Name: Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Born: 7 February 1978
Relationship: Married
Children: 4
Occupation: Nigerian actress, singer, philanthropist and former model
Years active: 1995 – Present
Nigeria’s Top Actress
A woman of many talents, Omotola grew up in a family of five, with her parents and her two younger brothers. She initially pursued a career in business management and while she was waiting for her university results, she began modeling as a way to earn a living. Her lucky break came in 1995, when a friend escorted her to a Nollywood film audition in which she won the leading role in the film Venom of Justice. The rest as they say is history. To date Omotola, dubbed ‘Omo the Sexy’ has starred in over 300 Nollywood films, which have sold millions of video copies, to become the most loved and watched actress in Africa.
She has a loyal and constantly expanding fan base and has won numerous high-profile awards, while the press has lauded her ‘The African Magic’. She is the first African celebrity to attract over a million likes on her Facebook page and has become the most watched actress in Africa.
Not Just An Actress
Besides her show business accomplishments, Omotola is also admired for her dedication to philanthropic causes, empowering youth and the dispossessed. In 2013, Time magazine honoured this beautiful former model in its list of 100 Most Influential People in the world, alongside the likes of Michelle Obama, Beyonce and Kate Middleton. In 2014 she was honoured by the Nigerian government when she was awarded a MFR, ( a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic), for her outstanding contributions to Nigerian acting industry.
Omotola’s Accomplishments
MTV Africa Music Awards, 2014
Personality of the Year, 2013
Music Video and Screen Awards (MVISA), 2013
Ebony Vanguard Award, 2012
Eloy Awards, Actress of the year, 2012
Screen Nation Awards, 2012
Pan African Best Actress, 2012
Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts Awards (BEFFTA), 2012
Film Actress Icon, 2006
Youths Benefactor’s Award Most friendly Actress, 2005
Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role, 2004
City People awards for Excellence, Best Actress, 2004
Global Excellence Recognition Awards, Best Actress & Grand Achiever, 2004
Civil Enlightenment Organization of Nigeria (CEON), 2004
Best Individual & Symbol of Creativity
The Movie Awards (THEMA), Best English/Best Actress, 1997
By Hlulani Masingi
