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Temi Otedola has steadily carved a notable path for herself in Nollywood. Since her debut in 2020, she has starred in three major leading roles, showcasing impressive growth and versatility as an actress.
A glance at Temi Otedola’s filmography reveals something unique about her career – she has only ever taken on leading roles. Never appearing as a supporting actress, she continues to prove that her rise in Nollywood is no accident but the result of intentional choices and a clear vision for her craft.
Born on March 20, 1996, Temi is a Nigerian actress and blogger who made a striking debut in Nollywood with her lead role in Kunle Afolayan’s Citation. The Netflix original drama, released on November 6, 2020, was initially scheduled for a theatrical release in August that year but faced production delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Written by Tunde Babalola and directed by Kunle Afolayan, Citation featured a star-studded cast including Temi Otedola, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Bukunmi Oluwashina, Gabriel Afolayan, Ibukun Awosika, Joke Silva, Ini Edo, and Yomi Fash-Lanso. The film tells the story of Moremi (played by Temi Otedola), a university student who bravely speaks out after a professor attempts to rape her, and how the institution responds to her claims. According to the producer, the film is largely based on true events. Following its release, Citation quickly gained traction, becoming the sixth-most popular film on Netflix globally and the most-watched title in Nigeria at the time.
Temi continued her acting career with The Man for the Job, a crime drama written and produced by Niyi Akinmolayan, in which she played the role of Zina. The film follows Joseph, whose innocent act of helpfulness toward a fintech company coincides with a scam that implicates him, jeopardising his integrity and future. Produced by Victoria Akujobi, the film also stars Uzor Arukwe, Nosa Rex, Lolade Okusanya, and Alibaba Akpobome, and was released on Prime Video on April 29, 2022.
Most recently, Temi starred in Ms Kanyin, Nemsia Studios’ fourth release of 2025, which premiered on Prime Video on June 27. The supernatural thriller follows a terrifying chain of events sparked by a single act of disobedience at the mythical Sterling Academy, where students begin to uncover a deadly secret buried in the school’s past, blurring the line between reality and the supernatural. The film features Michelle Dede, Tolu George, Kanaga Jnr, Demola Adedoyin, Kalu Ikeagwu, and Keppy Ekpenyong, among others. Ms Kanyin is part of Nemsia Studios’ ambitious 12-title slate deal with Prime Video over two years, following earlier 2025 releases such as Suky, After 30, and The Fire and the Moth.
Celebrating his daughter’s latest achievement, Temi’s father, Femi Otedola, took to social media to praise her performance, writing:
“So proud of my star @temiotedola on the release of her amazing new movie ‘Ms Kanyin’. Watch now on Amazon Prime Video 🎬 …F.Ote💲.”
Having starred in a drama, a crime drama, and now a supernatural thriller, Temi Otedola has demonstrated her versatility as an actress. However, her sporadic film appearances raise the question of whether she is ready to commit fully to Nollywood and cement her place in the industry.
Temi Otedola gave fans a rare glimpse into her life on set by documenting her experience during the filming of Ms. Kanyin in 2023. She captured behind-the-scenes moments, her routines as an actress, and what the journey was like taking on such a significant role. This personal documentary not only shows the hard work that goes into a production of this scale but also highlights Temi’s dedication to her craft. She later shared the film on her YouTube channel, allowing her followers to journey with her through the highs and challenges of the shoot. You can watch it here:
What Next?
Given Temi Otedola’s strategic approach so far, her next move will likely be a deeper dive into web series rather than traditional cable TV. This choice aligns with both her personal brand and the shifting trends in global entertainment. Here are reasons she may consider web series:
Appealing to a Younger Audience: Web series are especially popular among younger viewers who prefer streaming content on their phones and laptops. This demographic aligns perfectly with Otedola’s target audience – tech-savvy, trend-conscious, and eager for fresh, relatable stories. By focusing on web series, she stays relevant to Gen Z and millennials, further strengthening her influence as a youth icon.
Exploring Niche Content: Unlike mainstream television, which often focuses on mass appeal, web series tend to highlight niche topics and genres. This gives Otedola the freedom to take on unique roles and explore themes that align with her personal brand, whether it’s contemporary romance, psychological thrillers, or socially conscious dramas. These choices will not only diversify her portfolio but also position her as an actor who takes bold, conversation-starting roles.
Embracing Creative Freedom: Web series generally offer actors and creators greater creative freedom compared to traditional TV constraints. This flexibility will allow Otedola to work on projects that challenge her skills and showcase her range without being boxed into stereotypical Nollywood roles. Collaborating with innovative directors and writers in this format will also help her grow artistically and professionally.
Expanding Global Reach: Perhaps the biggest advantage is the global reach web series provide. Streaming on platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, Showmax, or Apple TV+ will amplify Otedola’s visibility to international audiences, opening doors for cross-border collaborations in Europe, the UK, and the US. This exposure will not only increase her brand value but also establish her as a Nollywood actor with global relevance.
In Summary
While Temi Otedola continues to receive praise for her performance in Ms Kanyin, now streaming on Prime Video, her infrequent appearances on screen leave audiences eager to see what kind of project she will feature in next. Despite her limited filmography so far, each role has showcased her talent and left viewers anticipating her next cinematic move.
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