This feature is a special recognition of those original faces - the trailblazers, the storytellers, the icons — who have stood the test of time. From the grainy VHS tapes of the 1990s to today’s high-definition screens, they remain ever-present, still captivating audiences, and still commanding the screen.
They are not just veterans. These Nollywood actors are Still Standing, Still Going
Femi Adebayo
Femi Adebayo may come from Nollywood royalty, his father being the legendary Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), but he didn’t inherit fame. He worked hard and earned it. Starting his journey in 1985, it was his breakout role in Tade Ogidan’s Owo Blow (1992) that put him on the map. From there, he steadily built his name, taking on memorable roles and eventually stepping behind the scenes as a producer-actor.
Like his father, Femi evolved with every era of Nollywood. He stood out in the Home Video/DVD days with fan favourites like Taiwo Taiwo and Jelili, conquered the big screen with King of Thieves and Jagun Jagun, and made a mark globally on streaming platforms with the series Seven Doors. Decades later, Femi Adebayo remains a defining figure not just still standing, but standing tall as a Nollywood powerhouse.
Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is a celebrated Nollywood actress, producer, and filmmaker whose career began in 1997 with a breakout role in the television series Need to Know. Eager to master her craft, she ventured into the Yoruba-language sector of Nollywood, honing her skills in both acting and film production. She produced her first films, Ojo Ketala and Etanu, followed by the critically acclaimed epic drama Apaadi.
In 2008, Akindele gained widespread recognition with the release of Jenifa, a comedy that became her breakout hit and solidified her crossover into mainstream Nollywood. She went on to achieve unprecedented success, becoming the first filmmaker to deliver a Nollywood film that surpassed a billion naira in box office revenue. Her films, including Omo Ghetto and its sequels, as well as A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa, have screened globally, cementing her status as one of the industry’s most influential figures.
More than two decades later, Funke Akindele remains a trailblazer—standing tall not only as a leading actress but as a visionary filmmaker and businesswoman, shaping the future of Nigerian cinema with her creativity, innovation, and unmatched box office appeal.
Adebayo Salami
Veteran actor, producer, and Nollywood icon Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, has graced the stage, television, and film for over six decades. Beginning his career in 1964 with the Young Concert Party that later became Ojo Ladipo Theatre and Awada Kerikeri, he rose to lead the troupe through some of its most celebrated years. In the 1970s, he starred in Nigerian cinema classics like Ajani Ogun and Kadara, before expanding into television and producing his first film, Ogun Ajaye, in the 1980s.
By the 1990s, as Home Video evolved, Oga Bello solidified his influence with the 1992 blockbuster Asewo To Re Mecca. He went on to produce and act in numerous Yoruba-language hits, including Eewoo Kolewole, Ojo Weli Weli, Ayenikoro, Ilu Iku/Ologbo, and the beloved comedy Ile Ayo. His career reflects an enduring commitment to Yoruba storytelling and the development of the industry.
In recent years, he has continued to captivate audiences on both the big screen and streaming platforms, with standout roles in Sanitation Day, Anikulapo, Jagun Jagun, Her Excellency, and a special appearance in the acclaimed biopic Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. Oga Bello’s journey—spanning theatre, celluloid, home video, and digital streaming—mirrors the evolution of Nollywood itself. His legacy extends to the next generation, with four of his sons—Femi, Tope, Sodiq, and Ridwan—actively contributing to the industry.
Ramsey Nouah
Ramsey Nouah made his Nollywood debut in 1996 with the home video classic Silent Night, quickly rising to become one of the industry’s most bankable leading men. Like many of his first-generation peers, he became a household name throughout the late ’90s and 2000s, starring in over 100 films during the home video boom. Memorable performances in hits such as Power of Love, Emotional Crack, Break Up, True Love, Reloaded, and Dangerous Twins—where he played dual lead roles as twin brothers cemented his reputation as one of Nollywood’s most versatile stars.
His early transition into cinema came with Kunle Afolayan’s The Figurine (2009), a landmark production that redefined Nollywood’s global outlook. He went on to deliver compelling performances in projects such as AY’s 30 Days in Atlanta, Merry Men, Gbomo Gbomo Express, and the acclaimed, politically charged ’76, showcasing his range far beyond the stereotypical “lover boy” image.
In recent years, Nouah has expanded into directing, helming remakes of Nollywood classics like Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story (2020) and Nneka the Pretty Serpent (2020), reintroducing timeless stories to a new generation. He further solidified his creative footprint with Tokunbo (2023). Today, Ramsey Nouah stands tall as both a seasoned actor and filmmaker, committed to preserving Nollywood’s legacy while pushing its creative boundaries.
Ajoke Silva
Ajoke Silva is a versatile Nigerian actress whose career spans stage, television, film, and international productions. She began her journey in the early 1990s on television with memorable performances in Owuro L’ojo and Mind Bending, before making her home video debut with a notable supporting role in Violated.
Her international work includes starring alongside Nia Long and Colin Firth in The Secret Laughter of Women. Through the Home Video–DVD era, she delivered acclaimed performances in Keeping Faith, 30 Days, Silent Night, White Waters, and the blockbuster Women’s Cot, earning the AMAA Award for Best Actress.
In the modern screen and streaming era, Ajoke has continued to shine with captivating roles in Potato Potahto, Namaste Wahala, Two Weeks in Lagos, Light in the Dark, Phone Swap, Chief Daddy, Diamond in the Sky, and the celebrated biopic Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
Recognised for her outstanding contribution to the arts, she has been honoured with the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). Today, Ajoke Silva stands tall as a Nollywood icon whose legacy transcends film, with contributions that continue to enrich the Nigerian and global arts landscape.
Bimbo Akintola
Bimbo Akintola, one of Nollywood’s most respected and versatile actresses, made her feature film debut in 1997 with the acclaimed tearjerker Owo Blow – The Genesis. That same year, she delivered a brilliant co-starring performance in Out of Bounds, a role that earned her the Best Actress award and firmly established her as a rising star. These two films became the springboard for a remarkable career, leading to standout appearances in popular home video and DVD-era titles such as Dangerous Twins, Diamond Ring, and Smoke & Mirrors.
In 2016, Akintola took on one of her most lauded performances, portraying the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh in 93 Days, a gripping true-life drama about the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. Her portrayal of the heroic doctor who played a pivotal role in containing the virus won critical acclaim and cemented her place as a powerhouse in Nollywood. She continued to deliver strong performances, including a memorable role in the 2019 drama Diamond in the Sky and appearances in no fewer than ten notable films across cinema and streaming platforms.
Akintola’s enduring talent was further showcased in a special featured role in Netflix’s globally acclaimed crime drama The Black Book (2023). Most recently, in 2025, she captivated global audiences once again as Inspector Mo in the Netflix drama series To Kill a Monkey, proving that she remains a force both on screen and in the industry at large. With a career spanning over two decades, Bimbo Akintola stands tall as not just a seasoned actress but an enduring Nollywood icon.
Chioma Chukwuka Apotha
Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha has remained a steady presence in Nollywood since her debut in 2000. Though she wasn’t part of the early home video era, she quickly became a fixture in the industry, appearing in at least two films each year. She gained popularity with widely circulated DVD titles such as Romantic Attraction, The Bridesmaid, and Unbroken Love, building a strong portfolio during the peak of Nollywood’s DVD market.
In recent years, she has transitioned into major cinematic and streaming projects, taking on roles in Swallow, Gangs of Lagos, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, and Seven Doors. With over two decades of consistent work, Chioma has proven her staying power. Far from slowing down, the veteran actress appears to be one of the most active performers in today’s Nollywood.
In recent years, she has transitioned into major cinematic and streaming projects, taking on roles in Swallow, Gangs of Lagos, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, and Seven Doors. With over two decades of consistent work, Chioma has proven her staying power. Far from slowing down, the veteran actress appears to be one of the most active performers in today’s Nollywood.
Richard Mofe Damijo
Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) is one of Nollywood's most enduring and respected actors, whose illustrious career spans from the home video era to today’s global streaming age. He rose to prominence in the late 1980s through TV dramas like Ripples and Checkmate, becoming a household name in the 1990s with hit films such as Violated, Diamond Ring, and Out of Bounds. During the DVD boom, he remained an A-list star with standout roles in chartbusters like Intruder, Private Sin, and Critical Decision, where his charisma and powerful screen presence made him a defining leading man of his generation.
Even with a brief hiatus to study law and serve as a state commissioner, RMD returned seamlessly to dominate Screen Nollywood. He was a major cast member in The Wedding Party, the sixth highest-grossing Nigerian film and maintained his star status in projects like Shanty Town, 10 Days in Atlanta, Palava, Conversations in Transit, and The Black Book. His lead role in The Black Book was especially notable, as the film became Nollywood’s first global Netflix hit, charting in the Top 10 across 69 countries for several weeks.
Through every era of Nollywood, from VHS to cinema screens to global streaming, RMD has not only evolved with the industry but helped shape it. With a legacy built on versatility, longevity, and cultural impact, RMD is not just still standing; he remains a true icon of Nigerian cinema.
Kate Henshaw
A celebrated Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw made her debut in 1993 with the movie When the Sun Sets. Since then, she has built a remarkable career spanning over three decades, transitioning from Home Video, DVD era and the screens, with standout performances in films like Stronger Than Pain, 4th Republic, Blood Sisters, The Ghost and the House of Truth, Chief Daddy, New Money, and The Setup. Known for her versatility and screen presence, Henshaw has appeared in over 100 movies and remains one of the most respected figures in the Nigerian film industry.
Beyond acting, Kate is a fitness enthusiast, humanitarian, and vocal advocate for youth empowerment and good governance. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Stronger Than Pain in 2008, as well as honours from the Best of Nollywood Awards, City People, and Nigeria Entertainment Awards. With her enduring influence and commitment to excellence, Kate Henshaw continues to be a leading light in Nollywood
Sola Sobowale
Sola Sobowale is a veteran Nigerian actress whose career began in the 1980s with strong roots in theatre and television. She became a household name during the home video era with iconic roles in Asewo To Re Mecca, Diamond Ring, Iya Oko Bournvita, and Ohun Oko Somida. Throughout the DVD years, she remained a familiar face in Yoruba cinema, with standout performances in Dangerous Twins and Gold Statue, proving her range and staying power.
After a brief hiatus and even considering a career change, Sobowale returned with a renewed sense of purpose. Her role in The Wedding Party reintroduced her to a new audience, but it was her unforgettable performance in King of Boys that firmly placed her back at the top. Decades on, with countless roles behind her and more still ahead, Sola Sobowale is still standing bold, relevant, and unstoppable.
Prince Jide Kosoko
Prince Jide Kosoko is a veteran actor and producer whose illustrious career spans stage, television, and film. He began acting as a child in the 1960s, first treading the boards in stage productions before making his television debut at a remarkably young age. In his early years, he joined the then-famous Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group, but soon ventured out to form his troupe.
With the advent of the home video era, Kosoko made a mark as both actor and producer, delivering the major hit, Asiri Nla. He went on to feature in and produce numerous Yoruba films while successfully crossing into the English-speaking sector of Nollywood.
On both big screens and streaming platforms, he has starred in acclaimed titles including The Meeting, The Figurine, Last Flight to Abuja, Sugar Rush, Elesin Oba, and Anikulapo. Today, Prince Jide Kosoko stands tall as a true crossover success and Nollywood icon. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a proud father to three daughters, Sola, Bidemi, and Temidayo, who are also carving their paths in the Nigerian film industry.
Bimbo Manuel
Bimbo Manuel is a seasoned Nollywood actor who began his creative journey after a brief stint in broadcasting. He rose to prominence in the early 1990s through acclaimed TV dramas like Checkmate and Fuji House of Commotion. During the home video era, he featured in notable films such as The Last Burial, Sitanda, and Women's Cot, and became a familiar face in households across Nigeria with his role in the long-running series Tinsel.
Manuel made his big screen debut in 2014 with Dazzling Mirage and has since earned a solid reputation as a sought-after veteran known for key supporting roles. His film credits include October 1, 93 Days, Ayinla, Charge & Bail, House of Ga’a, Castle and Castle and The Lost Days, a testament to his range, consistency, and enduring relevance in Nollywood’s evolving landscape.
Kanayo O Kanayo
Kanayo O. Kanayo, popularly known as K.O.K, began his acting career in the late 1980s, appearing in iconic Nigerian TV dramas such as Things Fall Apart and Checkmate. He transitioned to the home video era with a breakout role in Living in Bondage (1992), Nollywood’s first major blockbuster, and went on to star in other titles like Circle of Doom. During the DVD boom, he became a household name with cult favourites including The Billionaire's Club, Evil Doers, and Blood Money: The Vulture Men.
With a career spanning over 100 films, Kanayo remains a prominent figure in Nollywood. He re-emerged on the big screen with roles in Apaye and October 1 (2014), followed by appearances in Up North, Celebrity Marriage, Lionheart, and even a reprised role in the remake of the 1992 blockbuster, Living in Bondage. Most recently, he delivered a strong performance in Afamefuna: Nwa Boi Story. Beyond acting, the veteran expanded his portfolio by becoming a qualified legal practitioner in 2018, when he was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Solicitor and Advocate.
Idowu Phillips
Idowu Phillips, popularly known as Mama Rainbow, is a veteran actress whose illustrious career began in the theatre tradition of the late 60s and 70s. She was a prominent member of Sir Hubert Ogunde’s theatre group, where she honed her craft as a stage actress before the home video boom.
Her transition to the home video era of the 1990s began with Yemi My Love, and followed up with other classics like Okan Soso, Aje Metta, Eran Iya, These, amongst others, and a familial production of Elepo Robi, cemented her name as one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba movies, with her signature motherly roles and emotional performances, endearing herself to audiences across generations.
In more recent years, Mama Rainbow has remained relevant on the big screen and streams with notable performances in the 2019 Box Office comedy hit, Sugar Rush and also a featured role in the 2018 Oga Bolaji and streaming platforms. Her adaptability from stage to home video to today’s streaming era underscores her staying power in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
With a career spanning over five decades, Idowu Phillips is still standing and still going as a beloved screen icon and a living bridge between the rich theatre heritage of Yoruba storytelling and Nollywood’s modern global reach.
Her transition to the home video era of the 1990s began with Yemi My Love, and followed up with other classics like Okan Soso, Aje Metta, Eran Iya, These, amongst others, and a familial production of Elepo Robi, cemented her name as one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba movies, with her signature motherly roles and emotional performances, endearing herself to audiences across generations.
In more recent years, Mama Rainbow has remained relevant on the big screen and streams with notable performances in the 2019 Box Office comedy hit, Sugar Rush and also a featured role in the 2018 Oga Bolaji and streaming platforms. Her adaptability from stage to home video to today’s streaming era underscores her staying power in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
With a career spanning over five decades, Idowu Phillips is still standing and still going as a beloved screen icon and a living bridge between the rich theatre heritage of Yoruba storytelling and Nollywood’s modern global reach.
Sam Dede
Sam Dede is one of Nollywood’s most respected actors, whose career took off in the late 1990s during the golden era of Nigeria’s home video boom. He made early appearances in classics such as Blood Money, Igodo, and Ijele, but it was his unforgettable role as Ebube in the blockbuster Issakaba that truly cemented his place in Nollywood history. In 2025, the cult hit Issakaba is being remade, with Dede reprising his iconic role to much anticipation.
His extensive home video credits include Bumper to Bumper, Darkest Nights, The Mayor—a performance that won him an Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA)—and Mission to Nowhere. Beyond his film career, Dede is also an academic in Theatre Arts and once served as a political appointee with the Rivers State Tourism Board, underscoring his versatility beyond the screen.
On the big screen, he first marked his presence with Blood and Money, but it was his powerful performance in the 2017 Niger Delta–themed In My Country that reaffirmed his acting brilliance and gained him international recognition. He followed this with memorable roles in Gone (2021) and the globally acclaimed Black Book. More recently, he has featured in notable productions such as Breath of Life, Brotherhood, Merry Men, and Hijack 93, the latter earning a spot on Netflix UK’s Top rankings.
Sam Dede remains standing and continues to thrive as a symbol of Nollywood's growth and a testament to enduring screen talent.
Dele Odule
Dele Odule is a celebrated veteran of Nollywood whose career spans theatre, home video, and the modern big screen. He began his professional acting journey on stage in the 1980s before making his transition to home video in 1992 with his breakout debut in Tunde Kelani’s critically acclaimed drama Ti Oluwa Nile. Odule’s stellar performance in the film catapulted him to stardom, setting the pace for a prolific decade in which he delivered over 100 remarkable performances.
His filmography from that era includes classics such as Agunbaniro, Baiyetigba, Olorire, and Lakunle Alagbe—a project he not only starred in but also wrote and produced. Beyond his legacy in Yoruba cinema, Odule has seamlessly transitioned into Nollywood’s contemporary mainstream, taking on notable supporting roles in popular and critically acclaimed films such as The Ghost and the Tout, Meet the Parents, Finding Me, King of Thieves, House of Ga’a, and the award-winning biopic Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
With his wealth of experience, versatility, and enduring screen presence, Dele Odule remains one of the most respected actors and cultural icons in Nigerian cinema.
Rita Dominic
Rita Dominic began her acting journey as a child actor, appearing in a television series before fully stepping into the world of Nollywood with her debut in the 1998 Home Video movie, A Time to Kill. From that breakthrough, she went on to star in and feature in over 100 films, including notable titles such as Accidental Discharge, Love After Love, Girls’ Cot, and White Waters. Her impressive body of work quickly established her as an A-list actress, amassing numerous accolades along the way.
Despite her remarkable success, Dominic’s commitment to her craft never wavered. In 2012, she launched her production company, Audrey Silva Company, taking on the dual roles of producer and actress. Under this banner, she co-produced and starred in The Meeting, Surulere, and the critically acclaimed Le Femme Anjola (2021). Though she ventured into the big screen and streaming platforms with Le Femme Anjola, she also featured in acclaimed movies such as The Trade, The Therapist, and the historical fiction film ’76. In 2025, she starred in the chart-topping drama series Baby Farm.
Over more than 20 years of gracing screens, Rita Dominic shows no signs of slowing down. The seasoned actress remains “Still Standing and Going Strong”, inspiring new generations of actors in Nollywood with her talent, dedication, and vision.
Chidi Mokeme
Chidi Mokeme may have emerged from Nollywood’s golden Home Video era, but his recent big-screen and streaming performances have firmly reintroduced him as one of the industry’s most enduring and versatile stars. From his commanding lead in the gritty 2023 drama series Shanty Town to action-packed follow-ups like Tokunboh and Ruthless in 2024, Mokeme continues to reinvent himself while remaining true to his craft.
Since debuting in 1998 with Rapture and Full Moon, Mokeme has appeared in over 100 films, leveraging his fluency in Nigeria’s three major languages to transcend cultural boundaries in an industry once dominated by Yoruba- and Igbo-language productions. He became a household name with memorable titles such as Honey, The Seed, and Abuja Connection. Further, he solidified his reputation with standout roles in ’76, The Rapist, and the popular Merry Men franchise.
Now, with his most recent performance in Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill A Monkey, Chidi Mokeme proves he is not just a Nollywood veteran, but a force of reinvention. Over two decades on, he remains a resilient icon whose presence continues to define and inspire the ever-evolving story of Nollywood.
Segun Arinze
Segun Arinze is a celebrated Nollywood actor whose career took off in 1996 with the groundbreaking home video Silent Night. His portrayal of the character “Black Arrow” not only brought him instant fame but also earned him the enduring moniker by which many still know him today. Following this success, Arinze became a household name, featuring in several Nollywood classics such as Eye for Eye, Curse from Beyond, Mark of the Beast, Karishika, and Family On Fire—one of the first Nollywood films to premiere in the UK.
Transitioning seamlessly into cinema and streaming platforms, Arinze has continued to distinguish himself with notable roles in A Place in the Stars, Invasion 1897, Olótūré, Blood Sisters, Ijakumo, Gold Statue, and Afamefuna: An Nwa Boi Story. With appearances in over 20 major screen and stream productions, he is arguably one of Nollywood’s first-generation actors with the most extensive footprint across modern platforms—a testament to his consistency, adaptability, and enduring relevance.
Beyond acting, Segun Arinze plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and actors, serving as a mentor and coach at the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF). His contributions to the growth of Nollywood, both on and off-screen, firmly establish him as one of the industry’s most respected and influential figures.
Yemi Soluade
Yemi Solade’s artistic journey began as far back as FESTAC ’77, where he performed at the National Theatre. His screen career took shape with Oju Inu and a featured role in the classic Violated, before rising to wider acclaim in the 2005 blockbuster three-part film Madam Dearest. His standout portrayal of Daniel, a Ghanaian houseboy, remains one of his most memorable roles from Nollywood’s home video era. He went on to feature in other significant titles such as 150 Million, Ofale, and Eeeto.
Beyond the home video wave, Solade has graced the big screen and streaming platforms with strong performances in Ajosepo, Ijogbon, Move Like a Boss, and Her Excellency. A trained academic in Theatre Arts and a cultural activist, Yemi Solade’s journey is a Nollywood masterclass in longevity, versatility, and cultural impact. He remains Still Standing and Still Going as a seasoned actor whose relevance spans decades and whose influence extends well beyond the screen.
Patience Ozorkwo
Patience Ozokwor is one of Nollywood’s most iconic and beloved actresses. Renowned for her commanding portrayals of domineering mothers and mother-in-law roles in family dramas and comedies, she earned the enduring moniker Mama G from the classic Old Skool sequels she starred in.
She made her mark during the home video era with Ijele, which launched her into mainstream Nollywood. Throughout the 2000s, Ozokwor starred in several chart-busting home video hits, including One Dollar, Blood Sisters, Love After Love, Mr. Trouble, and the crossover Yoruba-language film, Eyin Oka, showcasing her cultural versatility.
Seamlessly transitioning to the big screen and streaming platforms, she has appeared in blockbuster titles such as The Wedding Party 2, Chief Daddy, and Funke Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa, proving her enduring appeal across generations of Nollywood fans.
Her excellence has been recognised with numerous accolades, including a National Honour, Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2022, for her outstanding contributions to Nigerian cinema.
With over two decades of unparalleled artistry, Patience Ozokwor remains one of Nollywood’s most enduring, versatile, and celebrated figures—truly the “General” of African storytelling.
They remind us that Nollywood’s rise is not only about technology, budgets, or distribution deals; it is about the faces, voices, and performances that continue to inspire audiences across generations. These pioneers have shown that true icons don’t just stand the test of time; they grow stronger with it.
They are Nollywood’s timeless legends — Still Standing, Still Going Strong.
- Jimi D Baldheaded Guy