Kemi "Lala" Akindoju

Kemi "Lala" Akindoju stands as a dynamic force in Nollywood, seamlessly blending her talents as an award-winning actor, producer, and topmost casting director in Nigeria. Her portrayal of Funmiwo in Tunde Kelani's ‘Dazzling Mirage’ not only garnered critical acclaim but also earned her the prestigious AMVCA Trailblazer Award in 2016.

Akindoju’s creative genius is behind some of Nigeria’s most successful and widely viewed productions. In 2023, she co-produced ‘Gangs of Lagos’, the first African Original on Prime Video, which grossed over ₦230 million and ranked among the platform’s top 10 globally most-watched non-English originals. She also served as a producer on ‘The Black Book’, another major Netflix success that made waves internationally. As a casting director, she played a pivotal role in the NAACP-nominated "Eyimofe" and Disney’s first Nigerian animated series, ‘Iwaju’, nominated in 3 Children and Family Emmy's Award.

Beyond her on-screen achievements, Akindoju is celebrated for her commitment to nurturing emerging talent. She founded 'Open Mic Theatre' in 2011, a platform that has been instrumental in discovering many of today's Nollywood stars. Her dedication to authentic African storytelling continues through her company, The Make It Happen Productions, solidifying her as a pivotal figure in bringing Nigerian narratives to a global audience with credits on major projects across Amazon Prime, Disney and Netflix.