Shawn Faqua ( ; born 6 June) is a Nigerian actor, model and presenter. He is known for playing the role of Vincent in Lagos Cougars, as Rambo in Dare Olaitan's Ojukokoro and Chuks in Emem Isong's Code of Silence. His performance in Lagos Cougars earned him four award nominations across Africa including Best Young/Promising Actor at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Education Faqua studied at the University of Port Harcourt where he obtained a degree in electrical engineering. He began modelling, appearing in billboards and hosting several shows along with stage acting, directing, choreography and singing.
In 2012, Faqua obtained a certificate in acting from the Nollywood Upgrade Training in affiliation with the Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University. In 2014, he transitioned to acting full time.
Career Faqua is a method actor and is known for researching roles and accents as required by character he portrays. In Charles Novia's Put a Ring on it, Faqua plays the female character Cleopatra and also portrays the character Peter. Many of the productions he has been featured in address themes such as love, politics, culture, human rights, conflict, rape, betrayal, selfless service and sacrifice.
Faqua has appeared in Africa Magic's Out of the Ghetto (2015), After the Proposal (2015), Oasis (TV series), Red Card (2015), The Twin Sword (2014), A Love Like Ours (2011), Four Crooks and a Rookie (2011), Ebony Life's A New You (2013) and others.
Besides screen acting, Faqua has performed in several stage plays. He has modelled for Lagos Business School, Guaranty Trust Bank, First City Monument Bank, fashion shows and other organisations. He also recorded a song for the short film, The Good Life, performing the original soundtrack titled "I wan blow". He also acted in the short film "Siraam" written and directed by Uzoamaka Powers in 2026.
Charity Faqua has been involved with charity work since 2004 and has supported the Nigerian Red Cross. He was an executive of the Youth Against HIV and AIDS in collaboration with the then first lady of Nigeria Stella Obasanjo and the NUGA games which focused on educating youths about voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV. Faqua was also the president of the Youth Against Drug Abuse and Child Trafficking (YAWAT) in Abuja. In 2016, he partnered with the Nigerian Army on the Fallen Heroes project appearing in the short film Separated.
Other works Faqua has been featured on talk shows such as Heart of the Matter, Twitchat with Blecyn and Tribe Stories among others. He has also hosted shows like Urban Royale magazine launch and Retro 52, an independence day event. He has expressed interest in youth engagement and social advocacy through entertainment.
Personal life Faqua has stated that he is drawn to roles that are dramatic, challenging, cheesy, intense and comical. He enjoys reading, dancing, playing tennis, traveling and watching films. He resides in Lagos.
Selected filmography YearTitleRoleNotes2010The Last Ritual2011A love like oursFour crooks and a RookieLune2012Lagos cougarsVincentGidi upSeries2013After the proposalA New YouWaleRender to Caesar2014Acquired tasteShort filmOasisKKSeries2015Red CardOut of the Ghetto2016Head over HeelsSeriesOjukokoroRamboZahraJacobEsohePrince2017In LineSteveThe DoorSugar BoyAugust visitorMascaraSeries3someWilliamsNo way outBovi2018King of BoysAlaaruGod Calling2019Three ThievesOrevaLiving in bondage: Breaking FreeTobie Nworie2020WitchesLeke2021SooleDriver2022The Blood CovenantOsiano2023The House of SecretsPanam2023OsatoJungle2024Funmilayo Ransome-KutiBekolari Ransome-KutiBiography / Drama / Romance 2024Shina AY
Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryWorkResultRef2014Africa Movie Academy AwardBest Young Actor Lagos CougarNollywood Movies AwardsBest Rising StarNigeria Entertainment AwardsBest Supporting Actor Golden Icons Academy Movie Award Most Promising Actor2015Golden Movie AwardsGolden Supporting Actor (Drama) 2017World Music & Independent Film FestivalBest Supporting Actor 3 some2018Best of Nollywood AwardsBest Actress in a Lead Role – YorubaPersonal Assistant2022Africa Magic Viewers' Choice AwardsBest Actor in A ComedySoole
See also List of Nigerian actors
References
External links