Gbemisola Scarlet Shotade Gomez, better known as Scarlet Gomez, has emerged as one of Nollywood’s most versatile talents. Born in Surulere, Lagos, to Nigerian parents, she grew up with strong artistic influences from her father, Adetokunbo “Toks” Shotade, a respected music producer and sound engineer. Although she studied Business Administration at the University of Lagos, her passion for performance soon set her on a different path—one that leads her from the stage of international pageants to the screens of Nigerian film and television.
Scarlet’s first taste of fame came in 2012, when she won the Miss United Nations Tourism crown in Kingston, Jamaica, shortly after placing as first runner-up in the Miss Global Nigeria pageant. These victories opened the door to the entertainment world, and she quickly became a familiar face in music videos, including Timi Dakolo’s Love Song and Burna Boy’s Run My Race. Her natural presence on screen and charisma hinted at bigger things to come.
Alongside modeling, she explored music. In 2013, Scarlet released her debut single Catch Me, produced by DJ Klem, and in 2016 she followed it with a studio album, The Scarlet Letter, under Knighthouse Entertainment. While her music career showcased her creativity, it was acting that ultimately defined her place in Nigerian entertainment. She began building a body of work through appearances in films and television, steadily earning recognition for her range and dedication.
Her early credits include roles in films like Knockout Blessing (2018) and The Big Fat Lie (2019), where she demonstrated her ability to carry both intense and emotionally layered performances. On television, she featured in the long-running comedy series My Flatmates, which allowed her to bring a lighter, more relatable side of her talent to the screen. These projects laid the foundation for the breakthrough that would transform her career.
That breakthrough came in 2023 with the Showmax telenovela Wura. Starring as Wura Amoo-Adeleke, a complex and ambitious character in a story set in the gold-mining community of Iperindo, Scarlet delivered a performance that captivated audiences across Africa. The series quickly became a cultural talking point, not only for its dramatic storyline but also for Scarlet’s ability to embody its demanding lead role with confidence and nuance.
Her outstanding work in Wura did not go unnoticed. At the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Scarlet was nominated for Best Actress in a Drama, Movie or TV Series. Though she did not take home the award, the nomination itself marked a major milestone in her career, establishing her as one of Nollywood’s most exciting talents to watch.
Scarlet Gomez is a figure who lights up every screen with her poise and remarkable acting skill, leaving audiences captivated whenever she performs. From her early days in pageantry to her ventures in music and now her celebrated career in Nollywood, she has consistently proven her ability to excel across diverse creative fields. Her breakthrough in Wura not only affirmed her talent but also secured her place among the industry’s brightest rising stars. As she continues to embrace new challenges and expand her horizons, Scarlet Gomez stands poised to inspire even greater admiration in the years to come.
