To mark International Women’s Day (IWD 2026), eelive.ng highlights five top women who are using their talents to shape and redefine Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The women have proven that the industry is more than just glamour and red carpets; it is a serious business driven by creativity, strategy, and hard work.
Women are at the heart of this progress as executives, creators, performers, and storytellers. They build brands, run companies, and shape culture.
From music to film, these women keep breaking barriers and setting new standards. They are not just part of the industry; they are redefining it.
Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is an actress, producer, and director widely recognised for the Jenifa franchise and for several record-breaking box-office hits that have shaped modern Nollywood.
She began her career in television sitcoms and has since grown into one of the industry’s most dominant figures.
Her major projects, including Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Streets, and A Tribe Called Judah, established her reputation as one of Nollywood’s most commercially successful filmmakers.
Her latest film, Behind The Scenes, recently crossed the ₦2 billion mark, becoming the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time and the first in Africa to reach the milestone.
Kemi Adetiba
Kemi Adetiba is a filmmaker and creative storyteller known for delivering blockbuster hits such as ”The Wedding Party”, ”King of Boys”, and her recent project, ”To Kill A Monkey.”
Before becoming a filmmaker, she earned a Law degree from the University of Lagos and later studied at the New York Film Academy. She began her career in radio, moved into television presenting, and hosted Maltina Dance All before transitioning fully into directing.
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Adetiba has become one of Nollywood’s most respected directors, known for bold storytelling and strong production value.
Mo Abudu
Mosunmola Abudu, popularly known as Mo Abudu, is a media mogul described by Forbes as “Africa’s most successful woman” and listed by The Hollywood Reporter among the “25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television.”
Her media journey began with her talk show, Moments with Mo. She later founded EbonyLife TV and subsequently EbonyLife Films.
Through EbonyLife Films, she has produced and co-produced titles including The Wedding Party, The Wedding Party 2, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Chief Daddy, Your Excellency, and Òlòtūré.
Her work continues to position Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.
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Tiwa Savage
Tiwatope Savage-Balogun, known professionally as Tiwa Savage, is one of Africa’s most influential music stars.
She began her career as a backup vocalist for international artists such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige.
In 2009, she signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music before joining Mavin Records in 2012.
Since then, she has headlined major shows worldwide and earned multiple awards for her groundbreaking music.
Recently, she launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, an initiative that provides mentorship, education, and industry access for emerging African creatives.
The programme will train 100 participants in live performance, songwriting, music production, and music business.
Bose Ogulu (Mama Burna)
Bose Ogulu, widely known as Mama Burna, is the manager of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy.
She has played a pivotal role in shaping his career and guiding him to global success. While Burna Boy commands the spotlight, Ogulu’s strategic management and industry expertise have been central to his rise.
Beyond her son’s career, she is a respected businesswoman and advocate for African music worldwide. Her deep understanding of the industry has made her one of the most influential figures behind the scenes.
