Biography of Joke Silva
Joke Silva is an award-winning Nigerian actress, movie director, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. For an actress who has stood the test of time, she has become a pacesetter in the Nigerian movie industry. The veteran actress is a force to be reckoned with.
Early life and background of Joke Silva
Joke Silva was born on 29 September, 1961 into an Amaro family of four children. She was adopted decades ago by Chief E.A and Dr Abimbola Silva. Her foster mom was a pioneering Doctor who died in July, 2015. Her dad was a lawyer. She attended YWCA Nursery and Holy Child College Lagos for her primary and secondary school education. Joke took some time off school to work on her acting career. She moved to England to study at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. At first, her parents weren’t supportive of her decisions but soon approve, applauding her successful career.
During a slow period of her career, she returned back to study to study English at the university of Lagos. At the university she was part of a cultural group that included the playwright Bode Osanyin and the singer Stella Monye. The cultural group always had performances all around Lagos and outside Nigeria. At one of the stage plays, she caught the attention of someone who invited her to come and work with the National Television Authority (NTA). Working with NTA set her on a bigger platform to showcase her talent. She started doing radio productions and got invited to work at the National Theatre.
Her Acting Career
Joke Silva launched her film career in the early 1990s. Joke Silva Silva has starred in numerous films and television series in both the English and Yoruba languages.
She starred in the 1990 English film Mind Bending. She also featured in Owulorojo (1993) Violated (1995). The beautiful actress got a leading role in the British-Canadian film The Secret Laughter of Women (1998). In 2002, Joke Silva starred in Keeping Faith alongside Bimbo Akintola, who later cited her as a major influence in her career. Many budding actors have been inspired by her works.
Other movies she has featured in include Women’s Cot (2006) 30 days (2006) To love and to Hold (2007) White waters (2007) Phone swap (2011) If I am President (2018) Chief daddy (2018) Light in the dark (2019) The Set up (2019)amongst others. In 2013, she starred in the stage play “Mad King of Ijudiya” which was described by Vanguard as a “rich blend of folklore, traditional dance and music that naturally transports the audience to a typical African village setting”.
Joke Silva and her husband, Olu Jacobs run Lufodo Group, a media corporation that consists of film production, distribution assets and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. She’s the Director of Studies at the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, while her husband chairs the school. She is also the pioneer managing director of Malete Film Village, in association with the Kwara State University. She has also created content for the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Theatre, Film, Documentary and Poetry and the 2012 London Olympics.
Her Endorsements
Joke Silva was a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, from 2012 – 2015. The appointment was in accordance with the UN policy of enlisting prominent figures in art, music, film, sport and literature to assist with their campaigns,
Silva’s role was focused on her participation in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
AIICO Pension Managers Limited (APML), endorsed her as an ambassador on the 16th of September 2016.
She also bagged a deal with Razor Pharmaceutical industry.
She is an ambassador of the African Pavilion.
Her Philanthropic Works
Besides being a prolific actress, Joke Silva is a philanthropist and a strong supporter of women’s emancipation and empowerment, contributing to their education, training and progress.
Joke Silva’s Relationship and Family Life
Joke Silva is married to veteran actor Olu Jacobs and has two children. They’ve been together for over 30 years and they’re still waxing strong.
Awards and Nominations
EMOTAN Award by the African Independent Television (AIT)
SOLIDRA Award for Visual Art
Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards – 2006
10 nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards – 2008
Best Supporting Actress at the Africa Movie Academy Awards – 2008
Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) – 2014
Joke Silva’s Net Worth
According to online sources, she’s enlisted as one of the most successful actresses in the movie industry with an estimated net worth of $1.2 million dollars.
