QUEENS OF THE SILVER SCREEN – THISDAY Style

Throughout the years, the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, has consistently established itself as the standard-bearer in African cinema, earning widespread recognition and acclaim on a global scale. This remarkable achievement can largely be attributed to the collective and dedicated efforts of various industry stakeholders, including producers, directors, writers, and talented actors and actresses, who have continuously pushed the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic excellence.

Nollywood’s success can be attributed to several key factors. First and foremost, the industry’s ability to produce blockbuster movies that captivate audiences both domestically and internationally has been instrumental in attracting attention and establishing its reputation as a force to be reckoned with. These movies not only showcase the rich cultural heritage and diverse narratives of Nigeria but also explore universal themes that resonate with viewers from different backgrounds.

Moreover, the influential actresses who have graced Nollywood’s screens with their talent and charisma have played a pivotal role in elevating the industry’s reputation to unprecedented heights. These remarkable women have become household names, not just in Nigeria but also across the African continent and abroad. Their performances in critically acclaimed films have not only entertained audiences but also challenged social norms and shed light on important societal issues.

OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde needs no introduction. She is a singer, a former model, and one of Nigeria’s top actresses.

Voicing her concerns on pressing issues in Nigeria and across Africa, and visiting several world disaster areas and camps, including the recent Syrian refugee camps in Jordan. Her philanthropic efforts led to the launch of her own charity, ‘Omotola Youth Empowerment Programme,’ in which she plans to empower youth and women in the areas of health, empowerment, vocational skills, and talent.

Omotola is undoubtedly a Nollywood royalty. She is hugely influential to both her peers and fans alike. She is a goddess, a wife and mother (which she wears very well!), and is the epitome of hard work and success.

GENEVIEVE NNAJI

Genevieve Nanji is one of the pioneers of the Nigerian movie industry. She has captivated the hearts of many fans and admirers in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape. Nnaji started her acting career as a child actress in the then-popular television soap opera Ripples at the age of 8.

She also featured in several commercials, some of which includ Pronto beverage and Omo detergent. At the age of 19, she was introduced into the growing Nigerian movie industry Nollywood with the movie “Most Wanted,” and the subsequent one, “Last Party,” which became a stepping-stone in her career, bringing her into the limelight.

In 2005, Genevieve’s outstanding performance earned her the highly coveted Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the esteemed African Movie Academy Awards ceremony. Adding to her already impressive achievements, her movie “Ijele” (The Dance) was crowned the best film of the year in 199 and In 2018, her directorial debut “Lionheart” was acquired by online streaming service Netflix, making it the first Netflix original film from Nigeria.

The movie had its world premiere at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, further illustrating her prowess in the realm of filmmaking. As a multi-faceted artist, Genevieve extended her creative endeavours beyond the silver screen by launching her own clothing line, St. Genevieve. This philanthropic venture not only showcased her impeccable sense of style but also served as a catalyst for positive change, as a percentage of the proceeds is donated to charitable causes.

Celebrated for her exceptional talent and ability to invoke powerful emotions, Genevieve has been lauded as one of the highest-paid and most controversial actresses in Nollywood, Nigeria’s vibrant film industry. Her influential status caught the attention of media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who likened her to the iconic Julia Roberts of Africa in 2009.

Recognising her invaluable contributions to Nollywood, the Nigerian government bestowed upon her the prestigious Member of the Order of the Federal Republic award in 2011. Through her undeniable talent, unwavering dedication, and noteworthy accomplishments, Genevieve Nnaji continues to shape the Nigerian film industry and inspire

FUNKE AKINDELE

Funke Akindele is a multi-award-winning actress, producer, and philanthropist. With her remarkable talent and unwavering dedication, Funke has become an icon in Nollywood.

Funke’s journey to success has been one filled with determination and perseverance. Her journey serves as a testament to what can be achieved through determination, passion, and hard work.  While her talent was evident from the start, it was her exceptional performance in the sitcom “I Need to Know” that truly established her as a force to be reckoned with.

This breakthrough role served as a stepping stone, opening doors to other significant opportunities in well-known Yoruba movies, where she showcased her depth as an actress. However, it was the movie “Jenifa” in 2008 that proved to be the turning point of her career. The success of “Jenifa” propelled Funke’s acting career to unimaginable heights. Her ability to embrace various acting styles, transitioning effortlessly from drama to comedy, set her apart from her peers. At the prestigious African Movie Academy Awards, the film received five well-deserved awards, including Best Actress in a Leading Role that yeatr.

Such recognition solidified Funke’s status as a true acting powerhouse. It is also worthy to note that new her movie “A Tribe Called Judah,” 2023, which she produced and acted in, remains, to date, the highest grossing movie in the history of Nigeria, making over 1.4 billion naira at the box office.

Beyond her immense talent, Funke Akindele-Bello is also recognised for her philanthropic endeavors. She is actively involved in numerous charitable initiatives, particularly those focused on uplifting and empowering women and children. Her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on society further solidifies her as a role model and changemaker. She has undoubtedly paved the way for future generations of actors and producers, and she continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring artists.

RITA DOMINIC

Rita Dominic is best known for her roles in the groundbreaking films “76”, The Meeting and Shattered. She has truly carved a path for herself and is widely regarded as a trailblazer in Nollywood.

Not only is she highly esteemed, but she has also become an icon within the industry. Ever since making her debut back in 1998, Rita Dominic has continued to mesmerise audiences with her extraordinary talent, ultimately earning her numerous prestigious awards and well-deserved recognition for her exceptional acting skills. She is the only actress to have won the AMVCAs Best Actress award in both the Drama and Comedy categories and the only West African actress to have won Kenya’s Kalasha Awards. Undisputedly one of Africa’s biggest movie stars, CNN describes her as a ‘Silver screen icon’, She possesses an undeniable and captivating presence that effortlessly draws people into her world, leaving them spellbound by her incredible performances. Rita Dominic’s contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed, with her bravery and unparalleled dedication to her craft inspiring many emerging talents who aspire to follow in her footsteps.

While already achieving remarkable success as an actress, Rita Dominic is now embarking on a new venture in film production to expand her career even further.

This bold move demonstrates her relentless pursuit of growth and innovation, proving that she is not only a brilliant performer but also a visionary creator behind the scenes.

Throughout her career, Rita Dominic has encountered various challenges and faced opposition, but her unwavering determination and resilience have allowed her to break down barriers and shatter stereotypes within the industry.

She has fearlessly pushed boundaries, challenging traditional norms and expectations, and in doing so, she has become a true inspiration for aspiring actors and actresses across the country.

MERCY JOHNSON

Mercy Johnson is an influential actress in the Nollywood industry. When discussing her remarkable success, she humbly attributes it to her unyielding work ethic, remarkable versatility, and undying perseverance. Her awe-inspiring journey in the acting industry commenced with an audacious audition for a pivotal role in “The Maid,” an extraordinary film masterfully directed by none other than the esteemed Nigerian filmmaking virtuoso, Edward Boyo.

The momentous collaboration with Boyo opened the gateway to her exceptional career, filled with numerous accolades and pivotal roles in critically acclaimed movies. Mercy Johnson’s rise to fame epitomises the true essence of dedication, strength, and passion that define the remarkable journey of a superstar.

Johnson’s dedication to her craft goes beyond her exceptional performances on-screen. Off-screen, she is known for her philanthropic efforts and her commitment to giving back to her community. She has been actively involved in various charitable projects, lending her support to causes close to her heart. Her generosity and compassion are a testament to her genuine character and her desire to make a positive impact on the world.

As she continues to make waves in the industry, it is clear that Mercy Johnson’s star will only continue to rise. She is truly a remarkable talent and a true inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere.

INI EDO

Ini Edo began her acting career in the year 2000, and since then, she has consistently been dedicated to her craft. Over the years, she has graced screens in more than 50 exceptional movies, captivating audiences with her outstanding talent.

Ini possesses a grace and charm that shine through in her appearances on television. Her remarkable talent, unwavering commitment, and remarkable personality propelled her to the pinnacle of Nollywood success in an incredibly short span of time.

In recognition of her mastery of the acting craft, Ini Edo has received numerous awards. Among them is the prestigious Best Actress award at the 2013 Nafca Awards, which she deservedly won for her unforgettable portrayal in the critically acclaimed movie “Itoro.” Similarly, in 2012, she walked away with the coveted Best Actress award at the NEA Awards due to her exceptional performance in the captivating film “Inale.” Furthermore, Ini Edo’s remarkable portrayal in the movie “Edeema” earned her the well-deserved award for Best Supporting Actress at the City Peoples Awards in 2009.

Ini’s talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed on an international scale. Her contributions to the Nigerian film industry have earned her nominations for a multitude of awards, both locally and abroad. She has not only graced the screens in the United Kingdom and the United States but has also been duly honoured with the Best Lead Actress award at the 2012 NEA Awards in the vibrant city of New York. With her remarkable achievements and unwavering success, Ini Edo has also attracted numerous endorsements.

In addition to her extraordinary acting career, Ini Edo has ventured into movie production, solidifying her position as a powerful and influential figure in Nollywood. Her multifaceted abilities and resolute determination make her an exemplary role model for aspiring actors and actresses.

DAKORE EGBUSON-AKANDE

Dakore had a remarkably successful and thriving career during her years studying theatre arts at the prestigious University of Lagos. Her talent and passion for acting were evident from the beginning, as she made her debut in the television series Inale, where her exceptional performance as the lead role garnered immense praise and admiration. This marked the beginning of a series of outstanding achievements in her acting journey.

Following her remarkable start, Dakore went on to star in numerous highly acclaimed television dramas, including Emerald and An African City. Her versatility and ability to connect with her audience were evident in every project she took on, captivating viewers and leaving a lasting impression. One of her most notable contributions was anchoring the groundbreaking show “1759,” Nigeria’s first indigenous soap opera on MNet. Her charisma and undeniable talent shone through, making the show an instant sensation that captivated audiences for three remarkable years. Additionally, her exceptional talent was further recognised and celebrated through her extraordinary performance in the widely popular TV show  “Back-Up”  and movies like “Fifty” (Netflix) Spinoff” Fifty the series”, ”Isoken” (Amazon prime)(Netflix) “New Money”.

 Her dedication to her craft and ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters were unmatched, earning her numerous prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to the world of television dramas.

Dakore’s unwavering dedication and undeniable talent have solidified her position as one of the most remarkable actresses in Nigeria. Her remarkable journey, guided by her mother’s unwavering support and talent nurturing, has led her to become an icon in the entertainment industry. With her profound ability to captivate audiences and bring characters to life, Dakore continues to amaze and inspire fans across the world with her exceptional performances.

NSE IKPE-ETIM

She has been described by The Guardian’s film writer as being “endowed with an admirable range as an actress.” She has received several awards, including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2014. In that year, she showcased her incredible talent by portraying the character of Dr. Alex in the riveting film, Zara’s. Inspired by actual events, the movie captivated audiences worldwide. Ikpe-Etim’s journey to becoming an actress was driven by an unwavering passion for the craft. In a candid interview with one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers, she revealed that she had always wanted to become an actress. This realisation came after she pursued her studies in theatre arts at the University of Calabar, solidifying her dedication to the craft.

Seeking further growth, she opted to delve into the world of filmmaking, honing her skills at the prestigious New York Film Academy. The year 2008 marked a major turning point in her career as Ikpe-Etim burst into the limelight with her exceptional portrayal in Emem Isong’s critically acclaimed movie, Reloaded. The undeniable talent she displayed did not go unnoticed, leading her to receive the coveted accolade of Best Actress in a Drama at the distinguished Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards in 2012.

The following year, at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, she triumphed yet again, winning the esteemed title of Best Lead Actress in a Film for her remarkable performance as “Nse” in the thought-provoking movie Journey to Self. Demonstrating her versatility, Ikpe-Etim showcased her incredible range by embracing antagonist roles in notable films such as Perfect Plan, Phone Swap, and Gilmore Girls.

These portrayals resonated deeply with viewers, who lauded her ability to bring complex characters to life. She remains one of the most talented leading actresses on the Nollywood silver screen.

TOYIN AIMAKHU

Toyin has been described as one of the very few actresses who has changed the dynamics of Nollywood for good. With her immense talent and drive, she has been able to conquer many obstacles and produce a plethora of movies. Her work has been able to attract a fan base that is looked upon by other actors in admiration.

Aimakhu’s versatility has enabled her to perform in an array of movies, and due to this, she has been able to attract viewers of diverse ages. Her ability to perform in comedies, dramas, and traditional films—seriously or at a comic level—and in Pigin, Yoruba, or English has made her the actor families turn to in order to have a good laugh or cry. Her work also attracts Nigerian immigrants living in the diaspora who crave to be immersed in the culture they miss, using her movies as an avenue to connect with their roots.

Movies like Alakada and its sequels have been able to capture the Nigerian environment and also depict the struggles of being a foreigner in a western country. Through her career, Toyin has opened doors for many aspiring actors and actresses who aspire to be like her. She is seen as a pillar of Nollywood and an icon for Nigerian culture.