Joke Silva

Joke Silva (listen) MFR is a Nigerian actress, director, and businesswoman. In 1998 she had a major role, starring opposite Colin Firth and Nia Long in the British-Canadian film The Secret Laughter of Women. In 2006, she won “Best Actress in a Leading Role” at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards for her performance in Women’s Cot, and “Best Actress in a Supporting Role” at the 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008 for her performance as a grandmother in White Waters.

Silva is married to actor Olu Jacobs. The couple founded and operate the Lufodo Group, a media corporation that consists of film production, distribution assets, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts where she serves as Director of Studies. She is also the pioneer managing director of Malete Film Village, in association with Kwara State University. On 29 September 2014, Silva received recognition as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, one of Nigeria’s National Honours, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Silva was born in Lagos, Nigeria into a Saro/Amaro family of four children. Her mother, the pioneering doctor Adebimbola Silva, died in July 2015. Her father, Chief Emmanuel Afolabi Silva, was a lawyer, and her great-grandfathers were the prominent Colonial Nigerians Charles Phillips and Samuel Herbert Pearse.