Top 10 Actors of 2019

Timini Egbuson

An actor, model and presenter like most of the new crop of creatives emerging in the entertainment industry right now. Timini’s 2013 character in MTV’s Shuga Naija launched his mainstream career. He’s been very present on television in the past year, appearing in the latest season of Shuga Naija and Elevator Baby; a Nollywood film also starring Toyin Abraham. Fun fact: Timini is Dakore Akande’s younger brother.

Ayoola Ayolola

Ayoola Ayolola won Project Fame West Africa in 2012. He was on Tinsel for some time before that but put his acting on hold to sing after winning Project Fame. He switched back to acting and put his music on hold in 2015. He’s become a familiar and adored face on television since then. This year, he’s kept us engaged with his acting on The Men’s Club, Bling Lagosians, Skinny Girl in Transit, and The Set Up.

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Swanky JKA

Jide-Kene Achufusi blew us away with his acting in the Living in Bondage reboot (Living in Bondage: Breaking Free). His performance as Nnamdi Okeke, the son Andy Okeke never knew he had, is arguably one of the foremost reasons why the Living in Bondage reboot was such a delight to see. He was funny, spirited and absolutely convincing. The young man deserves an award.

Ramsey Nouah

For his ingenuity, versatility and apparent willingness to try anything. Over the years, Ramsey Nouah has adopted a number of personas for film, but his role as the villainous devil in Living in Bondage: Breaking Free may prove to be one of his best. His acting isn’t perfect, but it’s worth seeing. When you think about the fact that Ramsey Nouah also directed this 2019 reboot, you have to be impressed.

Richard Mofe-Damijo

The silver-haired gentleman has been charming us since his first days on television in the 90’s TV series Checkmate. He stays active and is well-known for the consistent quality of his performances on screen. He starred in some of the biggest Nollywood productions of 2019: Love is War, Gold Statue, and Seven.

Reminisce

It may have been Reminisce’s first role in a film, but his performance as Makanaki in King of Boys was outstanding. His actions earned him a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Gabriel Afolayan

A skilled actor from the impressive Afolayan family. Gabriel gave stellar performances in Code Wilo and Gold Statue this year. He won Outstanding Actor at the Abuja International Film Festival and was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his character in Gold Statue.

Tomiwa Tegbe

Tomiwa plays Wasiu in MTV’s Shuga Naija. His character is a troublemaker; loud, sly and relentlessly irritating. He acts with unbridled enthusiasm for his role, and the constant mischief he causes definitely adds to the magic of Shuga Naija. Tomiwa has a considerable amount of experience in television roles but has generally flown under the radar for some reason.

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Efa Iwara

In 2015, Channels Television featured Efa Iwara as a spotlight artiste. He talked about his transition from geography to entertainment and his parent’s reaction to his career choice. It may seem like Efa only recently stepped into the spotlight with the success of RED TV show The Men’s Club and Ndani TV’s Rumour Has It, but he’s been working quietly for some time. Efa is the irresponsible Kolade in Seven, Tosin Igho’s latest film. He stars in Seven alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo. We’re impressed by his acting.

AY Makun

It was a bit difficult deciding who would take the last spot on this list. AY Makun gets it because his versatility is inspiring. There’s apparently something valuable he brings to the table because he continues to be cast in big-budget Nollywood films like The Millions and Made in Heaven. 

Sources:        

Punch NG

Pulse NG

The Point

The Nation Online NG

MTV Shuga

Featured Image Source: This Day Live

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This article was first published on 27th December 2019

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