr Brown and Asewo To Re Mecca. Recently, he appeared on Last Flight to Abuja, Gidi Up, and Merrymen. To date, he’s one of the few Nollywood stars featuring in English and Yoruba television and cinema productions.

    Akin Lewis

    Akin Lewis’ relevance in Nollywood spans more than two decades. He gained popularity for his role in Madam Dearest. Although he often plays the role of the wealthy and powerful, the veteran actor has excellently shown range in his work, from Tinsel to Hotel Majestic and King of Boys.

    Sola Fosudo

    Gen-Z may not remember Sola Fosudo from old movies and TV shows like Glamour Girl, True Confessions, Full Moon, and Ripples, but he’s been a solid actor since the 90s. His talent and professionalism make him relevant to this day. Some of his best performances in recent times are in releases like Agony, In Ibadan, and Clandestine.

    Saheed Balogun

    From the era of Ologbo Dudu, which earned him his popular “Wale Walata” nickname, to producing the first two-cast movie in Africa (Modupe Temi), Saheed Balogun has built himself into the echelon of Nigerian film OGs. When he’s not directing or producing these days, he’s killing his roles in Light in the Dark, Scourge, Funfun, and Mrs Everything.

    Femi Branch

    Before Femi Branch featured in a film titled Orisun in 2003 and debuted in a television commercial called Dance With Me, he began his acting career with stage plays in the 1990s. Yoruba or English roles, epic films or animations, he’s there, acting brilliantly. Watch House of Ga’a, Iwájú and Adire for proof.

    Bolanle Ninalowo

    Bolanle Ninalowo has grown with the industry and made a name for himself as one of Nollywood’s hottest men. While he might not be the guy for all roles, his ability to interpret and embody characters makes him one of the most sought-after actors. Some of his best acting is in Picture Perfect, Road to Yesterday, and The Bloom Boys.

    Kelvin Ikeduba

    The “bad boy” stereotype might be fixed on Kelvin Ikeduba, but he’s still one of the most popular crossover actors in the country. He has acting credits in popular films and TV shows like Egg of Life, Ogidan, Bumper to Bumper, and Doctor’s Quarters. If you’re looking for something recent, you should see Gold Statue and Kesari.

    Gabriel Afolayan

    Although Gabriel Afolayan was born into an entertainment family, he got his first acting role through Baba Sala’s F Opawon. His Akin character in Super Story’s Nnnena series got the public’s attention. Since then, he’s gone on to be part of Ijogbon, Blood Sisters, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre, and Flawsome.

  • When we see some Nollywood veterans on our screens, we can easily guess what role their character is playing. But what if we throw away the stereotypical roles and assign new ones to these older actors and actresses? We made a list of this.

    Iya Gbonkan is a corporate baddie

    It’d be interesting for Margaret Bandele Olayinka, AKA Iya Gbonkan, to ditch her mean witch act and experiment with corporate roles. Imagine Iya Gbonkan as a CEO in a film about toxic bosses.

    Pete Edochie as a retired detective

    Imagine the elderly Pete Edochie as a detective who retired a decade ago but is pulled back into the force to find closure in investigating a cold case that’s haunted him for many years.

    Joke Silva as Mama Put

    Put Joke Silva in a street food kitchen, playing the role of a street-smart, feisty, and lovable “Mama Put” (a local food vendor) in a drama film and you’ll get the

    Lere Paimo as a forgetful grandpa

    If there’s a Nigerian version of The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, I see Lere Paimo as a bumbling, forgetful grandfather. He’s a sweet and eccentric older adult who often gets himself into clumsy situations due to his memory lapses. Despite his forgetfulness, he always means well and brings joy to those around him.

    Patience Ozokwor as a kind, loving grandma

    We need screen time in which Mama G throws all her wickedness out the window and assumes the persona of a kind and sweet grandma looking after her grandkids.

    Kanayo O. Kanayo as a healing prophet

    Stop disturbing Kanayo O. Kanayo to play a ritualist in your films and skits. Make him a charismatic white-garment spiritual leader popular for his healing abilities in your next production and turn viewers’ curiousity into a box office record.

    Shaffy Bello as a naive village girl

    Imagine Shaffy Bello as a quirky and awkward village aunty in a big city for the first time. She’s charming and clumsy, naive and curious, and often gets herself into funny and weird situations. I’m simply saying, let’s exchange her for

    Jide Kosoko as a street drunk

    We need a Nollywood script writer to quickly cast Jide Kosowo as an old, unmarried, idle drunk known for his banter and philosophies. He’s mostly a wise fool who often offers valuable advice and insight, whether sought or not.

    Sola Sobowale as a therapist

    Most of Sola Sobowale’s previous roles show that she can crush one’s mental health. But she can be as calm as a therapist and as eruptive as possible in other heated roles. So, let’s witch it up, please.

    Akin Lewis is a dubious thrift collector

    For many years, Akin Lewis has played Nollywood’s rich man and sugar daddy. It’s time to make him a money collector hustling like an average Nigerian. Someone hand him a script, a panama, an 80-leave notebook, and a biro. Don’t forget to bring his scooter.

  • Every week, Zikoko will share the hustle stories of Nigerians making it big in and out of the country. With each story, we’ll ask one crucial question in several ways: “How you do am?”

    We recently shared Jemima Osunde’s hustle story — how she broke into acting while in medical school and what it’s like as a newbie in Nollywood. Now that you know how she did it, this guide will take you step-by-step on how you can become an actor in Nigeria.

    Image source: Pexels

    So, how do you get started?

    There’s typically no age requirement — no need for football age here, dears — but you’ll need to show you have a good grasp of acting to get the opportunities that’ll help you kickstart an acting career. How do you show you know what you’re doing?

    Consider taking acting classes:
    There are no formal educational requirements for actors, but a great place to start if you’re willing to spend money is to explore acting schools for professional training.

    Also consider local acting opportunities — think school plays or church-setting type short dramas — and memory exercises to help you remember your lines. You know how you can recite CKay’s Love Nwantiti word for word? That’s what you want to achieve with memory exercises. Something as simple as listening while you read may help you memorise scripts better.

    Attend auditions and casting calls:
    A great way to stay informed about audition opportunities is by following other professionals in the acting industry on social media. Even if you don’t start getting callbacks immediately, it’s a prime opportunity to mingle with crew members and other actors, and grow your network.

    Prepare the necessary media:
    By necessary media, we mean headshots or even a recorded monologue. They’ll want to know what you look like to confirm you have the right “look” and charisma for the role. So, keep them high-quality and natural-looking.

    And no, it’s not superficial. The movie industry thrives on the “believe-ability” of the actors. Would you pass for a hustling mechanic? Do you give off the bad bitch vibes required for the role you’re auditioning for? These are the questions that need to be answered. 

    Gain experience:
    The more people see you, the better it is for your acting career. Your performance after landing your first role, and the strength of your network will contribute to your landing more roles and gaining experience.

    What if you don’t have experience?

    Most people start without experience. You need to get roles to actually get the experience. So, as a newbie, it’s important to focus on improving your skills and giving it your all at auditions.

    Do auditions cost money?

    No. In fact, this is the only appropriate response to anyone asking you to pay before you can audition for a role.

    How to get your first acting gig

    There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting your first acting gig. Once you’ve done your bit in finetuning your skills, attend as many open auditions and casting calls as possible. Don’t forget to network as well.

    Do beginner actors get paid?

    Yes, although payment may depend on the production size and available budget. Some actors even take unpaid acting opportunities just to build their portfolio. As a newbie, you may need an extra source of income to support your finances when you’re in between acting gigs.

    How many hours do actors work?

    According to Jemima, movies require you to be on set for about two weeks, and this involves several hours of shooting per day. For a more extended series, it might take longer. 

    And according to another actor, who wishes to remain anonymous, there are no specific work hours. You only know your call time which is typically between 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Cinema film sets can be as long as 2 to 3 weeks, while IrokoTV or AfMag film sets take like 5 days.

    Sometimes, travel is required if the movie has different set locations. So, if you’re unlucky to work on a set that isn’t close to your house, you might have to leave home even earlier to beat possible traffic. Lagos residents can relate.

    Remember that part about no specific work hours? It also applies to closing times. There are no closing hours on sets in Nigeria. Sometimes, you could get off set before midnight; other times, you’ll shoot till dawn. It’s the price for fame.

    How much do Nigerian actors even make?

    Payment can be a real hustle for beginners, TBH. It’s either the producer goes, “Abeg abeg, there’s no budget”, or if your Nigerian mother taught you how to price meat in the market, you could earn between ₦30-80k per movie role. It could also be higher, depending on how much they want you.

    B-list* stars earn between ₦100-300k depending on the film’s budget and their negotiation skills. A-list* stars and veterans can command between ₦400k to ₦1.5m per role on an average. It could also be more, again depending on how much they want you.

    Some productions also pay per day the actor is on set. Beginners on TV films, like IrokoTV, get paid between ₦15-20k per day. B-listers* usually get ₦50-100k per day. Per-day payments usually don’t apply to A-listers*, though.

    The income may not always be great, but focusing on quality over quantity of films you shoot is necessary. How do you define quality in Nollywood? Well, from the script, you should have an idea if it was put together in 20 minutes, or if it’s something that can hold its own against international standards.

    So you don’t have abominations like this on your record:

    You may just be starting out, but it’s not every role you’re offered you should take, please. Focusing on quality may just be what sets you apart from the hundred other actors out there and set you up nicely for your big break.

    PS: We also broke down everything you just read in this TikTok video.

    *A-list/A-lister: This describes a group of people considered to be the most famous or successful at their crafts. You could say Zikoko is an A-lister. 😉

    *B-list/B-lister: This describes a group of people who are also successful at their crafts, but not as famous as the A-listers.

    Subscribe to our Money Newsletter to get more guides and stories about how money moves in Nigeria.

  • You know Patience Ozokwor as Mama G, but do you know what these other actors are popularly called?

    Let’s see how you’ll do:

  • Unless they’ve ascended to a point on the ladder of fame where they’re just offered roles, actors have to audition alongside dozens — sometimes, hundreds — of other actors. It seems pretty standard. You memorise your lines and have just a few minutes (or seconds) to blow the minds of the casting directors with your abilities by acting out a scene. However, it’s not always that straightforward, and things can go south for actors really quick, in different ways. The five Nollywood actors we spoke to know exactly what that’s like because it happened to them.

    Nancy Isime, 29

    My first few jobs were ushering jobs, and the funny thing is that they weren’t even paid jobs. I know it sounds insane now but I did those jobs for exposure. Even though I didn’t get paid for those jobs, I was still dedicated and overzealous. I was the kind of usher who would take off my shoes and wash plates at a wedding because a guest wanted food and all the plates were dirty. I went from wedding ushering to corporate ushering then eventually became one of the most sought after ushers in Lagos because I went to ALL the auditions. After working for a while, I made small money and bought the car I used to move all my things out of my father’s house. And I’ve been on my own since. I’m just happy everything paid off.

    Timini Egbuson, 34

    Normal is Boring" - Timini Egbuson switches up Look with New Hair Color | BellaNaija

    I got my bug for acting by watching my sister (Dakore Egbuson-Akande) on set. When I eventually decided to get into it, I would go with my friends to random auditions and we would go through stress like rain beating and stuff like that. It was hard then because, at auditions, there would be people I call “audition superstars.” I call them this because they knew the casting directors, they wouldn’t have to wait in line and just go in to audition the second they showed up. The worst ones were when casting directors would put everyone through hell during the auditions only for you to get the role and see that’s it’s a “walk pass” thing. Looking back, I see all those struggles as a rite of passage we all had to go through to succeed.

    Frank, 27

    It was my very first audition ever, and I forgot my lines. In my defence, I did memorise them. I wanted to be off-book by the time of the audition and I was. But when my time came, the monologue I’d spent so long going over just left my head. At first, I just stood there frozen, but then decided to wing it by doing Hugo Weaving’s famous monologue from V for Vendetta, a big mistake in hindsight because that monologue is very difficult. It was a disaster, I didn’t get the part, and I cried on the bus on my way home.

    Jennifer, 24

    I’m still convinced it was my village people that did me in that day because everything was going fine up until that incident. I got to the audition on time. In fact, I was among the first few people. When it was my turn, I got there and went straight into the scene I’d rehearsed so many times in my head. It was an emotional scene because I was determined to show people that I could emote and cry on demand. Ten seconds into the whole thing, my wig fell off due to too much movement. The collective gasp from everyone in the room was so loud. Omo, I just picked my hair and left oh. Audition over. I don’t even know who sent me message to be moving up and down instead of staying in one place.

    Philomena, 33

    In my case, the audition actually did go well. It was what happened after that made everything an all-around terrible experience. I did the audition and smashed it (even if they didn’t tell me, me sef I knew). I got a callback, which every actor is madly excited to get, but the person I was in contact with made it clear, pretty quick, that I’d have to do him “a favour” if I hoped to get the role. I made the decision right there to give up acting. I’d heard of this happening to other people and hoped it would never happen to me. But now that it had, I knew it wasn’t something I wanted to face again. I dusted off my CV and went back to the corporate world. My parents never liked the acting thing anyway so they were lowkey happy to see me give up on it.

    Check out Timini and Nancy in the movie, Superstar, when it premieres in cinemas across Nigeria on the 29th of December. Also, the cast of Superstar as they talk about how they got their starts in Nollywood on the Inkblot Meet & Greet podcast. Check out the episode here: