By Prosper Mene
Veteran Nollywood actress, director, and businesswoman Joke Silva marked her 64th birthday today, drawing an outpouring of affection from fans, colleagues, and admirers across social media.
The celebrated star, known for her timeless elegance and trailblazing contributions to Nigerian cinema, was hailed as a “pillar of grace” and an “eternal queen” in a series of tributes that trended nationwide.
Born on September 29, 1961, in Lagos to a family of four, Silva’s journey to stardom began early. A graduate of the University of Lagos and the prestigious Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, she defied her parents’ initial reservations about a career in the arts to become one of Nollywood’s most enduring figures.
Her breakout international role came in 1998’s The Secret Laughter of Women, where she starred opposite Hollywood heavyweights Colin Firth and Nia Long, showcasing her versatility on a global stage.
Over three decades, Silva has amassed an impressive resume, including a Best Actress win at the 2006 Africa Movie Academy Awards for her lead role in Sit Down, Call God. Memorable performances in films like 30 Days (2006), Phone Swap (2011), and the TV series Battleground (2017–2019) have cemented her as a mentor to younger actors.
Bimbo Akintola, who co-starred with her in Keeping Faith (2002), once credited Silva as a profound influence, calling her “Aunty Joke” and praising her for the “things she didn’t realize she did” to shape careers.
Beyond the screen, Silva’s impact extends to advocacy and education. In 2020, she spearheaded the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s (AGN) campaign for health insurance amid the industry’s struggles with medical bills for ailing stars.
She also serves as Director of Studies at the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, co-founded with her husband, the legendary Olu Jacobs.
The couple’s Lufodo Group oversees film production, distribution, and the innovative Malete Film Village in partnership with Kwara State University. In 2014, her contributions earned her the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) honor.
Married to Jacobs since 1985, Silva has been a steadfast pillar during his public battle with dementia with Lewy bodies, which she openly discussed in a 2021 interview. Just two months ago, on his 83rd birthday in July, she penned a poignant tribute: “The wisdom etched upon your face is a testament to a life embraced… I ask for peace in these twilight years.”
Their 40-year union remains a beacon of enduring love in Nollywood’s often turbulent landscape.
Today’s celebrations lit up platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with #JokeSilvaAt64 emerging as a top trend.
Fans shared nostalgic clips from her iconic roles, elegant throwback photos, and heartfelt prayers. “Happy birthday to the woman who taught us grace under fire. May your light never dim, Mummy J!” wrote one admirer.
Colleagues, including younger stars like Osas Ighodaro, posted videos of on-set memories, while media outlets like Punch Newspapers and The Nation highlighted her as “Nollywood’s evergreen matriarch.”The Eagle Online shared a festive montage captioned, “Happy Birthday to the Veteran Nigerian Actress, Director, and Business Woman, Joke Silva!!” while IMJA Lifestyle urged, “A prayer for her is a prayer for you.” Even international nods surfaced, with J.O. Comms grouping her birthday alongside British actor Ian McShane’s 83rd and Zachary Levi’s 44th in a global “legendary stars” shoutout.
As one fan summed it up: “64 looks like 40 on you, Aunty Joke. Here’s to more decades of slaying!”Her milestone comes at a reflective time for Nollywood, as the industry continues to evolve amid streaming booms and global festivals.
