The Nigerian film industry, or Nollywood, is not just surviving, it’s thriving, bringing up new talents and fresh narratives that are captivating a global audience. This year, there’s an undeniable surge of young female actors who are more than just rising stars, they’re redefining the craft and commanding attention with every performance. 

Each of these women brings something unique to the table, from groundbreaking roles to innovative performances that challenge the status quo. With their diverse talents and unwavering commitment, here’s a look at some exceptional talents whose performances are not just being watched, they’re being celebrated.

Genoveva Umeh

Fresh off winning the Best Supporting Actress at the 2024 AMVCA for her role in Breathe of Life, Genoveva Umeh is undeniably a force to reckon with. Her versatility has shone through in productions from One Night Lagos to Blood Sisters and Crime and Justice Lagos. Watch out—she’s just getting started.

Sunshine Rosman

Since her first notable appearance in Lunchtime Heroes, Sunshine Rosman has become a familiar face in titles like Perfect Assistant and Flawsome. With her upcoming roles in Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill A Monkey and Chee Keong Cheung’s Son of the Soil, Sunshine is poised to reach new heights in her career.

Ruby Okezie 

From her compelling debut in Netflix’s Far from Home to her remarkable performance in Taiwo Egunjobi’s A Green Fever, Ruby Okezie has proven that she’s here to stay. Currently gracing the screen in Showmax’s series Chetam, Ruby has a knack for bringing complex characters to life, ensuring that the audience’s eyes are glued to the screen.

Sharon Rotimi 

Known for her dynamic range, Sharon Rotimi has captivated fans with performances in The Artifact and various TV shows including The Wives and Chronicles. Whether she’s playing a villain or a vulnerable character, Sharon consistently delivers powerful, nuanced performances.

Kanyinsola Eros 

If you’re not familiar with her, Kanyinsola Eros‘ new series The Secret Lives of Nigerian Women will make you a fan. With roles in popular films like Muri & Ko and the anticipated Murder on Space X, Kanyinsola is quickly becoming a household name in Nollywood.

Blessing Oreva 

After her breakout role as a gangster in Kill Boro, Blessing Oreva became the talk of the town. Her fierce portrayal of complex characters has her on the fast track to becoming one of Nollywood’s versatile actresses to watch.

Ijapari Ben-Hirki 

Since her standout performance in I Do Not Come to You by Chance, Ijapari Ben-Hirki has caught the attention of directors and audiences alike. Her ability to embody diverse roles makes her a sought-after actress in the industry.