Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama is a celebrated Nigerian actress, model, and fashion executive who critics have hailed as a strong yet complex female character.
From her breakthrough roles in Ebola-themed movies to her appearances in worldwide sci-fi shows, she blends her artistic side with her business side, ticking not only the entertainment but also the wellness boxes.
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama Biography
| Real Name | Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama |
| Ethnicity | Ika (Agbor) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | McMaster University, Canada |
| Parents | Andrew Iyamah, Onyi Iyamah |
| Siblings | Dumebi Iyamah, Oby Iyamah |
| Spouse | Aaron Idhalama |
| Children | One son |
| Relationship | Married |
Early Life and Education
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama (born on March 23, 1988, 37 years old) is from Ika South, Delta State.
Her parents, Andrew and Onyi Iyamah, are both from the Ika community. She was the third of four children in a very united family.
The family lived in Lagos, where Somkele attended Grange School and had her love for drama and dance aroused by Mrs. Abe, an inspirational teacher at the school.
Somkele pursued higher education in Canada and graduated with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from McMaster University.
During her time at the university, she started modeling and, at the same time, performed in a charity theater, which signaled her future creative career path.
Career
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama‘s performance as a lead in a movie after only one audition was her introduction to the acting world, and she then went on to the TV series Gidi Up (2013–2014) to further her career.
In 2016, Somkele had her breakthrough with three movies—93 Days (as Dr. Ada Igonoh), The Wedding Party, and The Arbitration—which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, and she received widespread attention.
Her work was recognized internationally, and she landed roles in Station Eleven (2021), Orah (2023), and Progenitor in Star Trek: Discovery (2024).
Besides acting, she is the Regional Head and Chief Production Officer of the fashion brand Andrea Iyamah, which her sister, Dumebi, established.
She is also a brand ambassador for Multichoice and Access Bank. As of 2025, Somkele, a fashion and health lover, is still telling stories that made her a Nollywood star and bringing them to global screens.
Social Media
Instagram Handle: @somkele_i
Personal Life
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama lives a happy married life with aviation captain Aaron Idhalama. They are parenting their son, who is a cancer survivor, in a joyful family life in Nigeria.
Somkele is a very guarded person profoundly influenced by her faith and family, is keenly aware of her identity as a wife, mother, daughter, and sister, and she places her family above all else, which is quite demanding.
Net Worth
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama is a celebrated Nigerian actress, model, and fashion executive with a net worth of $400,000.