{{short description|Nigerian actor}} {{BLP sources|date=May 2022}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}} {{Use British English|date=October 2013}} {{Infobox person | name = Jim Iyke | image = Jim Iyke.jpg | caption = Jim Iyke on the set of ''Omambala'' | birth_name = James Ikechukwu Okolue | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|09|25|df=y}} | birth_place = Libreville, Gabon | education = Bsc. Philosophy, University of Jos. | alma_mater = University of Jos | occupation = Actor | other_names = James Ikechukwu Esomugha; James Ikechukwu Okolue | years_active = 1998–present | awards = Net Honors, 2021 | spouse = | website = {{URL|jimiykesworld.com}} }}
'''James Ikechukwu Esomugha{{IPAc-en|audio=Ig-James_Ikechukwu_Esomugha.ogg}}''', popularly known as '''Jim Iyke''' ({{Pronunciation|Ig-Jim Iyke.ogg|listen|help=yes}}; born 25 September 1976),<ref>{{Cite web |first=Oge |last=Okonkwo |url=https://ynaija.com/aww-love-so-sweet-actress-nadia-buaris-tweets-at-jim-iyke-on-his-birthday-read/|title=Aww, love SO sweet: Actress, Nadia Buari's tweets at Jim Iyke on his birthday |date=2013-09-25|website=YNaija|language=en-GB|access-date=2022-05-08}}</ref> is a Nigerian actor and one of the stars of the movie ''Last Flight to Abuja''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Last Flight to Abuja |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/last-flight-to-abuja/cast/2000160015/ |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref>
==Early life and education== He was born in Libreville, Gabon. His parents, from Ogwugwu Village in Enugwu-Agidi town of Anambra State, changed their name from Okolue to Esomugha.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-29 |title=Actor Jim Iyke Reveals Why He Dumped His Real Name, James Ikechukwu Esomugha {{!}} Kanyi Daily News |url=https://www.kanyidaily.com/2022/01/actor-jim-iyke-reveals-why-he-dumped-his-real-name-james-ikechukwu-esomugha.html |access-date=2026-02-15 |language=en-US}}</ref> He is the only boy in a family of eight children. He attended secondary school in F. G. C. Kwali Abuja from 1985 to 1991,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.naij.com/tag/jim_iyke.html|title=Jim Iyke|work=Naij.com – Nigeria news.|access-date=7 June 2017}}</ref> then earned a diploma in Banking and Finance and a BSc in philosophy from the University of Jos, Plateau State.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pulse.ng/movies/jim-iyke-7-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-actor-id4202382.html|title=Jim Iyke: 7 things you probably don"t know about actor|last=Izuzu|first=Chidumga|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|access-date=7 June 2017|archive-date=13 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013153035/https://www.pulse.ng/movies/jim-iyke-7-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-actor-id4202382.html/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Career== Jim Iyke began acting in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jim Iyke: The Untamed Journey of A Nollywood Icon |url=https://www.nollywoodspotlight.org/2024/02/jim-iyke-untamed-journey-of-nollywood.html |access-date=2026-02-15 |language=en}}</ref> {{As of|2013|10}}, he was one of the highest paid actors in Nollywood,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/new/why-jim-iyke-went-to-synagogue/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Why Jim Iyke went to Synagogue|newspaper=The Nation|date=October 1, 2013|access-date=2 October 2013}}</ref> he has appeared in over 150 films.<ref name=":0" />
He started a movie production company, ''Untamed Productions'' in 2007, and also has his own music record label, Untamed Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimiykesworld.com/untamed/ |title=Untamed Productions |publisher=Jim Iyke's World: Official Website}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Idowu |first=Hannah |date=2021-07-14 |title=Full story of Jim Iyke's marriage, wife and children |url=https://dnbstories.com/2021/07/full-story-of-jim-iykes-marriage-wife-and-children.html |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=DNB Stories Africa |language=en-GB}}</ref> His first album, titled ''Who Am I?'', featured some of Nigeria's top musicians, such as TuFace Idibia and Sound Sultan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://waptrick.com/download/Jim-Iyke-Ft-2face/Who-Am-I/?type=P&id=201853&lang=UD|title=Download link for 'Who am I' by Jim Iyke feat Tuface|publisher=Waptrick|access-date=2 October 2013|archive-date=13 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013153053/http://waptrick.com//|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://xclusive.ng/style-how-i-understand-it/|title=This is STYLE. This is how I understand it - Jim Iyke|date=2017-07-28|website=Xclusive Magazine|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-03-20|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012181927/http://xclusive.ng/style-how-i-understand-it/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Controversy== A video of Jim Iyke's purported 'deliverance' from an evil spirit at The Synagogue Church of All Nations, led by Pastor T.B. Joshua, provoked intense debate on social media.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Much Ado About Jim Iyke's Deliverance at TB Joshua's Synagogue | url = http://dailyindependentnig.com/2013/10/much-ado-about-jim-iykes-deliverance-at-tb-joshuas-synagogue/ | work = Daily Independent |location=Nigeria | date = October 1, 2013 | access-date = February 27, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222173049/http://dailyindependentnig.com/2013/10/much-ado-about-jim-iykes-deliverance-at-tb-joshuas-synagogue/ | archive-date = February 22, 2014 | url-status = usurped }}</ref> The spirit reportedly confessed that it was behind Iyke's inability to find a wife.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Ernest Dela | last = Aglanu | title = Jim Iyke Delivered From 'Demonic' Possession at TB Joshua's Church | url = http://entertainment.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201309/113908.php | work = My Joy Online |location=Ghana | date = September 29, 2013 | access-date = February 27, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140209030206/http://entertainment.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201309/113908.php | archive-date = February 9, 2014 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
== Personal life == In April 2019, he announced the birth of his son.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://punchng.com/nollywood-actor-jim-iyke-poses-with-son/|title=Nollywood actor Jim Iyke poses with son|newspaper=The Punch|date=21 April 2019|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref>
==Filmography== [[File:DJA & JIM IYKE.jpg|thumb|DJ Abass and Jim Iyke]] {|class="wikitable" !Year !Title !Role !Director !Ref |- |2006 |''the High Class'' |Prince's Orderly |Afam Okereke | |- |2007 |''A Better Place'' |Festus |Tchidi Chikere | |- |2008 |''The Shepherd'' |Raymond |Nonso Ekene Okonkwo | |- |2009 |Royal Madness |Ikoku |Nonso Ekene Okonkwo | |- |2010 |''Between Kings and Queens'' |Nnanna |Joy Dickson | <ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-01-14 |title=Between Kings and Queens |url=https://jimiykesworld.com/between-kings-and-queens/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=Jim Iyke's World |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |2012 |''Last Flight to Abuja'' | David | Obi Emelonye | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rogersmovienation.com/2020/06/18/netflixable-nigerian-last-flight-to-abuja-covers-the-disaster-pic-checklist/|title=Netflixable? Nigerian "Last Flight to Abuja" covers the disaster pic checklist|first=Roger|last=Moore|date=June 18, 2020}}</ref> |- |2013 |''And Then There Was You'' |Zuma |Leila Djansi |- |2014 |''When Love Comes Around'' |{{n/a}} |Afe Olumowe |<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2014-12-19|publisher=Chidumga Izuzu|title='When Love Comes Around' Jim Iyke, Eku Edewor, others star in new movie|url=http://pulse.ng/movies/when-love-comes-around-jim-iyke-eku-edewor-others-star-in-new-movie-id3360504.html|website=Pulse Nigeria|archive-date=10 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110000450/http://pulse.ng/movies/when-love-comes-around-jim-iyke-eku-edewor-others-star-in-new-movie-id3360504.html|url-status=dead}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> |- | rowspan="2" |2016 |''Stalker'' |Michael |Moses Inwang |<ref>{{Cite news|access-date=2020-11-17|date=2016-01-17|language=en-US|title=Stalker, Starring Jim Iyke, To Premiere Soon|url=https://guardian.ng/art/stalker-starring-jim-iyke-to-premiere-soon/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=The Guardian}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref>{{Cite news|access-date=2020-11-17|date=2015-12-07|language=en-US|title=Jim Iyke and Nse Ikpe-Etim’s ‘Stalker’ hit cinemas in February 2016|url=https://thenet.ng/jim-iyke-and-nse-ikpe-etims-stalker-hit-cinemas-in-february-2016/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=The NET}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> |- |A Star in Heaven |Kayode |Afe Olumowe |<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2023-07-27|language=en|title=A Star in Heaven - Rotten Tomatoes|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_star_in_heaven|website=www.rottentomatoes.com}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> |- |2017 |''American Driver'' |Jim Iyke |Moses Inwang |<ref>{{Cite news|access-date=2020-11-17|date=2016-12-08|language=en-US|title=Comedy movie featuring Jim Iyke, Nadia Buari, Emma Nyra gets release date|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/american-driver-comedy-movie-featuring-jim-iyke-nadia-buari-emma-nyra-gets-release/ntscs52|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria}}{{Dead link|date=February 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref>{{Cite news|access-date=2020-11-17|date=2017-02-02|language=en-US|title='American Driver' starring Jim Iyke, AY Makun and Nse Ikpe-Etim set for Nigerian cinemas|url=https://thenet.ng/american-driver-starring-jim-iyke-ay-makun-and-nse-ikpe-etim-set-for-nigerian-cinemas/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=The NET}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> |- |2018 |''Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons'' |Naz |Toka McBaror |<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2020-11-17|title=Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018) - IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt9837502/fullcredits}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> |- | rowspan="3" |2019 |Dead rite |N/A |Tope Alake |<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2020-11-17|language=en-GB|title=Jim Iyke - nlist {{!}} Nollywood, Nigerian Movies & Casting|url=https://nlist.ng//people/jim-iyke-385/|website=nlist.ng}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> |- |The Set-Up |Edem |Niyi Akinmolaya |<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-06-22 |title=Jim Iyke, Adesua Etomi, Thrill in 'The Set Up' |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/06/22/jim-iyke-adesua-etomi-thrill-in-the-set-up/ |access-date=2020-11-17 |newspaper=This Day|language=en-US}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref>{{Cite news|access-date=2020-11-17|date=2019-06-08|language=en-US|title=Adesua Etomi, Jim Iyke, others star in 'The Set Up'|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/adesua-etomi-jim-iyke-others-star-in-the-set-up/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=The Nation}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref>{{Cite news|access-date=2020-11-17|date=2019-06-06|language=en-US|title=Dakore Akande, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Jim Iyke, others star in new film 'The Set Up'|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/dakore-akande-adesua-etomi-wellington-jim-iyke-others-star-in-new-film-the-set-up/sx3eqxe|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|archive-date=19 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019045733/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/dakore-akande-adesua-etomi-wellington-jim-iyke-others-star-in-new-film-the-set-up/sx3eqxe|url-status=dead}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> |- |Merry Men 2: Another Mission |Naz |Moses Inwang |<ref>{{Cite news|access-date=2020-11-17|date=2019-12-04|language=en-US|title=Olamide gets a cameo appearance in 'Merry Men' sequel as AY releases official trailer|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/ay-releases-merry-men-2-official-trailer/y7c1kz4|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=2020-11-17|title=Merry Men 2 (2019) - IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt11417930/fullcredits}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> |- |2020 |Cold Feet |Mayowa |Moses Inwang | |- | |Bad Comments |Frank Orji |Moses Inwang | |- |2021 |Hustle |Tunde Lewis |Marc Adebesin | |- |2022 |The Set Up 2 |Edem |Chinaza Onuzo | |- | |Closure Mandate |David |Robert Peters | |- | |Zongo Boys | |Benjamin Sarpong | |- | |Passport |Oscar |Dimeji Ajibola | |- |2023 |Different Strokes |Alex Cole |Biodun Stephen | |- | |Rent a Room |Obi |Jim Iyke | |- |2024 |No Fury<ref>{{Citation |last=Mason |first=Akay |title=No Fury |date=2024-02-19 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28575620/ |access-date=2026-02-15 |others=Kameel Audu, Jide Awobona, Aderinoye Babatunde |publisher=Bossteewo Studio}}</ref> | |Akay Mason | |}
== Awards and nominations == {| class="wikitable" !Year !Award !Category !Result !Ref |- |2021 |Net Honours |Most Searched Actor |{{won}} |<ref>{{Cite news|title=Net Honours - The Class of 2021|url=https://thenet.ng/net-honours-class-of-2021/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2021-09-07|newspaper=The NET|language=en-US}}</ref> |}
==References== {{Reflist|refs=31}}
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==External links== * {{commons category-inline}} * {{IMDb name|1651104}} * {{cite web|url=http://www.jimiykefoundation.com/About%20Jim%20Iyke.html|title=Jim Iyke Foundation website|access-date=2 October 2013|archive-date=12 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012201756/http://jimiykefoundation.com/About%20Jim%20Iyke.html|url-status=dead}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Iyke, Jim}} Category:1976 births Category:Living people Category:Nigerian male film actors Category:People from Libreville Category:21st-century Nigerian male actors Category:University of Jos alumni Category:Actors from Anambra State Category:Igbo actors Category:Nigerian film producers