In 2013, Time magazine published its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Alongside presidents, business leaders and global pop stars was a Nigerian actress many Americans had never heard of. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde had by then appeared in hundreds of Nollywood films and built a following across Africa, and her inclusion was a sign of how far the Nigerian film industry had travelled.
Early life and breakthrough
Omotola was born in Lagos in 1978. She lost her father at a young age and has spoken about how her mother’s strength shaped her. She studied estate management before acting took over. Her breakthrough came in the 1990s with the film Mortal Inheritance, in which she played a young woman living with sickle cell disease. The role made her a household name.
Through the late 1990s and 2000s, she starred in a long list of films, often playing strong-willed women. Fans gave her the nickname “Omosexy”, which stuck.
Marriage, music and Time 100
She married Matthew Ekeinde, a pilot, in 1996, and the couple have four children. Their long marriage is often cited in Nigeria as a rare example of a stable celebrity relationship. Omotola also released music, including an album in the mid-2000s. Her songs did not match the success of her film career, but they extended her reach to new fans.
Time’s 2013 recognition noted her popularity, her large social media following and her humanitarian work. It was widely celebrated in Nigeria as recognition for Nollywood itself.
Reality TV, America and activism
She starred in a reality show about her life and family, giving fans a look behind the scenes of her career and home. She later appeared in the American television series Hit the Floor, one of several roles that took her beyond Nollywood. She has worked with campaigns on issues such as HIV awareness and served as an ambassador for international humanitarian groups. She has also spoken out on elections and governance in Nigeria.
In recent years, she has returned to the screen in new Nollywood projects, working with a younger generation of directors and streaming platforms.
Influence and business
Younger actresses often name her as an inspiration, especially for her ability to stay relevant across three decades in a fast-changing industry. She has also built a brand that includes endorsements and production work, turning fame into a long-term career. Nollywood has produced many stars since the 1990s. Omotola was one of the first to show the world that a career built on VHS tapes in Lagos markets could earn a place on a list beside presidents.
