Taiwo Afolayan
Joke Silva is a Nigerian actress, director, and businesswoman who was born on September 29, 1961, in Lagos, Nigeria. She is one of the most respected and accomplished actresses in Nigeria and is widely regarded as a pioneer in the Nigerian film industry, commonly referred to as Nollywood.
Silva received her education in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. She attended Holy Child College in Lagos and later studied English at the University of Lagos. She then went on to study drama at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
Silva began her acting career in the 1990s and quickly became one of the most popular actresses in Nigeria. Some of her notable film and television appearances include “The Secret Laughter of Women,” “Keeping Faith,” “The Amazing Grace,” “30 Days,” and “Phone Swap.” She has also acted in several stage productions, including “The Vagina Monologues” and “Hear Word!”
In addition to acting, Silva is also an accomplished director and has directed several productions, including “Hear Word! Naija Woman Talk True,” “Heartbeat: A New Beginning,” and “The Wives.” She is also the co-founder and managing director of Lufodo Group, a multimedia production company that produces films, TV shows, and stage productions.
Silva has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry. She was awarded the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2014 and was also named a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador in 2017. She has also been recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Africa Movie Academy Awards and the Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
Silva is married to fellow actor Olu Jacobs, and the couple has two children together.
