Meet the Rising Action Movie Stars of Nollywood

For a while, Nollywood movies focused mainly on drama, romance and mystery, while the action genre took a backseat. It wasn’t like the golden era of movies like Issakaba, Rattlesnake and State of Emergency. However, the past two years have seen a remarkable revival in the production of action-packed thrillers, bringing a new balance to the industry. In the 90s and early 2000s, actors like the late Saint Obi, the late JT Tom West, Sam Dede and Hanks Anuku were the defining faces of Nollywood’s action movies. While some of them are still active in the action genre, a new generation of actors has emerged and is cementing their place as Nollywood’s new action movie stars. In this edition, Weekend Trust puts these action movie stars in the spotlight.

Tobi Bakre

Tobi Bakre has quickly become a prominent figure in the Nollywood action genre. From his appearances in Brotherhood to Gangs of Lagos and Slum King, Bakre is on his way to being recognized as the next king of Nollywood action.

Tobi first came to national attention as a finalist on Big Brother Naija (season 3) in 2018. Born in Ogun State, Nigeria, he is the second son of Chief Olufemi Bakre, the Otunba Bobaselu of Awa-Ijebu Kingdom in Ago-Iwoye and the CEO of Parallex Bank.

Before making the switch to acting, Tobi worked as an investment banker. He worked in banking for four years and had a stint at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

He made his acting debut in 2018 as Goke in Mokalik and has since appeared in several films including Fix Us, Sugar Rush and Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story. In 2023, Tobi won the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Actor in a Drama, Movie or TV Series for his role in Brotherhood.

Bucci Franklin

Bucci Franklin is steadily emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the Nollywood action genre. He first gained widespread attention for his role as Nzenozo, a ruthless criminal and best friend of Ahanna, in the hit film The Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story. His powerful portrayal, resulting in his character’s tragic end, left a lasting impression on audiences.

After this breakthrough, Bucci has successfully converted a significant portion of Nollywood’s audience into devoted fans. He is set to helm Kemi Adetiba’s much-awaited film To Kill a Monkey.

One of Bucci’s standout performances was in the Netflix series Far from Home, where he played the character Government. Although he was cast as a villain, his detailed portrayal of a mild-mannered antagonist earned him even more admiration from fans.

Bucci Franklin has a career spanning over a decade and his filmography includes such notable films as Òlòtūré: The Journey, Knockout Blessing and The Hidden.

Chidi Mokeme

Although recognized as a seasoned Nollywood actor, Chidi Mokeme remains a prominent figure in the action genre, playing roles ranging from cult leader to bank robber and even pimp.

Chidi Mokeme, born on March 17, 1972, is a Nigerian actor and reality show host from Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of ​​Anambra State. He attended the Federal Government College, Minna, Niger State, and later obtained a Higher National Diploma in Computer Science from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. He is fluent in Hausa, Yoruba and his native language Igbo.

With a career spanning over two decades, Chidi has starred in numerous blockbusters including Anini (2005), Back Drop (2005), and Who Will Tell the President (2007) and 76 (2016). After a brief hiatus, Chidi made a powerful comeback in the series Shanty Town as Scar, a pimp and political villain. His performance was widely praised and garnered a nomination for Best Actor in a Drama, Movie or TV Series at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

Zubby Michael

Born on February 1, 1985 in Yola, Adamawa State, Zubby Michael has established himself as one of Nollywood’s best actors, particularly in the action genre. Known for his dynamic performances in films that require intense and often villainous roles, Michael has become a regular in action films. His breakthrough came with roles in films such as Princess Rihanna and Implication, where his portrayal of tough characters gained recognition.

Over the years, Zubby Michael has carved out a niche for himself in action thrillers, often playing gang leaders, militants and vigilantes. He has starred in notable action films such as Yahoo King and Boy Make Money and The Return of Eze Ndi Ala. His role in Brotherhood further cemented his status as a leading figure in Nigerian crime action cinema.

Zubby’s versatility and energy on screen have made him a sought-after actor in Nollywood, earning him numerous accolades and nominations, including from the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards. His ability to fully embody tough, high-stakes characters has made him a fan favorite in the Nigerian action movie scene.

Richard Mofe Damijo

Although RMD is best known for his roles as a politician, father or businessman, his performance in Black Book was highly appreciated. In the film, his character, Paul Edima, is reminiscent of the famous American action hero John Wick. Both characters share similar backstories that fuel their desire for revenge, making the comparison between them hard to ignore.

RMD’s portrayal of an action hero in Black Book has raised curiosity as to whether he could take on more action-packed roles in the future. With such a stellar performance, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in more action thrillers soon.

Honorable Mentions

Sam Dede

Sam Dede is a celebrated, seasoned Nollywood actor known for his commanding presence in action films. With over 25 years in the industry, he has become a household name, especially for his iconic roles in films such as Issakaba, where he played Ebube, the leader of a vigilante group. His performance in this action-packed film, based on the real-life Bakassi Boys, earned him widespread recognition as one of the best actors in the Nollywood action genre.

Dede’s versatility extends to other roles in films such as The Last Bullet, Anini and Men of Terror, where he consistently demonstrates his talent for bringing intense characters to life. His ability to balance drama and action, while captivating viewers with his powerful performances, makes him a top choice for action film directors.

JT Tom West

JT Tom West will always be remembered for his significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry. Known for his tough-guy roles, he became a household name through his appearances in popular action films such as State of Emergency, The Captor and Gangster Paradise. With his striking ponytail and fierce personality, JT quickly gained a reputation as one of Nollywood’s best actors in the action genre, often playing complex characters such as gangsters and military officers.

Tragically, JT’s life was cut short in 2006 when he died in a car accident while returning from a film set in Lagos. His untimely death left a void in the industry, but his legacy continues to inspire. Although it has been years since his passing, JT Tom West is still remembered as one of the pioneers of Nollywood action films.

Saint Obi

Saint Obi will always stand out in Nollywood’s action genre. He burst onto the scene in the early 90s and quickly made a name for himself with his intense and memorable performances.

Known for his roles in action films such as Shadows and The General, Saint Obi’s ability to play both heroic and villainous characters makes him a favorite among fans of energetic dramas. His role in The Trial of Brother Jero is particularly notable, showcasing his strong screen presence and ability to add depth to his characters.

Before his hiatus and untimely death, Saint Obi was the go-to actor for action films. His talent and influence on Nollywood action films were undeniable and made him a compelling action film star.