Who are Nollywood's Richest Actors and Actresses?

Nollywood is undisputedly the giant of movie production in Africa. This movie industry is said to produce about 50 movies a week, raking in an impressive $590 million dollars annually. Although Nollywood still has some challenges to conquer (piracy, mass production of low budget movies, insufficient government funding, religion and bias) Nollywood has produced some of the finest actors and actresses in Africa. But who are Nollywood’s Richest Actors and Actresses?

These celebrity artists have succeeded in making a name for themselves, and of course amassing great amount of wealth.

So who are the richest actors and actresses currently topping the charts?

In this article, we ranked the top five richest Nollywood actors and top five richest Nollywood actresses according to their estimated net worth.

Nollywood’s Richest Actors

Richard Mofe Damijo ($15 million)

RMD tops the list of the richest Nigerian actor, with an estimated $15,000,000. RMD began acting back in the 90’s and is considered one of Nollywood’s pioneer actors. He is highly sought after for romantic roles thanks to his good looks, body physique and good diction.

Apart from acting, RMD earns money as a brand ambassador for heavy weight companies in Africa. He also works as a TV and event host for shows and events. He was formerly a commissioner for culture and tourism in Delta state.

Desmond Eliot ($10 million)

Desmond is the second richest actor in Nollywood. Desmond started his career as an actor for lead roles in romantic movies. He later transitioned into movie directing and production.

Currently, Desmond Elliot earns money from brand endorsements from major companies like GLO and Pepsi. He is also actively involved in politics, working as a member of the house of representatives of Surulere Constituency.

Jim Iyke ($8 million)

Third on the list is Nigerian bad boy actor, Jim Iyke. Jim Iyke is highly sought after for his skills and ability to own his character. Apart from acting, Jim Iyke is a shrewd businessman with investments in movie production, water bottling, fashion and design, and other investments. He is the founder of the Jim Iyke Foundation for Children with Special Disabilities.

Chidi Mokeme ($7 million)

With an estimated earnings of $7 million dollars, Chidi Mokeme ranks number four of richest Nollywood actors. Chidi started acting late in the 90’s and has since diversified into modelling, movie production, music, businesses and politics.

He also works as an ambassador for major brands in Africa, like Gulder. Chidi is popularly remembered for hosting three seasons of the popular Nigerian reality TV show, Gulder Ultimate Show.

Segun Arinze ($5.1 million)

Segun Arinze comes fifth in the list of richest Nigerian actors. A veteran and seasoned actor, Segun has diversified into other branches of the entertainment industry like singing, movie production, directing and hosting for events, television and radio commercials.

Nollywood’s Richest Actresses

Rita Dominic ($950 million)

Rita tops the list of Nollywood’s richest actresses in Nigeria. Rita is one of Nigeria’s seasoned and veteran actors with a flair for romantic roles. Apart from acting, Rita works as a movie producer, director, event and TV host and one of GLO’s beloved ambassadors.

Genevieve Nnaji ($850 million)

Genevieve Nnaji is Nollywood’s favourite sweetheart and popularly called the Julia Roberts of Africa, a title conferred on her by Oprah Winfrey. She is also one of Nollywood’s pioneer and veteran actors. Genevieve features in the best of Nollywood cinematic movies.

She also works as a movie producer, musician, model and ambassador for top brands like Etisalat, Amstel Malta, Lux and MUD. Genevieve will always be remembered as the first actress to win the coveted Best Actress Award.

Mercy Johnson ($600 million)

Mercy Johnson is Nigeria’s favourite actress and drama queen and earns a reported #2 million per role. Mercy is highly sought after for her energy and personality. Since her entrance into the limelight, Mercy has repeatedly featured in top movies in Nigeria.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde ($550 million)

Omotola is fondly called Omosexy by her multitude of fans. Apart from her professionalism in acting, Omotola is highly revered for her great contributions in setting the pace and standard for professional acting, production and directing.

Omotola is considered the most influential Nollywood actress alive, with an estimated three million followers on Facebook. In 2013 she was listed in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.

Very recently, Omotola was nominated as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (OSCARS) This nomination was given to honour her accomplishments in advancing theatrical motion pictures in Nigeria.

Funke Akindele ($510 million)

Fondly called Jenifa, Funke Akindele rose to stardom after acting the lead role in the popular movie Jenifa. Her stellar performance in this movie earned her multiple awards, fame and major endorsement deals from top companies. Currently, Funke Akindele works as an ambassador to Africa’s largest movie network, Irokotv.

Do you think these Nollywood’s richest actors and actresses have what it takes to remain on the top? Yes, they do. They certainly are not slowing down in their efforts to push the boundaries of Nollywood into global territories and carve niches for them in the global film industry.