Omowunmi Dada () (born 2 October 1989) is a Nigerian actress,[1] best known for her role as Folake in the M-Net television series Jemeji.[2] She was also cast in the 2017 Yoruba language film Somewhere in the Dark, which won the award for Best Indigenous Film at the 2017 AMVCA Awards,[3] and for which she received a nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba) at the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2017.[4] In 2018, Dada played the voice of the titular character in Nigeria's first animation full-length feature film, Sade.[5]
Omowunmi Dada | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 2 October 1989 Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Alma mater | University of Lagos |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2013–present |
Omowunmi Dada is also a voice-over artist, presenter, and model. The talented actress aspires to be a movie director and producer someday. Also, she is a brand ambassador for Jumia Nigeria.
Early life
editDada was born in Lagos State, where she attended Ifako International Nursery and Primary School for her primary education, during this time, she became a member of the Yoruba Cultural Troupe. She went on to attend Command Day Secondary School, Oshodi, for her secondary education and studied Creative Arts at the University of Lagos.[6][7]
Career
editDada began her acting career, taking small parts in stage plays while at the university. Her first major stage performance was in the play Moremi Ajasoro, which was directed by Femi Oke.[6] In 2013, she began her movie career with a role in the film Oya alongside veteran Nigerian actor Tunji Sotimirin,[6] she then went on to feature in other notable films including the Kunle Afolayan directed Omugwo alongside Patience Ozokwor and Ayo Adesanya.[6]
Dada has featured in several Television series, including the EbonylifeTv series Married to the Game,[8] Best Friends and Dere an African Adaptation of Disney's "Cinderella ".[9] She also features in the M-net Television series Jemeji and has had roles in Tinsel, So Wrong so Wright, Needles Eyes and Bella’s Place amongst others.[8]
In 2017, Dada featured in the critically acclaimed stage production, Isale Eko, a stage play, which was adopted as part of the activities sanctioned by the government of Lagos state to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of Lagos State.[10]
In 2018, Dada was cast in the titular role of Sade, in Nigeria's first full-feature length Animation movie titled SADE which was set for release in 2019.[5][11]
Dada featured in Tunde Kelani’s film, Ayinla, alongside Kunle Afolayan and Lateef Adedimeji.
In December 2017, she was nominated as the Best Actress for the Year in Nigeria by award-winning Nigerian filmmaker and critic, Charles Novia.[12]
Dada is an Ambassador for Daivyan children Cancer Foundation that advocates for the awareness and support for children living with cancer. She is also an Ambassador for Brian Wotari Foundation that is focused on engaging and enriching lives of youths.[citation needed]
In 2021, Dada played the role of an investigative journalist, Halima Abdul in the Psalm Oderinde directed short film Rebirth, produced by Chris Odeh of Sozo Films for Homevida Masterclass, and written by Thecla Uzozie and Dawn Ntekim-Rex.
At the 8th edition of Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in 2022, she won the Best Supporting actress category for the movie Country Hard.
Filmography
editSelected feature films
edit- The Gods are Still Not To Blame (2012)
- Ojuju (2014) as Peju
- The Antique (2015) as Uyi's Friend
- Somewhere in the Dark (2016)
- Yes I Don't (2016) as Mayen
- Omugwo (2017) as Omotunde
- Bias (2017)
- Something Wicked (2017) as Vivian
- Chatch-er (2017) as Eva Osaro
- King Invincible (2017) as Princess Morenike
- Bedroom Points (2018)
- The Ghost and the Tout (2018) as Janet
- Just Before I do (2018)
- Oga Bolaji (2018) as Victoria
- Like Dominoes (2018)
- The Family (2019)
- Diamonds in the Sky (2019) Teniola
- Òlòtūré (2019) as Linda
- Sade (2019) as Sade
- Zena (2019)[13] as Mahila
- The Man Who Cuts Tattoos (2019)
- City of Bastards (2019)
- Nightcrawlers (2020)
- The Sessions (2020) as Onome
- Reach (2020)
- Finding Hubby (2020) as Moroti
- The Blood Covenant
- Country Hard (2021) as Tola
- Elesin Oba, The King's Horseman[14] (2022) as Bride
- Ada Omo Daddy (2023) as Perosola Balogun
- Domino Effect (2023)[15] as Rita
- Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (2024)
Short films
edit- Not Right (2014) as Kunnbi
- Mirabel (2018) as Tonye Brasin
- Losing My Religion (2018) as Mother
- Fourth Side (2019)
- Rebirth (2022) as Halimah
Television series
edit- Jemeji (2017) as Folake
- Tinsel
- So Wrong So Wright
- Needles Eyes
- Tales of Eve (2013) as Daniella
- Taste of Love
- Casino
- Game On[16] (2020-2022) as Saze
- The Wages (2013) as Amaka
- Married To The Game- MTTG (2014-2015)
- Love, Lies & Alibi (2014)
- Alone (2018) as Eyal
- Shuga (2019)[13] as Barbie
- The Origin: Madam Koi-Koi (2023) as Madam Koi-Koi
Animations
edit- Sade (TBA)
Select stage plays
edit- Isale Eko 2
- Oya
- For the Love of Country
- Nigeria the Beautiful
- Vision of St Bernadette
- Death and the Kings Horsemen
- Trials of Brother Jero
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | CRMA | Best Actress | Nominated | |
| City People Movie Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | ||
| ELOY Awards | Best Actress on Big Screen and TV | Nominated | ||
| 2018 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actress in a Lead role –English | Nominated | [17] |
| 2019 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Nominated | [18] | |
| Best Actress in a Lead role –Yoruba | Nominated | |||
| Best Kiss in a Movie | Nominated | |||
| 2020 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Won | [19] |
| Best Kiss in a Movie | Nominated | [20] | ||
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Won | [21][22] |
| 2024 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards | Best Lead Actress | Nominated | [23] |
References
edit- ^ "AMVCA 2022: Movies, actors that got double nominations". Vanguard News. 9 May 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ Onoshe, Nwabuikwu (11 March 2018). "The gift of Jemeji". Punch Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ Ibrahim, Tanko (5 March 2017). "AMVCA 2017: See full list of winners". Punch Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ Izuzu, Chibumga (7 September 2017). "Bolanle Ninalowo, IK Ogbonna, Rachel Okonkwo, Omowumi Dada, "What Lies Within" among nominees". Pulse Nigeria. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ a b Irungu, Rapheal (27 May 2018). "Acting has opened difficult doors for me –Omowunmi Dada". The Sun Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ a b c d Onoshe, Nwabuikwu (30 April 2017). "Some people think I'm a snob— Omowunmi Dada". Punch Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ "OMOWUMI DADA: Art is a ministry for human emancipation". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 14 May 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ a b Olofinjana, Sola (8 October 2018). "BEING AN ACTRESS IS MY CALLING – FAST RISING ACTRESS, OMOWUNMI DADA". City People Magazine. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ "EBONYLIFE TV CONCLUDES FILMING OF THE MOVIE 'DERE' IN CALABAR". Calabar News. Lagos, Nigeria. 8 October 2016. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ DTTN, R (22 April 2017). "OMOWUNMI DADA DAZZLES ON STAGE". Daily Times Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ "Nollywood Actress Omowumi Dada". Naija Gist Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. 10 March 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ "Charles Novia: The Best 5 Actresses in Nollywood in 2017". BellaNaija. Lagos, Nigeria. 6 December 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ a b Posner, Abigail (16 September 2020). "Top details about Omowunmi Dada: Age, movies, career, net worth". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Elesin Oba, The King's Horseman to Premiere at Toronto – THISDAYLIVE". Google. 1 August 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ George, Freddie, Domino Effect (Thriller), Omowunmi Dada, Freddie George, Chika Ike, Freddie George Studios, retrieved 19 June 2024
- ^ Tv, Bn (14 February 2021). "The Cast of Ndani TV's "Game On" play 'Things I'd Do For Love' | Watch". BellaNaija. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ Augoye, Jayne (10 December 2018). "BON Awards 2018: Tope Oshin, Tana Adelana win big". Retrieved 9 October 2021.
- ^ Bada, Gbenga (15 December 2019). "BON Awards 2019: 'Gold Statue', Gabriel Afolayan win big at 11th edition". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
- ^ Augoye, Jayne (7 December 2020). "BON Awards: Laura Fidel, Kunle Remi win Best Kiss (Full List of Winners)". Retrieved 13 June 2021.
- ^ "Behold hot steppers and winners at BON awards 2020". Vanguard News. 12 December 2020. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
- ^ "I'm fulfilled, not satisfied - Actress Omowumi Dada". Punch Newspapers. 21 May 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ "Omowunmi Dada: You can do nudity in movies in creative way and it'll be tasteful". New Telegraph. 28 May 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ "AMVCA 2024 nominations full list: Over the Bridge get highest nomination". BBC News Pidgin. 25 March 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.