Joke Silva is a veteran Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and creative-industry leader whose career spans film, television, and theatre. Born and raised in Lagos, she studied at Holy Child College, earned a degree at the University of Lagos, and trained in drama at London’s Webber Douglas Academy—foundations that shaped her signature blend of classical craft and contemporary Nollywood storytelling. Silva broke out internationally with The Secret Laughter of Women (1998) alongside Colin Firth and Nia Long, and has since anchored acclaimed Nigerian titles including Women’s Cot (AMAA Best Actress, 2006), White Waters (AMAA Best Supporting Actress, 2008), Phone Swap, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Potato Potahto, Chief Daddy (1 & 2), Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman, Rise, The Wait, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

Beyond the screen, Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group with her husband, actor Olu Jacobs, building out Lufodo Productions, Lufodo Distribution, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts (where she serves as Director of Studies) and stewarding iconic cultural spaces like Lagos’ Glover Memorial Hall. She has toured globally with the stage piece HEAR WORD! Naija Woman Talk True, mentors emerging talent, and champions women’s empowerment and arts education. In 2014, she was invested as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for her contributions to Nigerian culture. A revered “Nollywood matriarch,” Silva is frequently cited for elevating performance standards and professional training across West Africa’s screen industries.