It’s easy to blur the lines when you see the iconic Clarion Chukwura play Efunsetan Aniwura in a Yoruba biopic or Chioma Akpotha go head-to-head with Funke Akindele in Omo Ghetto. Clearly, these actresses are masters of their crafts who leave little room to make guesses about where they’re from. If you’ve ever been curious about Igbo actresses in Nollywood who are killing it in the industry, this article has answers for you.
Patience Ozokwo
With an acting career that has spanned two decades, Patience Ozokwo belongs in the upper echelons of Nigerian cinema. Since she shot to fame after playing the iconic character Mama G in the 2002 movie Old School, the legendary actress has excelled in entertaining young and old audiences. Over the years, her performance has shone in productions like Omugwo, The Wedding Party 2 and Chief Daddy.
Ngozi Ezeonu
Nobody does it like Ngozi Ezeonu, and it’s been over three decades of pure acting excellence that still holds viewers spellbound. The legendary actress started her acting career in 1993 when she featured in the Nollywood classic, Nneka The Pretty Serpent. With over 500 movies under her belt, Ngozi’s career has been one interesting and rewarding journey. Catch the actress at her finest in movies like Lionheart, Gone, and Abuja Connection.
Clarion Chukwura
Think of a multitasking queen in Nigeria’s movie landscape, and Clarion Chukwura firmly holds ground whether she’s in the Yoruba/Igbo/Hausa/ language or English-speaking divisions of Nollywood. She started acting in 1980 and got her first movie role in 1982’s Money Power, a film by veteran Nigerian filmmaker, Ola Balogun. Chukwura is mostly known for playing rich, wealthy, and flamboyant characters. Some of her notable works include Abuja Connection, Amina, Abela Pupa, and Hustler.
Eucharia Anunobi
The Gen-Z boys and girls may know her from her iconic eye-brow-themed memes on social media, but there’s more to the Nollywood royalty. Eucharia Anunobi had her breakthrough in the Nigerian film industry in the early 90s when she made her acting debut in the 1994 hit movie Glamour Girls. Her undeniable talent and magnetic onscreen presence quickly made her a favourite for movie lovers, paving the way for a solid career that’s spanned three decades. The actress was ordained a pastor in 2012 and said she was taking a back step from the industry, but she seems to be making a gradual comeback with appearances on small budget productions. Her notable works include Abuja Connection, Nneka The Pretty Serpent, and Foreigner’s God, among others.
Veteran actress Rita Edochie has grown with the industry over the years and made a remarkable impact. While she might not move you to tears like Nkiru Sylvanus, her ability to portray characters with unmatched depth and authenticity has made her a go-to for producers and directors. Experience her at her best in productions like Mami Wata, Onye Eze, and Women’s Cot.
Ngozi Nwosu
You can’t make a complete list of old Nollywood royalty without the legendary Ngozi Nwosu. The actress kicked off her acting career in the Yoruba speaking faction of Nollywood before she landed her home video debut in the classic 1992 classic, Living in Bondage. Ngozi became a favourite for young and old audiences during the early 2000s when she played Peace in the TV series, Fuji House of Commotion. She remains one of the few Nollywood stars with an impressive standing in television and cinema. Catch her in productions like Skinny Girl in Transit, Crazy Grannies and Isoken.
Nkiri Slyvanus
Our legendary Nollywood crying queen has been serving emotionally charged entertainment since her breakthrough role in the 2002 film, A Cry For Help. This iconic role cemented her place in Nollywood history, making her synonymous with tearful, emotional performances that moved viewers to tears. These days, the actress isn’t as active in the movie scene, but you can watch her in action in titles like Ebere’s Ordeal, She Is My Sister and New Jerusalem.
Genevieve Nnaji
It’s impossible to have a conversation about Nollywood and not acknowledge the bundle of talent that is Genevieve Nnaji. Since landing a role in the 1998 classic, Most Wanted, Genevieve has earned her place as a leading woman of Nollywood. These days, she also doubles as a producer and director. In 2018, she released her directorial debut, Lionheart, on Netflix, and the film made history as Nigeria’s first submission to the Oscars. Some other notable works include Ije: The Journey, Tango with Me and Blood Sisters.
Stephanie Okereke Linus
This screen diva has been killing it in the movie industry for over two decades since she snagged roles in the 1997 movies, Compromise 2 and Waterloo, as an undergrad. Since then, Stephanie has proved herself as one who can effortlessly transport movie lovers from reality to the world of make-believe. In 2007, she released her first movie, Through the Looking Glass, in which she worked as director, scriptwriter, producer, and actress. She released Dry in 2014, and the movie won many awards including the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards and 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards’ best movie overall. Watch more of her in productions like Sitanda, Emotional Crack and Doctor Bello.
Rita Dominic
Rita Dominic Anosike is a powerhouse who has carried Nigeria’s film industry on her back for over two decades. Since her debut in the 1998 film, A Time to Kill, she’s gone on to win the hearts of cinema lovers one film after another. She also rocks multiple hats as an actress and producer and runs her production outfit, The Audrey Silver Company, which she co-founded with ace director Mildred Okwo. Among her notable achievements are three remarkable wins at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) in 2014, 2015, and 2017. Watch her in action in movies like The Meeting, La Femme Anjola and The Trade.
Chioma Akpotha
Forget that you’ve seen her in big-budget Yoruba productions like Funke Akindele’s Omo Ghetto:The Saga, Chioma Akpotha is a screen gem who delivers whether she’s on an English-speaking, Igbo or Yoruba language set. The super-talented actress first graced our screens in 2000 when she was featured in the movie The Apple, and since then, there’s been no deeming her light. Count five of Nollywood’s biggest cinema releases; you’ll find her in three. Her notable works include Gangs of Lagos, Wives on Strike, Swallow, among others.
Uche Jombo
Uche Jombo has been at it since 1999 when she debuted in the Nollywood film, Visa to Hell. Since then, she’s featured in over 250 Nollywood movies, writing and producing some. In 2009, the actress made her production debut with the movie Nollywood Hustler, and added rank as a director in 2018 when she hit the cinemas with her movie Heaven on My Mind. Her latest, Onyeagwu, debuted on Prime Video in July, 2024. Catch more of Uche Jombo’s magic in titles like Lagos Cougars, Wives on Strike, and Damage.
Queen Nwokoye
Queen Nwokoye spent some time grinding steadily in the industry before her efforts paid off when she landed the lead role in the 2014 Nollywood hit, Chetana. Her stellar performance earned her a nomination at the 11th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and she’s been an unstoppable force ever since. Watch more of the actress in movies like Strained, Pretty Liars, Excess Luggage, among others.
Oge Okoye
Although she’s not as present on movie screens these days, Oge Okoye is a leading lady who rocked the screens in the early and mid-2000s. After a minor role in the movie Ceasar to Ceasar, she landed a major role in Spanner alongside comedy legends Nkem Owoh and Chinedu Ikedieze. The movie opened doors for more roles, ultimately bringing her to the faces of film audiences in Nigeria. Her notable works include BlackBerry Babes, Blood Sister, Marry Me, and The Girl is Mine.
Mercy Johnson
When you think of the actresses dominating Nollywood’s comedy scene, Mercy Johnson Okojie easily comes to mind. From her unforgettable performance in the rib-tickling comedy movie Dumebi the Dirty Girl, Mercy has made her mark in Nigerian cinema, bagging major awards and nominations. Some of her notable works include Battle On Buka Street, Passport, The Ghost, and The Tout, among others.
Elma Mbadiwe
Elma Mbadiwe first popped up on my radar after I watched her in the short film, Without You. Later on, she’d show up on my screen in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, Ndani TV’s F.O.MO. and Rumour Has It, and at first, I thought, “Okay, work rate is super.” I was finally sold on her ministry when she played Carmen in Netflix’s first Nigerian young adult series, Far From Home, and I instantly added her to my “Watch out for this star” list.
Ruby Okezie
Ruby Okezie wears multiple hats as an actress, model, content creator, and brand influencer. She rose to international prominence after landing a role in the Netflix Original Drama Series, Far From Home, where she played the character Nnenna. Some other notable works include Fatal Obsession, A Green Fever, Merry Men 2, among others.
Uzoamaka Aninoh
She had us taking notes on her performance in shows like MTV Shuga and Africa Magic’s Venge. But she went on to show her level of depth and range in Showmax’s Diiche, the Domitilla reboot and Dika Ofoma’s short, A Quiet Monday. Some other notable works include CJ Obasi’s Mami Wata and With Difficulty Comes Ease.
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