Don’t sleep on these rising Nollywood actresses in 2025

The future of Nollywood is bright and you should watch out for these rising stars.

As Nollywood continues to expand its reach and influence globally, these actresses represent the future of Nigerian cinema. With their diverse talents, unwavering passion, and commitment to their craft, they are shaping the industry in ways that will leave lasting impressions for years to come. From powerful performances to unforgettable screen presences, these actresses are breaking boundaries and becoming the voices of a new generation of filmmakers and storytellers.

As we approach 2025, keep an eye on these rising stars -they’re just getting started, and we’ll be seeing a lot more of them on our screens, big and small. The future of Nollywood looks bright, and these talented women are leading the way into the next exciting era of Nigerian cinema. 

There is a whole new generation of super-talented actresses stepping up and bringing some serious heat. If you’re a fan of Nollywood films, you already know that Nigerian movies are taking over the world, with fresh stories, new energy, and some seriously amazing performances. While the established stars are still rocking the screen, some emerging faces are ready to steal the show in 2025 and beyond. 

READ ALSO: Here’s why Asabawood will never lose its audience

But before we dive in, let’s pause and appreciate how amazing Nollywood is right now. From drama to comedy, romance to thrillers, there’s no shortage of talent in the industry. But these emerging actresses? They're about to take Nollywood to a whole new level.

Adaobi Dibor

If there’s one name you need to start getting familiar with, it’s Adaobi Dibor. This young powerhouse is already making waves with her impressive performances and her ability to bring depth to every role she plays. Her most recent role in A Ghetto Love Story proves she’s got it in her and we can only imagine how much more she’s going to bring to Nollywood in 2025. She’s got versatility, charm, and the kind of screen presence that makes you pay attention. Some of her other works include Blood Vessel, Who Lived At Number 6 and the Africa Magic Original, Kingmaker

Uzoamaka Onuoha

If you haven’t already noticed Uzoamaka Onuoha, now’s the time to do so! This talented actress is rising fast, and for good reason. Onuoha’s performances are filled with raw emotion and powerful presence, making her the perfect candidate for some of Nollywood’s most gripping roles. Her role in Agemo earned her the Best Female Performance Award at the Africa Film Festival this year. She brings a wow factor to every role, making even the most intense scenes look effortless. Keep an eye on her — she’s on the fast track to superstardom.

Genoveva Umeh

You know that feeling when you watch someone and think, “Why hasn’t this person been in more movies?” Well, that’s the vibe we got when we watched Genoveva in the Netflix series, Blood Sisters. She’s a fast-rising star who’s been slowly but steadily carving her way into the hearts of Nollywood lovers everywhere. Whether she’s delivering an emotional monologue or just having fun in a comedy, Umeh makes every scene her own.

With appearances in films like A Tribe Called Judah and the AMVCA award-winning film, Breath of Life, this actress is quickly becoming a favourite. She’s got the perfect balance of emotional range and natural charisma, making every role she takes on seem effortless. We’re predicting big things for Genoveva in 2025!

Uzoamaka Aniunoh

Uzoamaka Aniunoh is one to watch. This actress has been quietly showing off her incredible skills in the Nollywood industry. Whether it’s drama or romance, Uzoamaka’s performances leave an impression. Her ability to bring intensity and vulnerability to every role has made her a standout in films like Juju Stories. Uzoamaka first came into the spotlight with her role as Cynthia in the MTV Shuga series. Since then, she has been featured in several notable projects, including the Sundance award-winning film, Mami Wata, the Amazon Prime movie, With Difficulty Comes Ease and the Showmax original series, Diiche. Uzoamaka has that “it” factor that draws you in. Her commitment to every character she plays shows that she’s ready for the big leagues, and we can’t wait to see her shine even brighter.

Sharon Rotimi

Do you love an actress who has a great stage presence and is good on screen? Then meet Sharon Rotimi. This talented actress has been in the game for a while now. Known for her versatility, Sharon has graced us with her performance in films like Son of the Soil, The Wives, and The Artifact and we’re expecting even bigger things from her. She’s not just a pretty face, Kemi is a force to be reckoned with. 

Maggie Osuome

Okay, maybe you haven’t heard of Maggie Osueme yet, but we bet you will in 2025! She’s one of the freshest faces to hit Nollywood, and she’s got potential. Osueme brings something totally unique to the screen; a combination of charm and some serious acting that makes her a standout in every film she’s been featured. Osueme is a breath of fresh air. With her undeniable talent, she’s going to be one of the biggest names in Nollywood in the next few years. Keep an eye on her; trust us. Catch her on her latest project, Crash on YouTube Other works include Freedom Come, A Sunday Affair, MTV Shuga and Hidden Figure.

Go ahead, remember these names, and prepare for your new favourite actresses to take over your screens. Trust us, you’ll be saying, “I knew them before they were big!”