Somkele Idhalama

Somkele Idhalama: Biography and Career Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama (born May 8, 1988) is a highly acclaimed Nigerian actress, model, and businesswoman. She is a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, and has gained international recognition for her versatile roles in both feature films and television. Early Life and Education Somkele Iyamah was born in Isoko, Delta State, Nigeria. She is the third of four children and was raised in Lagos. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Lagos. Before fully committing to acting, she worked in various professional fields, including as a model and for a brief period in a bank. Career Progression and Notable Works Idhalama began her career as a model before transitioning into acting. Her breakthrough came with her role in the critically acclaimed 2016 film *93 Days*, which chronicled the efforts of healthcare workers during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. Her performance in this movie earned her widespread recognition. She continued to build a strong reputation with roles in major films such as *The Wedding Party* (2016) and its sequel, *The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai* (2017), where she played Yemisi. She also starred in the action-drama *Gidi Up* and the thriller *The Arbitration* (2016). In 2020, she starred in the Netflix original series *The Ex-Wives*. Major Achievements and Awards Idhalama has received numerous accolades for her contributions to Nollywood. In 2017, she was nominated for the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in *93 Days*. That same year, she won the Trailblazer Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). Her career is characterized by roles that showcase emotional depth and intensity, establishing her as one of the most bankable and respected actresses of her generation. Current Status Beyond acting, Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama is also involved in entrepreneurship and advocacy. She continues to feature in Nigerian and international productions, solidifying her status as a global African talent. She is married with a child and maintains a relatively private personal life while remaining active on social media platforms.