Joke Silva turned 65 on September 29, 2026, just days before the Night of Tributes for her late husband, veteran actor Olu Jacobs. As Nigeria prepares to honour Jacobs at the September 30 ceremony, Silva is also receiving renewed attention for her own decades-long career as an actress, director, producer, teacher and cultural leader.
Jacobs died on September 16 at the age of 84. His family scheduled the Night of Tributes for September 30 at Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos, followed by his funeral service on October 2.
But who exactly is Joke Silva, and how did she become one of the most recognisable names in Nigerian theatre, film and television?
Who is Joke Silva?
Joke Silva is a Nigerian veteran actress, director, producer, acting coach and cultural leader whose professional career has covered theatre, film, television and radio.
According to her profile on the Lufodo Group website, Silva began working professionally in 1981 after training at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. She also holds a degree in English from the University of Lagos.
She was born in Lagos on September 29, 1961, making her 65 in 2026.
Rather than being known only for her screen appearances, Silva has spent decades working across different parts of Nigeria’s creative industry, including performance, production, training and arts advocacy.
How did Joke Silva start her acting career?
Silva’s career began in theatre before she became widely recognised through film and television.
Her training at the Webber Douglas Academy gave her a formal foundation in dramatic arts, while her work in Nigeria placed her among the generation of performers who helped strengthen professional theatre and screen acting.
The Lufodo Group describes her career as spanning stage, film, television and radio since 1981.
Her career has also extended beyond Nigeria, with appearances and collaborations connected to international productions.
One of the films associated with her international screen career is The Secret Laughter of Women, in which she appeared alongside Colin Firth and Nia Long.
What movies is Joke Silva known for?
Joke Silva has appeared in a wide range of Nigerian and international productions throughout her career.
Among the films frequently associated with her career are The Women’s Cot and White Waters, performances that also brought her Africa Movie Academy Awards recognition.
Her work has not been limited to movies. Theatre has remained an important part of her career, while television has helped introduce her performances to wider Nigerian audiences.
That combination of stage and screen work has contributed to her reputation as one of the country’s veteran performers.
How many awards has Joke Silva won?
Joke Silva has received major recognition for her contribution to acting and the creative arts.
Lufodo describes her as a five-time Africa Movie Academy Award winner, including a Lifetime Achievement Award received in 2016.
She was also honoured by the Nigerian government in 2014 with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR.
Her recognitions reflect a career that has extended beyond individual acting roles into wider contributions to Nigerian theatre and the creative economy.
What was Joke Silva’s relationship with Olu Jacobs?
Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs were one of Nigeria’s best-known acting couples.
Their relationship was also a professional partnership. Together, they co-founded the Lufodo Group, which became involved in production and the development of performing arts in Nigeria.
The couple also established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, an institution focused on training people interested in careers in the creative industry.
Jacobs‘ death on September 16 has placed Silva in the public spotlight again, particularly as his funeral ceremonies begin.
Her 65th birthday also came during the period of mourning, making this year’s celebration markedly different from previous birthdays.
What is Lufodo and why is it important?
Lufodo is part of Silva’s contribution to the industry beyond acting.
The Lufodo Group was co-founded by Silva and Jacobs and has interests in creative production and performing arts education.
The organisation also manages Glover Memorial Hall, one of Nigeria’s historic theatre and event spaces.
Through these institutions, Silva has been involved in creating opportunities for performers and helping develop the next generation of creative professionals.
That work is an important part of understanding her career because her influence has not depended solely on the movies and television programmes in which she appeared.
Joke Silva’s work beyond acting
Silva has also taken on leadership and advocacy roles within Nigeria’s creative sector.
Her official biography describes her involvement in arts education, mentorship, women’s empowerment and cultural advocacy. She has also served in leadership positions connected to arts organisations and Women in Film & TV.
Her career therefore represents several sides of the entertainment industry: performer, educator, producer, mentor and institution builder.
Why Joke Silva is trending at 65
Joke Silva’s 65th birthday comes at a particularly significant moment.
She turned 65 on September 29, while the Night of Tributes for Olu Jacobs is scheduled for September 30 and his funeral service for October 2.
The timing has brought renewed attention to Silva’s own story, separate from her identity as Jacobs‘ wife.
For more than four decades, she has built a career of her own across theatre, television, film and arts education.
As Nigeria remembers Olu Jacobs, the attention surrounding Silva’s 65th birthday also offers an opportunity to look at the career and legacy of the woman who has remained one of the country’s most recognisable figures in the performing arts.
