Top Nollywood Celebrities Who Are Also Business Owners

August 29, 2025 admin

Nollywood isn’t just the beating heart of African cinema—it’s also a launchpad for some of the country’s most savvy entrepreneurs. Many actors and actresses have taken their stardom beyond the big screen to build thriving businesses in fashion, real estate, beauty, agriculture, media, and much more.

Here’s a look at top Nollywood celebrities who are also successful business owners, proving that talent and entrepreneurship can coexist beautifully.

1. Funke Akindele: The Mogul Behind Jenifa

Funke Akindele, forever immortalized as “Jenifa,” has redefined what it means to be a Nollywood businesswoman. Her empire includes:

SceneOne Productions, the creative powerhouse behind Jenifa’s Diary and numerous hit films and TV shows.
SceneOne TV, a streaming platform devoted to African content.
Funke Akindele Network (FAAN)—a production and PR company that amplifies African storytelling across mediums.
Jenifa Gardens, a bold real estate venture blending development with creative branding.
SceneOne Records, a foray into the music industry.
Philanthropy through the Jenifa Foundation, which provides vocational training and support to young people.

Funke smartly leverages her fame to invest in entertainment, real estate, and media—the full entrepreneurial package.

2. Kunle Afolayan: Building Nollywood’s Future

Film luminary Kunle Afolayan brings serious vision to Nollywood’s infrastructure:

Golden Effects Pictures, his production hub that’s been churning out major cinematic successes since 2005.
KAP Motion Pictures, responsible for landmark films like The Figurine, October 1, and Aníkúlápó.
KAP Film & Television Academy, established in collaboration with Netflix and Mastercard Foundation, nurturing upcoming filmmakers.
KAP Film Village & Resort, blending filming facilities with hospitality and tourism.
KAPtv and KAP Cinemas, facilitating African storytelling via streaming and exhibition channels.

He’s not just making movies—he’s shaping the industry’s future with every brick, lens, and curriculum.

ALSO READ : How Tonto Dikeh Built Her Career and Brand

3. Jim Iyke: Nollywood’s Quiet Power Player

Jim Iyke’s business reach is as sharp as his on-screen persona:

Burgeon Global, a holding company with investments spanning real estate, oil and gas, and infrastructure across Nigeria, Ghana, and the UAE.
Untamed Empire, a lifestyle brand offering products such as water, fragrances, fashion, and other luxury goods.
Untamed Productions, behind films like Bad Comments, self-financed and self-marketed.
Untamed Closet, a fashion brand.
He’s also a book author and founder of a foundation for children with disabilities.

More than a household name, Jim Iyke is a multifaceted entrepreneur with a global outlook.

4. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde: The Real Estate Visionary

Omotola, affectionately known as Omosexy, gracefully balances fame with strategic investments:

With a background in estate management, she owns multi-million-naira real estate holdings across Nigeria.
She developed Double Doors Studios in Lekki—an integrated creative complex featuring production studios, boutique hospitality, and office space.
She’s also created a media legacy via her reality TV show Omotola: The Real Me and a brief music career.

Omotola’s trajectory exemplifies the blend of artistry and enterprise.

5. Biodun Okeowo (Omobutty): Beauty with Purpose

Biodun, famous as Omobutty, trades on both charm and business savvy:

Founder and CEO of Victoria Beauty, a NAFDAC-certified cosmetics and skincare line. Her background includes formal training in skincare therapy and formulation.

She’s a prime example of building credibility through skill, certification, and brand trust.

6. Chika Ike: Actress Turned Businesswoman

Chika Ike makes waves both on screen and in business:

Creator of Chika Ike Production, her own production company established in 2014.
Visionary behind a real estate venture, owning property across Lagos.

A move into properties and content makes her a smart and diversified entrepreneur.

7. Nosa Rex: From Laughs to Logistics

Comedian-actor Nosa Rex, aka Baba Rex, has built an ecosystem outside of comedy:

CEO of Big Things Development, his film production outfit.
Runs a clothing line and is an automobile dealer.
Also supports his wife’s food business and serves as a brand ambassador.

Nosa Rex turns diverse ventures into comedic gold.

8. Iyabo Ojo: Multifaceted Mogul

Iyabo Ojo stands out for her sheer scope in business:

CEO of Fespris Limited, an umbrella that includes beauty, events, salon, spa, skincare, decor, restaurant, real estate, and nightclub ventures.
Her empire spans Fespris Beauty Academy, Fespris Spa, Fespris World, Fespris Abula Spot, and more.

She’s Louis Vuitton-level diversified but with a distinctively Nollywood flair.

9. Mercy Aigbe: Style Meets Strategy

Mercy Aigbe elevates fashion and education with her business acumen:

Owner of Mag Divas Boutique (with outlets in Lagos and Ibadan).
Creator of AsoEbi Mercy, a premium aso-ebi material line.
Founder of Mercy Aigbe Gentry School of Drama.

Her ventures blur the boundaries between fashion, film, and education.

10. Toyin Abraham: Culture and Commerce

Toyin Abraham blends brand storytelling with wellness:

Proprietor of TAJ Dress Boutique in Lagos.
Creator of Toyin’s Herbal, a line of herbal products born from her fertility journey.

Her businesses resonate with lifestyle and cultural authenticity.

11. Ini Edo: Beauty and Beyond

Ini Edo brings beauty, philanthropy, and creativity together:

Founder of Ini Edo Productions—a media company producing film and TV content.
Creator of Ini Edo Beauty Products, offering skin, hair, and makeup products.
Operator of The Ini Edo Foundation, focused on education, health, and youth empowerment.
Also invests in real estate.

She’s building a holistic brand that spans entertainment, beauty, and goodwill.

12. Omoni Oboli: A Media Powerhouse

Omoni Oboli commands storytelling both on-screen and off:

Owner of Dioni Visions and Omoni Oboli Productions, producing films and TV content.
Runs The Omoni Oboli Foundation, focusing on education, healthcare, and empowerment.
She’s also an author and brand ambassador.

Her business philosophy pairs passion with purpose.

13. Yul Edochie: Farming, Film, and Philanthropy

Yul Edochie taps into entertainment, agriculture, and impact:

Owner of Yul Edochie Productions, producing movies and TV shows like The Councillor and The Billionaire.
Founder of Yul Edochie Farms, promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting young farmers.
Operator of the Yul Edochie Foundation, focused on education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.

Yul’s ventures show that Nollywood talents can grow soil as well as stories.

14. Mo Abudu: Media Empire Architect

Mo Abudu holds a distinguished place in Nigerian media:

CEO of EbonyLife TV, one of Africa’s most influential and successful media networks.

Often lauded as a visionary, Mo bridges Nollywood and global television with elegance.

Bonus Highlights

Here’s a shortlist of other actor-entrepreneurs worth mentioning:

Rita Dominic – Owner of BK Unique Hair.
Genevieve Nnaji – Creator of St. Genevieve, a fashion line launched via Jumia.
Annie Idibia – Founder of BeOlive Hair Studio in Atlanta and Lashed by Annie Idibia eyelash brand.
Ruth Kadiri – Owner of RuthKolors Hair, a high-end wig and weave brand.
Bisola Aiyeola – Creator of Brown Girls Magic, a skincare brand.

Conclusion

Nollywood isn’t just about fame—it’s a launchpad for smart business. These celebrities have transformed their star power into thriving ventures across entertainment, fashion, real estate, health, agriculture, philanthropy, and more.

They demonstrate how creativity, when fused with entrepreneurial spirit, yields impact far beyond red carpets and movie premieres. From digital platforms and beauty lines to training academies and charitable foundations, these stars build legacies that uplift communities and reshape industries.