Nollywood is witnessing a wave of young talent redefining the industry with their exceptional performances. These child actresses are not only impressing audiences with their acting skills but also making strides in other creative fields, from modelling to filmmaking.
Some have already earned awards and recognition for their outstanding work, proving that age is no barrier to success in entertainment.
Here are 10 Nollywood child actresses making a name for themselves and taking the industry by storm.
1. Heavenly Dera Osadebe
Born on September 16, 2015, which means she will currently be 9 years old, Heavenly Dera Osadebe is a talented actress, model, and brand influencer. She is from Delta State and has featured alongside A-list Nollywood actors.
At just 9 years old, the young actress is also a movie producer. Her first movie as an executive producer is titled Family Ties with a stellar feature from Zack Orji.
She is popularly known as Daniella in the movie “Two Peas” released in 2022. She is also popular for Between Two Hearts in 2022 and Love Deposit in 2023.
Dera has been featured in so many movies on YouTube and Rok TV channel on Multichoice. Her multifaceted talents have garnered her acclaim within the industry.
2. Darasimi Destiny Nadi
Darasimi Destiny Nadi is an award-winning Nigerian actress, host, and content creator. She is known for her roles in the cinema blockbuster, Obara’m in 2022 which is currently available on Netflix, and the Netflix original, Tokunbo in 2024.
She was born on September 27, 2011, which means she will currently be 13Â years old. She hails from Benue State, North Central part of Nigeria. She won the Best Child Actress Award at the Best Of Nollywood Awards (BON Awards).
In addition to acting, she co-hosts the Indomie Love Bowl on Africa Magic Family with Stephanie Coker. Darasimi stands as the only kid actor who has broken into acting for a Netflix original film.
Darasimi currently lives in Lagos with her parents, Mr. Nadi (father) and Mrs. Mimi Hagga (mother) and her sister, Anna Hagga.
3. Karen Igbinigie Eloghosa
Genius Karen, whose full name is Karen Igbinigie Eloghosa was born on August 10, 2015, which means she will currently be 9 years old is a Nollywood actress, child model, influencer and dancer from Edo State, Nigeria.
She is celebrated for her role in the movie, My Offsprings produced by Destiny Etiko which was her first major appearance. She has also featured in other movies like Gbas Gbos, Christmas with Kaima, Rich Mum Poor Mum amongst others.
She is from a Christian family of five. She is the only daughter of her parents and the eldest of three children. Her parents are supportive of her career, as her mom is her manager, and Karen influences dutifully for her mum’s hair brand.
Karen is a pupil in a primary school in Edo State. Her Instagram bio reads “Benin City’s Youngest Influencer” She is loved for being smart, articulative and a delight in her roles.
4. Dream Ariel Ojamalia
Dream Ariel Ojamalia Alfa, also known as Extraordinary Nunu is a child model, content creator, influencer and Nollywood actress who broke into the spotlight in 2024.
Despite just breaking into the industry recently, she has made a name for herself with performances in various YouTube movies like Constrained, Love Territory, Fractured Identity and more.
She was born on November 28, 2017, which means she will currently be 7 years old. She has a YouTube channel called Extraordinary NunuTv with 11,000 subscribers.
Her dad is also a Nollywood actor – Castro Fidelis Alfa, and she has been said to be a copy of her dad. She has thrilled viewers with the energy she brings to her roles.
5. Simisola Gbadamosi
She was born on April 17, 2011, which means she will currently be 13 years old. in Washington DC. She is an actress widely known for the Disney-Kugali animation series, Iwaju. She was the voice of Tola in the animation series.
She has earned herself an Emmy nomination for her role as Tola Martins in the Disney+ Animated series. The young actress is up for “Young Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s, or Young Teen Program” award at the 3rd Children’s & Family Emmys scheduled to hold on March 15, 2025, in Los Angeles.
The 12-year-old is the founder of Simi’s Bakehouse. Her love for baking started at a really young age and ignited her entrepreneurial spirit at age 3. She won the Best Creative Entrepreneur Award at the Bella Africana Ace Awards at just 6 years old.
Off-screen, Simisola enjoys reading, drawing, cooking, playing the violin and spending time with loved ones. The young actress is a powerhouse of talent.
6. Princess Sherin Griggs
Princess Sherin Griggs is a British-Nigerian actress born on November 18, 2011, which means she will currently be 13 years old.
She is a model, brand ambassador and influencer. She is a multifaceted young talent who also has interest in basketball and skating. She has modelled for different brands and was in the AlpenLiebe commercials at some point.
Don’t Leave Us was her first Nollywood film. She has also appeared in the film “The Heiress” in 2024. She featured in Soul Mate Studio’s Daniella’s Court together with Little Daniella herself, Pearl Shim. She is currently one of the casts of La Familia soap opera.
Her recent movie is Clash of Twins where she acted alongside Oluebube Obi, Jasmine Rajinder, and Sarah James. Sherin is an absolute delight and loved by viewers.
7. Princess Candice
Princess Candice Chibuike Onumara is a Nollywood child actor, entrepreneur and brand influencer. She was born on July 31, 2016, which means she will currently be 8 years old.
She was born in Imo State and is an indigene of the same state. She lives in Asaba. She was born into a family of four, to a father whose name is Onumara Moses and a mother whose name is Esther Onumara. She has only one sibling – a brother whose name is Travis. Princess’ mother manages her.
She is young and very talented. She has featured in movies such as Last Christmas, Love & Anger, Web of Deception. Also, Rich Mum Poor Mum was the movie that brought her to the spotlight.
Destiny Etiko is often seen to be her “Nollywood” mum as she has featured the young star in so many of her movies and Princess has acted alongside other big names in the industry.
8. Sarah James
Sarah James is quite a new face in the industry but her energetic and mischievous character in her roles makes her such a delight to watch.
She has been associated with Oluebube Obi, as both actors could pass for twins because they look almost alike with the same height. Both of them featured in the YouTube film, Clash of Twins. This movie brought Sarah to the spotlight and fans can’t wait to see her in more defining roles.
Fans have also been asking if Oluebube and Sarah were sisters. Oluebube does a lot of snapchat and Instagram reel videos with Sarah and it’s easy to assume they are sisters, but they are not.
It’s safe to say that Oluebube and Sarah are the new Aki and Pawpaw of the decade giving viewers the thrill and humour Aki and Pawpaw gave off back in the days. There is not so much to say about Sarah, but she is a force that Nigerians and beyond should look out for.
9. Emmanuella Kinikachi
Also known as Oyibopikin, Emmanuella Kinikachi was born on the January 28, 2012, which means she will currently be 13 years old. She is a Nollywood actress, singer, content creator and a presenter.
She is known for the boisterous zests of energy she brings to sets and her diction. She is known for playing Zara in Desperate Lover in 2023 and Milley in My Baby Mama in 2024. She has also starred alongside top Nollywood actors and in various other movies.
10. Ujuh Emmanuella Chisimdi
Ujuh Emmanuella Chisimdi, also known as Simdiella, is an actress, model and beauty queen. She was born on the May 29, 2014, which means she will currently be 10 years old.
She has featured in movies like Wives on Steeze, Sweet Pepper, Flip Side and more. In 2024, she won the Eko Kid actor of the year at the Eko Heritage Award. She won Mini Miss Africa in 2023. She also has a Youtube channel called Simdiella TV.
11. Shekinah Glory
Shekinah Glory was born on the August 26, 2012, which means she will currently be 12 years old. She is also a dancer and a brand influencer.
Glory has featured in several Nollywood films as a young actress and with high-profile actors. She was in the YouTube movie, Destiny Kids, With My Kids and many more. She is an upcoming face in the industry that in a few years will reach even bigger heights.
12. Joy Amodu
Joy Amodu is a new face in the industry of Nollywood child actors but holds a lot of potential especially with delivering in her latest movie role on The Adopted, starring together with Ola Daniels.
Joy has captivated audiences with her performance as an energetic actress and fans can’t wait to see more of her on their screens. She also featured in the movie, Upon a Vow. Joy is also an upcoming influencer.
