Mercy Aigbe () (born 1 January 1978) is a Nigerian actress, director, fashionista and businesswoman. She is best known for her Yoruba language movies.[1][2]
Mercy Aigbe | |
|---|---|
| Born | Mercy Aigbe 1 January 1978 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Alma mater | University of Lagos |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | Yoruba Indigenous Movies |
| Spouse | Kazim Adeoti (m. 2022) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Pa Aigbe (father) Abisola Grace Owodunni (mother) |
| Website | mercyaigbegentry |
Early life
editMercy Aigbe was born on 1 January 1978 in Edo State[3] to Pa Aigbe and Mrs. Abisola Grace Owodunni.[4] She hails from Benin city which is the capital of Edo State. She is the second child in a family of five.[5] She had her primary education at St. Francis primary school and attended Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School Ikeja, Lagos State.[6] She is also an alumnus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, where she received her OND in Financial Studies. In 2001, Mercy Aigbe graduated from University of Lagos with a degree in Theater Arts.[7][8]
Career
editMercy Aigbe kicked off her acting career by starring in some soap operas, including the popular TV drama series "Papa Ajasco."[9] Professionally, Mercy joined the Nollywood industry fully in 2006 and acted in the movie that brought her into the limelight 'Ara,' a movie produced by Remi Olupo in Ibadan, Oyo State.[10] She founded "Mercy Aigbe Gentry School of Drama" in 2016.[11][12]
Endorsement
editIn November 2014, Mercy Aigbe was made the brand ambassador for Elephant Gold Rice.[13] Mercy Aigbe signed a one-year deal to be the brand ambassador for Prestige Cosmetic in June 2015.[14] In July 2016, Mercy signed an endorsement deal with Edalaf Brother Limited, an IT solution company.[15] She was made an ambassador for a fitness company called "Shape you," the company that produces Slimming Coffee in October 2016.[16] Mercy Aigbe, in March 2017, was made the brand ambassador for BK hair.[17] In September 2018, She was made the brand ambassador for "Naija Taxi Services", a company that deals with transportation of people.[18] Mercy Aigbe alongside Bose Alao and Biodun Okeowo penned an endorsement deal with a Cosmetic giant "Mary Make"[19]
Filmography
edit- Satanic
- Afefe Ife (2008)
- Okanjua (2008) as Tolu
- Atunida Leyi (2009)
- Igberaga (2009) as Sunmbo
- Ihamo (2009)
- Ìpèsè (2009)
- Iró funfun (2009) as Yimisi
- Mafisere (2009)
- Oju ife (2009)
- Edaa (2010) as Shade
- Osas: Omoge Benin (2012) as Osas
- Gucci Girls (2012) as Cynthia
- Ile Oko Mii (2014)
- Victims (2015) as Yeni
- Kabiosi (2015) as Bidun
- Omoge Lekki (2016)
- Loved You First (2016)
- The Screenplay (2017)
- Little Drops of Happy (2017) as Yetunde
- My Secret (2017)
- 200 Million (2018)
- Second Acts (2018)
- Lagos Real Fake Life (2018) as Jasmine
- The Reunion (2019)
- 77 Bullets (2019) as Susan J.B.O / Bisola
- Kinni Igbeyawo (2020) as Rolake
- Swallow (2021) as Violet
- The Cokers (2021) as Sandra
- Ete (2021) as Lola
- Crazy Grannies (2021) as Ewa
- Obsessions (2022) as Jane
- Romola Alakara (2022) as Romola
- My Home (2022) as Sade
- Mr Perfect (2022) as Joke
- Palava (2022) as Hajara
- Eri Ife (2022) as Eniola
- Destiny (2022) as Madam Mildred
- Gbege (2022)
- Afefeyeye (2022) as Kofoworola
- Brotherhood (2022) as Wumi Adetula
- Osato (2023) Aunty Pat
- Ololade (2023)
- The Trade (2023) as Victim's Mum
- Ada Omo Daddy (2023) as Older Motunrayo
- Aitokunrin (2024) as Radeke
- Rush Hour (2024) as Iya Ronke
- Beast of Two Worlds (2024) as Oyeyiola
Awards
edit| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | City People Entertainment Awards | Yoruba Movie Personality of the year | Won | |
| Links and Glitz World Awards | Fashion Entrepreneur of The Year | Won | ||
| 2017 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actress in a Lead role –Yoruba | Nominated | [20] |
| 2018 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Supporting Actress –Yoruba | Nominated | [21] |
| 2019 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Nominated | [22] | |
| 2023 | Eko Heritage Awards | Leadership award for youth and empowerment | Won | [23] |
Fashion and style
editMercy Aigbe is known for her unique style and dressing.[24] At the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, Mercy Aigbe's dress earned her great applause from fashion stakeholders.[25] The dress was commended for its unique design.[26] In November 2014, Aigbe launched her clothing store, Mag Divas Boutique, in Lagos, then opened another outlet in Ibadan.[27][28] She was awarded Fashion Entrepreneur of The Year at Links and Glitz World Awards.[29][30]
Personal life
editIn 2013, Aigbe married a Nigerian hotelier, Lanre Gentry, after the end of her first marriage,[31] and has two children.[32][33][34][35] In 2017, she shared photos of herself after allegedly being assaulted by her husband. She consequently separated from her second husband due to claims of domestic violence, and started a campaign against it.[36][37][38] Mercy Aigbe acquired a multi-million naira mansion in 2018.[39]
In 2022, she married Kazim Adeoti, popularly known as Adekaz.[40] In 2023, Mercy converted to Islam and changed her name to Hajiya Meena.[41]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Ayomide O. Tayo (3 June 2015). "Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, pretty passionate actress". Retrieved 9 August 2015.
- ^ Ajomole Helen. "6 Hottest Asoebi Styles Of Mercy Aigbe". Naij. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe looks more beautiful without makeup".
- ^ "My mum and I : I bought car in school and lied to mum I won beauty pageant –Mercy Aigbe-Gentry". The Sun Nigeria. 29 January 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ Okundia, Jennifer (1 January 2021). "Pictures: Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe hits 43". P.M. News. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ "Who is Mercy Aigbe? Biography, Age, Career, Net worth, Awards, other Facts ⋆ NaijaHomeBased". NaijaHomeBased. 2 December 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe children". naija.ng.
- ^ "True, some of my colleagues are wayward, says Mercy Aigbe". Vanguard News. 21 August 2010. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe, beautiful, talented actress". Pulse Nigeria. 29 November 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
- ^ "'I'll never do anything to jeopardize my marriage' -Mercy Aigbe | Encomium Magazine". Retrieved 14 April 2021.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe's drama school graduates first set of trained students". Television Continental. 4 August 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
- ^ Braimoh, Tobi (17 July 2016). "Mercy Aigbe Starts Her Own Film School". Retrieved 18 October 2018.
- ^ "See actress' behind-the-scenes photos from TVC". Pulse Nigeria. 27 November 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe speaks on her new endorsement deal | Encomium Magazine". Retrieved 15 April 2021.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe signs new endorsement deal". Vanguard News. 26 July 2016. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
- ^ "Nigerian actress Mercy Aigbe gentry lands another endorsement deal with a fitness company". Vanguard Allure. 28 October 2016. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
- ^ Peter, Adenuga (22 March 2017). "Mercy Aigbe Endorsed As BK Unique Hair Ambassador". Information Nigeria. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
- ^ Okundia, Jennifer (27 September 2018). "Mercy Aigbe Bags Another Brand Influencing Deal". P.M. News. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
- ^ "The Nation Newspaper". Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
- ^ "BON Awards 2017: Kannywood's Ali Nuhu receives Special Recognition Award". Daily Trust. 23 November 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
- ^ "BON Awards 2018: Mercy Aigbe, Tana Adelana shine at 10th edition". Pulse Nigeria. 9 December 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
- ^ Bada, Gbenga (15 December 2019). "BON Awards 2019: 'Gold Statue', Gabriel Afolayan win big at 11th edition". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
- ^ Oluwayemi, Oluwapelumi (17 July 2023). "Mercy Aigbe bags Eko Leadership Award". PM News Nigeria. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ Ewulluh, Binyelum (26 July 2016). "6 times Mercy Aigbe wowed us on the red carpet". Nigeria Entertainment Today. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe's Dress To The #AMVCA2016 Has Got Everyone Talking". StarGist. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
- ^ Odumade, Omotolani (22 March 2016). "Fans react to This Day Style snub". Pulse. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
- ^ Banah, Namang (11 December 2014). "Actress launches fashion store". Pulse. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe Stays Winning As She Opens Boutique In Ibadan". Fab Woman. 15 March 2018.
- ^ "[Photos] Actress Mercy Aigbe Wins 'Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year' Award". Nigeria Bulletin. 9 January 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe Living Her Dreams. . ". ThisDay. 4 August 2018. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
- ^ Tayo, Ayomide O. (11 May 2015). "Actress opens up on why her first marriage crashed". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
- ^ "Find out how star actress keeps her marriage going". Pulse. 14 July 2016.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe Gentry Expecting Another Child For New Hubby". Information Nigeria. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
- ^ Adesola Ade-Unuigbe (6 March 2015). "Mercy Aigbe-Gentry to Motherhood InStyle: 'Most Nigerian Men don't want their Wives to Outshine Them". Bella Naija. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe prays for daughter as she turns 21". Vanguard News. 11 July 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
- ^ "Actress marks 1 year since she encountered domestic violence in failed marriage". Pulse. 16 February 2018.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe Joins Campaign Against Domestic Violence". Channels TV. 29 June 2017.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe and ex-husband Lanre Gentry blast each other on Father's Day". HotNaija. 21 June 2021.
- ^ "Actress Mercy Aigbe buys multi-million naira house for herself and her kids". 19 June 2018.
- ^ "Mercy Aigbe ignores critics, flaunts wedding photos with hearthrob". 24 January 2022. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
- ^ Acho, Affa (10 December 2023). "Why I Converted To Islam – Mercy Aigbe". Retrieved 8 July 2024.
External links
edit- Mercy Aigbe at IMDb