Joke Silva

About Joke Silva

The Secret Laughter of Women brought Joke Silva onto the global stage in 1998. Starring opposite Colin Firth and Nia Long in this British-Canadian production, she proved herself capable of holding her own among international talent.

Silva's career trajectory demonstrated remarkable consistency. She continued taking on challenging roles throughout the 2000s, building a reputation as one of Nigeria's most dependable actresses.

In 2006, she won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards for her performance in Women's Cot. The recognition validated her approach to selecting scripts with depth and purpose.

Her success on screen led to another AMAA award in 2008. She won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for White Waters, where she delivered a powerful performance as a grandmother. Two major awards within three years marked her as a force in African cinema.

Silva's ambitions extended beyond acting. She married veteran actor Olu Jacobs, and together they founded the Lufodo Group, a comprehensive media corporation. The company encompasses film production, distribution assets, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, where Silva serves as Director of Studies. This venture transformed her from performer into industry architect.

Her influence on Nigerian cinema grew further when she became the pioneer managing director of Malete Film Village in association with Kwara State University. The role positioned her at the intersection of education, creativity, and institutional development.

On 29 September 2014, Silva received the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, one of Nigeria's National Honours. The prestigious award came at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, cementing her status as a national treasure.

Silva's journey reflects a deliberate evolution from actress to businesswoman and educator. Through the Lufodo Group and her various institutional roles, she has become instrumental in shaping the next generation of Nigerian performers and filmmakers.