Kwara is a state in Western Nigeria. Its capital is Ilorin. Kwara is located within the North Central geopolitical zone, commonly referred to as the Middle Belt.
Here are 5 popular nollywood actresses from the state:
#1. Toyin Afolayan
Toyin Afolayan, born in Agbamu, Kwara State on the 24 of September 1959. She is popularly called Lola Adije, popularly known as Lola Idije is a Nigerian film actress and aunt to Nigerian film actor Kunle Afolayan.
The movie that brought her into limelight was a 1995 movie titled, ‘Deadly Affair.’ In this movie, she played the role of Mama Adisa. Toyin has been in the movie industry for close to 3 decades.
Toyin acted in the movie, Irapada which was produced by her nephew Kunle Afolayan. She played the role of Kunle’s mother in the movie.
#2. Fausat Balogun
Fausat Balogun, also known as Madam Saje, is a Nigerian actress who stars majorly in Yoruba movies. She starred as Mama Saje in a 1990 television series titled Erin Kee Kee . Fausat has starred in over 80 movies.
She was born on February 13, 1959, Ifelodun , Kwara State , Nigeria.
Balogun is married to the actor Rafiu Balogun. He was her boss before they married. By the time she was famous her children were adults. Her eldest son is a director and her youngest daughter is an actress.
#3. Moji Afolayan
Moji Afolayan, born February 5, 1968, is a Nigerian actress , film-maker, producer and director.
Afolayan hails from Agbamu, a town in Irepodun Local Government area of Kwara State southwestern Nigeria but grew up in Lagos State. She was born in an acting family, the first daughter of the late veteran actor and producer Ade Love who is also the father of the Kunle Afolayan and Gabriel Afolayan.
Afoloyan attended Coker Primary School at Orile Iganmu, a city in Lagos State south-western Nigeria before she proceeded to Esie Iludun Anglican School, where she obtained the West Africa School certificate. She later attended Oyo State College of Education where she was trained as a school teacher.
In 2016, Afolayan who has acted in several Nigeria movies, starred opposite Ojopagogo and Dele Odule in the Yoruba film Arinjo.
She is married to Rasaq Olasunkanmi Olayiwola, a Nigerian actor popularly known by his stage name, “Ojopagogo”.
#4. Biola Adebayo
Adebayo Bashorun popularly known as “Biola Adebayo” is an award-winning Nigerian actress, producer and Television presenter.
Biola Adebayo is well known for her role in the movie “Eyin Oka” hence the nickname. She is from a polygamous family as her father has seven children while her mother has four children. She hails from Aron Ori Igbomina Area of Kwara State.
She obtained a degree in history and international relations at the Lagos state university and also studied public administration for her master’s degree at the prestigious University of Lagos.
She got engaged in 2012 to her London based lover identified as Ola but they soon went their separate ways due to irreconcilable differences. During one of her interviews on her relationship, she quoted that “though society expects a woman of marriageable age to settle down and have kids in due time, she would rather remain single and happy than end up in a messy marriage”.
She is currently single and determined to fulfill her lifelong dreams.
The dark-skinned and beautiful actress has been one of the most sought after Yoruba actress ever since she rose to fame with many more exciting roles to deliver. She has been absolutely on top of her game as she can fit into any role being given to her. Her interpretation of roles has been so exceptional.
Biola Adebayo started her acting career in 2002 while attending audition and began with a role in the popular Wale Adenuga “Super story” TV series production titled “For The Love of You”. Biola began acting in English movies before she delved into Yoruba movie and her first featured film in the Yoruba sector is “Ojabo Kofo” in 2003.
She came to limelight with an intriguing role in the movie “Eyin Oka”.
She has also starred in other movies such as Sikiratu Sindodo, Omo Abore, Ofin Kokanla, Olaide Irawo, Ika Kefa, Mafisere, Ijakumo, Pami Nku.
#5. Olajumoke Ray Eyiwunmi
Olajumoke Ray Eyiwunmi, popularly known as Mama Ray, is a veteran nollywood actress from Kwara State.
Mama Ray is one of the wives of one of the pioneers of Nigerian movie industry late Ray Eyiwumi, who died on April 15, 1986. She is also mother of two top Yoruba actors cum producers, Lasun and Muka Ray.
She has starred in several Yoruba movies such as Esu masemi (2006) and Esu masemi 2 (2006).
She also used the opportunity to celebrate 55 years of being on stage .
The double celebration event was star studded.
Friday, March 18,2016 was a day of honour for veteran Nollywood actress Olajumoke Ray Eyiwunmi.
It was a day of double celebration, Mama Ray as she is fondly called celebrated her 75th birthday,2016 and also marked 55 years of being a professional actress.
Mama Ray is one of the wives of one of the pioneers of Nigerian movie industry late Ray Eyiwumi, who died on April 15, 1986.
She is also mother of two top Yoruba actors cum producers, Lasun and Muka Ray.
Mama Ray’s birthday was hosted by her children.
