GoldMyne Woman of The Week: Kemi Adetiba an Authentic Voice of Nollywood
Kemi Adetiba has become a defining voice in Nigerian cinema, known for her bold and authentic storytelling, creative vision, and ability to bring true African narratives to a global audience. Born on January 8, 1980, in Lagos, Kemi grew up in a family that valued both creativity and discipline her father worked in broadcasting, while her mother was an engineer and actress. Although she initially studied law at the University of Lagos, her passion for storytelling led her to the New York Film Academy, where she honed her skills in filmmaking.
Kemi began her career in media as a radio presenter on Rhythm 93.7 FM before moving into television, hosting shows like Studio 53 and Maltina Dance All. These early experiences gave her a deep understanding of audience engagement, pacing, and presentation skills she would later bring to her work behind the camera.
Her breakthrough in film came with The Wedding Party (2016), a romantic comedy starring the now couple, Banky and Adesua Etomi-Wellington, which became one of the highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time. Celebrated for its humour, and accurate depiction of Nigerian wedding culture, the film established Kemi as a filmmaker who could combine commercial success with cultural authenticity.
In 2018, she directed King of Boys, a political crime thriller exploring ambition, loyalty, and power through the story of Alhaja Eniola Salami played by Sola Sobowale. The film’s critical and commercial success led to a Netflix series, King of Boys: The Return of the King, which further showcased her talent for complex storytelling and character development.
In 2025, Kemi released To Kill a Monkey, an eight-episode crime drama series on Netflix. The show follows Efemini, a man whose desperate choices pull him into the world of cybercrime. With a cast including William Benson, Bucci Franklin, Stella Damasus, and Bimbo Akintola, the series dives into moral dilemmas, loyalty, and survival, highlighting Kemi’s growth in tackling darker, more challenging narratives.
Off-screen, Kemi runs her production company, Kemi Adetiba Visuals, and actively mentors young creatives, especially women in the industry. In April 2022, she married Ghanaian music executive Oscar Heman-Ackah, adding a personal milestone to her already remarkable career.
From radio and television to blockbuster films and international streaming series, Kemi Adetiba is a brilliant mind and a testament to courage, vision, and determination. Her work continues to elevate African storytelling, proving that Nigerian stories can resonate globally without losing their authenticity. We wonder what next is up her sleeve.
