Alexx Ekubo
Nigerian actor and model (1986–2026)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke (10 April 1986 – 11 May 2026) was a Nigerian actor, entertainer, and humanitarian.[1] He was known for his work in Nollywood films, particularly romantic comedies and dramas. Ekubo gained wider recognition after emerging as the first runner-up at the 2010 Mr. Nigeria contest and later starring in the film Weekend Getaway.[2] In 2020, he was recognized among the “Most Influential People of African Descent” under 40 for his contributions to entertainment and social [3]development in Africa.[4]
10 April 1986
Alexx Ekubo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraekee 10 April 1986 |
| Died | 11 May 2026 (aged 40) |
| Alma mater | University of Calabar |
| Occupations | Actor, entertainer, humanitarian |
Early life and education
Ekubo was a native of Arochukwu, Abia State in the south-eastern region of Nigeria.[citation needed] He attended Federal Government College Daura, Katsina State in the Northern region of Nigeria. He studied law at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. He was also awarded an Honorary Degree in Arts & Culture from the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion[5] (ISCG University) Cotonou, Republic of Benin, 2021.
Career
Ekubo's film debut was a minor role in Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun’s Sinners in the house (2003). He later starred in Afamefuna, Power of 1,[6] A Sunday Affair, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, The Bling Lagosians, Catch.er, Zero Hour,[7] The First Lady,[8] Lagos Cougars, Weekend Getaway, among other films, often portraying charismatic or comedic characters. His performances have been praised for blending humour, emotional depth, and commercial appeal.
With over 100 films to his credit, Ekubo worked with leading Nollywood filmmakers and was increasingly recognized as a cultural bridge between African and diaspora cinema. His appearances at film festivals across the world and work with streaming platform giants positioned him as a global African talent.
Philanthropy and advocacy
Beyond entertainment, Ekubo was a humanitarian and philanthropist youth advocate. He participated in numerous charitable initiatives and outreach programmes across Nigeria and the West African region. In 2020 He received a certificate of excellence from the Sapio Club SGD (Sustainable Goals Development)[9] for an exemplary contribution to the African Entertainment & Humanitarian Effort. In 2021, he was awarded the Global Social Giving Actor of the Year by the Nigerian National Awards for his charity efforts
Ekubo was recognized in 2023 as the Rotary Youth Ambassador of the year under Rotary International District 9142.
Personal life and death
Ekubo was known for his distinctive fashion presence, and was frequently featured on best-dressed lists across Africa. He maintained a private lifestyle and often used his platform to advocate for social causes and youth empowerment.[citation needed]
Ekubo died from kidney cancer on 12 May 2026, at the age of 40.[10][11][12]
Television
- Secrets & Scandals
- Hope Bay
- Happy Family
- Tinsel
- AY's Crib (2013–2015) as JJ
- Married to the Game (2014–2015) as Vincent Coker
Filmography
- Ladies Gang (2011) as Jude
- Aina (2011) as Handsome Man
- Weekend Getaway (2012) as Andre Dikeh
- True Citizens (2012)
- In the Cupboard (2012) as Tega
- Dream Walker (2013) as Dream Man
- Keeping my Man (2013) as Rasheed
- Lagos Cougars (2013) as Chigo
- Champagne (2014) as Tare Hopewell
- Single, Married and Complicated (2014)
- Ifedolapo (2014)[13] as Richard
- Gold Diggin (2014) (with Yvonne Nelson and Rukky Sanda) as Chris
- Undercover Lover (2015) as Collins
- All that Glitters (2015)
- The First Lady (2015) (with Omoni Oboli) as Obama
- Gbomo Gbomo Express (2015) as Hubby
- Luke of Lies (2015) as Luke[14]
- Death Toll (2015)[15]
- Entreat (2016) as Michael Olawale
- The Other Side of the Coin (2016)
- Diary of a Lagos Girl (2016) as Ife
- Wife Material (2017)[16] as Tony
- A Man for the Weekend (2017) (with Syndy Emade) as Bryan
- Catcher (2017) as Tony Bello
- 3 is a Crowd (2017)[17][18] as Derek
- Hot Girl Next Door (2018) as Ken
- Switch (2018) as Leo
- Power of 1 (2018) as LeJit
- The American King: As told by an African Priestess (2019)
- Bling Lagosians (2019) as Nnamdi
- Zero Hour (2019) as Zamani Davou
- Your Excellency (2019) as Kachi
- 72 hours (2019)
- Soft Work (2020) as Dare Olusegun
- Son of Mercy (2020) as Efe
- Bitter Rain (2021) as TY
- The Real Us (2021) as Nnamdi
- Charlie Charlie (2021)
- Tiger Tails (2022) as Udoka
- The American King (2022)
- Almajiri (2022)
- The Blood Covenant (2022) as Obi
- Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story (2023)
- Peace Be Still (2023)
- A Sunday Affair (2023) as Femi
- Rush Hour (2024) as Abuchi
- Smiling Masks (2024)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Most Promising Actor | In The Cupboard | Won | |
| 2013 | Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Weekend Getaway | Won | |
| Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Won | |||
| 2014 | Screen Nation Awards | Favourite Male Emerging Screen Talent (African) | Himself | Won | [19] |
| 2017 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actor in a Lead role – English | Inikpi | Nominated | [20] |
| 2020 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actor in a Supporting Role (English) | The Bling Lagosians | Won | [21] |
| Best Kiss in a Movie | Nominated | [22] | |||
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Popular Actor | Won | [23] | |