BIOGRAPHY OF SEGUN ARINZE/AINA (BLACK ARROW)
Segun Arinze, also known as Black Arrow, is a prominent Nigerian actor, director, musician, voice artist, and movie producer. Born as Segun Padonou Aina on September 24, 1965, he has made significant contributions to the growth of the Nollywood industry.
EARLY LIFE:
Segun Arinze was born on September 24, 1965, in Lagos, Nigeria. Although he was born in Lagos, he was raised in Onitsha, Anambra State, which is his maternal birthplace. His mother belongs to the Igbo clan, while his father is Yoruba. He completed his primary and secondary education in Onitsha, earning his First School Leaving Certificate. He later attended Taba Commercial College in Kaduna State to finish his secondary education and obtained his West African Certificate Examination results. Following that, he gained admission to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts degree.
MOVIES CAREER:
Segun Arinze initially explored a career in music and released his first album, "Dreams," in 1992. However, he transitioned to acting and made his entry into the Nigerian film industry in the early 1990s. Since then, he has appeared in over 250 Nollywood films, earning acclaim for his roles in the Nollywood blockbuster film "Black Arrow" and the soap opera "Ripples." Throughout his acting career, he has portrayed various characters, including armed robbers, villains, kidnappers, assassins, terrorists, and police officers. He has shared the screen with renowned actors and actresses such as Stephanie Okereke, Ramsey Nouah, Regina Askia, Sam Dede, and Saint Obi, among others. In addition to his acting contributions, Segun Arinze has served as the former president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
FILMOGRAPHY:
Some of the notable films in which Segun Arinze has appeared include "Black Arrow," "Women in Love," "Anini," "Darkest Night," "Fragile Pain," "Family on Fire," "30 Days," "To Love a Thief," "Extra Time," "Church Business," "Invasion 1897," "A Place in the Stars," "Across the Niger," "Silent Night," "Jaja The Great," "Ripples," "Blood Sisters," and many more.
AWARDS:
Segun Arinze's talent and contributions to the film industry have earned him numerous accolades. He was nominated for the Best New Actor award by the African Film Academy Awards and received a Special Recognition Award nomination at the City People's Entertainment Awards. He has also won awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in an African Film, Nigeria's Most Prominent Actor at the Best Nollywood Awards, and the African Magic Viewers' Choice Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. In addition, he received the 2020 Nollywood Legend Award for being one of the Best Nollywood Actors of All Time and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Zuma Film Festival. He was recognized as the Best Supporting Actor in the movie "The Island" at the Toronto Film Festival.
PERSONAL LIFE:
In 2008, Segun Arinze married fellow Nollywood actor Ann Njemanze, and they welcomed their daughter, Morenike, into the world. However, their marriage was plagued by accusations of infidelity, leading to their divorce in 2010. Segun Arinze is currently married to Julie Arinze, a lawyer and employee of Schlumberger, a global corporation in Nigeria. They have three children together, two boys and one girl.
NET WORTH:
Segun Arinze is one of the wealthiest and most influential actors in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $4 million.
Segun Arinze, widely known as Black Arrow, has made a significant impact on the Nigerian film industry through his versatile acting skills. With a career spanning over several decades, he has portrayed diverse roles and garnered numerous awards and recognition for his contributions. His talent and dedication have solidified his status as a legend in Nollywood.