Allegedly called ‘Mr & Mrs Nollywood’ together with her Veteran Actor husband – Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva Jacobs is known as the godmother of the modern Nollywood.
She was born on the 29th of September, 1961 in Lagos Nigeria, where she was raised and also schooled up until her university level at the University of Lagos, where she studied English. She then relocated to England and studied drama at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Artin London.
It was during the 21st independence anniversary of Nigeria, at the casting of Wole Soyinka’s novel – Jero’s Metamorphosis – that cupid struck ‘Mr & Mrs Nollywood’ and they’ve become inseparable till now.
The United Nations Ambassador and multiple awards winning actress has appeared in a few (less than 20) movies and soup operas, the most popular among which are: Secret Laughter of Women, Letters to a Stranger, 30 days, The Amazing Grace, White Waters, Tango With me, Women’s cot to name a few.
Joke Silva is also an accomplished director and producer. Under the banner of Lufodo Productions, which she founded with her husband Olu Jacobs, and in which she serves as Managing Director and educator.
Joke Silva is selective when it comes to the roles she plays in movies. As such, she’s not regularly seen, especially in recent movies. She’s got standards and class, too. As a result, she’s seen as a role model to most upcoming actresses in the industry.
She has been at the forefront of women empowerment all through Africa; giving lectures in schools and seminars. She is a trustee of Advocacy for Women and Children, an NGO and a grief counselor for AART of Life Foundation also an NGO. She is the Goodwill Ambassador for Ray of Hope Foundation, Save The Children UK and Nigerian Women Trust Fund. A member of faculty of the popular MTN Project Fame Academy, she recently made the list of The National honours Award. Mummy J was awarded MFR 29th September, 2014 which doubles as her 53rd birthday
Silva is not just a role model, besides her two children, she is a mother to many.
This is why she is our woman of the month for October.