Who are the child actors making waves in Nollywood this year?

2024 was a remarkable year for Nollywood child actors. Child actors didn’t just take on roles—they owned them, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. These six stars proved that age is no barrier to excellence, delivering performances that raised the bar for storytelling in Nollywood.

Let’s spotlight the top young actors who defined Nollywood this year.

Darasimi Nadi

Darasimi Nadi’s performances in A Father’s Love and Tokunbo were nothing short of phenomenal. Her ability to convey raw emotions with authenticity and grace captivated audiences. This year, her hard work paid off in a big way—she won Best Child Actress at the 2024 Best of Nollywood Awards. She also featured alongside Maleek Sani in Yemi Morafa’s Aburo.

Darasimi’s win isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s proof of her growing influence in the industry. Her ability to consistently deliver powerful performances has solidified her as one of Nollywood’s most respected young talents.

Maleek Sani

Maleek Sani delivered a standout performance in Aburo, a film that explored family, loyalty, and the challenges of growing up. Maleek’s portrayal of his character was both heartfelt and commanding, making it impossible to take your eyes off the screen.

What sets Maleek apart is his ability to fully immerse himself in his roles. He balances intensity and vulnerability effortlessly, creating characters that feel real and relatable. In Aburo, Maleek didn’t just act—he connected deeply with his audience. His performance has sparked conversations about his potential to take on even bigger roles in the future.

Maleek’s growing fan base and critical acclaim are a testament to his dedication and talent. He’s not just a rising star; he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Ashafa Salamot

Ashafa Salamot, fondly known as “Small Mummy,” wowed audiences in Suspicion. Her natural charisma and emotional depth shone through in every scene, making her performance unforgettable.

Ashafa’s ability to portray complex emotions with ease is what makes her stand out. She has an innate gift for drawing viewers into her world and keeping them invested in her character’s journey. With each role, Ashafa continues to prove why she’s one of Nollywood’s most promising young stars.

Fiyin Asenuga

Fiyin Asenuga showed his versatility this year in Shining Star and Muri and Ko. In both films, he delivered performances that were heartfelt, relatable, and impactful.

What makes Fiyin remarkable is his ability to adapt to different roles while maintaining his authenticity. Whether he’s navigating moments of joy or struggle, Fiyin brings a level of maturity to his acting that belies his age.

Fiyin’s dedication to his craft is evident in every project he takes on, and it’s clear that he’s destined for even greater achievements in Nollywood.

Kosiso Ogboruche

Kosiso Ogboruche made a memorable debut this year in Kill Boro. As a newcomer, he took on a challenging role and delivered an impressive performance that turned heads.

Kosiso’s confidence and ability to hold his own alongside seasoned actors is a testament to his natural talent. In Kill Boro, he brought intensity and vulnerability to his character, making the film a standout project of 2024.

For a debut, Kosiso’s work has set a high standard. He’s clearly a star in the making, and his future in Nollywood looks incredibly bright.

Simisola Gbadamosi

Simisola Gbadamosi broke new ground this year with her role in Disney’s Iwájú. As the voice of Tola, she brought life to the character in the groundbreaking animated series. Her exceptional work earned her an Emmy nomination, a historic achievement for a Nollywood child actor.

Simisola’s success goes beyond just her talent—it’s a win for Nollywood as a whole. She’s shown that young actors from Nigeria can compete and excel on a global stage. Her achievement is not only inspiring but also a sign of the industry’s growing reach and influence.

These six young actors have redefined the role of children in Nollywood films. Through their hard work, passion, and undeniable talent, they’ve raised the bar for storytelling and inspired a new generation of performers. As they continue to grow, there’s no doubt that Nollywood’s future is in capable hands.

From Darasimi’s award-winning roles to Simisola’s global recognition, 2024 was the year of child stars in Nollywood. These young talents didn’t just entertain—they set a standard for what’s possible when passion meets opportunity.