Jaiye Kuti (Full Name: Durojaiyeola Oluwakemi Kuti, born July 10th) is a renowned Nigerian actress, businesswoman and movie producer known for the many movies and TV series she has featured in.
The actress has made a name for herself in Nollywood, most especially in the Yoruba film industry. She serves as the founder and chief executive officer of a production company called Jaylex Aesthetic Production, through which she has produced several Nigerian films.
Beginning her career in the early 2000s, Jaiye has starred in numerous movies and soap operas. Presumably, in her forties, the talented actress has achieved a well-decorated career.
Even though she has not made public her birth year, it is believed that Jaiye Kuti is presently in her late forties. Her career achievements at her age are quite impressive as the gorgeous thespian has not only dominated the acting scene but has gone ahead to achieve a successful career as a film producer.
- Full Name: Durojaiyeola Oluwakemi Kuti
- Nickname: Jaiye Kuti
- Birthday: July 10th
- Age: N/A
- Nationality: Nigeria
- Education: University of Lagos (Bachelor’s degree in English Language)
- Occupation: Actress, producer, brand ambassador, and entrepreneur
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Mr. Lanre Kuti (m. 2000)
- Children: 2
The Exact Year in Which Jaiye Kuti was Born is Unknown
Jaiye Kuti is one of the well-respected actresses in the Yoruba film industry. Despite her celebrity status, which has fetched her a massive fanbase, the actress has been meticulous about what she shares with her fans. As a result, it’s still not known what year she was born.
However, Jaiye has not kept her birthday secret and has disclosed that she was born on July 10th. With the brand ambassador not making her birth year public knowledge, many people have speculated that she arrived into the world either in 1968 or 1969. This puts her age at either 55 or 56.
Well, this is only mere speculation and cannot be taken to heart until the actress confirms any of the years as her birth year. Nonetheless, it is believed that Jaiye is in her late forties, and if that’s true, then she has achieved quite a lot at her age, having won a good number of awards throughout her career.
She has equally been working as an ambassador for multiple brands and organizations. Following her contributions to the Yoruba film industry, which has helped shaped the industry into what it is today, Jaiye Kuti will be recognized with an Honorary Award of Excellence at the Yoruba Achievers Awards on 4 July 2021.
She Hails From Ogun State, Nigeria
The multi-award-winning actress hails from Ilaro in Yewa South (previously known as Egbado South) Local Government Area of Ogun State in southwestern Nigeria. She was born Durojaiyeola Oluwakemi Oluwale in Kano State to parents, late Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Adisa Oluwale. Her father reportedly passed away in 2015 at the age of 70. He worked at NITEL and was an Apostle of the Cherubim and Seraphim church before his demise.
Jaiye Kuti is known to have a younger sister whose name is unknown. However, she was seen wishing her a happy wedding anniversary in one of her Instagram posts. Kuti first attended Sunshine Primary School before transferring to Temidire Primary School, where she acquired her First School Leaving Certificate. She then had her secondary education at Ikorodu High School and subsequently enrolled at Ilaro Federal Polytechnic in Ogun State.
She studied Secretarial Administration and afterward proceeded to the University of Lagos, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English Language. Following her graduation, she worked as a secretary at C.Ray Company Limited, a Lagos-based automobile company owned by her now-husband, Mr. Lanre Kuti. She eventually pursued her dreams of becoming an actress and has, thus far, done quite well for herself.
Jaiye Kuti Kicked Off Her Acting Career in 2002
Even though Jaiye Kuti reportedly started acting at a young age (though not professionally), she made her professional acting debut in 2002 when she landed a role in the soap opera Laff Patterns.
Following her outstanding depictions in fifteen episodes of the English TV series, she gained her big break in Nollywood. She has starred mostly in TV series, and some of the series she has featured in include Spiders, Face to Face, One Love, and Everyday People.
Despite beginning her career with English soap operas, Jaiye Kuti is well recognized for playing a motherly role in Yoruba films. She is known for starring in Folajomi, Kayefi, Oluwo, Awon Aladun De, and Sade Ihoho.
Also, she was cast in The Grudge in 2016 alongside Iretiola Doyle, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Odunlade Adekola. The film was produced by Funmi Holder, and it revolves around two couples facing different marital challenges. Jaiye also appeared in Secret, The Stunt, Last Card, Kabiosi, Bipolar (Àmódí), The Reunion, All My Life, What Happened To Lahlah, and Aragbe Laye.
- City People Entertainment Award for Yoruba Movie Personality of the Year in 2016
- City People Entertainment Award for Best Actress of the Year (Yoruba) in 2017.
She has won the following awards:
- City People Movie Special Recognition Award in the year 2016.
- City People Entertainment Award for Yoruba Personality of the Year (Female) in 2019.
She is Also a Movie Producer with Over 12 Production Credits
Jaiye Kuti first launched her film production career by establishing a production company called Jaylex Aesthetic Production in July 2006. The company specializes in the production of short videos, movies, and TV series/soap operas. She debuted as a producer with a movie titled Jaiyeola Ni Monje in 2014.
She also starred in the movie alongside Pasuma (who played the role of her husband), Fathia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, and Yinka Quadri. Jaiye Kuti subsequently produced Oro Mi, a Yoruba movie that focuses on a happy family that got distorted by a mentally unstable woman (played by herself).
She additionally served as the producer of Omolakeji, Olori Amolegebe, and Ninu Awon Orun. After having unprecedented success with Jaiyeola Ni Monje, Jaiye premiered Oro Mi and Olori Amolegebe in London and United States in 2017. As a film producer, the Ogun State native has accrued over 12 film credits under her belt.
Highlights of Her Best Recognized Works
- Laff Patterns
- Jaiyeola Ni Monje
- Oro Mi
- The Grudge
- Spiders
- The Reunion
- All My Life
A Look at Jaiye Kuti’s Other Interests Besides Acting and Film Production
In addition to being known for her efforts in the Nigerian film industry, Jaiye Kuti has gained wider recognition following her works as a brand ambassador, real estate investor, and entrepreneur. Whenever she gets the opportunity to travel outside the country, she normally goes with goods that she would sell overseas, and in the process, she launched a business career.
Pursuing an interest in real estate investment, The Stunt star owns properties in several locations in Nigeria, including Agbowa and Imota in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Her husband is in the hospitality business and has two hotels which Jaiye manages the bar sections. She further works as the ambassador of a real estate company called Safri Homes and Properties Ltd and consulting agency Dave Abion.
She was named the brand ambassador for Laba Foods in July 2020 and has also been endorsing the products and services of many other companies such as Dano Milk, MyWarehouse.ng, and Tsmart Fashion Academy.
List of The Brands Jaiye Kuti Endorses
- Dano Milk
- Lapa Foods
- Safri Homes
- MyWarehouse.ng
- Dave Abion Consulting
- Tsmart Fashion Academy