Segun Arinze

Segun Arinze (born Segun Padonou Aina; 24 September 1965) is a Nigerian actor, singer, filmmaker and acting coach. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern Nollywood film industry and became widely known after portraying the character Black Arrow in the 1996 action film Silent Night. He later served as president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

Early life and education

Arinze was born on 24 September 1965 in Onitsha, Anambra State, although he is originally from Badagry, Lagos State. He attended Victory College of Commerce, Ilorin, and Taba Commercial College, Kaduna, before obtaining a degree in Dramatic Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Career

Arinze began his entertainment career as a musician before moving fully into acting. His debut album, Dream, brought him public attention, although his breakthrough came after starring as "Black Arrow" in the blockbuster film Silent Night (1996), one of the defining productions of early Nollywood.

Over the course of his career, he has appeared in numerous Nigerian films spanning action, drama and thriller genres, including Across the Niger, Family on Fire, A Place in the Stars, Gold Statue, Òlòtūré, Blood Sisters, Palava!, Something Like Gold, Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story and The Party.

Apart from acting, Arinze has worked as an acting instructor and mentor at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), where he has trained emerging actors through workshops and masterclasses.

Actors Guild of Nigeria

Arinze served as President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), during which he advocated professional standards, improved welfare for actors and greater institutional development within Nollywood.

Personal life

Arinze was formerly married to actress Anne Njemanze. They have one daughter.

Selected filmography

Silent Night (1996) Across the Niger (2004) Family on Fire (2011) A Place in the Stars (2014) Invasion 1897 (2014) Gold Statue (2019) Òlòtūré (2019) Blood Sisters (2022) Palava! (2022) Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story (2023) The Party (2025)

Awards and nominations