Nollywood, Africa’s largest film industry, continues to grow, producing some of the best movies and actors in the world. Every year, fresh talents emerge, bringing new energy and creativity to the screen.
In 2025, a new generation of actors is making waves, proving that the future of Nollywood is in good hands. These rising Nollywood stars are redefining storytelling with their unique styles.
Many started as supporting actors, social media influencers, or theatre performers. Today, they are gaining recognition for their outstanding performances in blockbuster films and hit series.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to ten Nollywood rising stars who are making an impact in the industry. If you’re a fan of Nollywood movies, these are the names you should be paying attention to!
Top 10 Rising Nollywood Stars In 2025
- Chidi Dike
- Uche Montana
- Genoveva Umeh
- Sandra Okunzuwa
- Martha Ehinome
- Temi Fosudo
- Tomi Ojo
- Mike Afolarin
- Chimezie Imo
- Chinenye Nnebe
1. Chidi Dike
His acting career gained significance through collaborations with actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri. The filmmaker was quick to recognise his potential and took a chance to feature him in her movie “Better Half,” where he starred alongside Uche Montana.
This role not only showcased Dike’s acting prowess but also contributed to the film’s success, which helped to enhance both his and Kadiri’s reputations in Nollywood. Thanks to Kadiri’s mentorship, Dike had a platform to display his talent and gain popularity within the industry.
His journey from a passionate aspiring actor to part of the rising Nollywood stars shows dedication and the importance of mentorship in the entertainment industry.
2. Uche Montana
Since then, Uche has taken on more diverse roles, proving that she is more than just a romantic lead. Her ability to seamlessly transition from drama to comedy has made her one of the most in-demand Nollywood rising stars.
3. Genoveva Umeh
As one of the rising Nollywood stars, Umeh gained prominence for her role as “Timileyin” in the Netflix series “Blood Sisters,” which premiered on May 5, 2022.
Umeh’s talent and dedication have been recognised with notable awards. In 2022, she was voted Breakout Actress of the Year at the NET Honours.
Her performance in “Breath of Life” earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Genoveva Umeh continues to make significant progress in Nollywood, captivating audiences with her versatile performances and dedication to her craft.
4. Chimezie Imo
Chimezie also gained recognition for his roles in Shuga Naija and Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards. His ability to portray deep, intricate characters has earned him praise from critics and audiences alike.
Chimezie’s dedication to his craft suggests that he will continue to be a major player in Nollywood, taking on challenging and inspiring roles.
5. Chinenye Nnebe
One of Chinenye’s most notable roles was in “Dry (2015)”, a critically acclaimed movie directed by Stephanie Linus. In the film, she delivered a compelling performance as a young girl forced into child marriage, a role that earned her industry praise.
As a rising Nollywood star, Chinenye has received industry recognition, including the Best Child Actress award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for her role in Dry.
With her growing list of successful movies and a dedicated fan base, she continues to establish herself as one of Nollywood’s most promising young actresses.
6. Sandra Okunzuwa
In “Dear Dianne”, she delivered a standout performance that solidified her reputation as a powerhouse actress. Her role in “Pure” further demonstrated her range.
Sandra is more than capable of taking on challenging lead roles. She is not just an actress; she is a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood.
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7. Martha Ehinome
Martha gained significant recognition for her role as Caroline Pratt in the film “The Herbert Macaulay Affair,” which portrays the life of Nigerian nationalist Herbert Macaulay.
In 2023, Ehinome played Tumi in the Showmax original series Wura, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress.
Her performance in the film “Dear Bayo” earned her two nominations at the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, highlighting her growing prominence in the Nigerian film industry.
As one of the rising Nollywood stars, her dedication to her craft and her ability to embody different characters have made her a respected figure in Nollywood.
8. Temi Fosudo
A deep understanding of character development marks his performances, and his artistic vision sets him apart from the crowd. With a passion for producing and directing, Temi is poised to leave a lasting impact on Nollywood beyond his acting roles.
9. Tomi Ojo
Her ability to deliver nuanced performances has earned her praise from critics and audiences alike. With each new project, she proves she has what it takes to become one of Nollywood’s leading actresses.
Her future in the industry looks incredibly bright, and she has more roles lined up that will further showcase her immense talent.
10. Mike Afolarin
A role that highlighted his ability to take on complex characters. His performance in “Your Excellency” further cemented his place as one of the industry’s most exciting new talents.
Mike’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries ensures that he will continue to rise in Nollywood’s changing environment.
The Future Of Rising Nollywood Stars
As Nollywood continues to change, these rising stars are set to become the faces of the Nollywood industry. Many of them are already working on international collaborations.
While others explore directing and producing their projects, with their talent, determination, and growing influence, we can expect them to lead Nollywood into an even more prosperous era.
In the coming years, these rising Nollywood stars will not only dominate the local industry. But also make their mark on the international stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the 10 Top Actresses in Nigeria?
Some of Nollywood’s top actresses include Funke Akindele, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Toyin Abraham, Mercy Johnson, Mercy Aigbe, Bukky Wright, Faithia Balogun, Rita Dominic, and Ini Edo. Their talent and influence have made significant impacts on the Nollywood industry.
2. Who is the Most Successful Nollywood Actor?
Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) is considered one of the most successful Nollywood actors. He remains a major figure in the Nollywood industry with decades of experience, numerous awards, and an estimated net worth of $7 million.
3. Who is the Biggest Star in Nollywood?
Genevieve Nnaji is widely regarded as Nollywood’s biggest star. Her influence extends beyond acting to directing, with her film Lionheart being Netflix’s first Nigerian acquisition.
4. Where is Nollywood Ranked in the World?
Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, is the second-largest film industry after Bollywood (the Indian film industry).
Final Thoughts On Rising Nollywood Stars
The future of Nollywood is in good hands, with these talented actors leading the charge as they continue to grow and refine their craft.
There’s no doubt that they will become household names both in Nigeria and beyond. Their dedication to storytelling, commitment to high-quality performances, and ability to connect with audiences make them the future icons of Nollywood.
If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to start following these rising Nollywood stars. Who knows? They could be the biggest names in African cinema in a few years!