Nollywood icon Joke Silva turned 64 on Monday and marked the occasion with a heartfelt Instagram post.
She wrote, “Grateful Lord for your Mercy… your Faithfulness… for Protection… for Provision… for Family… for Friends… for Colleagues… thank you King of Glory for 64 amazing years.”
Here are six fun facts about the legendary actress you might not know.
1. An international stage debut
Before becoming a Nollywood household name, Joke Silva starred alongside Colin Firth and Nia Long in the 1998 film The Secret Laughter of Women, a role that put her on the global map.
2. Not the cooking kind
Despite her many talents, Silva admits she is not a fan of cooking. In a 2014 interview, she said, “I have never been a cooking kind of woman. When my husband met me, he knew. He was the one who used to do the cooking because he is good at it.”
3. A family of trailblazers
Joke Silva comes from a distinguished family. Her mother, Adebimbola Silva, was the third Nigerian woman to qualify as a medical doctor, while her father, Emmanuel Afolabi Silva, was a respected lawyer. Even her great-grandfathers were influential figures during Colonial Nigeria.
4. A passion for performing arts education
Beyond acting, Silva is committed to nurturing talent. She co-founded the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts with her husband, Olu Jacobs, and serves as its Director of Studies, mentoring aspiring actors.
5. A love story for the ages
Joke Silva met Olu Jacobs during Nigeria’s 21st Independence anniversary at the National Theatre in Lagos. Despite their age difference, they fell in love and married in the mid-1980s, building a partnership admired by fans across generations.
6. Awards and nominations
Her talent has earned her multiple accolades. She won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2006 for Women’s Cot, and Best Supporting Actress at the 4th edition in 2008 for White Waters. She also received the EMOTAN Award by African Independent Television and the SOLIDRA Award for Visual Art.
At 64, Joke Silva remains a force in Nollywood, inspiring with her international work, mentorship of young actors, and relatable personality. Happy birthday to a true icon.
