Ibrahim Yekini
Born
Ibrahim Yekini Itele

(1980-01-01) January 1, 1980 (age 44)
Other namesItele D Icon
Citizenship
  • Nigerian
Occupations
Years active2000–present
Notable workKing of Thieves
Lisabi: The Uprising'
Kesari
Awards

Ibrahim Yekini Itele (born January 1, 1980), also known as Itele D Icon, is a Nigerian filmmaker and actor.[1] He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to both blockbuster and independent films, including two City People Movie Awards, a Best of Nollywood Awards (BON) ,[2] and two Emperor Awards ceremonies.[3] In 2024, he was also nominated for the prestigious African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA).[4]

Itele began his acting career in the late 2000s, initially appearing in television productions. He gained widespread recognition for his performances in films such as Omo University and Awusa. His career expanded into leading roles, with a breakthrough performance in The Ghost and the Tout (2018). followed by Kesari (2019), Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), President Kuti (2021), King of Thieves (2022) and Lisabi: The Uprising (2024).

Early Life and Education

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Ibrahim Yekini was born in Bariga, Lagos State, on January 1, 1980,[5] but hails from Abeokuta, in Ogun State, Nigeria.[6] He completed his primary and secondary education in Abeokuta. Ibrahim Yekini has always had a passion for acting and storytelling, which drew him into the Nigerian film industry at an early age.

Career

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Itele made his acting debut in the early 2000s, focusing primarily on Yoruba-language films, a subset of Nollywood, which caters to Yoruba-speaking audiences. His early career saw him taking on supporting roles, but his talent quickly gained recognition, leading to his first venture into film production in 2004.

Yekini made his directorial debut with the action drama Kesari (2016) and has since directed the drama Oba Bi Olorun (2021), and the political drama President Kuti (2021), His breakthrough came with the movie Kesari (2018),[7] where he not only acted but also produced and directed. The film, a high-octane action thriller, became a significant hit and established him as a leading figure in Yoruba cinema. The film was a box office bomb receiving N55.5 million in Nigeria’s box office.[8] Since then, Yekini has starred in, produced, and directed several notable films, most of which fall under the genres of action, drama, and thrillers.

Filmography

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Film

Year Title Director Writer Producer
2018 Kesari Yes Yes Yes
2021 Oba Bi Olorun Yes Yes No
President Kuti Yes No Yes
2022 Kakatu No Yes No
Ojukoro Yes Yes No
2023 Késárí: The King Yes Yes Yes
2023 World Famous Yes Yes Yes

Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2015 Omo University Coal
2017 Awusa
2021 Jankariwo Show
Kute Talu
President Kuti President Kuti
Oba Bi Olorun Aremu
2018 The Ghost and the Tout Ghetto Tout
Kesari Kesari
2019 Akalamagbo Adisa
Adebimpe Omo Oba Adewole
77 Bullets Silent
2020 Omo Ghetto: The Saga Jericho
2023 A Tribe Called Judah Itele
2024 Lisabi: The Uprising Salako
For My Area Shege
Jagun Jagun Gbenga

Awards and nominations

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Year Event Category Result Ref
2019 City People Entertainment Awards Best Movie Producer Won
Best Yoruba Actor Nominated
2020 Nollywood Awards (BON) Best Actor Won
2023 Emperor Awards Best Actor of the Year Won
Best Director of the Year Won
2024 African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) Best Actor Nominated [9]

References

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  1. ^ Blessing, Enenaite (2024-03-22). ""I luv shoes": Itele D Icon shares how he got his stage name, fashion influences". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  2. ^ "Ibrahim Yekini beats Lateef Adedimeji, others to best actor award". pmnewsnigeria. December 6, 2020.
  3. ^ Oluwayemi, Victoria (July 31, 2023). "Actor Itele bags double awards". pmnewsnigeria.
  4. ^ Nathaniel, Kome (2024-05-07). "These actors are nominated for an AMVCA for the first time in 2024". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  5. ^ Okanlawon, Taiwo (January 1, 2024). "Nollywood Actor Ibrahim Yekini clocks 44". pmnewsnigeria.
  6. ^ Sadiq, Mobola (2021-06-13). "I once worked as bricklayer to buy filmmaking equipment —Itele d Icon". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  7. ^ Oloruntoyin, Faith (2024-01-08). "Yoruba epic title 'Kesari' will begin streaming on Netflix this January". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  8. ^ Dan-Awoh, Deborah (2023-09-15). ""Kesari" makes top 5 grossing movie with N55.5 million in Nigeria's box office". Nairametrics. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  9. ^ Oshunloye, Taiwo (2024-05-08). "Ibrahim Yekini, Layi Wasabi, Tana Adelana... here are first-time AMVCA nominees". TheCable Lifestyle. Retrieved 2024-10-02.