In 2018, an 11-year-old girl made history at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). Her name? Mariam Kayode. She was a rising star who became the youngest nominee ever in the Best Actress in a Drama category.
While many children her age were balancing school and play, Mariam stood alongside industry icons like Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, proving that age is no barrier to talent. Her breathtaking performance in Children of Mud captivated audiences and critics alike, making her a symbol of young excellence in Nollywood.
Her nomination wasn’t just personal success—it shattered stereotypes, opening doors for more young actors to be taken seriously in major award categories.
But Mariam’s journey is far from a typical child star story. She is not just acting for fame—she’s using her platform to advocate for children’s rights, inspiring the next generation.
Early Life: A Passion Discovered Young
Born on June 1, 2007, in Oyo State, Nigeria, Mariam Kayode grew up with a passion for storytelling and performance. Unlike many child actors who stumble into the industry by chance, Mariam’s journey began with intentional guidance from her family, especially her mother, Titilola Kayode, a filmmaker who quickly recognized her daughter’s natural talent.
Her first exposure to acting came through her mother’s film school projects, where she was cast in small roles to develop her skills. At just eight years old, Mariam played a girl with an alter ego, a complex role that required her to display intense emotions and dual personalities. In that moment, her mother knew—this wasn’t just playtime; Mariam had something special.
Encouraged by her parents, she began taking on bigger acting challenges, balancing her studies at Kingsfield College, Ijede Campus, with on-set commitments. Despite her young age, Mariam showed remarkable discipline and focus, learning how to memorize scripts, embody characters, and deliver powerful performances.
While many child actors struggle to keep up with school, Mariam developed a structured routine. She and her mother would plan ahead for productions, ensuring that she kept up with her assignments. Her teachers and classmates were supportive, recognizing that she was not just another student—she was a young star in the making.
By age 10, Mariam was no longer just an aspiring actress—she was ready for her big break.
And it came in the form of a life-changing role in Children of Mud.
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The Big Break: “Children of Mud”
In 2017, Mariam Kayode landed the role that would change her life—Emem in Children of Mud. This was no ordinary child role; it was a deeply emotional, challenging performance that required her to embody the struggles of a young girl facing homelessness, loss, and survival.
Children of Mud, directed by Imoh Umoren, tells the heartbreaking story of Emem, a young girl thrown out of her home along with her blind brother. Left to fend for themselves, they navigate the harsh realities of life on the streets—facing hunger, fear, and betrayal.
For an actress as young as Mariam, playing such a role was a test of emotional depth, resilience, and maturity. Yet, she delivered a performance so raw and powerful that audiences and critics alike were stunned. She didn’t just act—she lived the character, capturing the pain and hope of children in similar real-life situations.
Her performance in Children of Mud was so moving that it earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Drama at the 2018 AMVCAs, making her the youngest nominee in the history of the awards. Competing alongside industry legends like Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Keira Hewatch, Mariam proved that talent has no age limit.
While she didn’t take home the award, the nomination alone was a game-changer. It gave her recognition, credibility, and a platform to continue growing as an actress.
With this historic moment, Mariam Kayode had officially arrived in Nollywood—not just as a child actress, but as a force to be reckoned with.
More Than Acting: Using Her Platform for Advocacy
For many young actors, fame is the goal. But for Mariam Kayode, acting is more than just being in front of the camera—it’s a platform for change.
Her breakout role in Children of Mud was more than just a performance; it opened her eyes to the struggles of real children facing homelessness, abuse, and lack of education. Since then, she has made it a personal mission to use her voice to advocate for underprivileged children who don’t have the same opportunities she did.
Mariam has expressed her desire to stand up for kids who cannot speak for themselves, drawing inspiration from her own journey. She has talked about wanting to work with organizations that focus on helping children in need—providing education, shelter, and support for those facing difficult circumstances.
She also recognizes the power of storytelling in driving awareness. Through her roles, she hopes to bring attention to social issues like child homelessness, gender inequality, and access to education. She aims to inspire conversations and action that can lead to real change.
In an interview, she shared: “Apart from acting, I am a good singer and a fantastic dancer. I also love to support and speak for kids who need help. Maybe one day, I will make a good lawyer defending children’s rights.”
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What’s Next for Mariam Kayode?
At just 18 years old, Mariam Kayode has already achieved what many actors dream of in a lifetime—an AMVCA nomination, major film roles, and multiple awards. But for her, this is only the beginning.
Mariam has expressed her desire to continue acting while also pursuing higher education. Like her role models Rita Dominic and Funke Akindele, she hopes to transition from a child star to a leading Nollywood actress, taking on more complex and mature roles.
Her ability to seamlessly evolve as an actress suggests that she will remain relevant in the industry. As she gets older, there’s a strong chance she will expand into producing, directing, or even advocacy-driven filmmaking, using her platform to tell stories that matter.
She has also hinted at her passion for helping underprivileged children, meaning her future might not just be about acting but impacting lives beyond the screen.
With talent, discipline, and a clear vision, Mariam Kayode is not just a young actress but a future icon in the making.
The real question is: Will she become the youngest AMVCA Best Actress winner someday? Only time will tell.
One thing is certain—Mariam Kayode’s journey is far from over, and the best is yet to come.