If you were a fan of Nigerian TV shows in 2013, you probably remember some of the fresh faces that graced the screens with their talent and charisma.
Shows like Shuga Naija, GidiUp, Lekki Wives and others introduced us to a new generation of actors and actresses who were ready to take the industry by storm.
But where are they now? What have they been up to since then? In this article, we will take a look at five of them and see how their careers have progressed over the years.
1. OC Ukeje
OC Ukeje was one of the main stars of GidiUp, a web series that followed the lives of four friends trying to make it in Lagos.
He played Obi, a banker who had a complicated relationship with his girlfriend Tokunbo (played by Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama).
OC was already an established actor before GidiUp, having won several awards for his roles in movies like Confusion Na Wa, Alan Poza and Half of a Yellow Sun.
He has since appeared in more films and TV shows, both in Nigeria and abroad, such as Potato Potahto, The Arbitration, King of Boys and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
2. Keira Hewatch
Keira Hewatch was one of the breakout stars of Lekki Wives, a drama series that explored the lives of wealthy women living in the upscale neighborhood of Lekki.
She played Peace, a naive and religious wife who was oblivious to her husband’s infidelity and shady dealings.
Keira impressed viewers with her comic timing and emotional range, earning her several nominations and awards.
She has also featured in other movies and shows, such as Two Brides and a Baby, Flower Girl, Fifty and The Men’s Club.
3. Emmanuel Ikubese
Emmanuel Ikubese was another cast member of Shuga Naija, where he played Femi, a handsome and charming photographer who had HIV.
He also reprised his role in the fourth season of Shuga, which was set in Kenya. Emmanuel used his platform to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and sexual health among young people, becoming a UN ambassador for the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.
He has also ventured into other aspects of entertainment, such as hosting, modelling and producing. He recently got married to his longtime girlfriend Anita Adetoye, who is a popular makeup artist.
4. Deyemi Okanlawon
Deyemi Okanlawon was another lead actor in GidiUp, where he played Yvonne (played by Oreka Godis)’s boyfriend Folarin, who was an aspiring musician.
He showed his versatility as an actor by playing different genres and roles in various movies and shows, such as Knocking on Heaven’s Door, This Is It, Dinner, Isoken and Castle & Castle.
He has also won several awards and recognition for his work, such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Actor in a Short Film in 2017.
5. Kiki Omeili
Kiki Omeili was one of the supporting actresses in Lekki Wives, where she played Lovette, a cunning and ambitious wife who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted.
She proved her talent as an actress by delivering memorable performances in other projects, such as Married but Living Single, Gbomo Gbomo Express, Catch.er and Run.
She has also branched out into producing and directing her own films, such as Unprotected and The Valley.
Reflecting on the dynamic Nigerian TV scene of 2013, we trace the journeys of five rising stars from shows like Shuga Naija and GidiUp.
Once fresh faces full of promise, we explore where their paths have led since those charismatic debuts. From household names to roles behind the scenes, their impact on the industry endures.
As we bid adieu to this nostalgic trip, we toast to the resilience and growth of these actors and actresses, wishing their futures to be as bright as their beginnings on Nigerian television.
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