Zainab Balogun is an award-winning British Nigerian filmmaker, actress, and social media influencer. She is also an Ebony Life television presenter, a co-founder of My Wash and Go, and a model.
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Zainab Balogun Background
Zainab Balogun was born on the 10th of October 1989, in London, to Nigerian parents, Mr and Mrs Balogun. She grew up in Clapham, South West London, with a large extended family. Zainab’s descent can be traced to Egba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Zainab had her secondary education at Sacred Heart RC Secondary School. While in secondary school, she got interested in arts, so she participated a lot in talent shows and school plays.
After a while, she became a member of the school choir and eventually formed an R&B girl group with two of her friends. The group was called Regné (pronounced as reign).
Zainab also went to Christ the King Sixth Form College, where she completed her A-Level studies in Law, Psychology, English Language, and Literature.
After her A level studies, she went on to further her studies at the University of Kent, Medway and graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree (LLB).
Zainab Balogun is married to Dikko Nwachukwu, the founder of JetWest Airways.
Zainab Balogun Career
Premier Models Management discovered Zainab Balogun when she was 16 years old. As such, the beautiful actress became a model at the young age of 16.
As she blossomed in her modeling career, she got featured in both national and international campaigns with companies like the United Colours of Benetton (UK). She also walked the runway for the Arise Fashion Week, Lagos.
After graduating from Law School, Zainab started appearing in television shows like the BBC One’s Material Girl, Bollywood movie Cocktail, and The Charlatans by Ashley Waters. In 2011, Zainab featured as an extra on the set of the movie – The Dark Knight Rises. The movie was directed by the legendary Christopher Nolan of Hollywood.
As A Producer And Television Presenter
Zainab Balogun is a television presenter, who produces and hosts shows for EbonyLife TV, an entertainment television network. Before she started working with EbonyLife TV, she already had an online TV show – The J-ist TV show, which she co-founded with a friend. The J-ist TV show was an online entertainment series that showcased all the good things about African culture.
As a producer, Zainab has produced several shows, and movies including EL Now – a daily entertainment news show. EL Now showcases the latest in fashion, music, and arts. Zainab also used to co-host a daily hang-out talk show called The Spot, with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Lamide Akintobi.
Zainab Balogun’s Television Series
- The Charlatans Natalia – 2012
- Material Girl – 2012
- EL Now host, and Segment Producer – 2012
- The Spot – 2012
- Knock Knock – 2013
- VHS: Music Artist Wannabe Skit – 2014
- Verdict – 2014
- Jumia TV host, and Associate Producer – 2014
- Before 30 – 2015
- TBA – 2015
Movies Of Zainab Balogun
- The Dark Knight Rises – 2011
- Cocktail Party Guest – 2012
- A Soldier’s Story – 2015
- The Wedding Party – 2016
- Ojukokoro (Greed) – 2016
- The Wedding Party 2 – 2017
- The Royal Hibiscus Hotel – 2017
- Sylvia – 2018
- Chief Daddy – 2018
- God Calling – 2018
- Walking with shadows – 2019
Endorsements of Zainab Balogun
- She is the brand ambassador of Lancome Nigeria.
- Zainab Balogun is the first brand ambassador for Veet Nigeria.
- Dove Nigeria endorsed Zainab Balogun as its brand ambassador.
- She is an ambassador of Molped Nigeria, producers of Molflix Pampers.
Zainab Balogun Quotes
“Beauty isn’t what you think I should look like, or what you say I should be. Beauty is simply ME.”
“When life gets a little blurry, adjust your focus.”
“I hope you attempt to be kind today. It doesn’t have to happen every day. Try it today…”
“I can’t endorse bad behaviour. I’ll keep my money, time and sanity.”
“Change is a beautiful thing. Fight it all you want but she’ll win you over if necessary.”
“We don’t read, we don’t research, we just act on impulse. Take responsibility for the content you share.”
“Why can’t we be open with sharing details on our hair, skin, clothes e.t.c? Why must you be the only slay queen? Let’s all be great.”
“Show up for people. mentally, emotionally, physically… Find a way to just show up.”
“You can have a few friends and be friendly with many people who you don’t consider friends.”
Awards And Nominations Of Zainab Balogun
- TV Presenter of the Year at the Exquisite Lady of the Year Awards (ELOY) – 2013
- Sisterhood Awards named her as the TV Presenter of the Year – 2014
- On-Air Personality of the Year at the All Youth Tush Awards – 2014
- Sexist On-Air Personality at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards – 2014
- Nominated at the Exquisite Lady of the Year Award (ELOY) for the TV Presenter of the Year – 2014
- The prize for Acting at The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) – 2018
Zainab Balogun’s Net Worth
According to austinemedia.com, Zainab Balogun is worth $450,000.
Zainab Balogun’s Entrepreneurial Lesson
Ignore the Negatives
As an entrepreneur, people may disagree with your dreams. They may not see the prospect in it, so they may want to do all they can to discourage you. When you encounter such, stay focused, ignore the negatives, and believe in your dreams.
When Zainab Balogun decided to build a career in the entertainment industry, she had people who discouraged her, because they felt it was for unserious people. But she didn’t let anyone’s opinion deter her, as she went ahead to ensure her dreams became a reality.
Start Small
Do not ever feel too big, or too smart to start small. From what you regard as little or nothing, big things would spring forth.
Zainab Balogun didn’t start her acting career doing lead roles, she started her acting as an extra, and when she auditioned for lead roles, her performance as an extra, paved the way for her to get the job.
Even the bible says that you shouldn’t despise your days of little beginnings. Orange didn’t become edible overnight, it started as a seed.
Even as a model, she didn’t start her modeling career modeling for big modelling agencies, but she grew over time. As a presenter too, she started with a small online TV that wasn’t even known, which gave her the exposure to get the job as a presenter at EbonyLife TV.
Start small, be diligent in your business, and your works would speak for you overtime.
Image Credit: @zainabbalogun (Instagram)
