# Efa Iwara

Efa Iwara, also known as Efa, is a Nigerian actor and rapper.

## Early life and education

Iwara was born on 20 August 1986 in Ibadan, Oyo State to his Professor of Linguistics father and Librarian mother. He hails from Ugep in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.
He attended Staff School, Ibadan for his primary education, and the International School, Barth Road, Ibadan, for his secondary education. He graduated from the University of Ibadan, with a bachelor's degree in Geography.

## Career

Iwara started out his career in the entertainment industry as a musician in 2006 in a group called X-Factor with DJ Clem, Bolaji, Jide and Boye. Following the dissolution of the group, he released his first single and 5 track EP called Waka EP in 2011. His last official single was titled “Fall in Love” featuring Plantashun Boiz in 2014
He made his acting debut in a 2011 episode of Tinsel as a debate moderator. He was however still focused on music at this point. His next appearance was in the first season of MTV Shuga Naija in 2013. He was absent from the acting space until 2016 when he appeared on Life 101 for Ebonylife TV. Since then, he appeared in TV series including Ajoche, an Africa Magic original, Rumor Has It and The Men's Club. He has also featured in movies like Isoken, Seven and Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story. He earned his first Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) nomination for his performance in Seven.

## Discography
### Albums

* Without a Pulse - 2020

### EPs

* Waka EP - 2011

### Singles

Source:
* "Fall in Love" (featuring Plantashun Boiz)
* "Letter to the President Elect"
* "Sunmobi" (featuring Olamide)
* "Over you" (featuring Praiz)
* "Open and Close" (featuring Dammy Krane)
* "Obandi" (featuring Pelli)
* "Enigma"
* "E2DFA (E to the F-A)"

## Filmography
### Television

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2013 | MTV Shuga | David | |
| 2018 | The Men's Club | Tayo | Alongside Ayoola Ayolola and Sharon Ooja |
| 2018 | Rumour Has It | Femi | |
| 2018 | Ajoche | Epe | |
| 2018 | Corper Shun | | |
| 2021 | Ricordi | | |
| 2021 | King of Boys: The Return of the King | Dapo Banjo | Alongside Sola Sobowale and Toni Tones |
| 2022 | Diiche | Folajimi Gbajumo | Alongside Uzoamaka Onuoha and Daniel K. Daniel |
| 2024 | Òlòtūré: The Journey | Femi | |

### Films

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2024 | Soft Love | Edward Obi | Comedy / Romance |
| 2024 | Hijack '93 | Captain Odion | Drama / Thriller |
| 2023 | Mercy Line Pretty Evil | Dr. Fredrick | Alex Ajoku, Lucy Ameh, Rajunor Aya |
| 2022 | Finding Hubby 2 | Ade | Alongside Kehinde Bankole, Eso Dike |
| 2022 | Ile Owo | Tunji | Alongside Immaculate Oko Kasum, Tina Mba |
| 2021 | A Naija Christmas | Obi | Alongside Kunle Remi and Abayomi Alvin |
| 2020 | This Lady Called Life | Obinna | Alongside Bisola Aiyeola |
| 2020 | Finding Hubby | Ade | Alongside Kehinde Bankole, Eso Dike |
| 2020 | Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story | Bala | Alongside Stan Nze, Norbert Young |
| 2020 | The Sessions (2020 film) | Banjo | Alongside Ada Ameh, Fred Amata |
| 2019 | Seven | Kolade | Alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo and Sadiq Daba |
| 2018 | The Eve | Ebere | Alongside Beverly Naya, Uche Montana |
| 2017 | Isoken | Osato's Husband | Alongside Dakore Akande, Joseph Benjamin, Funke Akindele |
| 2016 | Put a Ring on It | Uyi | Alongside Shawn Faqua, Osas Ighodaro |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result |
| 2020 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actor in a Lead role – English | The Sessions | Nominated |
| 2020 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Kiss in a Movie | The Sessions | Nominated |
| 2020 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Award | Best Actor in a Drama | Seven | Nominated |
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Popular Actor | — | Nominated |
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Actor in A Drama | This Lady Called Life | Nominated |