Joke Silva born on 29th September 1961 in Lagos state in the western part of Nigeria into the family of four children. She is a Nigerian actress, director, businesswoman,producer, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist.
After completing her secondary school, Joke proceeded to the University of Lagos and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in English Language and further proceeded to Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London where she studied drama; She began a career in film in the early 1990s where she featured in the mind bending as her first movie. In 1998,she had a major role starred opposite Colin Firth and Nia Long in the British-Canadian film. The Secret Laughter of Women,In 2006, she won "Best Actress in a Leading Role" at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards for her performance in Women's Cot, and "Best Actress in a Supporting Role" at the 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008 for her performance as a grandmother in White Waters.
Silva is married to actor Olu Jacobs. The couple founded and operate the Lufodo Group covering film production and distribution assets and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, where she is Director of Studies. She is also the pioneering managing director of Malete Film Village, in association with Kwara State University. On 29 September 2014, Silva received recognition as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, one of Nigeria's National Honours Awards, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja
Early life
Silva was born in Lagos, into a family of four children. Her mother, Adebimbola Silva, a pioneering female doctor, died in July 2015. Her father was a lawyer. She attended Holy Child College in Lagos.At university she was part of a cultural group that included the playwright Bode Osanyin and the singer Stella Monye.Silva took a year off from her studies, during which time she began working as an actress.Silva then relocated to England, studying drama at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Initially her parents were opposed to Silva's decision to go into the theatre but they soon began to support her, happy at the success she made of her career. During a slow period of her career, she returned to school, studying English at the University of Lagos.
Career
Earlier roles (1990–2004)
Silva has starred in numerous films and television series in both the English and Yoruba languages. One of her earliest roles was in the 1990 English film Mind Bending. In 1993 she appeared in Owulorojo, followed by Violated in 1995. In 1998 she starred opposite Colin Firth and Nia Long in the British-Canadian film The Secret Laughter of Women, in which she portrayed Nene. Author Finola Kerrigan noted than Silva stood out as an exceptional actress in the Nigerian film industry after mentioning her role.
In 2002, Silva starred opposite Bimbo Akintola in Keeping Faith. Akintola later cited Silva, whom she refers to as "Aunty Joke", as a major career influence, adding, "Silva has done a lot, but it's not even about the things that she did, it's about the things she didn’t realize that she did". Also in 2002, Silva co-produced and starred in The Kingmaker with Olu Jacobs. This was followed by roles in pictures such as A Husband’s Wife (2003), Shylock (2004), and A Past Came Calling (2004)
United Nations goodwill ambassador
In October 2012, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime appointed Joke Silva a goodwill ambassador. In accordance with the UN policy of enlisting prominent figures in art, music, film, sport and literature to assist with their campaigns, Silva's role was focused on her participation in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria. Work fighting human trafficking was part of the "I Am Priceless" campaign, which had also received support from the Nigerian authorities. Silva's appointment was for a period of three years.
Personal life
Silva is married to veteran actor Olu Jacobs with two children. The couple met in 1981 at the National Theatre, Lagos during the 21st Independence anniversary.
Silva is Director of Studies at the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, while her husband chairs it. Lufodo Academy is one of several assets the couple own as part of the Lufodo Group, including Lufodo Productions, Lufodo Consult, and Lufodo Distribution. Silva has curated for the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Theatre, Film, Documentary and Poetry and the 2012 London Olympics,and is also the pioneer managing director of Malete Film Village, in association with Kwara State University.
In addition to her work as an actress, Silva is a philanthropist and a strong supporter of women's emancipation and empowerment, contributing to their education, training and progress.
On 29 September 2014, Silva was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, one of Nigeria's national awards, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.In September 2016 she was unveiled as the brand ambassador for AIICO Pension Managers Limited (APML)
