Mercy Aigbe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Mercy Aigbe 1 January 1978 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Alma mater | University of Lagos |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | Yoruba Indigenous Movies |
| Spouse | Kazim Adeoti (m. 2022) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Pa Aigbe (father) Abisola Grace Owodunni (mother) |
| Website | mercyaigbegentry |
Mercy Aigbe (ⓘ) Hajiah Amminah (born 1 January 1978) is a Nigerian actress, director, fashionista and businesswoman. She is best known for her Yoruba indigenous movies.[1][2]
Mercy Aigbe was born on 1 January 1978 in Edo State.[3] to Pa Aigbe and Mrs. Abisola Grace Owodunni[4] She hails from Benin city which is the capital of Edo State. She is the second child in a family of five.[5] She had her primary education at St. Francis primary school and attended Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School Ikeja, Lagos.[6] She is also an alumnus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, where she received her OND in Financial Studies. In 2001, Mercy Aigbe graduated from University of Lagos with a degree in Theater Arts.[7][8]
Mercy Aigbe kicked off her acting career by starring in some soap operas, including the popular TV drama series "Papa Ajasco."[9] Professionally, Mercy joined the Nollywood industry fully in 2006 and acted in the movie that brought her into the limelight 'Ara,' a movie produced by Remi Olupo in Ibadan, Oyo State.[10] She founded "Mercy Aigbe Gentry School of Drama" in 2016.[11][12]
In November 2014, Mercy Aigbe was made the brand ambassador for Elephant Gold Rice.[13] Mercy Aigbe signed a one-year deal to be the brand ambassador for Prestige Cosmetic in June 2015.[14] In July 2016, Mercy signed an endorsement deal with Edalaf Brother Limited, an IT solution company.[15] She was made an ambassador for a fitness company called "Shape you," the company that produces Slimming Coffee in October 2016.[16] Mercy Aigbe, in March 2017, was made the brand ambassador for BK hair.[17] In September 2018, She was made the brand ambassador for "Naija Taxi Services", a company that deals with transportation of people.[18] Mercy Aigbe alongside Bose Alao and Biodun Okeowo penned an endorsement deal with a Cosmetic giant "Mary Make"[19]
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | City People Entertainment Awards | Yoruba Movie Personality of the year | Won | |
| Links and Glitz World Awards | Fashion Entrepreneur of The Year | Won | ||
| 2017 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actress in a Lead role –Yoruba | Nominated | [20] |
| 2018 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Supporting Actress –Yoruba | Nominated | [21] |
| 2019 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Nominated | [22] |
Mercy Aigbe is known for her unique style and dressing.[23] At the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, Mercy Aigbe's dress earned her great applause from fashion stakeholders, and she trended on social media even after the ceremony.[24] The dress was commended for its unique design.[25] In November 2014, Aigbe launched her clothing store, Mag Divas Boutique in Lagos, then opened another outlet in Ibadan.[26][27] She was awarded Fashion Entrepreneur of The Year at Links and Glitz World Awards.[28][29]
Her first marriage ended due to the interference of her mother-in-law.[30] In 2013, Aigbe married a Nigerian hotelier, Lanre Gentry, and has two children.[31][32][33][34] In 2017, she shared photos of herself after allegedly being assaulted by her husband. She consequently separated from her husband due to claims of domestic violence, and started a campaign against it.[35][36][37] Mercy Aigbe acquired a multi-million naira new mansion in 2018.[38]
In 2022, she married Kazim Adeoti, popularly known as Adekaz.[39] In 2023 she converted to Islam and changed her name to Hajiya Meena.