- Ace Nollywood screen diva Ajoke Silva’s acting career spans over three decades with admirable impacts
- The iconic actress recently marked her 63rd birthday anniversary on September 29
- TheRadar profiles her legendary talent and journey in Nollywood
As Nollywood legendary actress Ajoke Silva recently clocked 63 years, it gives an opportunity to see through the lens of her artistic journey.
Born in 1961 and with an over three-decade acting career that kicked off in 1990, Silva is an iconic actress, director and producer who has proven herself as a stalwart in both entertainment and her personal life.
She stands as a signpost and an example of what resilience, love and loyalty are, particularly in regard to her ailing husband Olu Jacobs — a love that has stood the test of time. The couple’s bond from 1985 to date is an admirable testament.
Born into an era, when arts was not the most traditional path for women, Joke Silva paved the way for herself to become one the most respected and sought-after legendary actresses in Nigeria.
As she marked her 63rd birthday anniversary, on September 29, TheRadar recognises Joke Silva as an admirable example of what it truly means to live a life of purpose, sheer talent, true love and unyielding loyalty.
Nollywood: How Joke Silva wrote her name in gold
Joke Silva has featured in numerous films and television series in both the English and Yoruba Languages. Joke Silva made her foray into the Nollywood industry in the 1990s. One of her earliest roles was starring in the English television series, Mind-Bending.
Her ascent into Nollywood also saw her star in iconic productions like Mirror in the Sun, Owuro L’Ojo, Violated and Women’s Cot. In most recent times, the legendary actress didn't rest her oars as she appeared in titles like Citation, Chief Daddy 1 & 2, Over the Bridge and Funmilayo Ransome Kuti.
Notably, Author Finola Kerrigan had noted that Silva stood out as an exceptional actress in the Nigerian film industry. The appraisal followed her 1998 role alongside Colin Firth and Nia Long in the British-Canadian film The Secret Laughter of Women. To date, Joke Silva’s impact on Nollywood is one to be remembered.
Critical acclaim and awards
For a legendary act, it will be surprising not to have numerous awards to her name and yes, Joke Silva does. In 2006, she won the Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2nd Africa Movie Awards for her iconic role in Women’s Cot (2005).
She also won a Best Supporting Actress award in 2008 for her portrayal of a methodical grandmother in White Waters (2007). Silva is a recipient of other significant awards in Nollywood and beyond, making her mark as an iconic talent at 63.
Bolanle Austen-Peters: How movie director is preserving cultural heritage through Nollywood
Earlier TheRadar reported that 21 years so far in the Nollywood space, Bolanle has worn art and culture on her sleeves; creating authentic and culturally rooted stories.
As the founder and director of Terraculture, an art and culture space, she penetrated into the Nigerian film industry, breaking frontiers to document history through her cultural storytelling skills.
