Every new generation presents a number of young and promising movie stars. However, to be in the spotlight in your early 20s is not easy. It means you have much more to prove to the world than your colleagues who have been in the industry for decades. While some young actors master the craft as a child, others begin a few years into their teens.
These young African movie stars managed to show everyone they are good in the field. They slowly transitioned from child actors and began playing grown-up roles. For young African movie stars, transitioning is often not too easy as they have to cross many hurdles at an early age. These actors, however, rose to the occasion despite the pressure that comes with it.
Regina Daniels 22 – Nigerian Actress
Not many child actors in Nollywood are able to make it as far as Regina Daniels. Many of them outgrow their passion for acting before they even become teenagers. So they give up on acting and find a new passion.
Regina Daniels started her career at age 8. This shows how talented she is and how confident she must have been at a very young age. Just a few years into her 20s, she has acquired so much attention from the world both as an actress and a social media personality. She is also Nollywood’s youngest producer and seems to be having a good year in both her career and personal life.
Elizabeth Michael 24 – Tanzanian Actress
Acting as a career began for Elizabeth at age 5. To many, she is known as Lulu, a character she played in several TV series before she ever appeared in a movie. Her performances in movies have landed her several awards including the Zanzibar International Film Festival which she received at an age of just 18.
She further veered into movie production and the first movie she produced was ‘Foolish Age’ in 2013. Just after she was named one of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans in August 2017, she was convicted for manslaughter. She spent 6 months in jail and has since moved past the saga.
Khomotso Manyaka 22 – South African Actress
It is impressive how much drive a 22-year-old can have. After Khomotso Manyaka’s role in ‘Life, Above All’, she has just kept rising. Her performance in the movie opened a new page in her career.
She acquired more roles after that including on the Mzansi Magic drama ‘iKhaya’. At an early age, Khomotso Manyaka received an Oscar nomination and she is a SAFTA Award winner.
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