Top 10 Richest Igbo Actors & Actresses in Nigeria (2024)
Who are the richest Igbo actors and actresses in Nigeria today? A lot of people have always been asking this question.
The Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, has produced many talented Igbo stars over the years who have gone on to earn impressive fortunes.
This year, the top 10 highest paid Igbo movie entertainers in Nigeria are bringing home some serious money from their acting work as well as lucrative endorsements and other business ventures.
This article will let you know all of them.
TOP 10 RICHEST IGBO ACTORS & ACTRESSES IN NIGERIA AND THEIR NET WORTH (2024)
The following are the leading Igbo actors and actresses in terms of wealth this year:
JIM IYKE – $30 MILLION
Jim Iyke tops the list with an estimated net worth of $30 million in 2024.
Jim Iyke is one of the most popular and highest paid Igbo actors. He is known for his ‘bad boy’ roles in numerous Nollywood films. He has starred in over 150 films since debuting his acting career in the early 2000s.
Jim owns various businesses including a movie production company, record label, clothing line and expensive real estate across Nigeria.
His luxurious lifestyle of fast cars, designer clothes and lavish vacations all over the world is financed by the huge fees he commands for movie roles coupled with earnings from his business ventures.
GENEVIEVE NNAJI – $15 MILLION
In second place is the beautiful and immensely talented Genevieve Nnaji with an estimated net worth of $15 million.
Iconic actress Genevieve has received global recognition and various accolades for her acting skills which makes her one of Africa’s most sought-after actresses. She has endorsement deals with top global brands like Range Rover, Dstv and Amstel Malta which contribute hugely to her massive net worth.
Genevieve lives a very private life but owns expensive real estate in Ikoyi, Banana Island and Ghana making her one of the richest actresses in Nigeria.
ZUBBY MICHAEL – $9.6 MILLION
Popular Nollywood actor Zubby Michael is estimated to be worth $9.6 million in 2024 placing him at number three on this list.
Zubby Michael is one of the most influential and bankable actors right now as his action roles have endeared him to fans globally. He earns around $15,000 per movie role which can explain his vast wealth despite his humble background. The award winning actor also banks from hosting events, musical performances and lucrative endorsement deals with top Nigerian brands.
RITA DOMINIC – $6 MILLION
At number four spot is veteran actress Rita Dominic with an estimated net worth of $6 million currently.
Rita is an A-list celebrity who commands immense respect in Nollywood for her professionalism and excellent delivery of diverse and challenging roles.
She is quite selective of movie roles which earned her ‘Miss Dependable’ nickname in Nollywood. Her lucrative business involvements include lucrative real estate investments, a philanthropic foundation and she’s a brand ambassador for over 5 notable Nigerian brands.
PATIENCE OZOKWOR – $5.8 MILLION
Prolific actress, Patience Ozokwor ranks fifth with an estimated net worth of $5.8 million.
Patience Ozokwor is ranked among Nollywood’s highest paid actresses thanks to her incredible acting talent and versatility. Her hilarious comic roles coupled with her evil roles in acting makes her a favourite for movie directors and producers. She has so many movies under her belt since starting off her career averaging nearly 10 movies annually.
Patience or Mama G as she is fondly called, lives a normal lifestyle and has lucrative endorsement deals with top brands. ALSO READ: TOP 10 RICHEST YORUBA ACTORS IN NIGERIA (2024).
NKEM OWOH – $4.5 MILLION
At number six is veteran Nollywood actor Nkem Owoh with an estimated net worth of $4.5 million.
Nkem Owoh also known as Osuofia is a highly respected Nollywood actor known for his funny roles in movies and consistent delivery of excellent performances no matter the role. His veteran status in Nollywood spans nearly 3 decades and 100 films earning him to be one of highest paid Igbo actors per movie role.
Owoh has made wise investments in landed properties and also earns well from hosting events.
PETE EDOCHIE – $4 MILLION
Iconic veteran actor Pete Edochie comes seventh on the list with a $4 million estimated net worth in 2024.
Now in his 70’s, Pete Edochie is unarguably one of Africa’s greatest actors having played lead roles in over 100 films since debuting his acting career in the 1980s. His net worth comes largely from earnings made during his prime years in Nollywood coupled with income still generated from endorsement deals with multinational companies.
Pete is considered a ‘godfather’ in Nollywood and has groomed many younger actors under his tutelage.
OSITA IHEME – $3 MILLION
Diminutive comic actor Osita Iheme fondly called ‘Paw Paw’ by fans is estimated to be worth $3 million placing him in eighth position.
Osita alongside his screen partner Chinedu Ikedieze have been a comedic duo delighting fans globally with their funny but excellent performances.
Osita who is often cast in ‘houseboy’ roles charges between $15,000 to $25, 000 per movie grossing millions over his near 2 decades acting career. His investments in landed property and various businesses also contribute to his wealth.
KANAYO O KANAYO – $3 MILLION
Kanayo O Kanayo occupies the ninth position. He has an estimated net worth of $3 million.
A lawyer turned actor, Kanayo is a consummate actor who knows how to interpret his roles excellently well. His commanding voice and serious roles of playing rich villains, corrupt chiefs and nobles has made him of Nollywood’s most relevant actors.
His earnings come largely from acting and endorsements.
STEPHANIE OKEREKE – $1.5 MILLION
In number ten spot is talented actress, model and producer Stephanie Okereke.
Stephanie has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million in 2024 accrued largely from her active involvement in Nollywood, brand endorsement deals and movie directing. She has featured in over 100 Nollywood movies playing diverse roles since 1997 debut as a child actress. She runs a successful movie production outfit and directs many of her films which have gone on to win numerous awards locally and internationally.
CONCLUSION
The Igbo presence in Nollywood has never been stronger, with stars like Pete Edochie, Genevieve Nnaji, and others leading the way.
As the industry continues expanding across Africa and beyond, we can likely expect to see these actors and actresses steadily growing their wealth in the coming years.
But for now, they stand as exemplars of how Nollywood can transform talented Nigerian artists into household names across the globe.
The next generation of Igbo talent looks poised to follow in their footsteps.
