Alex Ekubo – Tinsel
| Stage Name: | Alex Ekubo |
| Real Name: | Alex Ekubo |
| Occupation: | Actor |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 10th April 1986 (39 years) |
| State of Origin: | Abia State, Nigeria |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Not Married |
| Education: | University of Calabar |
| Known for: | Tinsel |
Early Life
Alex Ekubo was born on April 10, 1986, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Though he was born in Rivers State, he comes from Arochukwu in Abia State, in Eastern Nigeria. His father is Mazi Alex Ekubo‑Okwaraeke, a petroleum marketer who worked with British Petroleum and retired as National Retail Manager for Africa Petroleum Plc. His mother is Jane Ekubo-Okwaraeke, a fashion designer and businesswoman.
Alex is the second child in a family of four: he has two sisters and one brother. Because his father’s job required travel, Alexx grew up in different Nigerian cities including Lagos, Kano, and Katsina, and this helped him learn to speak Igbo, Hausa, and English fluently.
He started school at K.Kotun Nursery and Primary School in Lagos and later attended Federal Government College, Daura in Katsina State for secondary school. These varied experiences helped shape his personality and outlook.
Educational Background
After secondary school, Alex went on to study at the University of Calabar. In 2008, he graduated with a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree. In addition to his law degree, he also earned a Diploma in Mass Communication from Calabar Polytechnic, Cross River State. Later, he went back to the University of Calabar to study Theatre Arts.
In 2021, Alex received an Honorary Doctorate in Arts & Culture from the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion (ISCG University) in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.
Career
Modelling and Mr. Nigeria
Alex began acting around 2005, but before that he was also working in modelling and other roles. In 2010, he joined the Mr. Nigeria pageant and came first runner-up, which gave him wider fame and helped him to launch a full entertainment career. His modeling and youthful looks helped him get noticed early in Nollywood.
Acting Career
He made his first appearance in a Nollywood drama series called Sinners in the House in 2005, produced by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. His first major role was in a movie titled Ladies Men, in which he played a charming young man.
His breakthrough role came in the film Weekend Getaway (2012), where he starred alongside top actors. This led to his winning the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards. In 2012, he was also awarded Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the same awards show. In 2014, he earned the Favourite Male Emerging Screen Talent (African) award at the Screen Nation Awards in London.
Over the years, Alex has appeared in over 100 Nollywood movies, including romantic comedies and dramas. Some of his popular films are:
- Weekend Getaway
- True Citizens
- In the Cupboard
- Dream Walker
- All That Glitters
- Diary of a Lagos Girl (2016)
- Single, Married, Complicated
- Lagos Cougars
- Bling Lagosians (2019)
- Your Excellency (2019), a political satire that became one of the highest‑grossing Nigerian films of that year
- Son of Mercy (2020), in which he played a young man who struggles abroad before returning home
- Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story (2023), a film about Igbo apprentice culture that was #1 on Netflix for weeks
He has also acted in TV serials such as Tinsel, AY’s Crib (as JJ from 2013–2015), Hope Bay, Secrets and Scandals, Happy Family, and Married to the Game.
Personal Life
Alex Ekubo keeps his private life mostly out of the spotlight. He is currently single and has not publicly disclosed any marriage or children. In 2021, he announced his engagement with Fancy Acholonu, a businesswoman based in the United States. They planned to marry in November 2021, with a traditional wedding in Imo State and a Lagos white wedding. But they later called off the engagement months later, and Fancy confirmed the breakup publicly in mid-2022.
Alex often speaks about the importance of family, education, and giving back to society. He is known to support youth empowerment and charity causes, though he rarely shares personal opinions in public.
Controversies
Alex Ekubo has not been involved in any major legal or public scandals. One notable event was when he denied being homosexual in a social media post. In January 2019, someone had suggested he was gay. He responded by saying:
“Personally I’m not, have never been and will never be. Let’s allow people to be free… Stop the name calling and shaming” .
In 2021, when his engagement ended, there was speculation that rumors about his sexual orientation contributed to the breakup. However, neither he nor his ex gave details publicly beyond confirming the split.
Some discussion online, especially within YouTube communities, has accused him in the past of being difficult with friends and business contacts. But these are not formal legal issues and have not been confirmed publicly. Reddit posts describe rumors of interpersonal conflicts, though without verified evidence.
Overall, Alex is known more for his acting and modelling than for any controversies.
Social Media Presence
Alex Ekubo is active on Instagram and Twitter under the handle @alexxekubo. On social media, he posts about his movie premieres, fashion style, motivational messages, and sometimes personal insights. He is known for his stylish wardrobe and often appears on best-dressed lists across Nigeria and Africa.
He also does endorsements for brands like L’AVYANNA Skin Care, Yomi Casuals, and Khali Kulture, which he promotes occasionally online. His social media shows a mix of glamour, entertainment, and advocacy. Despite being famous, he keeps his online voice measured and positive.
Net Worth
Alex Ekubo’s estimated net worth is about $1 million, which is roughly ₦800 million or more depending on exchange rates. His income comes from acting in Nollywood films, endorsements, modelling, hosting events, and public appearances. He is regarded as one of the most successful Nigerian entertainers, especially in romantic comedies and dramas.
His endorsements, acting fees, and motivational speaking engagements add to his earnings. He also owns a luxury home and invests in fashion and charitable ventures. While not the richest celebrity, he lives a comfortable and respected lifestyle, built from hard work over nearly twenty years in entertainment.
