Top 7 Yoruba Nollywood Stars In Nigeria 2014

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The Yoruba movie industry has survived different generations of actors and still managed to remain relevant in the country’s entertainment sector. Nigerian Entertainment Today highlights, in no particular order, 10 most popular and reigning actors in the industry. See the list after the cut...


Odunlade Adekola:

As an actor, Adekola has appeared in over a hundred movies and has produced a few including ‘Farapamo’, ‘Emi nire Kan’, ‘Fayebora’, I’la Owo’ and ‘Baba Super’. He is widely acclaimed to be the most versatile of the Yoruba actors and this is unconnected to the way he delivers in both comic and serious characters. Arguably, he stands tall as the highest paid actor in the Yoruba film sector.

Funke Akindele:

The only Yoruba actress to have won an AMAA Best Actress in leading role award for her 2009 movie ‘Jenifa’. She also is the one with the highest endorsement, one of the reasons she is often tipped to be the richest amongst her colleagues.

Dayo Amusa:

She began her foray into Nollywood in 2002 and has since then managed to become a popular face, clinched a few awards and even produced about eight movies including ‘Dewunmi Iberu’ and ‘Ajegbodo’ via her Amzadol Productions. Her latest effort entitled ‘Unforgivable‘ was directed by Desmond Elliot and featured Mike Ezuoronye, a move she said was to help bridge the gap between Yoruba and English actors.

Mecry Aigbe-Gentry:

Mecry Aigbe-Gentry has become a household name. Popularly referred to as Osas, Aigbe attended Comprehensive High School, Maryland, Lagos, The Polytechnic Ibadan and finally University of Lagos where she studied Theatre Arts. She hit the limelight after featuring in the Wemimo Film produced movie, ‘Ara’ and has featured in well over 70 other movies and has produced some, the latest of which is ‘Life After Marriage’, which features Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim. In 2009, she was named Best Yoruba actress by City People Awards and Afro Hollywood Award, U.K. She achieved the same feat in 2012. Her 2011 movie, Osas (Omoge Benin) dragged to her door step a lot of controversies as many alleged she jacked the idea from Jenifa, a movie produced by Funke Akindele but Aigbe is quick to refute such claims

Femi Adebayo:

Femi Adebayo Femi Adebayo. Photo: Daily Post Femi Adebayo. Photo: Daily Post Femi Adebayo’s success in the world of movie making didn’t come as a surprise to many considering his relationship with veteran actor, Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) and the success of his some of his siblings involved in movie making. Adebayo, popularly called Jelili following the success of his 2011 comedy, ‘Jelili’ got his first major role in 1996 in the movie ‘Owo Blow’ directed by Tade Ogidan. He took a break shortly after to complete his academics and returned 10 years later after which he began to feature in several movies.

Olaniyi Afonja Olaniyi:

Olaniyi Afonja is popularly referred to as Sanyeri amongst movie lovers and is credited to have brought a fresh air to how comedy is served with his ‘Muniru ati Ambali’ movie. He started acting in 1992 with a Theatre group with which he performed at different towns which further endeared him to the profession, so when his parents objected to the choice, he was head strong. He relocated to Lagos in 1996 and joined the Ajala Jalingo theatre group. Since his foray into the industry, he has continued both as an actor and producer with movies including ‘Aina Orosun’, ‘Oro Asoti’ and the 2011 comedy, ‘Opa kan.’  His ability to evoke laughter out of the audience won him the spot in the heart of several movie lovers, who enjoy his comic roles in movies. Okunnu’s face is seen in 6 out of every 10 Yoruba movies released in Idumota. Though he’s yet to win himself an epic role in big budget movies, Okunnu is arguably one of the popular actors in the Yoruba movie scene at the moment.

Fathia Balogun:

The 45-year-old actress till date remains one of the most featured actresses in the Yoruba sector despite being a native of Delta State. She graduated from Maryland comprehensive High School, Maryland, Lagos State, Nigeria and proceeded to Kwara State Polytechnic in Kwara State, Nigeria. Her character in the Wale Adenuga Productions produced Super Story fetched her accolades from TV lovers and further intensified her position as a cross over actress. She has since featured in over 70 movies including ‘Yemoja’, ‘Ito Funfun’, ‘Jawonbe’ and won several awards.

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