Tawa Ajisefinni, born Tawakalitu Ajisefinni Alli, shines as an actress, filmmaker, and online favourite in Nigeria’s Yoruba flicks – her lively acting, spiced with laughs and realness, earned her the nickname “Monkele” from fans.
Popping up on screens with energy to spare, this Nollywood name-to-watch pulls people in not just with bold performances but also a sharp hustle vibe, growing loyal crowds via gripping tales and down-to-earth posts scattered across Instagram, TikTok, and beyond.
Tawa Ajisefinni Biography
| Real Name | Tawakalitu Ajisefinni Alli |
| Ethnicity | Yoruba |
| Religion | Islam |
| Education | Ojopagogo Film School |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches |
| Siblings | Airat Adebola Ajisefinni |
| Spouse | Mayowa Jamiu Alli (M. 2019) |
| Children | Mayo Alli Jr. |
| Relationship | Married |
Early Life and Education
Tawa Ajisefinni (born March 7, 1982, 44 years old) is from Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Growing up in a simple Yoruba home as the beloved lastborn among four kids.
Her mom and dad, Alhaji Fasasi Oladejo Jimoh Ajisefinni, plus Alhaja Ajisefinni, raised her with steady love, while she remained closely linked to her three elder brothers and sisters. Yet, grief struck when her sibling, Airat Adebola Ajisefinni, passed just a few years back.
Tawa started school at Police Children School in Eleyele, then moved on to Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ibadan. After that, she sharpened her craft at the well-known Ojopagogo Film School, finishing in 2006 after a tight one-year course that readied her for real work in Nollywood.
Career
Tawa Ajisefinni stepped into Nollywood back in 2003 because she’d been hooked on acting since high school, when performing plays first lit that fire inside her.
While helping superstar Funke Akindele—famous for “Jenifa”—with daily tasks, she gained real behind-the-scenes knowledge rather than just watching from afar. That experience helped her slide smoothly into front-of-camera work, where her knack for humour, mixed with heartfelt moments, stood out.
Things really shifted after starring roles in movies like “Okun Ife Yi,” alongside big names such as Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, and Razaq Olayiwola, and another turning point followed with “Opin Ireti.” Recognition soon rolled in, including a nod for Most Promising Actress at the City People Movie Awards.
A key moment came in 2015, when she stepped behind the camera for Omo Lile (Last Assignment)—a hit film she both penned and produced, featuring big names and exploring love alongside second chances.
Her range pops up across more than 20 Yoruba movies, like Edaa from 2010, then Sino in 2020, and Atiko in 2022, where mixing laughs with deep stories made her a go-to face in local cinema.
Not just limited to roles on screen, she also crafts scripts, hosts events, and partners with brands using her reach, while still pushing hard to lift women higher. Starting small in theatre, she’s built something lasting through sheer drive and quiet strength—a growing creative force now lighting paths for fresh faces in Nollywood’s fast-moving world.
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @tawaajisefinni
- Facebook Handle: Tawa Ajisefinni
- Twitter Handle: @tawa_ajisefinni
Personal Life
Tawa Ajisefinni is married to her Husband, Mayowa Jamiu Alli, a businessperson in America, nicknamed Jamo Mayo, who sits at the heart of it. They met through friends, then married at a cheerful event in Ibadan in February 2019, beginning a union rooted in trust and shared goals.
When their baby boy, Mayo Alli Jr., miraculously arrived in the U.S. by August 2024, it became clear just how strong they were—a gift beyond measure that turned every holiday and memorable moment for Tawa into something rich with the meaning of being a mom.
Net Worth
Tawa Ajisefinni is a Yoruba actress and producer with a net worth of around $500,000. Built from acting gigs, behind-the-scenes projects, and deals with fashion brands. She earns mainly from Yoruba movie paychecks, promo work for lifestyle labels, and the creation of popular films such as “Omo Lile.”
