Diana Yekinni

EARLY LIFE

Diana Yekinni was born and raised in Peckham, South London, to Nigerian parents. Her father is from Lagos and her mother is Yoruba. She grew up with three siblings in a multicultural environment and began performing from a very young age—her first stage role was at age five in a production titled Veronica’s Violin, where she played the drums and performed as a tap dancer. She has spoken about always knowing she wanted to act and has expressed pride in her dark skin and Nigerian heritage. She is fluent in English (including RP), Yoruba, and Pidgin English.

CAREER

She started her professional acting career in 2009 after she featured in an American television series titled Medium. In 2010, she was cast as Libby in the film Ijé and Odele in Mosa. In 2012, Yekinni participated and won the maiden edition of the Annual GIAMA Screen Icon Search Competition in Houston, U.S. She has since featured in several television series and films including A New You, All That Glitters, Saro: The Musical, Jenifa's Diary as Genevieve, Lagos Cougars and Lunch Time Heroes. She also acted alongside Gal Gadot in the Netflix movie Heart of Stone where she took on the role of a secret operative (Clara, Six of Hearts) for the secret agency known as ‘The Charter’.

PERSONAL LIFE

Yekinni keeps much of her private life out of the public eye. She has stated in interviews that she prioritises her career and is not currently married. After spending several years working in Nollywood (moving to Nigeria around 2012–2013), she returned to London in 2016 to continue her career there while remaining open to international projects. She is passionate about storytelling that creates connection and positive impact.