Efa Iwara is a multi-talented Nigerian actor and rapper known for his remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry. Initially gaining attention as a musician, he later transitioned into acting, where he has built an impressive career. Over the years, he has starred in several popular television series and films, earning a strong reputation in Nollywood.
Early Life and Education
Efa Iwara was born on August 20, 1986, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Despite being raised in the southwest, he hails from Ugep, Cross River State. Growing up in an academic environment, his father was a linguistics professor, and his mother worked as a librarian.
For his early education, Efa attended Staff School in Ibadan before moving on to the International School, Barth Road, for his secondary education. He later pursued higher studies at the University of Ibadan, where he earned a degree in Geography.
Efa Iwara Biography: Quick Facts
- Full Name: Efa Iwara
- Date of Birth: August 20, 1986
- Place of Birth: Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- State of Origin: Cross River State (Ugep)
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Education: University of Ibadan (Degree in Geography)
- Profession: Actor, Rapper
- Years Active: 2006 – Present
Early Life & Education
- Grew up in Ibadan, Oyo State.
- Attended Staff School and International School, Barth Road.
- Graduated from the University of Ibadan with a degree in Geography.
Music Career
- Started in 2006 as part of the rap group X-Factor.
- Released his debut EP Waka EP in 2011.
- Last music release was Fall in Love featuring Plantashun Boiz in 2014.
- Transitioned fully to acting after his music career.
Acting Career
- Debuted in 2011 as a debate moderator in Tinsel.
- Gained recognition in MTV Shuga Naija (2013).
- Returned in 2016 with Life 101 on EbonyLife TV.
- Starred in hit TV series like Ajoche, Rumor Has It, and The Men’s Club.
- Featured in major Nollywood movies such as Isoken, Seven, and Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story.
Awards & Nominations
- 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards – Nominated for Best Actor in a Lead Role (English) (The Sessions).
- 2020 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards – Nominated for Best Actor in a Drama (Seven).
- 2021 Net Honours – Nominated for Most Popular Actor.
- 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards – Nominated for Best Actor in a Drama (This Lady Called Life).
Personal Life
- Keeps his personal and relationship life private.
- Primarily focuses on his acting career.
Notable Traits & Legacy
- Started as a musician before fully transitioning to acting.
- Recognized for versatility in both TV series and Nollywood films.
- Continues to be a rising star in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Journey into Music
Efa’s passion for music began in 2006 when he co-founded a rap group called X-Factor alongside DJ Clem, Bolaji, Jide, and Boye. The group eventually disbanded, leading him to embark on a solo career. In 2011, he released his debut five-track EP titled Waka EP, which received moderate success.
His final single as a musician, Fall in Love, featured the legendary Nigerian music group Plantashun Boiz. Despite showing promise in the music industry, Efa later shifted his focus entirely to acting.
Acting Career and Breakthrough
Efa Iwara made his acting debut in 2011 when he played the role of a debate moderator in an episode of the popular television series Tinsel. Though initially committed to music, his experience on set ignited a deep interest in acting.
His major breakthrough came in 2013 when he landed a role in the first season of MTV Shuga Naija. However, he took a short break from acting before returning in 2016 with the TV series Life 101 on Ebonylife TV.
Since then, Efa has showcased his talent in several hit television series, including:
- Ajoche
- Rumor Has It
- The Men’s Club
His presence in Nollywood extends beyond TV series, as he has also appeared in popular movies such as:
- Isoken
- Seven
- Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story
Awards and Nominations
Efa Iwara’s stellar performances have earned him multiple award nominations. Some of his notable recognitions include:
- Best of Nollywood Awards (2020) – Nominated for Best Actor in a Lead Role (English) for The Sessions and Best Kiss in a Movie.
- Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (2020) – Nominated for Best Actor in a Drama for Seven.
- Net Honours (2021) – Nominated for Most Popular Actor.
- Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (2022) – Nominated for Best Actor in a Drama for This Lady Called Life.
Although he has yet to win a major acting award, his consistent performances suggest that greater recognition is only a matter of time.
Personal Life
Efa Iwara is known for keeping his personal life private. He rarely shares details about his relationships or family, preferring to focus on his career. His dedication to both music and acting has solidified his status as one of Nigeria’s most versatile entertainers.
Conclusion
Efa Iwara’s journey from music to acting showcases his artistic versatility and determination. His ability to excel in multiple entertainment fields has earned him admiration from fans and industry professionals alike. With his continued presence in Nollywood, he remains a key figure to watch in Nigerian entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Efa Iwara’s educational background?
Efa holds a degree in Geography from the University of Ibadan.
2. Has Efa Iwara won any acting awards?
While he has received multiple nominations from prestigious awards like the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, he has yet to secure a major win.
3. Is Efa Iwara still active in music?
Although he started as a musician, Efa transitioned into acting around 2011 and has since focused primarily on his acting career.
Also Read: Lateef Adedimeji Biography: Age, Children, Personal Life, Marriage, Networth And Origin