The 5 Best Yoruba Actors Who You Didn't Know Are From the Igbo Tribe

 

Do you think you know all of the Yoruba actors out there? Well, what if we told you that some of your favorite Yoruba actors actually come from the Igbo tribe? It may surprise you to find out that some of the best and most beloved Yoruba actors are actually part of the Igbo tribe. In this blog post, we'll be introducing you to five of the best Yoruba actors who you may not have known were from the Igbo tribe. Get ready to be amazed by these incredible actors, their fascinating backgrounds, and the stories of how they came to be in the Yoruba film industry.

1) Wale Ojo

Wale Ojo is a popular Nigerian actor and director from the Igbo tribe who has made a name for himself in Yoruba films. He has starred in several popular Yoruba films including Idumota, Ikuomola, Aya Mi and Egbe Iji.

In addition to his acting career, he is also an established music video director having directed several music videos for some of Nigeria's biggest acts including D'banj, 2Face and P-Square. Wale Ojo is also an accomplished filmmaker and has written and directed his own films, including the award-winning The Department.

Wale Ojo has been recognised with several awards and nominations, including Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) nominations for Best Actor in a Lead Role and Best Director. He is widely regarded as one of Nigeria's most talented actors and has earned the respect of his peers and colleagues.

2) Kayode Olasehinde

Kayode Olasehinde is one of the most prominent actors in the Yoruba movie industry, who you may not have known was actually born to an Igbo family. He has starred in some major movies such as Okafor's Law and Millionaire's Club, and he has been a part of the Yoruba film industry for more than two decades now.

Kayode Olasehinde was born in Lagos to a father from Anambra State and a mother from Imo State. He grew up speaking both Igbo and Yoruba, which helped him become an amazing actor in the Yoruba movie industry. In fact, Kayode is known to often use his Igbo language skills to give his characters a unique edge.

Olasehinde began his career in Nollywood back in 2001 and has since starred in numerous productions across both Nollywood and Yoruba cinema. Some of his most notable works include Apaye, which won the Golden Nolly Award for Best Movie in 2011, and Tori Omo-Egba, which was awarded the Best Movie of the Year at the African Movie Academy Awards. 

Kayode Olasehinde is known for his exceptional acting skills, but he is also passionate about philanthropy, having set up several charities over the years that are dedicated to helping those in need. His work has made him one of the most beloved actors within the Yoruba movie industry and has contributed to his immense success over the years.

3) Femi Oyeniran

Femi Oyeniran is a British actor, director, and producer of Nigerian descent. He is best known for his roles in the films Kidulthood, Adulthood, and The Anomaly. Although he was born in London, England, Oyeniran's family hails from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. 

Before becoming an actor, Oyeniran studied law and had a career as a music promoter. In 2006, he wrote, directed, and starred in the film Kids in Love, which won numerous awards and helped to launch his acting career. In 2007, he was cast in Kidulthood, and soon after he landed roles in Adulthood and The Anomaly.

Oyeniran has also appeared in other films such as Shank (2010) and Dream Land (2015), as well as TV series including Waterloo Road, Casualty, and Doctor Who. In 2016, he co-produced and co-starred in the film Fast Model alongside former boxer David Haye.

He continues to be an active figure in the British film industry and a vocal advocate for increasing diversity in the arts.

4) Gbenga Akinnagbe

Gbenga Akinnagbe is an American actor, writer and producer who is of Yoruba and Igbo descent. He was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Maryland. Akinnagbe is best known for his roles in several major Hollywood films, including The Taking of Pelham 123, The Bourne Legacy and The Wire.

Akinnagbe made his acting debut in 2006 in the critically acclaimed movie The Savages. Since then he has had many prominent roles in both television and film. Some of his most notable works include Nurse Jackie, The Following, Gracepoint, Ballers and Designated Survivor.

When it comes to his Yoruba roots, Akinnagbe is proud to be part of the culture and is deeply connected to his heritage. He once stated, “My roots come from Nigeria and I am proud to represent them. I always look forward to the chance to go back home to visit family and enjoy some of the culture.” 

In addition to his acting career, Akinnagbe is a devoted philanthropist and activist. He often uses his platform to support worthy causes such as HIV/AIDS awareness, police brutality and human rights issues. He has also founded the Gbenga Akinnagbe Foundation, which works to provide educational opportunities for at-risk youth in Nigeria.

5) Olumide Oworu

Olumide Oworu is a fast-rising star in the Yoruba movie industry. He is well known for his roles in popular Yoruba movies such as “Omo Ghetto” and “God Calling”. Olumide was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria and is of the Igbo tribe. Despite his Igbo roots, he is an active member of the Yoruba movie industry. 

Olumide has starred in numerous Yoruba movies since his breakout role in Omo Ghetto in 2015. In the years since, he has become a regular presence in the industry. He has acted alongside some of the most popular actors in Yoruba movies, including Ayo Makun, Femi Jacobs, and Chinedu Ikedieze. His roles often focus on challenging topics such as poverty, crime, and other social issues.

In addition to his acting career, Olumide has also made a name for himself as a fashion designer. He is the founder of the clothing line “Xclusives” and often uses his Instagram account to showcase his designs. He is an inspiration to young people from all walks of life and has been a strong advocate for representing diversity in the entertainment industry.