Joke Silva () MFR is a Nigerian actress, director, and businesswoman. In 1998 she had a major role, starring opposite Colin Firth and Nia Long in the British-Canadian film The Secret Laughter of Women. In 2006, she won "Best Actress in a Leading Role" at the 2nd Africa Movie Academy Awards for her performance in Women's Cot, and "Best Actress in a Supporting Role" at the 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008 for her performance as a grandmother in White Waters. Silva is married to actor Olu Jacobs. The couple founded and operate the Lufodo Group, a media corporation that consists of film production, distribution assets, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts where she serves as Director of Studies. She is also the pioneer managing director of Malete Film Village, in association with Kwara State University. On 29 September 2014, Silva received recognition as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, one of Nigeria's National Honours, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja. Early life Silva was born in Lagos, Nigeria into a Saro/Amaro family of four children. Her mother, the pioneering doctor Adebimbola Silva, died in July 2015. Her father, Chief Emmanuel Afolabi Silva, was a lawyer, and her great-grandfathers were the prominent Colonial Nigerians Charles Phillips and Samuel Herbert Pearse. Education Silva attended Holy Child College in Lagos. A graduate of the University of Lagos and the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Silva began her career in film in the early 1990s. At university she was part of a cultural group that included the playwright Bode Osanyin and the singer Stella Monye. She took a year off from her studies, during which time she began working as an actress before relocating to England where she studied Drama at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Initially, her parents were opposed to Silva's decision to go into the theatre but they soon began to support her, happy at the success she made of her career. During a slow period of her career, Silva returned to school, studying English at the University of Lagos. Career Earlier roles (1990–2004) Silva has starred in numerous films and television series in both the English and Yoruba languages. One of her earliest roles was in the 1990 English television series Mind Bending. In 1993 she appeared in Owulorojo, followed by Violated in 1996. In 1998