Adesua Etomi

Etomi was born in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, as the last of three siblings.^[1][6] Her father is a soldier of Esan descent who was born in Edo State, while her mother is an engineer of Yoruba descent.^[7][8][9] Etomi attended Corona School in Victoria Island, Lagos, and moved to Queen's College. At the age of 13, she left Nigeria for the United Kingdom, and attained a diploma in physical and theatre art from the City College Coventry in 2004.^[10] She also studied arts and performance at the University of Wolverhampton in 2006.

Etomi's film credits include The Arbitration,^[11] The Wedding Party,^[12][13] and Falling.^[14] Her performance in Falling earned her the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Award for Best Actress in a Drama.^[15][16] Other notable films she has appeared in include A Soldier's Story (2015), Out of Luck (2015),^[17] and Couple of Days (2016).^[18] Etomi played Shiela in the fourth and fifth seasons of Shuga, a television soap opera about HIV/AIDS prevention.^[19][20] She began starring as Amaka Obiora, an undercover police officer in the Yemisi Wada-directed crime series LasGidi Cops, which debuted in June 2016.^[21] She was also featured on Vogue's list of 14 global superstars.^[22] In February 2022, Etomi released her debut single "So Natural". In October 2023, she launched her beauty brand Sanaa Beauty, which she co-founded with Jemima Osunde.^[23]

Etomi got engaged to Banky W in February 2017.^[24][25] The couple held their traditional marriage on 19 November, a court wedding on 20 November, and a white wedding ceremony on 25 November 2017, in Cape Town, South Africa. In early January 2021, Etomi gave birth to their first child.^[26] In April 2021, Etomi and Banky W opened up about their marriage and struggles with child bearing while speaking at Waterbrook Church.^[27] In 2024, the couple announced the birth of their second child on Instagram.^[28]

Etomi was credited with saving Iretiola Doyle's daughter from bullies.^[29] In March 2025, Etomi shed light on Hyperemesis gravidarum by sharing her personal battle with the condition. Her candidness and advocacy raised awareness about the challenges faced by women with severe pregnancy-related illnesses.^[30]

• List of Nigerian actresses