Osas Ighodaro Ajibade

Born and raised in the home of the New York Yankees, Osas Ighodaro Ajibade is a Bronx Native. As a first-generation Nigerian-American, Osas strongly values the importance of family, giving back and staying connected to her roots,Osas is a graduate from Pennsylvania State University and holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism and dual minor degrees in Entrepreneurship and Theatre. She also holds a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Acting from the Actor’s Studio Drama School at Pace University

She has appeared in theatre productions that include The Colored Museum, Revenge of the King, Platanos & Collard Greens and For Colored Girls. Osas’ film & television credits include Cadillac Records, The Department, Tinsel, Gbomo Gbomo Express & Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns.

Osas ranked amongst the Top 3 National finalists in the American Black Film Festival/NBC Universal Star Project – monologue competition. In 2010, She became the first Nigerian-American to be crowned Miss Black USA. Additionally, she won the award for Best TV Actress at the 2014 edition of Exquisite Lady of the Year Awards and Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2016 Best Supporting Actress award, respectively.

Osas’ work as an actor, host, brand ambassador and humanitarian carry her throughout the United States, Africa and across the globe. As founder of the ‘Joyful Joy Foundation’, Osas remains deeply committed to ending Malaria, preventable disease and supporting poverty alleviation in Africa.  She believes a small token of appreciation, sincerely offered to a few, can cause and affect a chain reaction of positivity and growth for many.