Nollywood’s Leading Women of 2022

2022 was a good year for the Nigerian movie industry as directors and producers explored new themes and plots. However, they could only achieve this through the efforts and talents of the actors and actresses that brought life to their characters. While 2022 saw many talents shine, there are some actresses whose craft shone a little […]

2022 was a good year for the Nigerian movie industry as directors and producers explored new themes and plots. However, they could only achieve this through the efforts and talents of the actors and actresses that brought life to their characters. While 2022 saw many talents shine, there are some actresses whose craft shone a little brighter than most. Daily Trust highlights 7 Nigerian Actresses who brought a spark to Nigerian screens in 2022.

1. Genevova Umeh

First on the list is a breakout star who graced Nigerian screens in May of 2022. Genevova played the role of Timileyin, the troubled sister of Kola (Deyemi Okanlawon) in the hit Netflix mini-series, Blood Sisters.

Nigerians immediately fell in love with her as her talent had no hiding place. Later in December 2022, she graced the screen again as Ozinna in Far From Home, once again drawing praise for her craft.

The sky seems to be the starting point for this young and talented actress.

2. Ini Dima-Okojie

Ini is no stranger to Nigerians as she has been on screen for a while. The beautiful young actress has proven herself in movies like Namaste Wahala and even in the series, Smart Money Woman.

It is, however, her role in the 2022 hit movie, Blood Sisters, that put her on this list. She played Sarah, who alongside her best friend, Kemi (Nancy Isime) became fugitives of the law after an accidental murder.

She also played the role of Ramat, an activist for women’s rights in a Showmax Original, Flawsome.

Ini is one star that has kept Nigerians entertained in 2022.

3. Nancy Isimie

Nancy Ismie is an actress, MC and TV host that is much loved by Nigerians.

She has played a lot of characters and featured in many movies like Kambili, Superstar, among others.

In 2022 however, her character, Kemi, in Blood Sisters, sealed her place in the hearts of many Nigerians. In the mini-series, she was best friends with Sarah (Ini Dima- Okojie).

Kemi had accidentally killed Sarah’s fiancee and together, went on to become fugitives of the law. Her role in the mini-crime series was acted out very cleverly and will not be forgotten so easily.

4. Bimbo Ademoye 

One actress who is known for her goofiness and jovial nature is Bimbo. She has always been a clever and talented actress, as seen in the roles she played in movies like Breaded Life, Selina, and Sugar Rush.

In 2022, however, she played Queen Arolake in the hit movie, Anikulapo. Her role in the movie sparked a lot of debate and commentary on the internet.

Bimbo is one actress whose talent cannot be denied, and her role as Queen Arolake truly kept Nigerians entertained.

She also runs an online comedy skit, Iya Barakat, where she further delights Nigerians. She is one truly remarkable actress.

5. Sharon Ooja

Many Nigerians first met Sharon Ooja as Shalewa, the spoilt younger sister of Tiwa (Abimbola Craig) in the YouTube series, Skinny Girl in Transit.

Since then, this beautiful actress has put in the work and has grown right before the eyes of every Nigerian. From her roles in daring movies like Oloture, to romcoms like The Perfect Arrangement, she has really sharpened her skills.

In 2022, she starred in the hit movie, Glamour Girls, alongside other beautiful and talented women to make history as one of the first Nigerian movies with only female characters as leads.

She is currently playing a young fashion designer, Ivie, on Flawsome, a Showmax original. She is surely one to watch out for in the coming years.

6. Toni Tones

Born Gbemi Anthonia Adefuye, Toni Tones is one talented young woman. An actress, musician and media personality, Toni Tones is no stranger to Nollywood.

She has played many characters but quickly became respected for her portrayal of young Eniola in the movie and subsequent sequel, King of Boys and King of Boys 2. This talented actress admitted that she had to take a crash course in Yoruba language for the role.

In 2022, however, she played Goldie aka Ojuju boys First Lady in the hit movie, Brotherhood. Her talent shone through and earned her a place on this list.

She is one actress that makes one proud to be Nigerian.

7. Gbugbemi Ejeye

Last but certainly not least on this list is Gbugbemi, who many Nigerians know as Talia on African Magic’s Covenant. She plays a young girl living in Orita Meta, Lagos state who dreams of being a nurse but is held back by poverty.

It is, however, her role in Far From Home that puts her on this list. She plays Adufe, a dancer at a club who soon gets entangled in a life of crime and drugs. The growth of her character from prey to hunter got many Nigerians talking and praising her craft.

She is one actress that has truly been entertaining to watch.