Mercy Aigbe(Listenⓘ) (born 1 January 1978) is a Nigerianactress, director, fashionista and businesswoman. She is best known for her Yoruba language movies.[1][2]
Early life
Mercy Aigbe was born on 1 January 1978 in Edo State[3] to Pa Aigbe and Mrs. Abisola Grace Owodunni.[4] She hails from Benin city which is the capital of Edo State. She is the second child in a family of five.[5] She had her primary education at St. Francis primary school and attended Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School Ikeja, Lagos State.[6] She is also an alumnus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, where she received her OND in Financial Studies. In 2001, Mercy Aigbe graduated from University of Lagos with a degree in Theater Arts.[7][8]
Career
Mercy Aigbe kicked off her acting career by starring in some soap operas, including the popular TV drama series "Papa Ajasco."[9] Professionally, Mercy joined the Nollywood industry fully in 2006 and acted in the movie that brought her into the limelight 'Ara,' a movie produced by Remi Olupo in Ibadan, Oyo State.[10] She founded "Mercy Aigbe Gentry School of Drama" in 2016.[11][12]
Endorsement
In November 2014, Mercy Aigbe was made the brand ambassador for Elephant Gold Rice.[13] Mercy Aigbe signed a one-year deal to be the brand ambassador for Prestige Cosmetic in June 2015.[14] In July 2016, Mercy signed an endorsement deal with Edalaf Brother Limited, an IT solution company.[15] She was made an ambassador for a fitness company called "Shape you," the company that produces Slimming Coffee in October 2016.[16] Mercy Aigbe, in March 2017, was made the brand ambassador for BK hair.[17] In September 2018, She was made the brand ambassador for "Naija Taxi Services", a company that deals with transportation of people.[18] Mercy Aigbe alongside Bose Alao and Biodun Okeowo penned an endorsement deal with a Cosmetic giant "Mary Make"[19]
Mercy Aigbe is known for her unique style and dressing.[24] At the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, Mercy Aigbe's dress earned her great applause from fashion stakeholders.[25] The dress was commended for its unique design.[26] In November 2014, Aigbe launched her clothing store, Mag Divas Boutique, in Lagos, then opened another outlet in Ibadan.[27][28] She was awarded Fashion Entrepreneur of The Year at Links and Glitz World Awards.[29][30]
Personal life
In 2013, Aigbe married a Nigerian hotelier, Lanre Gentry, after the end of her first marriage,[31] and has two children.[32][33][34][35] In 2017, she shared photos of herself after allegedly being assaulted by her husband. She consequently separated from her second husband due to claims of domestic violence, and started a campaign against it.[36][37][38] Mercy Aigbe acquired a multi-million naira mansion in 2018.[39]
In 2022, she married Kazim Adeoti, popularly known as Adekaz.[40] In 2023, Mercy converted to Islam and changed her name to Hajiya Meena.[41]