2024 has proven to be a year of popular titles making comebacks, with the release of big projects like Ebonylife Studios’ Òlòtūré series, Omoni Oboli’s Wives on Strike: The Uprising, as well as, Funke Akindele’s groundbreaking Jenifa franchise, one that not only cemented Akindele’s status as a Nollywood icon but also launched the careers of many cast members.
Over the course of three movies and a long-running TV show, fans and lovers of the Jenifa series (known as Jenifans) have grown deeply attached not only to the comical titular character but also to several of the show’s memorable side characters.
This listicle highlights some of the show’s side characters that fans have either absolutely loved or strongly detested.
Toyosi “Toyo Baby”
Toyosi, played by Juliana Olayode (House Of Ga’a), is the quintessential goody-two-shoes girl-next-door. Toyosi meets Jenifa when she comes to Ayetoro town for JAMB exams, and Jenifa’s family houses her throughout her stay in Ayetoro. She returns the favor when Jenifa has to leave Ayetoro when she gets into trouble.
Aside from being a host to Jenifa in her cramped hostel in uni, a friendship grows between the duo. Nicknamed “Toyo Baby” by Jenifa, Toyosi becomes the voice of reasoning for Jenifa’s constant bad decisions while Jenifa stands as Toyosi’s defender against hostel bullies and antic players.
However, at the end of Season 6, Toyosi’s journey on the show came to a bittersweet close as she was said to have gotten married and relocated abroad, much to the dismay of fans. Toyo Baby is expected to make a return to our screens, with the release of Everybody Loves Jenifa in cinemas.!
Like most of the characters in Jenifa’s Diary, Toyosi was the breakout role for Oloyade, the fans loved her and her character and it amassed followers for the then-young actress.
Kiki
Ugwu Lotachukwu popularly known as Lota Chukwu played Kiki, a close friend of Toyosi who, by proxy becomes a close friend to Jenifa. Kiki is a well-behaved young woman from a wealthy family but she carries her own burdens, including family troubles and self-esteem challenges. Unlike the dynamic between Toyosi and Jenifa, this friendship has Jenifa coming through for Kiki, helping her deal with her family issues and boosting her confidence.
Also, Kiki is more understanding ofJenifa’s excesses compared to Toyosi. Their friendship continues until Kiki briefly leaves the show to pursue a master’s degree abroad but eventually exited the show in 2018.
Timini
Jenifa is so many things but being independent is not one of those attributes. She’s always in need of someone, a sidekick, a confidant, a personal assistant and, most importantly, an interpreter for her clients. Timini is all these and more to Jenifa. Initially introduced as the spoiled son of one of Jenifa’s wealthy clients, Timini is forced to work with her to rein in his reckless behavior. Over time, he becomes her personal assistant, attempting to manage the dramatic tendencies that inevitably follow her everywhere.
The relationship between Timini and Jenifa is considered as the most solid and long-lasting friendship in the series. One dares to say that it goes even beyond the show as Tobi Makinde who plays Timini is regarded as Funke Akindele’s protégé. The pair have collaborated on numerous Funke Akindele projects including co-directing Battle on Buka Street.
So far, we’re certain of Timini’s return with the theatrical release of Jenifa.
Segun ‘Shege’
Even though Jenifa & Shege never ended up together, fans of Jenifa’s Diary will agree that their relationship was a match made in heaven. And this goes beyond their shared, ridiculously hilarious accents that fans have come to love them for.
Segun, nicknamed ‘Shege’ by his love interest Jenifa, easily played by afro hip-hop star and actor Folarin ’Falz The Bahd Guy’ Falana (Brotherhood), joins the show as Jenifa’s braggadocious colleague with a funny accent, that mirrors the rapper’s signature style.
At first, Jenifa looks down on Shege (as though she’s any better), but they form a friendship that evolves into a romantic one, of course, not without the unending drama, mischievous shenanigans, breakup and make-up. Simply put, Shege and Jenifa are two peas in a pod, a classic case of Bonnie and Clyde without their accents
Adaku
Adaku was another of Jenifa’s colleagues during her time at the beauty salon. The term ‘foodie’ would have been the best way to describe Adaku if she wasn’t so obsessive about food and, even worse, greedy about it. Not only is she a glutton, she’s also a tad too self-centered and that always puts her on the edge of Jenifa’s quick temper. One might consider them friends as Jenifa has frequently bailed Adaku out of trouble, although not without lashing out at her and letting her know her faults.
Despite her flaws, fans have come to love Adaku for her loquaciousness, fun personality and her love for food. Adaku is played by comedic actress and radio host, Omotunde Adebowale-David, popularly known as ‘Lolo1’.
James
James’ character can be argued to be one of the biggest representations of effeminate men in Nigerian film. Played by TV Host Michael ‘Ogbolor’ Uba, the role surprised many fans, as Uba’s real-life persona is a long way from the character he plays.
James’ character relies heavily on the stereotypes associated with effeminate men; loquacious, cowardly, gossipy and funny. A gum-chewing nail technician at Nikki’s beauty salon, where Jenifa works, James often finds himself in trouble but will always run in the face of danger. He’s always clashing with clients and customers but trusts Jenifa to come to his rescue. Other times, he is on the receiving end of Jenifa’s wrath
Pelumi
What’s a show without a mean-spirited villain? Pelumi, played by Joy Nice, could have been Jenifa’s nemesis if not for her constant failures in carrying out hers.
From the moment Jenifa joins Nikki’s Hair Salon, the two become sworn enemies, each determined to outdo the other any chance they get. This mutual hatred repeatedly drives them against each other for episodes on end and even across seasons of the show. Both Jenifa and Pelumi leave Nikki’s hair salon but they still find ways to continue their rivalry.
Gbogbo Big Girl
It won’t be justice if we discuss the side characters of Jenifa’s Diary without a little tribute to the characters from the original Jenifa.
Gbogbo Big Girl, had Eniola Badmus, as the name implies, play the role of an influential girl on campus who basically knew everyone and called the shots. As it was with older Nollywood campus babes, Gbogbo Big Girl was the snobbish leader of her squad that included Becky (Ronke Odunsanya), Franka (Iyabo Ojo) and Tracy (Mosun Filani). At the end of the first Jenifa, Gbogbo Big Girl and her squad ended horribly.
Tania
Like most characters in Jenifa’s Diary, the show was a stepping stone to launching their acting careers. It was no different for Tomike Adeoye (Ajesepo) who played Tania. Despite her short stay on the show, she gained love and popularity amongst viewers, which helped in launching her career as a content creator.
Adeoye’s character, Tania, was a drug addict and junkie who negatively influenced Jenifa’s friend, Kiki. However, Jenifa discovers the reason behind Kiki’s behaviour, exposes Tania’s influence and also helps in severing ties between Kiki and Tania.
As Everybody Loves Jenifa premieres in December, some characters set to return include Adaku (Lolo1), Timini (Tobi Makinde), James (Michael ‘Ogbolor’ Uba), Shege (Falz), Toyosi (Juliana Olayode), Cordelia (Pascaline Ijieoma Alex), Pau Pau (Wendy Ubankanma) among others.
Actors like Patience Ozokwor, Stan Nze, Bisola Aiyeola, Nancy Isime, Omowumi Dada, Chimezie Imo, Layi Wasabi, Destiny Etiko and Jackie Appiah will be joining the Everybody Loves Jenifa train in unknown roles.
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