Nollywood has witnessed a significant influx of young and talented actors in 2024. These emerging stars have brought fresh perspectives, creativity, and excellence to the industry, captivating audiences with their performances.
The rise of these young actors has not only injected new life into the industry but also paved the way for innovative storytelling and diverse representation. From streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video to local cinemas, these actors are leading a new era of African filmmaking filled with passion, innovation, and artistry.
Meet the stars shaping the future of Nollywood:
- Mike Afolarin
Afolarin is an actor and photographer who launched his career in a ‘Magic Time’ stage play in 2013. His breakthrough role came in 2022 with Netflix’s series ‘Far From Home’, where he portrayed Ishaya Bello, an ambitious teenager.
He has since featured in Funke Akindele’s ‘Battle on Buka Street’ and made his cinema debut as one of the lead characters in ‘Kasala’. In 2024, the actor graced the screens in Bolanle Austen-Peters’ ‘House of Ga’a’, ‘Boy Trouble’, ‘Bottom Line’, ‘Asiri Ade’, and Tiwa Savage’s ‘Water & Garri’.
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- Tobi Bakre
Bakre’s rise to fame began with his appearance on Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) in 2018. He transitioned into acting, debuting in Kunle Afolayan’s ‘Mokalik’ in 2019. Bakre’s versatility has earned him roles in films like ‘Sugar Rush,’ ‘RattleSnake: The Ahanna Story,’ and ‘Brotherhood’. In 2023, he won the Best Actor award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
In 2024, the actor played the lead character in ‘Famer’s Bride’ and the TV series ‘Postcards’.
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- Genoveva Umeh
Umeh is a British-Nigerian actress who made her breakthrough with the lead role in ‘A Tune Away’. She has since appeared in critically acclaimed projects like Netflix’s ‘Blood Sisters’ and ‘Far From Home’. In 2024, Umeh won the Best Supporting Actress award at the AMVCA for her role in the Prime Video original film ‘Breath of Life’.
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- Tomiwa Tegbe
Tegbe is best known for his breakout role as Wasiu in the MTV Shuga Naija series and his portrayal of James in the award-winning Africa Magic series ‘My Siblings and I’.
Beyond television, Tegbe’s film career has been equally impressive. He played Emeka in Omoni Oboli’s ‘The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3’, bringing depth to a story about societal change. His versatility shines in films like ‘Over the Bridge’ ‘Detour’, ‘Kasala’, ‘Ehi’s Bitters’, ‘143’ and Toyin Abraham’s ‘Ijakumo’. Tegbe’s versatility has earned him recognition as a talent to watch in Nollywood.
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- Chimezie Imo
Imo’s career in Nollywood began in 2014 with his appearance on The Next Movie Star reality show. He gained more attention in 2018 with his role in the MTV Shuga Naija series and the critically acclaimed comedy ‘Kasala’.
The following year, he played a lead role in ‘Nimbe’, sharing the screen with Nollywood heavyweights Toyin Abraham and Odunlade Adekola. Since then, Imo has taken on diverse roles in productions like ‘Choke’, ‘Sistas’, and ‘Breath of Life’. In 2024, the 32-year-old actor won the AMVCA trailblazer award.
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- Tomi Ojo
Ojo rose to fame with her role as Rahila in the Netflix original series ‘Far From Home’. She has since appeared in productions like ‘Love Like This,’ ‘Schooled,’ and ‘Leaked’. This year she also featured in Enioluwa Adeoluwa’s YouTube series ‘All Of Us’.
Ojo’s talent and versatility have established her as one of Nollywood’s most promising young actresses.
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- Emeka Nwagbaraocha
Nwagbaraocha started acting during his secondary school days. He landed his first TV role in ‘African Beauty’ and later appeared in major productions like ‘Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story,’ ‘Kasala,’ and ‘Far From Home’ and Toyin Abraham’s ‘Prophetess’. Nwagbaraocha’s standout performances have earned him recognition in the industry.
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- Tobi Makinde
Makinde’s journey into Nollywood began as a child actor in the TV series ‘Kamson N Neighbours’. Over the years, he has been featured in notable projects like ‘Industreet’ and ‘My Siblings and I’. Makinde’s big break came with his role as Timini in the series ‘Jenifa’s Diary’. His portrayal of the character earned him widespread recognition.
Beyond acting, Makinde proved his skill behind the camera. In 2023, he co-directed ‘Battle on Buka Street’, one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing films, showcasing his ability to bring compelling stories to life. That same year, he played the role of Shina Judah in Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’. In 2024, the 36-year-old actor continued his impressive streak with his roles in ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ and the drama ‘3 Working Days’.
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