For more than two decades, Jaiye Kuti has remained one of the familiar faces in Yoruba Nollywood. From television to cinema, and from acting to filmmaking and business, she has built a career that continues to grow.
As the actress celebrates her 57th birthday today, it is a fitting time to look back at the woman behind the screen. From the journey she has taken, the milestones she has reached, and the lesser-known facts that have shaped her life and career.
Here are 20 things to know about Jaiye Kuti.
1. She was born in Ogun State
Jaiye Kuti, whose full name is Durojaiyeola Oluwakemi Kuti, was born on July 10, 1969, in Ilaro, Ogun State. She grew up in a Christian home and spent her early years moving with her family because of her father’s job.
2. She comes from a disciplined family
Her father, Rufus Adisa Oluwale, worked with the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and also served as a pastor in the Cherubim and Seraphim Church. He died in 2015 after battling diabetes and kidney-related complications.
3. She is not related to Fela Kuti
Because of her surname, many people assume Jaiye Kuti belongs to the famous Kuti family led by Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. The actress has repeatedly clarified that this is false and that they only share the same surname.
4. Education has always been part of her journey
She attended Sunshine Primary School before transferring to Temidire Primary School following her father’s relocation. She later studied at Ikorodu High School, earned a National Diploma in Secretarial Administration from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and later obtained a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Lagos.
5. She worked before becoming a full-time actress
Before finding fame in Nollywood, Jaiye Kuti worked as a secretary. She also worked with C.Ray Company Limited, an automobile company owned by her husband. Her corporate background helped shape the discipline she later brought into filmmaking and business.
6. Her acting career began on television
Jaiye Kuti started acting in 2002 when she joined the television sitcom Laff Patterns, which featured veteran actor Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello). The role opened the door to a career that would span more than two decades.
7. Television helped build her reputation
Following her debut, she appeared in popular television productions including Spiders, Face to Face, One Love, and Everyday People. These roles allowed audiences to become familiar with her acting style long before she became a household name in Yoruba films.
8. She found her true home in Yoruba cinema
Although she began in English-language television, Jaiye Kuti eventually moved into Yoruba films, where she became known for playing strong, caring and memorable maternal characters. Movies such as Folajomi, Kayefi, Oluwo, Awon Aladun De, Si Gbogbo Okunrin, and Ashewo Airport helped establish her as one of the industry’s dependable actresses.
9. Ewon Laafin changed her career
While she had appeared in several productions before then, Ewon Laafin became one of the films that significantly raised her profile. It introduced her to an even wider audience and cemented her place among respected Yoruba movie stars.
10. She has shared the screen with Nollywood’s biggest names
Over the years, Jaiye Kuti has acted alongside leading actors including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Iretiola Doyle, Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Fathia Balogun, Gabriel Afolayan, Kehinde Bankole, Jide Kosoko and Wasiu Alabi Pasuma.
11. She built her own production company
Determined to tell her own stories, Jaiye founded Jaylex Aesthetic Productions, a company focused on television and film production. Through the company, she has produced several successful movies and expanded her influence beyond acting.
12. She has produced more than a dozen films
Her production credits include Jayeola Ni Monje, Oro Mi, Olori Amolegebe, Itan Kokoro Ide, Scarred, Ewon Laafin, Blacksmith: Alagbede, and Jayeola Monje: The Anniversary, among others.
13. Alagbede became her biggest cinema success
In 2024, Jaiye Kuti made her cinema debut as a producer with Blacksmith: Alagbede. The movie reportedly cost over ₦100 million to produce and went on to gross more than ₦103 million at the Nigerian box office, making it one of the country’s biggest Nollywood releases that year.
Reflecting on the project, she revealed that filming lasted 17 days, with the team constantly hoping the weather would not disrupt production because many scenes were shot outdoors.
14. She followed it up with another cinema release
Rather than slowing down, Jaiye returned to cinemas with Jayeola Monje: The Anniversary, a 2026 romantic drama starring herself, Pasuma, Femi Adebayo and Ibrahim Yekini (Itele). The film continued her push to tell larger stories for cinema audiences.
15. A movie scene once sparked marriage rumours
One of the biggest rumours about Jaiye Kuti came after photos of her and Fuji star Wasiu Alabi Pasuma dressed as a couple went viral. She later explained that the pictures were taken on a movie set and said they were simply acting.
Despite her explanation, the rumour continued to circulate online for some time.
16. She has been married for over two decades
Away from the cameras, Jaiye Kuti has maintained a relatively private family life. She married businessman Lanre Kuti in 2000, and the couple have two children, Mayowa and Anastasia.
17. Her contributions have earned her recognition
In 2016, she was appointed an ambassador of the Lagos State Polytechnic in recognition of her contribution to Nollywood. She has also received honours including the City People Movie Special Recognition Award and the City People Entertainment Award for Yoruba Personality of the Year (Female).
18. She is an honorary doctorate holder
Jaiye Kuti also holds an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from Prowess University, Delaware, United States, recognising her contribution to the creative industry.
19. She expanded into real estate
In 2025, she ventured into real estate with the launch of TerraHive Properties Limited. Announcing the company on her birthday, she said the goal was to move from creating stories on screen to helping build thriving communities through quality housing.
20. She continues to reinvent herself
From actress to producer, entrepreneur and now real estate investor, Jaiye Kuti has consistently embraced new opportunities. More than 20 years after her television debut, she remains one of Yoruba Nollywood’s most respected personalities, proving that longevity comes from growth, hard work and the willingness to evolve.
Conclusion
Jaiye Kuti’s journey is one of steady growth rather than overnight success. She has worn many hats—actress, producer, businesswoman and mentor—and each chapter has added another layer to her legacy.
As she celebrates another birthday, her story stands as a reminder that consistency, resilience and a willingness to reinvent yourself can keep a career relevant for decades. Whether on television, the big screen or in business, Jaiye Kuti continues to leave her mark on Nollywood and beyond.
