iCampus newspaper, headed by Samuel Olatunji, an entertainment and media entrepreneur has released its list of top Nollywood’s most influential women. The list which has many of the expected names of actresses on it, is rather surprising due to the ranking.
The list which affirmed that there are only few leading women in Nollywood saw Uche Jombo topping the list. According to the list, many of these actresses strutted the stage of stardom, power and influence with attendant noise while some of them go about wielding their power, influence and making and spending their money with any attention. To some, being on the cover of every paper and magazine is the true testament of their status while for others, being behind it is the true test of power.
The list which made it known that fakery, façade, and those merely putting up appearance of wealth, true moneybags (comparatively) of a sort exist in the industry, asserted that just like the aphorism goes, ‘existence of fake, is proof that real exists.’
The list which is in no particular order is based on the kind of money being generated in the industry, from investment, endorsement, volume of work (directly owned), popularity, brand value, and influence among the powers-that-be in politics, business and industry.
Uche Jombo
uche jombo
Despite being active production-wise, Uche’s face still adorns numerous posters as lead actress. Aside being the highest grossing actress-producer among her colleagues, Uche has two known properties, one in Lagos, the other in Abia, her home town (where she is a chief). Her influence in and out of the industry is definitely not in doubt.
Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji
She is one of the two most popular figures in Nollywood and has evolved into an influential and stylish brand with cult following. Aside delivering back to back box office returns (Ije, Weekend Getaway (despite negative reviews), Tango With Me, Mirror Boy, and most recently, Half of a Yellow Sun), Genny as she’s popularly called is the most ‘endorsed’ celebrity by corporate Nigeria. She has been reported to rake in millions most bank MDs will only dream about and has extensive investment in real estate.
Aside all these, Genny has been reported to be the most stylish of the Nollywood top three; true or false, we can’t say but what is not in doubt is her popularity, influence and closeness to people in the corridors of power.
Rita Dominic
Rita Dominic
Her human relations skill is almost next to none. Except for Monalisa, there is not a celebrity who won’t listen and take action if Rita calls. So entrenched is her influence that the president sent a representative to attend the premiere of her movie in Lagos.
Ini Edo
Ini Edo
Aside being busy in both ‘old’ and ‘new’ Nollywood commanding figures between a million and N1.5 million, she has extensive and wide real estate investment that will make some realtors green with envy.
Aside being close to powers-that-be in Akwa Ibom, Ini has invested in movie production as well. Aside her movies getting bought by online platforms, DSTV, marketers in Diaspora, her DVD market do good return on investment. And she’s beginning to exert her influence as executive producer, something only few actresses could lay claim to.
Mercy Johnson
Mercy Johnson
At a point in Nollywood, Mercy is what determines the trend of movies to be shot. If she acts comic role and the movie becomes popular, all other producers follow suit. If she acts corporate executive with her accentuating curve, that will then become the movie trend. MJ is still the higest paid actress in that part of Nollywood with the figure as much as N2million to N2.5million per movie.
The closest challengers are Ini Edo (N1 million-N1.5million) and Chika Ike (N800 000). When she went on maternity leave for months, many producers shut down till she returned; Mercy is the market and the market is Mercy. As she prepares to become a more prominent figure in New Nollywood, let’s hope she can emulate her mentor and rule box office as well.
Blessing Effiong Egbe
Blessing Effiong Egbe
As at last check, Lekki Wives season 1 to 3 have sold over a million copies and a television platform bought the right to air for a year for about N20 million. Tell me about money and influence, there you have it.
Kate Henshaw
Kate Henshaw
Despite being over 40, Kate is truly ageless (an appellation first used for her by the publisher of iCampus). Not only is she laying claim to Nollywood stake, she is one of the few old faces adorning live stage and charting new course for that part of Nollywood. She has the ears of the Governor and has been wearing the toga of ambassador for several corporate companies long before some of these present ambassadors joined Nollywood.
If you doubt Kate’s influence ask the handlers of Onga seasoning, the kind of attention she has brought to the cooking seasoning and they will give you reasons her contract keeps getting renewed.
Omoni Oboli
Omoni Oboli
She is one of the few that went to the prestigious New York Film Academy to study directing and has so far shot three movies of her own, expending over a total sum of N60 million. Now, Omoni has the power to make a star out of a starlet.
Her recent movie, ‘Being Mrs Elliot’ impressed from onset with the President, His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan hosting private guests at the Aso Rock to premiere it. The movie went on to make good impression at the box office and furthering consolidating Omoni’s place as one of the box-office queen.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Omotola
With enviable career profile that include movies like Ije, Prostitute, Last Flight to Abuja, Blood in the Lagoon, and a TV soap she produced and directed, Omotola has more than earned her place. She has led more charitable causes than any other celeb, even as far as other African countries. So huge was Omotola’s influence that reputable Time Magazine named her as one of the world most influential persons. Talk about continental influence.
Emem Isong
Emem Isong
She gave a lot of our established stars first lead and till date she’s still giving leads, making movies, selling movies and raking in millions. She added the director-ship title to her many titles and from the look of things, Emem might still add more.
Stephanie Okereke
Stephanie Okereke
She runs a periodic film school in conjunction with New York Film Academy and has trained thousands of young people making revolutionary films. Many of them still give her kudos for bringing ‘New York’ so to speak to Nigeria at a far lesser price. And if you don’t know, Stephanie has the ears of Mr. President, you are definitely a ‘late-comer’.
Do you agree with this list?
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