Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, is entering a new age of global recognition, with a younger generation of actors redefining storytelling, creativity, and stardom.
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Showmax have opened the doors for emerging talents, giving them visibility far beyond Africa.
From breakout performances to international nominations, these fast-rising stars are shaping Nollywood’s bright future.
Below, New Daily Prime will show you ten names to watch, actors and actresses whose passion, versatility, and achievements are turning heads across the continent.
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Genoveva Umeh
Genoveva Kenechukwu Umeh, born on May 8, 1995, in Enugu, is a British-Nigerian actress whose journey into Nollywood was anything but conventional. After studying law at the University of Surrey, Umeh experienced an early setback, she failed her first year. But that moment of reflection became a turning point, steering her toward her true passion: acting.
In 2018, she relocated to Lagos to fully pursue acting and became one of the first students at the EbonyLife Creative Academy, a training ground for emerging talent. Her early work included theatre productions such as the one-woman play Home, performed at the Lagos Fringe Festival and later in South Africa, as well as stage projects tackling social issues like substance abuse.
Her breakout screen role came in A Tune Away (2020), earning her a 2022 AMVCA nomination for Best Actress in a Drama. She rose to prominence through Netflix hits Blood Sisters (as Timeyin) and Far From Home (as Zina), and her performance in Breath of Life (2023) solidified her as one of Nollywood’s most promising stars — a role that won her the AMVCA 2024 award for Best Supporting Actress.
Umeh’s disciplined approach, versatility across genres, and grounded personality have endeared her to both audiences and critics. With new appearances in Crime and Justice Lagos and other streaming projects, Genoveva Umeh is widely regarded as a future leading lady of Nollywood and beyond.
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Chimezie Imo
Born on January 7, 1992, in Lagos to parents from Imo State, Chimezie Imo began performing at age seven through church choirs and theatre groups. His public breakthrough came as a runner-up in The Next Movie Star Reality Show (2014), which opened doors to film and television roles.
His career-defining performance came in Nimbe (2019), where he portrayed a troubled teenager battling drug addiction. Imo’s raw, emotional delivery earned him widespread acclaim. He further impressed in Choke (2022), as a young man with sickle cell disease, a role that earned him multiple award nominations, including an AMVCA nod for Best Actor in a Drama (2023).
In 2024, he received the prestigious AMVCA Trailblazer Award, solidifying his status as one of Nollywood’s fastest-rising stars.
Known for taking on complex and emotionally challenging roles, Imo’s craft combines vulnerability with range. His thoughtful interviews about acting and storytelling reflect a deep commitment to the art form. With a growing reputation for intensity and authenticity, Chimezie Imo stands out as one of Nollywood’s brightest future icons.
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Uchechi Treasure Okonkwo (AdaKirikiri)
At just 14, Uchechi Treasure Okonkwo, popularly known as AdaKirikiri, has already made her mark as one of Nollywood’s youngest multi-talented stars. Born on October 12, 2010, in Owerri, Imo State, she comes from a film-oriented family: both her parents are producers.
She first gained attention as a child gospel singer on YouTube before transitioning to acting in the Chief Imo & Adakirikiri mini-series on Africa Magic Igbo. Her breakout film roles came in The Good Doctor and Saving Rose (2021). Since then, she has built an impressive filmography, including Lingering Pain, Daddy’s Angels, A Piece of Me, and This Very Christmas (2024).
In 2024, she won Best Teen Actress at both the Nollywood Travel Film Festival (Italy) and the Nollywood & African Films Investment Summit in London, achievements that highlight her growing international presence.
Balancing school and stardom, AdaKirikiri continues to captivate audiences with her talent, charm, and discipline. As she matures, fans and critics expect her to evolve into one of Nollywood’s most influential young women, potentially bridging her passions for music and film.
Ebube Obio
Born Oluebube Obio Cynthia on August 12, 2004, in Okija, Anambra State, Ebube Obio, fondly known as Ebube, has become one of the most talked-about young actresses in Nollywood. Though she keeps much of her personal life private, she is often linked with popular filmmaker Uche Nancy, whom she regards as a mentor and guardian figure.
Ebube completed her primary and secondary education in Anambra before diving into acting. Her artistic journey began around 2019, inspired by social media and comedy skits. Her breakout moment came when a skit titled “Aunty Put Me Down” went viral, showcasing her natural humor and distinct screen presence.
Known for her petite stature and expressive personality, Ebube has turned what many might see as a limitation into her greatest strength. She excels in comedy and character roles, often portraying playful or mischievous young girls in films such as The Small Landlady, Ghetto Gospel, Heart of a Tiger, Boss Baby, and Engineer Veronica.
Beyond acting, Ebube is a vibrant figure on social media, connecting with fans through skits, lifestyle content, and fashion moments. While she hasn’t yet received major film awards, her popularity continues to grow across digital platforms.
With her unique blend of humor, talent, and charm, Ebube Obio represents the new face of Nollywood’s comedy scene, proving that passion and personality can turn a viral moment into a lasting career.
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Mike Afolarin
Mike Afolarin began his acting journey on stage at the University of Lagos before debuting in cinema with Kasala! (2018). His breakthrough came in Netflix’s Far From Home (2022), where he portrayed Ishaya Bello, a gifted young artist navigating class divides and ambition.
Afolarin’s performances in Battle on Buka Street, Soólè, Adire, and House of Ga’a (2024) have showcased his versatility. Known for portraying relatable, everyday characters, he captures the struggles and dreams of young Nigerians with remarkable realism.
With Far From Home bringing him international attention, Afolarin is now seen as one of Nollywood’s most bankable next-generation actors, poised for global opportunities on streaming platforms.
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Tomi Ojo
Born January 1, 2000, Tomi Ojo represents the fresh, vibrant voice of young Nollywood. She started acting in 2018 and gained recognition for her role as Rahila in Far From Home. Her recent work in the sci-fi feature Makemation has further established her as a daring and versatile performer.
Ojo’s relatable charm and willingness to explore diverse roles have made her a favourite among younger audiences. With her growing social media influence and involvement in contemporary film projects, Tomi Ojo is emerging as a relatable face of Nollywood’s Gen Z movement.
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Uzoamaka Onuoha
With a degree in Theatre and Film Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and advanced acting training at EbonyLife Creative Academy, Uzoamaka Onuoha combines technical mastery with natural talent.
Her breakout came with Diiche (Showmax), followed by standout performances in Agemo, Visa on Arrival, and Flawsome. Her role in Agemo won her Best Female Performance at AFRIFF 2024 and an AMVCA nomination in 2025.
Known for emotionally rich and layered performances, Onuoha has become a symbol of Nollywood’s growing focus on artistry and excellence.
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Emeka Nwagbaraocha
Owerri-born Emeka Nwagbaraocha blends traditional acting with modern digital flair. Since debuting in Kasala! (2018), he has appeared in major productions such as Far From Home, Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, and I Do Not Come to You by Chance.
With his dual presence on film and social media, he connects easily with younger fans. His balance of humour, realism, and emotional strength has earned him a place among Nollywood’s promising new leading men.
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Gbubemi Ejeye
Gbubemi Ejeye, born June 29, 1994, is quickly becoming one of Nollywood’s most compelling new actresses. From her early stage work to her breakthrough role as Adufe in Far From Home, she’s proven capable of carrying both romantic and dramatic narratives.
With appearances in Farmer’s Bride, Queen Lateefah, and All’s Fair in Love, Gbubemi continues to rise steadily, admired for her expressive acting and authentic portrayal of young female experiences.
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Susan Pwajok
Best known for her role as Blessing in The Johnsons, Susan Pwajok has transitioned from child star to youth culture icon. Beyond acting, she’s now a member of the MTV Base Culture Squad, marking her entry into the world of media and pop culture influence.
Her strong personal values and selective approach to roles have earned her respect within and outside Nollywood. As she explores hosting and brand collaborations, Pwajok represents the evolving face of entertainment versatility in Nigeria.
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Temidayo Akinboro
A University of Lagos graduate, Temidayo Akinboro, first gained recognition for We Don’t Live Here Anymore, earning the Most Promising Actor award at the 2018 BON Awards. Since then, he has featured in MTV Shuga, The Origin: Madam Koikoi, and Heart & Soul.
Akinboro’s consistent performances and professionalism have landed him on Africa Magic’s Top Ten Breakout Talents of 2023. With his steady ascent, he’s fast becoming one of Nollywood’s dependable leading men.
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Chuks Joseph
