Somkele Iyanmah, also known as Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, was born on March 23, 1988. She is a Nigerian actress and model who has garnered acclaim for her roles in numerous films and television series, such as 93 Days, The Wedding Party, and The Arbitration.
Additionally, she has appeared in the well-known TV series Gidi Up and has served as a representative for Multichoice’s DSTV Explora.
Moreover, she is set to feature in the upcoming film A Soldier’s Story 2 and has been cast as the Progenitor in the final episodes of Star Trek Discovery.
REAL FACTS ABOUT SOMKELE IYAMAH
FULL NAME: Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama
DATE OF BIRTH: March 23, 1988
PLACE OF BIRTH: Ika South, Delta, Nigeria
NATIONALITY: Nigerian
SPOUSE: Aaron Idhalama
OCCUPATIONs: Actress, Model
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama was born in the Ika South region of Delta State to parents Andrew and Onyi Iyamah, who both hail from Ika (Agbor).
As the third of four siblings, she discovered her love for dance and drama thanks to her inspiring teacher, Mrs. Abe, while attending Grange School in Lagos.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from McMaster University, Somkele engaged in charitable performances during her studies and pursued modeling during her vacations in Nigeria.
CAREER
Following a strong initial audition, Somkele quickly made a name for herself as a leading actress.
In television, she has made a significant impact with memorable roles in acclaimed series such as ‘GIDI UP’ by NdaniTV, as well as in Amazon’s ‘THE EXPANSE’ and CBC’s ‘CORONER’.
Making the transition to film, she has worked with prominent Nollywood directors like Steve Gukas and Kemi Adetiba, and even acted alongside Hollywood icon Danny Glover in the gripping biopic ’93 DAYS’, where she played a brave doctor confronting the Ebola crisis in Nigeria.
In this role, she received numerous awards, including the ELOY Award for Best Actress, a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the AMVCA, the prestigious AMVCA Trailblazer Award, recognition at the TFAA ceremony, a nomination for the AMAA, and an AFRIFF Jury Award.
Beyond her acting talent, Somkele has also secured endorsements from major brands like Multichoice Nigeria, where she serves as a DSTV Ambassador, and Jewel By Lisa.
Her status as a fashion icon is further highlighted by her position as Regional Head of the well-known brand Andrea Iyamah.
Additionally, she has appeared on the cover of GENEVIEVE Magazine, was featured in a special edition by her alma mater, McMaster University, celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary, and her inspiring story even garnered attention from CNN online.
Constantly broadening her horizons, she continues to engage audiences and thrive both on-screen and off.
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama plays a key role at Andrea Iyamah, a fashion label founded by her sister, Dumebi Iyamah.
PERSONAL LIFE
She is happily married to Captain Aaron Idhalama, a respected figure in the Nigerian aviation sector.
Their son bravely fought and triumphed over cancer, bringing hope and resilience to their family.
