The Yoruba movie industry has remained significant in Nigeria’s entertainment scene by adapting through generations. This article highlights six prominent Yoruba actors who have played key roles in the industry’s continued success and they are still the most prominent and influential actors currently leading the Yoruba film industry.
1. Odunlade Adekola
Loved by many, he is known for his exceptional performance. Odunlade Adekola’s journey into acting began in his hometown Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he and his friend Tunde used to perform at local events, setting the stage for his future career. He was further nurtured by the late Abeokuta-based actor, Isola Durojaiye, famously known as Alasari. Odunlade launched his professional acting career in 2005, quickly gaining recognition and working alongside notable figures in the industry.
His breakthrough came with the film Asiri Gomina, and his role in Sunday Dagboru endeared him to audiences. He has featured in over a hundred films and has produced several notable works, including Farapamo, Emi Nire Kan, Fayebora, I’la Owo, and Alanipamolekun. He is celebrated for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles and he is often regarded as the highest-paid actor in Yoruba cinema. He has starred in several notable cinema movies. Here are some of his recent works:
- “Orisa” (2023) – A historical Yoruba epic film where Odunlade also served as the director. The movie, which grossed nearly ₦128 million at the box office, was later released on Prime Video in February 2024.
- “Lakatabu” (2024) – An action-packed thriller which was premiered in cinemas on June 21, 2024. He plays a powerful warrior, and the film features an ensemble cast including Femi Adebayo, Eniola Ajao, and Lateef Adedimeji.
His comedy movie: “Saamu Alajo” cannot be overlooked without commending his great works. These films highlight his versatility and significant contribution to the Yoruba film industry. He is married to Abosede, with whom he has three children.
2. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is a 37-year-old who has distinguished herself as the only Yoruba actress to receive the AMAA Best Actress in a Leading Role award for her 2009 film called Jenifa. Known for having the highest number of endorsements among her peers, Akindele is frequently considered one of the wealthiest actresses in the industry. Her rise to fame began with her role as Bisi in the UN-sponsored series “I Need to Know“, alongside Caroline King and other well-known actors.
After completing her Law degree at the University of Lagos, she made a return to acting, accumulating over 100 film credits. She also owns Scene One Productions, which has produced successful films like Jenifa( she went as far as producing Jenifa’s Diary and The Return of Jenifa which featured many upcoming actors. Many actors came to the limelight in this movie and it is still showing till date), Omo Ghetto, and Ojo Ketala. Funke Akindele has been involved in a variety of cinema movies. Here are a few of them:
- “A Tribe Called Judah” (2024) – A drama-comedy that explores family issues and societal struggles, dedicated to Akindele’s late mother. This movie was a blockbuster, it has over 1 billion views. I mean…….that’s massive.
- “Christmas in Lagos” (2024) – A romantic drama set during Lagos’ “Detty December” celebrations, following the lives of four friends.
- “Battle on Buka Street” (2022) – A comedic drama that became one of the highest-grossing Nigerian movies, telling the story of rival food vendors who were born by the same father but with different mothers.
- “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” (2020) – A sequel to her earlier work, this comedy became the highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time, focusing on street gangs and family dynamics.
These films highlight her range as an actress and filmmaker, from comedy to drama, with themes that resonate widely in Nigerian culture. Her career has continued to thrive, marked by numerous endorsement deals and movie roles.
3. Mercy Aigbe
Mercy Aigbe, who made her debut in a Yoruba film alongside Yinka Quadri in 2002, has become a prominent actor in the industry. Known as Osas, Mercy attended Comprehensive High School in Maryland, Lagos, The Polytechnic Ibadan, and the University of Lagos, where she studied Theatre Arts.
She gained widespread recognition with the film Ara produced by Wemimo Films and has since appeared in over 70 films, producing several of her own, including Life After Marriage, which features Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim. In 2009 and 2012, she was awarded Best Yoruba Actress by City People Awards and Afro Hollywood Awards, U.K. Despite controversies surrounding her 2011 film Osas (Omoge Benin), which some claimed was inspired by Funke Akindele’s Jenifa, she actually refuted these allegations. She was once married to Larry Gentry and has two children. Mercy Aigbe’s current husband is Kazim Adeoti, also known as Adekaz. He is a prominent Nigerian movie marketer and the founder of Adekaz Productions, a film production and marketing company. Her two notable cinema movies are Obsession(2022) and :Ada Omo Daddy(2023)
4. Femi Adebayo
Femi Adebayo is the second son of his father Adebayo Salami( Oga Bello) a veteran actor. His success in the film industry is attributed to his connections with his father and his siblings who are also involved in filmmaking. Femi, known for his role in the 2011 comedy Jelili, began his major acting career in 1996 with the film Owo Blow, directed by Tade Ogidan. After completing his studies, he returned to acting a decade later, featuring in approximately 100 films and producing over 10 movies, including Sonto Alapata, Ile Alayo, and Jelili. He also runs a theatre school, J15, which trains aspiring filmmakers. Adebayo is recognized not only for his acting prowess but also for his considerable wealth, often discussing his investments and luxury items. He is married and has three children.
Femi Adebayo has been involved in several cinema moves. Some of his notable films include:
- Jagun Jagun– A critically acclaimed film where Femi Adebayo played a lead role, and it won several awards, including Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) at the AMVCA.
- “Seven Doors” – A film set to be released in 2024, exploring cultural diversity through the story of a Yoruba king and his Igbo wife.
- “Orisa” – Another prominent film where he played a significant role alongside Odunlade Adekola.
His contributions have been significant in the Nigerian film industry, especially in promoting Indigenous languages through film
5. Iyabo Ojo
Iyabo Ojo is a graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic where she studied Estate Management. She was introduced into the industry by Bimbo Akintola in 1997 and starred in Keppy Ekpeyong’s movie, ‘Satanic’ in 1998. After her short stint, marriage and motherhood took her off the scene, and in 2001, she returned but this time, she aligned herself with the Yoruba industry. She joined the Odunfa caucus which had the trio of Yinka Quadri, Taiwo Hassan and Abbey Lanre as co-ordinator.
A few months later, she got a role in Quadri’s 2002 movie ‘Baba Dariji Won ‘ and started producing movies herself. Some of her movies include ‘Bolutife’, ‘Esan’ and ‘Arinzo. She is now into a lot of business and she’s making money with or without movies.
6. Wumi Toriola
Wumi Toriola is known for her hot-tempered nature and she is loved by many. She was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and completed her primary and secondary education at Providence Primary and Secondary Schools in Lagos State. She later pursued higher education at the University of Ilorin, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. Toriola began her acting career in 2009 with a role in the film Odunfa Caucus and made her debut as a producer with Ajewunmi in 2015.
In 2018, she was recognized as the Fastest Rising Actress (Yoruba) at the City People Entertainment Awards. That same year, she married and welcomed her first child on October 14, 2019. However, in 2023, Toriola announced on Instagram that her marriage of four years had ended. She has featured in many movies which include: Battle on Buka street, Wedding Ring, Our love story and more. Over the years, she has been able to produce: Ajewunmi, My past, Sugbon Kan etc.
Even if you do not watch/see Yoruba movies, you must have heard of these prominent actors. These actors are celebrated for their talent, versatility, and significant impact on the industry, making them household names in Nigeria’s entertainment scene.
