NOLLYWOOD'S RISING STARS - LeVogue Magazine

Tobi Bakre is an actor, model, host, compere, and photographer.His rise to fame began with his participation as a finalist in the 2018 edition of Big Brother Naija, where he finished as the 2nd runner-up. He embarked on his acting journey with a role on the Nigerian daily show “Hustle” and achieved a significant breakthrough in cinema with the movie “Sugar Rush.” Since then, Tobi has graced the screen in a range of impressive titles including “The Rattle Snake,” “Fix Us,” “MTV Shuga,” and “The Blood Covenant,” among others. His standout performance in the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of 2022, “Brotherhood,” garnered widespread recognition within the industry. He has also showcased his talents in various television series, including the acclaimed “Jenifa’s Diary” alongside Funke Akindele.

He achieved another significant milestone with a lead role in the movie “Gangs of Lagos” and has been recognized with awards, notably winning Best Actor at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. As the spotlight beckons, Tobi’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft, with his talent and charm, he is on his way to becoming one of Nollywood’s biggest names.

Chinenye Nnebe is an actress, model, and television personality. With a strong foundation in the industry as the daughter of renowned filmmaker, Uche Nancy, Chinenye began her acting career at the tender age of three. Her breakthrough came with her role in the hit movie “Dry,” where she portrayed young Zara, earning her the African Magic Movies Award for Most Promising Actress in 2017. Since then, Chinenye has graced numerous Nollywood productions such as “World of Lust,” “More Than Sisters,” “Living Nightmare,” “Voice of a Mother,” and “Loving Cherry,” among others.

Beyond the silver screen, Chinenye Nnebe’s influence extends to the world of modeling, where she has collaborated with esteemed brands such as Ammievals Gallery, Jenny Glows Beauty Products, Sonia Hair Extensions, and Omah’s World. As she continues to hone her craft and take on diverse roles, Chinenye Nnebe’s future in the entertainment industry looks incredibly promising, with her poised to become one of Nollywood’s brightest stars.

Ray Emodi is a model, actor, and media personality. His journey began in the USA, where he kickstarted his career as a model before transitioning into acting, making his acting debut in “Reality Check” (2011), capturing attention with his brief yet impactful portrayal as Jon Hazard. However, it was his starring role in “Heaven on My Mind” that propelled him into the limelight, sharing the screen with renowned Nollywood actors like Ini Edo and Uche Jombo. Not limited to acting, Ray has also showcased his writing and producing skills, with three films under his belt: “God’s Own Villa,” “Lies Hidden in the Truth,” and “You Don’t Say”. His talent has been acknowledged with awards, including the City People Movie Award for Revelation of the Year.

Throughout his illustrious career spanning over a decade, Ray has graced the screen in over 90 films, showcasing his talent and versatility. Some of his notable works include “Shadowed Love,” “She is the One,” “Just A Sin,” “Entangled Guilt,” “Jemima the Trophy Wife,” and “Gigi’s Wake,” solidifying his status as one of Nollywood’s most sought-after male actors. Beyond the realm of cinema, Ray’s creative endeavours extend to music, where he collaborates with fellow Nigerian artiste Ouma Ibrahim to deliver captivating singles such as “B.P,” “Steph Curry,” “The Youth,” and “The Best”. Ray Emodi’s versatility, charisma, and dedication mark him as a rising star to watch in Nollywood, with his talent extending across multiple creative domains.

Nigerian-British actress and model, Genoveva Umeh, gained recognition for her role as Timileyin Ademola in the Netflix mini-drama “Blood Sisters.” Her passion for acting ignited during secondary school, leading her to pursue formal training at the Identity School of Acting in the UK. Genoveva honed her craft through performances in various plays at the Hammersmith Theatre in London before she relocated to Lagos, Nigeria, in 2018 to further her acting career.

Genoveva’s accomplishments include writing and performing the one-woman stage play “Home,” which premiered at the Lagos Fringe Festival and later in Bloemfontein, South Africa. In addition to her notable role in “Blood Sisters,” she has appeared in award-winning films such as “Far from Home,” “Breath of Life,” and “A Tribe Called Judah,” along with appearances in “Survivors Guilt,” “The Crazy Wife,” “One Lagos Night,” and the MTV series “Shuga.”

Genoveva’s rise in Nollywood is a testament to her unique talent and unwavering dedication. With each role, she breathes life into characters, leaving audiences spellbound. As her journey unfolds, it promises to be a captivating tale of passion, perseverance, and triumph in the world of Nigerian cinema.

Mike Afolarin is an actor, photographer, short film director, and movie producer. He gained widespread fame for portraying Ishaya Bello in the Netflix Original Drama Series, “Far from Home.” His journey in entertainment began during his university days when he was selected for a play, marking his acting debut in the 2013 production, “Magic Time.”

Over time, Mike expanded into filmmaking, creating notable works like “Short Films Peace” and “An Interview Story.” Within the industry, Mike contributed to various projects, serving as a set designer, aerial photographer, and associate producer. Notably, he collaborated with director Lord Tanner on the Comprehensive Investment Documentary project for the Oyo State Government in 2018, where he worked as an aerial photographer. Since his acting debut in 2013, Mike has appeared in several films such as “Stuck in Deep,” “Mud,” “Fortunately Ridiculous,” “Your Excellency,” “Chasing Shadows,” “Inspector K,” “Soole,” “Kasala,” and more.

As Mike Afolarin continues to carve his path in Nollywood, his talent and dedication illuminate the Nigerian film industry. Keep an eye on this rising star as he shines brighter with each step of his remarkable career.