When you talk about style royalty in Nigeria, Nollywood actress, singer and philanthropist Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s name has to be on the list, at least, she certainly is on ours at SPICE – and especially since we’re celebrating ‘Mothers in Fashion’ this month.
Popularly known as OmoSexy, mother of four Omotola made her debut in 2005 and has since appeared in an astounding 300 films, received numerous high-profile awards, launched a music career and has the support of an enviable fan base, making her the first African celebrity to receive over 1 million likes on her Facebook page. And, in 2013, Omotola was honoured in Time Magazine‘s list of the 100 most influential people in the world, alongside Beyonce, Jay Z and Anna Wintour.
Today, the the beautiful mama is recognised as a pioneer in the Nollywood film industry, after successfully becoming the most-watched actress in Africa – and beyond her show business accomplishments, Omotola is also applauded for her remarkable humanitarian efforts.
Her fashion followers will know though, that Ms Jalade-Ekeinde has seen both the best and the worst red carpet moments in Nollywood, which we’re about to explore, below…
Omotola’s got the body of a goddess and she knows it. But it isn’t just her body that caught the world’s attention – her face lights up a room and her smile is just as bright. Hence, when she first arrived on the scene, fans named her ‘OmoSexy’ – a nickname that has gone a long way with her.
Being married to Captain Ekeinde seems to be the best thing that ever happened to the star as the two always look so happy (and well-styled) together. The wedding ceremony itself took place on board a Dash 7 – proof that they don’t necessarily adhere to trends.
Here’s the happy couple, Capt. Matthew Ekeinde and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who is owning her gorgeous figure in a form-fitting dress with fishtail. The gown is simple, modest and elegant.
Here’s the star at the Most Beautiful Girlin Nigeria 2013 beauty pageant, where Omotola was one of the judges. Again her figure is complimented by her outfit – this time with a wrap front dress with a skirt that skims over her curves.
For the beautiful mother of four, privacy means everything. Usually all of the Ekeinde children are kept away from the public eye, but here Omotola looks great rocking matchy-matchy ensembles with two of her children, showing style is a family affair.
Here, with her son in 2010, Omotola looks fabulous in a retro print dress that we’d love to steal from her wardrobe.
Omotola and her children are again seen looking stylish, pictured here with Genevieve Nnaji at the Lagos premiere of Ije in August 2010 – looking all sorts of glamourous.
Again, the Ekeinde clan are pictured together in the press – this time at a premier, looking fly. Here they posed at the Lagos premiere of Last Flight to Abuja, in August 2012.
When it comes to her personal style, Omotola stays true to her body, wearing body-fitted pieces that enhance her curves and maintain her name – OmoSexy. A muse to Nigerian brand, Iconic Invanity, this is a mother and woman out to prove she loves fashion.
In 2011, Omotola attended the Grammy Awards, but only to fall flat with the fashion police. The star received much criticism for the dress she wore on the red carpet, with some claiming it was too short for a married woman and mother to wear, and others saying it was too tight and unflattering around the tummy area… Omotola would later blame her stylist for making her wear a body shaper that made her stomach protrude.
But all was forgiven when she arrived at the Screen Nations Award ceremony, wearing killer heels and comfortable black dress with subtle sparkle. Yummy mummy Omotola was back on top in the style stakes.
Another favourite red carpet look of ours, is the star in Mimi Lee London at the Elite Model Look event in 2011, where Omotola looked confident and well-accessorised.
At the AMVCAs 2013, wearing Iconic Invanity, mother of four Omotola looks beautiful showing off her body in a printed gown.
Again, here’s Omotola in Iconic Invanity at Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Gala event in 2013, wearing a sleek black gown and side-swept ‘do. We at SPICE wish our mums looked this glamourous all the time…
And while there’s more shots to show you, for now, let’s agree that when it comes to African style royalty, Ms Jalade-Ekeinde is the real deal – and one of the yummiest mummies around. The star has had fashion hits and misses, but after nearly 20 years in the industry, stylish mother Omotola is remembered for being one of the best to ever put on a dress.
