12 Nollywood Portraits

Nollywood: The new face of Africa
In October, 2014 after over three decades away, Iké Udé returned to Lagos, Nigeria. He photographed 64 Nollywood personalities, capturing an impressive cross section of the industry. They included screen icon Genevieve Nnaji, established actor and director Stephanie Okereke Linus and maverick filmmaker Kunle Afolayan as well as the next generation of rising stars. Here are 12 of the photographs.

#1: Alexx Ekubo
Born in 1986, Nigerian actor and model, Alexx Ekubo, was first runner up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest. He has won several awards in his career including the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in the Weekend Getaway. He has also appeared in the movies 'The Bling Lagosians' (2019) and 'Lost in London' (2017).

#2: Belindah Effah
Actress and presenter Belinda Effah (b.1989) is better known for her roles in the movies 'Kokomma' (2012) and 'Locked (Nollywood)'(2019). In 2013, she won the Most Promising Act of the Year award at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards.

#4: Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji is an internationally renowned actress with notable appearances in the movies 'Lionheart' (2018) and 'Mirror Boy'(2011). Also a producer, and director, she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005, making her the first to win the award.

#5: Georgina Chloe Eku Edewor
Georgina Chloe Eku Edewor-Thorley (b.1986) is a Nigerian actress, television presenter, and model. She is most popularly known for her long appearance as host of the entertainment television program, 53 Extra on Africa Magic. She is perhaps most known for her appearances in the moviees 'Skin' (2019), 'Your Excellency'(2019) and 'God Calling'(2018).

#6: Kunle Afolayan
Kunle Afolayan is a Nigerian actor, film producer and director. Touted as one of the most influential and radical directors Nollywood has ever produced. He has directed a number of award winning Nollywood films including The Figurine: Araromire (2009), 'October 1' (2014) and 'Phone Swap'(2012).

#7: Kehinde Bankole
Kehinde Bankole is a Nigerian actress, model and television host. Making her debut in the 2003 Miss Commonwealth Nigeria beauty contest she went on to participate in the 2004 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant. From there she has appeared in several movies including 'October 1' (2014) and 'Wives on Strike'(2016).

#8: Linda Ejiofor
Born in 1986, Linda Ejiofor, a Nigerian actress and model is well known for her long standing role in the TV series Tinsel as character 'Bimpe Adekoya'. She was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards for her role in the film The Meeting. She is perhaps most known for her appearances in the movies 'The Meeting' (2012) and 'Ojukokoro'(2016).

#9: Osas Ighodaro
Osas Ighodaro is a Nigerian-American actress, producer, host and humanitarian. She is perhaps most known for her role in the movies 'Gbomo Gbomo express', (2015) and 'My MFON' (2019). She won the Miss Black USA Pageant in 2010 and founded The Joyful Joy Foundation, raising funds and awareness towards the fight against Malaria.

#10: Stephanie Linus
Stephanie Linus is a Nigerian actress, film director and model. She has received numerous accolades, awards and nominations for her work, including the 2003 Reel Award for Best Actress and the 2006 Afro Hollywood Award for Best Actress. She is particularly known for her roles in the movies 'Dry' (2015) and 'Through the glass'(2008).

#11: Taiwo Ajai-Lycett
Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, is a Nigerian actress, journalist, television presenter, and cosmetologist. Lycett is a feminist and was the first editor of Africa Woman magazine in the 1970s. Lycett has a long history with the industry. Appearing in the 1966 play 'The Lion and the Jewel' by Wole Soyinka she has gone on to feature in the TV series 'Tinsel, 'Dazzling Marriage'(2014) amongst others. The video here shows an interview from 2017.

#12: Uti Nwachukwu
Uti Nwachukwu is an actor and model who won the fifth edition of the annual Big Brother Africa reality show. He is perhaps most known for his roles in the movies 'Weekend Getaway' (2012) and 'Finding Mercy' (2013).