Somkele Iyamah: Biography, Age, Career, Family And Movies
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama is a Nigerian TV and film actress and model. She is well known for her roles in 93 Days (2016), The Wedding Party (2016), The Arbitration (2016), the TV series Gidi Up (2013–present) and gained recognition at the Toronto International Film Festival and African International Film Festival. She is also the latest ambassador for Multichoice’s DSTV Explora, the widest satellite cable network across Africa.
Early life
Iyamah was born in Ika South Area of Delta State, to Andrew and Onyi Iyamah both of Ika(Agbor) origin. She is the third of four children. She attended the Chrisland Schools and she was introduced to drama by an inspirational teacher while attending Grange School in Lagos.
Somkele holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from McMaster University. She volunteered in several shows for charity at McMaster and modelled during the holidays in Nigeria. Her site says this included work for Virgin Nigeria, Harp, ETB and Visafone Communications.
Career
Iyamah’s first feature film was Dreamwalker, where she had a small part. From 2013, she starred as Yvonne, a fashion designer, in the TV series, Gidi Up where she worked with O.C. Ukeje.
In 2016 three films she starred in 93 Days (2016), The Wedding Party (2016) and, The Arbitration (2016) premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival which she attended as the first “female international Rising Star”.
In 2017, Iyamah appeared in the comedy-crime/heist thriller Ojukokoro (Greed) with Wale Ojo, Ali Nuhu, Tope Tedela and Seun Ajayi.
Personal life
Somkele manages the fashion brand, Andrea Iyamah, founded by younger sister Dumebi Iyamah. She is married to Aaron Idhalama, a Captain in one of the Nigerian Airlines.
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) | International Rising Star | Herself | Won |
| Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) | Special Jury Recognition Award | 93 Days | Won | |
| The Exquisite Lady Of The Year (ELOY) Awards | Actress Of The Year | Won | ||
| The Future Awards Africa | Prize For Actor | Won | ||
| Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | ||
| 2017 | 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | |
| Trailblazer Award | Herself | Won |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | A Soldier’s Story: Return From The Dead | Zaya | With Eric Roberts, Linda Ejiofor, Daniel K. DanielDirector: Frankie Ogar
Post Production |
| 2018 | Lara and the Beat | Dara Giwa | With Seyi Shay, Vector The Viper, Chioma AkpothaDirector: Tosin Coker |
| 2017 | The Wedding Party 2 | Yemisi Disu | With Adesua Etomi, Richard Mofe Damijo, Iretiola Doyle, Banky WDirector: Niyi Akinmolayan |
| 2016 | The Wedding Party 2016 | Yemisi Disu | With Adesua Etomi, Richard Mofe Damijo, Iretiola Doyle, Banky WDirector: Kemi Adetiba |
| 2016 | 93 Days | Dr Ada Igonoh | With Danny Glover, Gideon Okeke, Bimbo Akintola,Director: Steve Gukas |
| 2016 | The Arbitration | Omawumi Horsefall | With O.C. Ukeje, Iretiola Doyle, Adesua EtomiDirector: Niyi Akinmolayan |
| 2015 | The Department | Ireti | With Jide Kosoko, Osas Ighodaro Ajibade, O.C. ukeje,Director: Remi Vaughn Richards |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Gidi Up Season 2 | Yvonne | Network: NdaniTV |
| 2015 | Best Friends | Uche | Network: EbonyLife TV |
| 2013 | Gidi Up Season 1 | Yvonne | Network: NdaniTV |
| 2013 | Gidi Up (Pilot) | Yvonne | Network: NdaniTV |
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