British-Nigerian actress, Beverly Naya has no doubt made a name for herself in the movie industry both in Nigeria and abroad.
Here is a brief profile on her as she turns a year older.
Early Life
Born Beverly Ifunaya Bassey on April 17th 1989 in London and raised there, Beverly hails from Ibuzo in Delta State. She is the only child of her parents.
Education
She graduated from Roehampton University in London where she studied Script-writing and Film making. Prior to that, she had studied Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy for her first degree at Brunel University, London.
Career
She started acting in London when she was 17.
In the U.K she did a few short films for the British Broadcasting Corporation and The Metropolitan Police.
She also acted in a couple of theatre productions including one by Debbie Tucker-Green, called Stoning Mary and then Psychosis and Crave.
At 22, she was a lead actress in Lancelot Imasuen’s “Living in Exile” where she acted alongside Desmond Ellliot which brought her to limelight.
Since then she has acted countless movies and TV series which include Tinsel, Death Waters, Up Creek Without a Paddle, Weekend Getaway, Forgetting June 2013, Make a move, Stripped, When Love Happens, Brother’s Keeper, Before 30, Skinny Girl in Transit, The Wedding Party 1& 2, Suru’lere, Chief Daddy
amongst others
Naya launched a campaign in 2014 titled ‘Fifty Shades of Black’, aimed at inspiring young girls to feel confident about themselves and skin colour.
She produced ‘Skin’, a documentary in 2019 which aimed at addressing bleaching in Nigeria.
Personal Life
Naya, who is currently single has been linked in the past to a number of single men in the entertainment industry.
She is also a natural hair lover.
Awards and Achievements
Most Promising Talent category at 2010 Best Of Nollywood Awards.
Fast Rising Actress at the 2011 City People Entertainment Awards.
TV Actress of the Year Nominee at the ELOY Awards 2014
Best Supporting Actress Nominee at the 2016 African Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCAs)
Best Actress at the 2018 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF)
2018 Forbes 30 under 30 Awards Africa Recipient
Best Documentary for ‘Skin’ at the 2020 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs)
Endorsements and Deals
Naya has brand ambassadorial deals with top brands like Schweppes, dark and Lovely, Nivea Nigeria, LG Africa, Verve Nigeria and Darling Nigeria.
