Joke Silva

Silva was born in Lagos, Nigeria, into a Saro/Amaro family of four children. Her mother, the pioneering doctor Adebimbola Silva, died in July 2015.{{cite web|url=https://thenet.ng/photos-from-the-burial-of-joke-silvas-mum/|title=Photos from the burial of Joke Silva's mum|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=23 September 2016}} Her father, Chief Emmanuel Afolabi Silva, was a lawyer,{{Cite news|url=http://ynaija.com/profile-day-joke-silva-charmed/|title=PROFILE: The day Joke Silva charmed me|last=Emeka|first=Mazi|date=26 August 2016|newspaper=YNaija|access-date=9 October 2016}} and her great-grandfathers were the prominent Colonial Nigerians Charles Phillips and Samuel Herbert Pearse.{{cite web|url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/07/20/abimbola-silva-embraced-a-preventive-approach-to-medicine-oyinsan/|website=pmnewsnigeria.com|title=Abimbola Silva embraced a preventive approach to medicine – Oyinsan|date=July 20, 2015|accessdate=May 17, 2022}}

Silva attended Holy Child College in Lagos.

A graduate of the University of Lagos and the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Silva began her career in film in the early 1990s. At university she was part of a cultural group that included the playwright Bode Osanyin and the singer Stella Monye.{{cite web|url=http://www.informationng.com/2014/10/celebrity-bio-nollywood-actress-joke-silvas-biography.html|title=Nollywood Actress Joke Silva's Biography|publisher=Information Nigeria|date=10 October 2014|access-date=23 September 2016}} She took a year off from her studies, during which time she began working as an actress before relocating to England where she studied Drama at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200905150067.html|title=On Set Joke Silva Divorces All|last=Okoye|first=Chinyere|date=14 May 2009|access-date=9 August 2010|location=AllAfrica Global Media}} Initially, her parents were opposed to Silva's decision to go into the theatre but they soon began to support her, happy at the success she made of her career.{{cite web|url=http://www.theelitesng.com/interview-my-life-as-a-medical-doctor-abimbola-silva-nigerias-oldest-female-doctor/|title=My Life As A Medical Doctor- Abimbola Silva, Nigeria's Oldest Female Doctor|date=31 July 2015 |publisher=The Elites|access-date=1 October 2016 }} During a slow period of her career, Silva returned to school, studying English at the University of Lagos.

Silva has starred in numerous films and television series in both the English and Yoruba languages.{{cite news|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/04/havent-featuring-yoruba-movies/|title=Why I haven't been featuring in Yoruba movies!|date=5 April 2013|work=The Vanguard|access-date=7 August 2015}} One of her earliest roles was in the 1990 English television series Mind Bending.

In 1993, she appeared in Owulorojo, followed by Violated in 1996.{{cite web|url=https://www.naij.com/570746-10-things-dont-know-joke-silva-photos.html|title=10 Things You Don't Know About Joke Silva|date=29 September 2015 |publisher=Naij.com|access-date=23 September 2016}} In 1998, she starred opposite Colin Firth and Nia Long in the British-Canadian film The Secret Laughter of Women, in which she portrayed Nene.{{cite web|url=http://old.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/review/547|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803095457/http://old.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/review/547|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 August 2012|title=The Secret Laughter of Women|publisher=British Film Institute|access-date=23 September 2016}} Author Finola Kerrigan noted that Silva stood out as an exceptional actress in the Nigerian film industry after mentioning her role.{{sfn|Kerrigan|2010|p=87}}

In 2002, Silva starred opposite Bimbo Akintola in Keeping Faith. Akintola later cited Silva, whom she refers to as "Aunty Joke", as a major career influence, adding, "Silva has done a lot, but it's not even about the things that she did, it's about the things she didn't realize that she did".{{cite web|url=https://thenet.ng/how-joke-silva-influenced-my-career-nollywood-actress-bimbo-akintola/|title=How Joke Silva influenced my career' – Nollywood actress, Bimbo Akintola|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|date=23 June 2016|access-date=23 September 2016}} Also in 2002, Silva co-produced and starred in The Kingmaker with Olu Jacobs.{{sfn|Foubiri|2015|p=351}} This was followed by roles in pictures such as A Husband's Wife (2003), Shylock (2004), and A Past Came Calling (2004).{{cite web|url=http://www.lapanig.com/faculty.html|title=JOKE Silva – Director of Studies Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts|publisher=Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts|access-date=23 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930023910/http://www.lapanig.com/faculty.html|archive-date=30 September 2016|url-status=dead}}

In 2006, Silva was awarded the "Best Actress in a Leading Role" award at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards for her role in Women's Cot.{{cite web|url=http://www.ama-awards.com/winners.html |title=AMAA 2006 – List of Winners |publisher=Africa Movie Academy Awards |access-date=11 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212002056/http://www.ama-awards.com/winners.html |archive-date=12 February 2008 |url-status=dead }}{{cite book|title=Tell|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eYEuAQAAIAAJ|year=2006|publisher=Tell Communications Limited|page=48}}

Later that year, Silva starred opposite Genevieve Nnaji in Mildred Okwo's action thriller 30 Days, which received 10 nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008.{{cite web|url=http://ama-awards.com/amaa-nominees-and-winners-2008 |title=AMAA Nominees and Winners 2008 |publisher=Africa Movie Academy Awards |access-date=23 September 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405090514/http://www.ama-awards.com/amaa-nominees-and-winners-2008 |archive-date= 5 April 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.screenafrica.com/news/industry/363428.htm|title=List of Nominees for AMAA 2008|publisher=ScreenAfrica.com|access-date=23 September 2016|archive-date=8 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208181413/http://www.screenafrica.com/news/industry/363428.htm|url-status=dead}}

She also narrated Jeta Amata's Anglo-Nigerian production The Amazing Grace,{{sfn|Haynes|2016|p=325}} which was shot in Calabar. The film was lauded by critics, and was nominated for 11 Africa Movie Academy Awards.{{cite web|url=http://ama-awards.com/amaa-nominees-and-winners-2007|title=AMAA Nominees and Winners 2007|publisher=Africa Movie Academy Awards|access-date=22 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012165834/http://www.ama-awards.com/amaa-nominees-and-winners-2007|archive-date=12 October 2010}} The News noted Silva's "song-like voice, [which] provides insight to the actions".{{cite book|title=The News|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z0MuAQAAIAAJ|year=2007|publisher=Independent Communications Network Limited|pages=62–3}}

In 2007, Silva starred opposite Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Michael Okon and Fred Essien in Ndubuisi Okoh's To Love and to Hold.{{cite web|url=https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/the-janidogo-the-continued-adventure-from-to-love-and-to-hold/1230000196027|title=The Janidogo the continued adventure from 'To Love and To Hold'|publisher=Whsmith|access-date=23 September 2016}} Silva won a Best Supporting Actress award in 2008{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200901160179.html|title=Artistes in Big Dream for 2009|last=Oluikpe|first=Nkasiobi|publisher=AllAfrica Global Media|access-date=9 August 2010}} for her "methodical portrayal of a grandmother" in White Waters (2007), though she was not at the ceremony to receive her award in person.{{cite book|title=Tell|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=240uAQAAIAAJ|year=2008|publisher=Tell Communications Limited}}

In a November 2008 interview, Silva professed that "whenever she had to play an evil character in a film, she would pray and use Jesus as her 'hedge'".{{sfn|Bender|2012|p=112}} Silva is also the recipient of an EMOTAN Award from African Independent Television (AIT) and the SOLIDRA Award for Visual Art.

In 2011, Silva starred alongside Nse Ikpe Etim, Wale Ojo and Lydia Forson in Kunle Afolayan's romantic comedy Phone Swap.{{cite web|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2011/11/nse-ikpe-etim-wale-ojo-joke-silva-lydia-forson-chika-okpala-star-in-kunle-afolayans-phone-swap-view-the-teaser/|title=Nse Ikpe Etim, Wale Ojo, Joke Silva, Lydia Forson & Chika Okpala star in Kunle Afolayan's "Phone Swap" – View the Teaser|publisher=Bella Naija|date=14 November 2011|access-date=23 September 2016}} Lauded by the critics, and one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year,{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriamovienetwork.com/articles/read-kunle-afolayan-dedicates-new-movie-phone-swap-to-sam-loco-efe_430.html|title=Kunle Afolayan dedicates new movie 'Phone Swap' to Sam Loco Efe|publisher=Nigeria Movies Network|date=10 March 2012|access-date=23 September 2016}} it received four nominations at the 8th Africa Movie Academy Awards, including a nomination for Best Nigerian Film. It also won the award for Achievement in Productions Design.{{cite web | url=http://www.ama-awards.com/awards/2012 | title=AMAA Nominees and Winners 2012 | work=Africa Movie Academy Awards – Africa Film Academy | publisher=AMA Awards | access-date=23 September 2016 | year=2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214081938/http://ama-awards.com/awards/2012 | archive-date=14 February 2014 }} In 2013, Silva took to the stage to appear in the Thespian Family Theatre and Productions staging of the "Mad King of Ijudiya" at the Agip Hall of Muson Centre of Lagos at Christmas. Two shows were put up at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm on 21, 22, 28 and 29 December, which Vanguard described as a "rich blend of folklore, traditional dance and music that naturally transports the audience to a typical African village setting".{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/joke-silva-akin-lewis-mad-king-ijudiya/|title=Joke Silva, Akin Lewis for Mad King of Ijudiya|publisher=Vanguard|access-date=23 September 2016}}

In October 2012, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime appointed Silva goodwill ambassador. In accordance with the UN policy of enlisting prominent figures in art, music, film, sport and literature to assist with their campaigns, her role was focused on her participation in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria. Work fighting human trafficking was part of the "I Am Priceless" campaign, which had also received support from the Nigerian authorities. Silva's appointment was for a period of three years.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nigeriafilms.com/celebrity-gossips/115-nollywood-voices/17359-veteran-actress-joke-silva-mi-made-un-ambassadors|title=Veteran Actress Joke Silva, MI Made UN Ambassadors|newspaper=Nigeriafilms.com|access-date=9 October 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.unodc.org/nigeria/en/Pricelessgoodwill-ambassadors.html|title=I Am Priceless Campaign|publisher=UNODC|access-date=1 October 2016|archive-date=2 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002103905/https://www.unodc.org/nigeria/en/Pricelessgoodwill-ambassadors.html|url-status=dead}}

File:Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva.jpg at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards]]

Silva is married to veteran actor Olu Jacobs and has two children. The couple met in 1981 at the National Theatre, Lagos during the 21st Independence anniversary.

Silva is Director of Studies at the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, while her husband served as chairman. Lufodo Academy is one of several assets the couple owns as part of the Lufodo Group, including Lufodo Productions, Lufodo Consult, and Lufodo Distribution. She has curated for the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Theatre, Film, Documentary and Poetry and the 2012 London Olympics, and is also the pioneer managing director of Malete Film Village, in association with Kwara State University.{{cite web|url=https://connectnigeria.com/articles/2014/01/7-reasons-why-we-love-joke-silva/|title=7 Reasons Why We Love Joke Silva|last=Odunuga|first=Marya|date=22 January 2014|access-date=23 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002174213/https://connectnigeria.com/articles/2014/01/7-reasons-why-we-love-joke-silva/|archive-date=2 October 2016|url-status=dead}}

In addition to her work as an actress, Silva is a philanthropist and a strong supporter of women's emancipation and empowerment, contributing to their education, training and progress.{{cite book|last=Aka|first=Jubril Olabode|title=Nigerian Women of Distinction, Honour and Exemplary Presidential Qualities: Equal Opportunities For All Genders (White, Black or Coloured People)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sZ1XAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT237|year=2012|publisher=Trafford Publishing|isbn=978-1-4669-1555-8|pages=237–}}

On 29 September 2014, Silva was honored as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, one of Nigeria's national honors, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.{{cite news|url=https://dailypost.ng/2014/09/22/joke-silva-feels-honoured-mfr-award/|last=Eze|first=Chidinma|title=Joke Silva 'feels honoured' by MFR award|date=22 September 2014|access-date=31 August 2024}} In September 2016, she was unveiled as the brand ambassador for AIICO Pension Managers Limited (APML).{{cite news|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/aiico-pension-managers-unveils-joke-silva-brand-ambassador/|title=AIICO Pension Managers unveils Joke Silva as brand ambassador|work=Vanguard|date=21 September 2016|access-date=23 September 2016}}

Silva, in the year 2020, led the campaign supporting ailing Nigerian actors soliciting for funds to pay for medical bills. She did that through the instance of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, which revealed plans to inaugurate health insurance schemes for its members.{{cite news|date=15 August 2020|title=Joke Silva leads AGN to end begging for ailing actors|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/08/joke-silva-leads-agn-to-end-begging-for-ailing-actors/|access-date=9 February 2021|work=Vanguard}} In November 2021, Joke had an interview with Chude Jideonwo where she revealed that her husband Jacobs is battling with Dementia with Lewy bodies.{{cite web|last=Aminu|first=Ado|date=24 November 2021|title=Actor, Joke Silva breaks silence on husband's absence on #WithChude|url=https://me.withchude.com/actor-joke-silva-breaks-silence-on-husbands-absence-on-withchude/|access-date=31 May 2022|website=Chude Jideonwo}} In 2022, she was appointed into Tinubu/Shettima Women Presidential Campaign Team.

• Violated (1995)
• Silent Night (1996) as Mrs. Agnes Odame
• Curse From Beyond (1999) as Janet's Mother
• The Secret Laughter of Women (1999) as Nene
• Keeping Faith: Is That Love? (2002)
• The Kingmaker (2003)
• Last Wedding (2004) as Mrs. Daniel
• Women's Cot (2005)
• 30 Days (2006)https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0798364/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}} as Dupe Ajayi
• Eewo Orisa (2007) as Eyinade
• The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017) as Augustina
• Potato Potahto (2017){{Cite web|title=Shirley Frimpong-Manso's 'Potato Potahto' makes it to Netflix - MyJoyOnline.com|url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/shirley-frimpong-mansoaes-potato-potahto-makes-it-to-netflix/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=www.myjoyonline.com|date=15 December 2019 |language=en-US}}{{Citation|last=Frimpong-Manso|first=Shirley|title=Potato Potahto|date=2019-12-15|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6950250/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_4|type=Comedy|others=O. C. Ukeje, Joselyn Dumas, Joke Silva, Kemi Lala Akindoju|publisher=19 April Entertainment, Ascend Studios, Lufodo Productions|access-date=2021-02-03}} as Mrs. Wilson
• Chief Daddy (2018) as Lady Kay Beecroft
• Light in the Dark (2019) as Mama Jumoke
• Diamonds in the Sky (2019) as Aisha Dalhatu
• Two Weeks in Lagos (2019) as Mrs. Chukwuemeka
• Namaste Wahala (2021) as Shola
• The Wait (2021) as Akin's Mom
• Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke (2022) as Lady Kay
• ''Elesin Oba, The King's Horseman (2022)
• Rise (2022) as Cecelia
• Over the Bridge (2023) as Engineer Suleiman
• Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (2024) as older Funmilayo

• Battleground (2017–2019) as Mama Egba
• The Olive (2021-2023) as Madam Elaine

• List of Yoruba people
• List of Nigerian actresses
• List of Nigerian philanthropists

{{reflist|30em}}

• {{cite book|last=Bender|first=Courtney|title=What Matters?: Ethnographies of Value in a Not So Secular Age|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jzi-OhBaxJ0C&pg=PA112|year=2012|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-15684-4}}
• {{cite book|last=Foubiri|first=Ayakoroma, Barclays|title=Trends in Nollywood: A Study of Selected Genres|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ll66CAAAQBAJ&pg=PA351|date=18 March 2015|publisher=Kraft Books|isbn=978-978-918-201-5}}
• {{cite book|last=Haynes|first=Jonathan|title=Nollywood: The Creation of Nigerian Film Genres|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=er3VDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA325|date=4 October 2016|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=978-0-226-38800-7}}
• {{cite book|last=Kerrigan|first=Finola|title=Film Marketing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ufMdvuuTQ7MC&pg=PA87|year=2010|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-7506-8683-9}}

• {{IMDb name|0798364}}
• {{Tcmdb name}}

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{{Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Silva, Joke}}

Category:Living people

Category:Actresses from Lagos

Category:Yoruba actresses

Category:Nigerian film directors

Category:University of Lagos alumni

Category:Alumni of the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art

Category:20th-century Nigerian actresses

Category:21st-century Nigerian actresses

Category:Best Supporting Actress Africa Movie Academy Award winners

Category:Actresses in Yoruba cinema

Category:Nigerian expatriates in the United Kingdom

Category:Nigerian theatre managers and producers

Category:Yoruba women in business

Category:Yoruba businesspeople

Category:Nigerian stage actresses

Category:Businesspeople from Lagos

Category:Members of the Order of the Federal Republic

Category:Nigerian officials of the United Nations

Category:Holy Child College alumni

Category:Nigerian businesspeople

Category:Nigerian women in business

Category:1961 births