Nollywood, the third largest movie industry in the world has produced many famous artistes. These actors and actresses inspire their audiences, including young people who follow in their steps. Some of them run charity organisations, others are peace ambassadors while others are into politics to change the nation. Patience Ivie Obhafuoso wants your opinion on the favourite Nollywood star, with a few suggestions to help . . .
Jim Iyke? ?
Popularly referred to as a ‘play- boy’, Jim Ikechukwu ventured into Nollywood some years back and presently, is one of? Nigeria’s most popular actors with over 100 movies to his credit.
In spite of the good looks and charming playboy roles which movies seem to have cast him, he is considered by most of his fans as a focused person, one who has taken his dream beyond acting, unlike most of his colleagues.
The amiable bachelor has also delved into? modelling, film- making and other businesses.
He founded the Jim lyke Foundation for Children with Disabilities. Also, he is the first Nollywood actor to produce mainstream huge-budget movies abroad, ‘Ebony’ and ‘good evening’, with internationally renowned actresses Judy Shekoni and Tangerine Martins.
Oge Okoye
Ogechukwu Okoye is one of very few figures in the industry who? have been able to strike a balance between their marriages and their careers.
The fun-loving mother of two has featured in over 50 movies, and is admired by her fans for her sense of dressing.
Stella Damasus?? ?
Stella Damasus, one of the most celebrated stars in the movie industry, burst onto the scene in 1992 when she featured in the film ‘Abuse’.
The star, who lost her husband in 2005, ventured into marriage again in 2009, when she married Emeka Nzeribe. The marriage lasted for sometime before they split in the first quarter of this year.
In 2009, she was nominated in the? Best Actress in a Leading Role category of the African Movie Academy Awards.
Genevieve Nnaji
The screen goddess and an emerging international brand is believed to be the most successful actress in Nollywood.
Often referred to by most of her fans as “the Angel,” she is also touted to be one of the industry’s best paid. With an ever-growing fan-base that has seen her go beyond movies into singing, modelling and branding, many consider her a role model.
Some years back, Nnaji signed a recording contract with EKB Records, a Ghanaian record label, and released her debut album ‘One Logologo’. The reception was not flattering. Unfazed, she went on to feature in several commercials for beverage brands Pronto and Omo, as well as cosmetic giants Mud in May 2010.
?In 2004, she became the ‘Face of Lux’ in Nigeria.? 2008 saw Nnaji launch a clothing line, St. Genevieve, which donates its proceeds to charity.
She has received several awards and nominations, including the Best Actress of the year award (City People Awards,2001) and the Best Actress in a Leading Role award (African Movie Academy Awards AMMA, 2005).
Van Vicker
Van Vicker is one of the few actors making waves in Ghana. He is popularly, thanks to the number of scripts coming his way.
Though happily married with two kids, he is often mistaken for a bachelor by many of his fans while others think he is related to Ramsey Nouah. Besides acting, he is also a businessman; runs a number of agencies, including Sky & Orange, an advertising agency and event management company;? a uni-sex barbershop called ‘Babetown’, and the Van Vicker Foundation, an outreach program for upcoming artistes.
He was awarded Best Actor ,African film category (Afro-Hollywood Award,2009); nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Upcoming Actor (African Movie Academy Awards, 2008).
Ramsey Nouah
Ramsey Tokunboh Nouah’s reputation as a ‘movie loverboy’ and the fact that he is one of the indusry’s most sought-after actors is not in doubt.
?Nouah’s acting career began when he starred in 80s soap ‘Fortunes’ but has since grown to include a number of classic roles.
In 2010, he won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha
Scandal-free actress, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, is believed to be one of the most talented, but controversial actresses in Nollywood. No one will forget her on-screen feud with singer Gift ‘Muma Gee’ Uwame, during the Gulder Ultimate Search Celebrity Edition shoot in 2010. She is also among the very few actresses who have been able to strike a balance between marriage and career.
?In 2007, Akpotha won the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the African Movie Academy Awards for her role in the movie ‘Sins of the Flesh’.