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Nollywood icon Bimbo Akintola continues to prove why she remains one of the most revered names in Nigerian cinema. The award-winning actress is currently commanding attention for her riveting performance in Kemi Adetiba’s latest psychological thriller To Kill A Monkey, where she plays the no-nonsense Inspector Mo — a character as gripping as the storyline itself.
Her portrayal in the film is drawing praise from audiences and critics alike, not just for its emotional intensity but for her ability to carry authority on screen with effortless ease. Once again, Akintola’s artistry is reminding movie lovers of the unmatched range and class she brings to her craft.
A Theatre Arts graduate from the prestigious University of Ibadan, Bimbo Akintola has had a formidable acting journey that spans over two decades. She made her debut in the classic Owo Blow in 1995, acting alongside a then-young Femi Adebayo. Her breakthrough came shortly after with the 1997 film Out of Bounds, where she shared the screen with Nollywood legend Richard Mofe-Damijo. These early roles established her as a formidable force in the industry, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Her filmography is filled with some of Nollywood’s most critically acclaimed works. In 2016, Akintola took on one of her most challenging and celebrated roles to date in 93 Days, where she portrayed the late Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh — the heroic Nigerian physician who played a pivotal role in curbing the spread of Ebola in Lagos. Her powerful performance earned her a Best Actress nomination at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and widespread acclaim for her moving portrayal of real-life courage.
Beyond 93 Days, she has also featured in top productions like The Black Book, a political-action thriller where she delivered yet another layered performance; Freedom Way; Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper directed by Toyin Abraham; Alakada: Bad and Boujee; and the recently released Beast of Two Worlds, showcasing her sustained relevance and artistic reinvention in the fast-evolving Nollywood landscape.
In To Kill A Monkey, Bimbo Akintola brings to life the character of Inspector Mo — a calculating and observant officer grappling with secrets, justice, and the complexity of the human psyche. According to several industry observers, her performance is one of the standout elements of the film, with many calling it one of her best works in recent years.
“Bimbo brings something fresh and unexpected to every role she takes on. She doesn’t just play the character — she embodies it,” said a Nollywood filmmaker reacting to her performance in the new release.
Despite her decades-long career, Bimbo Akintola remains committed to continuous growth. She once shared in an interview that she views every new role as an opportunity to challenge herself and explore uncharted emotional territory. It is this mindset that has made her one of the most dependable and respected names in the Nigerian film industry.
Over the years, she has earned numerous accolades, including the Best Actress award at the Reel Awards in 1997, and she continues to receive nominations and recognitions from platforms like the Africa Movie Academy Awards and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
In addition to her work in film, Bimbo has also made her mark on television, appearing in multiple drama series and made-for-TV movies that have further solidified her legacy. She is also known for mentoring young actors and supporting industry reforms, consistently advocating for professionalism and better working conditions within Nollywood.
Now in her late 40s, the actress shows no signs of slowing down. Whether she’s playing a romantic lead, a vulnerable mother, or a hardened law enforcer like Inspector Mo, Bimbo Akintola brings a magnetic energy to screen that’s hard to ignore.
As fans celebrate her as this week’s Woman Crush Wednesday (WCW), it’s clear that her contribution to Nigerian cinema goes beyond talent — she’s a symbol of staying power, integrity, and continued excellence in an ever-changing industry.
From Owo Blow to To Kill A Monkey, Bimbo Akintola has remained a luminous force in Nollywood. With each new role, she reaffirms her place as one of the industry’s finest. Whether you’re a long-time admirer or a new fan discovering her brilliance for the first time, there’s never been a better time to appreciate this living legend.
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