A STREAMING WEEKEND WITH ZAINAB BALOGUN

Zainab Balogun's work doesn't just speak for her; it echoes the qualities of a truly gifted actress. From the gripping drama of Sylvia to the spiritual journey in GOD Calling, the comedic flair in Charge and Bail, and the romantic charm in Hotel Hibiscus, Zainab's lead performances showcase her rich versatility and skilful ability to interpret complex characters effortlessly.

She plunged into the entertainment world at 16 when she began modelling professionally. She did this alongside A-level schooling before reading law at the prestigious Kent University.

After obtaining her law degree, she developed her career with various appearances, including minor roles on BBC One's Material Girl, the Bollywood movie Cocktail, and Ashley Waters’ The Charlatans. She also got a role in legendary director Christopher Nolan's 2012 action-hero movie The Dark Knight Rises, which became the 7th highest-grossing film of all time and the 3rd-highest-grossing film for 2012.

Armed with UK experience, Zainab moved into the Nigerian/Nollywood scene as a presenter/producer with Ebonylife. Her first shot in proper Nollywood came in 2015 with a support role in Soldier’s Story and Drama series Before 30, directed by BB Sasore, who was to cast her later as lead in his 2018 movie, GOD Calling.

Those two roles in 2015 must have impressed the producers and director of The Wedding Party 1 & 2, as she was entrusted with the feature role of Wonu, the uptight event coordinator. She performed brilliantly, contributing to the movie's resounding box-office successes.

She landed her first lead role in 2017, playing the aspiring UK-trained chef Ope in Ebony Life’s romantic comedy The Royal Hibiscus Hotel. Directed by Ishaya Bako, the movie didn’t generate impressive reviews, though it screened at the Toronto film festivals. However, Zainab prevailed, scoring two majors in 2018: Sylvia and GOD Calling. As a testament to her brilliant performances, she earned two ‘Best Actress’ nominations at the 2020 edition of the AMVCA.

Her most recent and notable lead role came in 2021 with Uyoyou Adia’s Charge & Bail. In it, she plays the cocky foreign-trained lawyer, Boma Ossai, from a wealthy family who, due to the mandatory National Youth Service, finds herself at an unsuitable law firm. And it’s one of her movies that Screennolly recommends for a STREAMING WEEKEND with the Star actress.

CHARGE AND BAIL (Prime video)