Last year was a very slow year for the Nigerian entertainment industry. For months, when the Coronavirus hit, filmmakers had to shut down all productions. Many actresses took to social media to stay relevant. They entertained their fans with funny TikTok videos and IG Live sessions.

Yet, some managed to make the most of the year. They appeared in a few movies (in cinemas, on TV or the web). Many of them set themselves up for more success this year. Here are ten fast-rising actresses who won 2020 and who you should look out for in 2021:

1. Adebukola Oladipupo

She became popular in 2015 after appearing as ‘Faa’ in MTV Shuga. She has also displayed a unique ability to perform both on stage and behind the camera. She ruled the web series space in 2020 as ‘Tiara’ on Red TV’s ‘The Men’s Club’ and ‘Ini’ on Ndani TV’s ‘Phases’. We can’t wait to see her take on more roles in 2021.

2. Beverly Naya

Beverly started 2020 on an incredibly high note. She earned her first-ever Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) for her ground-breaking documentary, ‘Skin’. She also ended the year as a cast member on the remake of ‘Nneka The Pretty Serpent’. Beverly is sure to bring more of that winning streak into 2021 and blow minds this year.

3. Erica Nlewedim

Erica is a new face in the industry, but she had a very interesting 2020. Her biggest feature, ‘Hire A Woman’ came to Netflix. She then appeared on the Lockdown season of Big Brother Naija. The 26-year-old showed off her acting prowess through tasks in the Big Brother house. There is no doubt that she will be back to acting and gracing our screens this year.

4. Temi Otedola

The fashion blogger made her Nollywood debut on Kunle Afolayan’s 2020 tri-lingual Netflix film, ‘Citation’ as the main character. Her non-showy acting was commended by many critics and has set her up for more acting opportunities this year.

5. Uzoamaka Aniunoh

Uzoamaka came to the limelight as ‘Cynthia’ on MTV Shuga. She has since appeared in other films. In 2020, she played the main role in the highly-controversial LGBTQ+ film, ‘Ife’. She also played the role of Nigeria’s first superhero, ‘The Zipman’ in the short film, ‘Ananze and The Zipman’. Uzoamaka is currently playing the role of ‘Kumene’ on Africa Magic’s ‘Riona’.

6. Sharon Ooja

Sharon came into limelight in 2013 as ‘Shalewa’ on Ndani TV’s ‘Skinny Girl in Transit’. Her career has slowly grown since she first took on that role. She started to gain more popularity in 2018 after her role as ‘Amaka’ in ‘King of Boys’. But, it was her role as ‘Oluture’ in Netflix’s 2020 movie, ‘Oloture’ that cemented her place as an actress to watch out for.

7. Idia Aisien

Host and fashion influencer, Idia Aisien made her debut appearance as the lead actor in ‘Nneka The Pretty Serpent’ in 2020. Critics have commended her for a job well done on her debut film. It wouldn’t be surprising to see her take on more roles this year.

8. Lota Chukwu

Lota Chukwu broke out on Funke Akindele’s ‘Jenifa’s Diary’. She has appeared in several TV and web series since then. Last year, she took on a new role on Africa Magic’s ‘Enakhe’ as ‘Jacinta Osaghie’. She also appeared in Kayode Kasum’s ‘This Lady Called Life’. She is already making waves this year as ‘Jacinta’, and we can only wait to see what else she does.

9. Omowumi Dada

Omowumi has been working to become a household name in Nollywood since she first appeared in ‘The Gods are Still Not To Blame’ in 2012. She has taken on many roles with completely different character traits, proving she has range. She earned more acclaim in 2020 after two feature films she played major roles in, ‘Oloture’ and ‘Diamonds in The Sky’ appeared on Netflix. She then ended the year on a high note with the premiere of her new Ndani TV web-series, ‘Game On’.

10. Venita Akpofure

Venita went back to her first love in 2020 after taking on Big Brother Naija the previous year. She started the year as one of the main characters in Africa Magic’s ‘Unmarried’, and she closed it out as ‘Biodun’ on the hilarious movie, ‘Kambili’. She’s one we are going to be looking out for this year, and so should you!