Adunni Ade: From Accounting Graduate to Nollywood Star and Producer

Adunni Adewale, popularly known as Adunni Ade, has carved out a remarkable space for herself in Nollywood as an actress, producer, and model. Born on June 7, 1976, in Queens, New York, to a German-Irish mother and Nigerian father, Adunni spent her early childhood in Lagos before returning to the U.S. for university. She holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Kentucky and initially worked in the housing and insurance industries before making a bold shift into entertainment. Her acting journey began in 2013 with the Yoruba-language film You or I. She gained wider attention through her comedic skit Date Gone Bad, which amassed over 170,000 views on YouTube. Since then, Adunni has appeared in more than 250 Nollywood films, including Diary of a Lagos Girl, It’s Her Day, Lakatabu, and Ijogbon, showcasing her versatility across genres.

In 2021, Adunni expanded her role in the industry by launching her production company, Lou-Ellen Clara Company Limited. Her debut production, Soólè, directed by Kayode Kasum, was a commercial hit, grossing over ₦51 million at the box office in nine weeks and securing a spot among the top 10 Nollywood films of 2021. Her efforts have earned her recognition beyond the screen. She received a Stella Award from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism for her work promoting Nigerian culture and garnered an AMVCA nomination for Soólè. Adunni Ade continues to inspire with her dedication, talent, and business acumen, contributing meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian cinema.