[1] In 1998, she had a major role, starring opposite Colin Firth and Nia Long in the British-Canadian film The Secret Laughter of Women.

On 29 September 2014, Silva received recognition as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, one of Nigeria's National Honours, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

[5] Her father, Chief Emmanuel Afolabi Silva, was a lawyer,[6] and her great-grandfathers were the prominent Colonial Nigerians Charles Phillips and Samuel Herbert Pearse.

[4] A graduate of the University of Lagos and the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Silva began her career in film in the early 1990s.

[13] Author Finola Kerrigan noted that Silva stood out as an exceptional actress in the Nigerian film industry after mentioning her role.

[18][19] Later that year, Silva starred opposite Genevieve Nnaji in Mildred Okwo's action thriller 30 Days, which received 10 nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008.

[23] In 2007, Silva starred opposite Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Michael Okon and Fred Essien in Ndubuisi Okoh's To Love and to Hold.

[8] In 2011, Silva starred alongside Nse Ikpe Etim, Wale Ojo and Lydia Forson in Kunle Afolayan's romantic comedy Phone Swap.

In accordance with the UN policy of enlisting prominent figures in art, music, film, sport and literature to assist with their campaigns, her role was focused on her participation in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.

[11] In addition to her work as an actress, Silva is a philanthropist and a strong supporter of women's emancipation and empowerment, contributing to their education, training and progress.

[37] Silva, in the year 2020, led the campaign supporting ailing Nigerian actors soliciting for funds to pay for medical bills.