Jim Iyke, Omoni Oboli, Bolanle Ninalowo… 7 actors who turned authors

Beyond gracing our screens with their stellar performances, many Nigerian actors have also ventured into the literature world, putting their creative prowess into writing captivating stories.

Rather than always making all their compelling stories into movies, some also channel their creativity into books.

Stories about their life experiences, journey, challenges, and dreams — some of which offer a deeper insight into who they really are behind the cameras. And sometimes, fictional stories that readers can relate to and learn from.

Without further ado, here are Nigerian actors who are also published authors.

• Omoni Oboli

To celebrate her 40th birthday, the Nollywood actress and producer released a book titled ‘The Stars Are Ageless’.

The book which was published in May 2018 is an autobiography of the actress.

In the book, Oboli shares her journey through life, marriages, friendship and challenges.

Omoni began her movie career in 1996 with her first movie role in Bitter Encounter, where she played a secretary. Since then, she has enjoyed fame in the film industry.

She has starred in and produced movies including ‘Okafor’s Law’, ‘Moms at War’ and ‘Wives on Strike’.

• Juliana Olayode

The actress, who is well known as Toyo Baby in the series Jenifa’s Diary, is also a published author.

She wrote a book titled ‘Rebirth: From Grass To Grace’ which was formerly titled ‘From Grass to Grace’.

In the book, she talks about the hurdles, struggles and failures she had to face and surmount in becoming who she is today.

Olayode is also known for being a public critic of sex before marriage among Nigerian youths.

• Damilare Kuku

Kuku is also one of the actors who has made a lot of Nigerians adore her through her captivating writing creativity.

In October 2021, she released a short story collection titled ‘Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad’.

The book is fictional. It is a collection of 12 tales of young Nigerians in Lagos in relation to dating, courtship and marriage.

Kuku has won the heart of many Nigerian with this book. Some people have shown their love for it including celebrities like Nancy Isime and Hilda Baci.

The actress is also well known for her role in movies including ‘The Wildflower’, ‘Love is War’ and ‘Chief Daddy’.

• Bolanle Ninalowo

The Nollywood actor who has stolen the heart of many globally with his performance in both Yoruba and English movies is also a published author.

In 2020, Ninalowo published an autobiography of himself titled ‘Shame to Fame’. In the book, Ninalowo bares his struggles and life experiences hoping his “transparency could lead to your transformation”.

• Juliet Ibrahim

In 2019, the Ghanaian-Nollywood actress launched a memoir titled ‘A Toast To Life’.

Ibrahim talks about her life challenges in the memoir ranging from her childhood to her abuse experiences and surviving the upheaval of war across countries.

‘A Toast To Life’ gives a deeper insight into Ibrahim’s life experiences in totality.

• Chika Ike

The Nollywood actress published a book titled ‘Boss Up’ in 2018.

‘Boss Up’ is a 41-chapter book that provides a guide on how to overcome life obstacles through some of the lessons and experiences of the actress.

While announcing the memoir on her Instagram page, Ike revealed it took her seven years to complete the book.

• Jim Iyke

The Nollywood veteran also launched his debut book in February 2022.

The book titled ‘Walking Through Walls’ is the first volume in his book series, ‘The Gift in the Odds’.

‘Walking Through Walls’ is more like an autobiography of Iyke where he talks about his childhood experiences, being an only son, and every other experience that shaped him.

All of these books are available online and in physical bookstores.