Nigerian actor and filmmaker Tobi Makinde, who celebrates his 35th birthday today, has firmly established himself as one of Nollywood’s brightest talents.
Best known for his breakout role as ‘Timini’ in the hit television series Jenifa’s Diary, Makinde has seamlessly transitioned from a popular screen actor into a critically acclaimed director.
Notably, he co-directed the box-office phenomenon Battle on Buka Street alongside veteran filmmaker Funke Akindele, and later won widespread praise for his gripping portrayal of the hoodlum ‘Shina Judah’ in the 2023 blockbuster A Tribe Called Judah.
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Early Life and Academic Background
Born in Lagos State, May 16th,1991, to Mr and Mrs Akinjimi Olufisayo Makinde, the filmmaker traces his ancestral roots to Ilesha in Osun State. He spent his formative years in Agemowo Town, located in the Badagry area of Lagos.
Makinde’s academic journey took him across western Nigeria:
Primary Education: Odofa Children’s Home, Ogun State.
Secondary Education: Supreme Pillars College, Badagry, Lagos State.
Higher Education: He pursued his passion for the arts at the University of Lagos, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts in 2012, followed by a Master’s degree in the same discipline in 2016.
A Career Formed from Childhood
Makinde’s career began exceptionally early. Heavily influenced by his father, he made his acting debut at the tender age of seven in the movie Silenced, produced by Ralph Nwadike and directed by Tunji Bamishigbin. By the time he was 13, he had secured a lead role in the widely watched television series Kamson N Neighbours.
His versatility behind the scenes became evident in 2015 when he took on the role of production manager for Scene One Productions. This period catalyzed his rise to fame, as he subsequently featured in notable projects such as Industreet and My Siblings and I, whilst simultaneously capturing the public’s attention as ‘Timini’ in Jenifa’s Diary.
In recent years, his collaboration with Funke Akindele has yielded massive commercial success. Beyond his co-directing achievements, his performance in A Tribe Called Judah sharing the screen with industry names like Genoveva Umeh and Timini Egbuson has solidified his status as a powerhouse in modern African cinema.
Personal Life
Away from the spotlight, Makinde enjoys a fulfilling domestic life. He is happily married to Oluwatoyin Makinde and frequently takes to social media to openly celebrate his wife, regularly sharing affectionate tributes and fondly praising her culinary skills.
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