9jaNollywoodstars

Divorce among Nollywood actresses is becoming a daily occurrence.As it is,hardly any day passes without the news of one failed marriage involving one notable Nollywood actress or the other.The rate is become so alarming that people are wondering if there is anything wrong with actors and actresses.Many factors have been identified as being responsible for this development.

Bukky Wright,a budding actress,reportedly said that these marriages crash because Nigerian men lack confidence,especially to manage successful women.

Whatever is the case, the list is increasing. Such actresses as Eucharia Anunobi, Bukky Wright, Monalisa Chinda, Chiege Alisigwe, Fathia Balogun, Clarion Chukwurah, Shan George, Regina Askia, Obot Etuk, Stephanie Okereke, Ngozi Nwosu, Ann Njemanze, Ibinabo Fiberesima and Sandra Achums, are among those whose marriages have crashed.

Eucharia Anunobi
Her marriage to Charles Ekwu looked like one made in heaven. The then couple was so much in love, in the beginning that their marriage was the envy of many. Tales are told of how they would hold hands and kiss during night outing at Ajao Estate in Lagos, in expression of love. However, the cookies just crumbled. Eucharia accused the husband of constant battering. She was reported to have admitted marrying her man out of infatuation. Her ex-husband was said to have dumped his matrimonial home in 2007, and in the process, also abandoned his child.

Fathia Balogun
The delectable Yoruba movie actress has twice married and divorced. Before she married Saheed Balogun, a fellow Yoruba movie actor, Fathia was once married to Tunde Anchor and the marriage produce a son. After her first marriage collapsed,she met and married Balogun.The marriage also hit the rocks.The former couple made frantic efforts to come back together as husband and wife,which proved abortive. Fathia was even said to have dedicated an award she won in the United Kingdom to her former husband and enlisted top Yoruba actors,like Jide Kosoko,to plead her cause. However,Saheed has remained adamant,insisting that their union had ended.He has since moved on with his life and married another wife.

Shan George
Shan George got married at the tender age of 15, and after bearing two kids walked out of the union at 21. She allegedly pulled out because her husband did not send her to school, but rather turned her to punching bag. When marriage crashed, she went back to school and after her graduation, from the University of Lagos at the age of 29, she got married the second time. However, that too was short lived. Last year, she was reported as saying that she deserted her matrimonial home because she was not ready for a servant/master relationship.Meanwhile, she has grown up kids from her first marriage, who are based in the United Kingdom with her first husband.

Clarion Chukwurah
Clarion Chukwurah came into limelight in 1984 when she starred in the now defunct popular soap, Mirror in the Sun. She is one of the best Nollywood actresses and has appeared in several stage productions, soap operas and over 74 home videos. Her Non-Governmental Organization, Clarion Chukwurah Initiative, is geared towards touching the lives of the underprivileged in the country. Chukwurah has been married twice, one of which was into the the late Moshood Abiola family. Later she became Mrs. Oduneye. She now bears her maiden name. In all, she has five children, two biological children and three adopted ones.She said that marriage is a fusion of two minds on the platform of joyful co-existence and, therefore, one can walk out and the two parties remain friends instead of living in misery. However, it is reported that she is friendly with the fathers of her babies.

Monalisa Chinda
The crash of Monalisa Chinda’s marriage is the latest in Nollywood. In a statement by her lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, Monalisa said her marriage to Segun Dejo-Richards, an artist manager, broke down due to irreconcilable differences. It was believed that this incompatibility led them to disagree on many issues. At the end, they could not manage the situation, which led to the crash of the five-year-old marriage. This came as a surprise to many Nigerians, especially as Monalisa, on several occasions, vowed that nothing could separate her from her husband. Indeed, before the marriage broke down, Monalisa had described her husband as God-sent.The marriage is blessed with a child, Tamar Kirejesu.
However, Monalisa’s husband expressed surprise at what could be called sacked letter from his wife. He attributed the crash of the marriage to bad advisers. However, he denied the allegation that he physically assaulted his wife. He also denied that his break-up with the wife was caused by the N10 million Glo Ambassador endorsement deal Monalisa got recently.

Ayo Adesanya
Ayo Adesanya, one of the notable Nollywood actresses, reported packed out of her matrimonial home owing to irreconcilable difference with her husband, Goriola Hassan. In order not to die in frustration, the actress decided to call it a quit. Ayo has since moved on with her life and now having a good time with an Abuja-based contractor, Tunde, who met at a party. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, she shot into limelight with the movie Out of Bounds.

Foluke Daramola
She was married to Mr. Shobowale for four years and the marriage was blessed with two children. In an interview with a national newspaper, Daramola said there were frequent crises in the home, to the extent that the condition became traumatic to her children. She packed out about a year ago and has not filed for divorce. She said that she had endured, believing that it would be in the interest of the children, but that she later discovered the continuation of the marriage would be to the detriment of the kids.The actress is not willing to go back to her husband’s house neither is she thinking of divorcing him.

Ann Njemanze
Her marriage to Segun Arinze crashed as soon as it was contracted. Shortly after the marriage hit the rocks, she was involved in a car crash, about eight years ago and was bed-ridden for a while. She could not walk for two years. Though she would want to go into another marriage, she was reported to have said that she would be very careful this time. However, she still relates with her former husband, as their marriage produced a child. She had wished she listened to her parents and waited much longer before jumping into marriage. She is now a single parent. After she recovered from the car crash, she went back to school to study Visual Art at the University of Lagos.

Stephanie Okereke
Stephanie’s marriage to a former Super Eagles player, Chikelu Iloenyosi, is another story of failed marriage. The top actress sought the dissolution of the marriage on the grounds that her ex-husband had extra-marital affairs. Stephanie said she had no regret whatsoever that the marriage crashed. She is quoted as saying that she is a better person now than when she was in marriage.

Sandra Achums
Sandra Achums was married to an Amakohia, Owerri man who was living abroad. The marriage crashed as soon as it started. The marriage would have produced a child but the baby died during delivery. Sandra has three children for two different men.

Ibinabo Fiberesima
The Rivers State-born actress, who was recently convicted for killing a medical doctor in a car crash, has her own share of failed relationship. Her affairs with Phillip Trimnell and top singer Daniel Wilson were widely celebrated on the pages of newspapers.Recently, it was alleged that Ibinabo and ace actor, Fred Amata, are having an affair. Her two failed marriages produced two children from the two ex-husbands.

Bukky Wright
This popular face in TV soaps and home videos has been in and out of marriage twice. Perhaps, owing to bitter experience, the Economics graduate was reported to have said that marriage was no longer in her dictionary. She did not lament over what could have been her mistakes. Rather, she sees the experience as an eye-opener. However, the beautiful actress has moved on with her life, while hoping to get married again.

Chiege Alisigwe
She came into limelight in 1998 when she played a role in the movie called Igodo. Her marriage crumbled as soon as it was contracted in 2002. Chiege attributed her failed marriage to incompatibility. She was reported to have admitted that she was naive when the union was contracted. Chiege was heavy with three-month pregnancy before their union crumbled. And since then, the Orlu, Imo State-born actress has picked up the broken pieces of her life and moved on.In the meantime, Chiege has not ruled out remarrying, provided the right man comes her way.

Ngozi Nwosu
Ngozi Egonu came into limelight when she played Ego in the popular home video, Living In Bondage. She is also popular with Fuji House of Commotion. Ngozi was married to one Mr. Huessnon from Badagry, but the marriage was not sustained.

CULLED FROM SUN NEWSPAPER

Few months after her clergy man took her to the altar,remarried Nollywood legend, Elizabeth Benson,may have signalled her strong desire to return to her first love, acting.The screen idol has already started making contacts in order to return to the industry,which she reportedly abandoned some years back.
Liz Benson got married again in an intimate court ceremony in Abuja a few months ago. In July, she and her man, Bishop Great Emeya, celebrated their love by walking down the aisle at the Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri, Delta State. The couple are both deeply involved in Christian ministry.Liz is an evangelist while Bishop Great is a pastor of one of the largest ministries in Warri.They also have overcome tragic circumstances as Liz is a widow while Bishop Great is a widower. Their Wedding marked a turning point in the lives of the couple.
The 49 year-old man allegedly met Liz in the course of doing God's work. Their relationship however moved from friendship to the altar, now husband and wife.A recipient of the movie awards, THEMA, and the Reel Awards at different times, Liz Benson is one of the pioneer actresses in Nigeria who brought glamour and respect to the acting profession.
She has also been honoured outside Nigeria at several times. Liz was a past recipient of the Afro-Hollywood Awards in the United States of America. Her great performances in the past have been regularly acknowledged and rewarded by both industry practitioners and watchers.The deluge of awards and accolades with which she has been showered and continues to receive is vivid testimony to the high esteem in which she is held by all.
As she returns to Nollywood, expectations are high as questions are being asked, regarding what role she will be assigned to, given the fact that many of her contemporaries are presently not in the picture, with the emergence of vibrant looking, yet pretty young faces.

World third largest movie producing industry Nollywood recorded another tragic death of one its members,a comedian Monsurat Omidina, popularly known as Moladun Kenkelewu in the early hours of Tuesday (Sept 1). Moladun was a wife to an ace comedian Babatunde Omidina (Baba Suwe).

She gave the last breath at her Ikorodu residence in Lagos. She was assumed to have died of hypertension; sources revealed that thick blood was found dripping from her nose and her two ears simultaneously. Before her death she has been off the set of acting for about three years, presumably to have been battling with her failing health. Preparations were immediately put in place for her burial her according to Islamic rites, the source confirmed.

Monsurat Omidina, 46, left behind two kids she had for Babatunde Omidina. Moladun started her acting career in Ibadan, Oyo State, in the early 90s before she moved to Lagos where she married Baba Suwe. She had been sick for some time and was billed to visit the UK Embassy on Tuesday morning to obtain a visa to travel to England for the needed treatment.

Moladun didn't just turn into a Nigerian superstar over the night as she had begun her career as a stage performer in 1982 after a chance meeting with her boss,Chief Olowookere,in Ibadan.She joined the group and was performing with the group until she joined another group called Loveally some years later.She became one of the well-watched screen stars after she starred in a Yoruba television series called Okanlawon in the early 1990s and played the role of Okanlawon's mother.

Her superb performance won the hearts of several viewers and movie practitioners after which she started getting roles in the then home videos.Her way,however, crossed that of her hubby,Babatunde,in 1994 after the death of her ex-husband, Kareem,in 1993,while she had started making waves in Nollywood.They got married in 1995 and the marriage was contracted in a registry.The union produced two lovely kids, Okiki Omidina (9) and Halimat Omidina (4),though the couple had issues separately before their marriage.Moladun had two children,Jelili Adekunle Kareem and Omolara Kareem,while Baba Suwe has a son,Junior from their previous unions.

With about four flicks to her credit,'Obakan','Ola Ore','Kokunrin To Atorin' and 'Atiko,' Moladun holds sway as a female movie comedienne,who has been able to distinguish herself from her contemporaries in the last 27 years of being in the world of make-believe.Born into the household of Rauf Oyeniyi and Munirat Bamidele of the Ile Bara in Opooyeosa,Oyo State,Monsurat was the third child in the family of six;but couldn't even live to fulfill some of several mothers' dreams -to witness the wedding ceremony of her children.

It was gathered that Moladun's children from her first marriage,Jelili and Omolara, were already preparing to go into the holy matrimony when the cold pangs of death snatched her away at just 47.Those who know her very well said she had been suffering from high blood pressure several years back and many members of her family knew this.The disease was said to have troubled her existence for some years, but for the love and care showered her by those around her, she had managed to live this long.

Before her death, Moladun was ran a food restaurant inside one of the shops situated in her hubby's shopping complex in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.The business, which Moladun was using as an alternative source of livelihood,was said to have been more of a family business as her late mother also ran a food canteen while Moladun was younger and she joined in the business before she found her missing rib in the world of make-believe.

Babasuwe in an emotion ladden voice said "she was attacked recently and I had warned her to take as much rest as possible and in that measure I ensured that she was treated by the doctor and even tried securing her a UK visa to go and have some rest before returning later next month."

"When the Ramadan fast started, I kicked against her fasting because of her health and though she wanted to, she listened to me as a good wife that she was. Last Sunday, she invited her asalatu group to our residence at Ewu-Elepe in Ikorodu area and they had fun. On Monday, I went to the office and came back after I had ensured that she had all she wanted,though she pleaded with me to allow her fast and I allowed her.

"And when I returned on Monday night, she was so radiant and we both played around the house as she cooked our dinner and she even insisted that we put calls across to our several friends and relatives, which I obliged and that was all that night until we both went to bed.

"The next morning while I was preparing to go to work I told Junior (Babatunde's son from another woman) to go and wake her up because we don't sleep in the same room, so that I could drop her off at the visa centre, where she was supposed to go for her thumb printing session.

"My son raised an alarm upon entering the room, but before we rushed her to Ajayi Memorial Hospital she had given up the ghost," Babatunde added.

There have been tales that the actor may have conspired to kill the woman. His response: "I don't intend to make any uncomplimentary remarks about anybody neither do I intend to turn the pages of newspapers into where my family matters are discussed. But this is what I would say, every couple have their ups and downs, we had our own little squabbles and we were able to settle them no matter how big they come. My wife knew how she pampered me and how I pampered her before her death. Why would I want to kill her? Why would I kill someone I married for over nine years and married no other woman, someone that saw me through thick and thin, someone that loved me with all her heart and I loved equally?" Baba Suwe asked.

"I insisted that she should go for a bed rest and vacation in London for many weeks, I ensured that she was fine and okay, I loved her with all my heart, I didn't stop her from achieving her aims rather I supported her all through,why would I want to kill her?" he said sobbing profusely.

Some people are however not impressed.WOMEN ARISE a women advocacy group with special interest in eradication of violence against women have requested for a full investigation into the cause of death. Its President, Joe Okei-Odumakin, has written to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Supo Sasore (SAN).The letter stated: "We are asking you to order a coroner's inquest into the death of popular actress Mrs. Monsurat Omidina who died on Monday 31st August, 2009.We are constrained to make this request given the fact that there have been controversies over the cause of death of the late actress.

"While her daughter, Omolara Kareem and younger sister, Mujidat were reported to have claimed that her death was due to the aggravation of her hypertensive condition as a result of quarrels with her husband,the publisher of Wall Street Journal, Mr. Wole Arisekola directly accused the deceased's husband, Mr. Babatunde Omidina a.k.a. Baba Suwe to have beaten her to death.

Similarly in the month of July another star actress and wife of the late politician MKO Abiola, Mrs. Remi Abiola, was said to have died of lung cancer in America.Until her death,Remi too was a top actress in the movie scene and her dominance was felt more in the Yoruba genre of the movie industry. She relocated to America last year when she went for an award ceremony organized by The Third Eye,a publication that is now defunct.Remi stayed back in America after the award because she loved life there.She got a job and started working there,settling into life of an immigrant.

She reportedly slumped and went into coma last July; she was rushed to hospital where she was placed on life-support machine. She eventually died after the life support machine was unplugged, thereby throwing Nollywood especially, the Yoruba genre into state of deep mourning. She is survived by her family members and two children, out of which one is said to belong to late MKO Abiola. Remi who used to work for Nigeria Airways as an air hostess, trained in United Kingdom as a stage actor at the Fielding School for Dramatic Arts. Her foray into movies started with television drama that was popular in her time in the 80s and 90s. She started home video in 1989. Her mother roles in Yoruba movie and apt delivery endeared her to many lovers of movies in the industry. She was a household name in the industry until her death.

Nollywood actor and veteran broadcaster,Pete Edochie was kidnapped by an armed gang two Sunday ago at Afor-Nkpor in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State,as he was returning from Asaba in Delta State back to the family house in Enugu when the kidnappers intercepted his Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and whisked him away.Twenty four (24) hours later he was freed.The actor in his statement after his release said,his kidnappers seized him in protest at the obscene display of Nigeria's stolen wealth by politicians.Edochie said his kidnappers told him they were not happy at the situation in the country.

He said the kidnappers told him that although people were repulsed by the act of seizing people,there was nothing else they could do.He said they refrained from shooting victims to show Nigerians that they were just focused on making money and not taking lives.Edochie described them as young men,explained he was grateful to them for the respect they accorded him, “but this does not portray the image of Nigeria positively.”

He stated earlier that the movie industry has no future if government does not take an interest in it.“I am still talking about the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.It has not shown any commitment to the industry. Nigeria by now should be in a position to produce a film that can be taken outside this country and commented upon by the international community, that this originates from Nigeria. We can do a good film on Slave Trade because we have never really told our own story,” he said.

Barely some months back,popular actor and singer,Enebeli Elebuwa was attacked by a young man who tried to pluck his left eye,allegedly to make him blind.The attack left Elebuwa with a major injury such that he could hardly see until many good Samaritans home and abroad came to his aid.The 62-year old entertainer was however sighted at a film location recently as he was preparing for shooting.Though he is yet to see clearly with his left eye ut can go on working and expressed his gratitude to all those who rallied round him and prevented him from going blind.

Again,Nigerian star actress,Eucharia Anunobi-Ekwu cannot understand all the rumour about her family problem.She wonders why her case should be brought to the public domain,just because she is an actress.In her statement, she said “I am too grounded with my God and with a precept of Christianity; you don't go to defile your matrimonial bed. And I want to use this opportunity to say loud and clear that those seven years with my ex-husband, I remained one of the best women any man could have and I kept my matrimonial bed undefiled.

She said she also denied that her husband abandoned her because she was too possessive stressing that “you don't possess something that is not there and you don't fight over something that is not worth fighting over. I do not think anyone would say I am possessive. You are going to fight over a man who is not worth your time, who is not worth your value, if you really have something and it is supposed to be yours, are you not supposed to protect it?

“And you will even go out of your way to protect something that is worth it,” she said, explaining that what is important now is to strengthen her career and other challenges and future aspiration to find a new husband who will love, cherish and appreciate her worth in life.

Ever since she began her career in the Yoruba movie industry,she has made more headlines than some of her older and contemporary colleagues.Born Mercy Aigbe to Edo parents,this beautiful lady and mother of one,has been at no one's mercy.Rather,many producers are at her mercy for she can't just be wished away in the Nigerian movie industry.Her selling point is the talent God has given her.Aside this,her humility also contributes to her selling point.

She got her break from Wemimo Films in Ibadan,and it was through one of the movies they produced then.She got help from people like Uncle Yinka Quadri and several others.Many have attributed her sudden rise in the industry to her ability to 'roll with those that matter.'Instead of losing sleep over such weighty remark,Mercy simply accepted the insinuations as her price for being in Nollywood.Imbued with sound intelligence,a result of her stint with soap operas and her study at the University of Lagos,where she read creative arts.

She studied creative arts at the University of Lagos simply because of her love for the arts.Before then she had an OND in accountancy from The Polytechnic,Ibadan.She joined the movie industry in 2005,and started acting in 2006.She started with soap operas like Super Story,Images and Treasures,she later Yoruba flicks.Her first Yoruba flick was Sebeyan Ni, but got her break after acting in the flick known as Ara.She has featured in close to 80 films and also been able to produce her own flick and it is entitled Abimbola.

It hasn't been easy for her as a single mother but thank God.She is having a wonderful time bringing up her child.Although she agree that at the time she became a single mother,she was badly traumatised.In fact,the most traumatising period for her her was when she parted ways with the father of her child. It was so upsetting for her because she went into the marriage with naivety, but came out as a single mother,.Her relationship with the father of her child is cordial but no room for reunion,they are just friends.Aside that,she is in a relationship with another man at the moment, and my daughter has taken so much to my fiance that she calls him 'daddy'.It's challenging enough that she is in the public eyes and he is private person, but,she simply want to do as he wishes and keep him away from the public.

She is enjoying her current status,but the challenge comes mostly from what people choose to believe about actresses from what they read.Another thing is that she doesn't go unnoticed;she doesn't have her privacy anymore,but in all,it's what she prayed and worked hard for and it has come to reality.

With Nollywood becoming more and more like America's Hollywood,the true colours of Nigeria's leading actresses are being regularly revealed.Some of these actresses actually came into the limelight through their bad or good movie roles, while others through scandals and controversies.

STELLA DAMASUS
She is natural and real whenever it is time to give life to movie scripts.Stella Damasus has a charismatic mystique around her that has made her the darling of numerous fans.This sexy screen diva obviously leads Nigeria’s best young actresss. Apart from that,Stella is well schooled - a Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Benin – and acting is an in-born thing for her.

CLARION CHUKWURA
The University of Ibadan-trained star actress is actually one of the first generation of Nollywood thespians.Clarion Chukwura’s acting prowess in the English and Yoruba genres of the Nigerian movie industry give her an edge in the industry. Clarion is also natural and can play ‘bitchy’ roles perfectly well.

MERCY JOHNSON
She has been in the industry for quite some time.The pretty, ebony complexioned actress is a pick among the pack of Nigeria’s hottest actresses at the moment.Apart from the media hype,Mercy Johnson is well endowed in the right places,blessed with acting skills, natural on movie set and her good delivery of lines is another quality that has earned her respect among her peers.

RONKE OJO
Her heavy twin-towers, which have become part of her identity, are what actually fetched her the sobriquet Oshodi Oke. The tall and fair complexioned Yoruba star actress has no rival in the trade. Ronke Ojo’s acting prowess, rare sense of honour and ability to switch between roles in movies are qualities that separate her from the rest. Although Ronke Oshodi Oke, as she is fondly called, sometimes talks very fast when she is acting, there is always strength in her voice.

MERCY AIGBE
Although Mercy Aigbe is quite new in the industry, her acting prowess coupled with her seductive looks are qualities that set the Creative Arts graduate on the fastest lane to fame. And today she is one of the hottest Yoruba star actresses. Mercy is also good, real and natural on set.

JOKE SILVA
She is exceptionally talented, an icon and role model to many rising star actresses. Joke Silva’s diction is excellent, her carriage and fitness unrivaled in the industry and she has won several awards both at home and abroad. Even at her age, the dark complexioned wife of veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs still radiates charm and beauty and has never lost her brain whenever it is time to interpret her roles in movies.

EUCHARIA ANUNOBI
She is obviously among the fading movie stars but this list would be incomplete without Nigeria’s own Sharon Stone. Eucharia Anunobi, the sexy, tall and fair complexioned evergreen actress has over the years maintained her reign as one of queens of the tube. Nobody plays those ‘bitchy’ roles better than UK, as friends and fans fondly call her.

IRETI OSAYEMI
Despite the fact that she was brought up in Liberia, with little understanding of Yoruba language, how Ireti Osayemi has been getting lead roles in many Yoruba flicks remains a puzzle. The now chubby-cheeked screen beauty actually sneaked into the industry through the English genre of the Nigerian home videos, but the popular TV drama series, “Super Story” shot her into limelight. Ever since the bold and blunt Ireti pitched her tent with the Yoruba movie industry, the sky seems to be her limit, as she has been featured on covers of movie jackets than any of her colleagues she met in the industry. This actress could be naughty in real life, which has never over-shadowed her humility. She is a natural interpreter of roles.

GRACE AMAH
Forget her small stature and petite look; what the upwardly mobile actress who recently graduated from the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos has upstairs makes up for what she lacks in size. Grace Amah could be rated among the younger faces of Nollywood, but she remains one of the most prominent pretty faces in Nigerian home videos. She has featured in quite a number of soap operas and box office hits. Aside natural beauty, which she combines with brain, Grace is also natural while interpreting scripts..

OBY EDOZIEH
This is another screen diva known for seductive roles and scandalous dresses in home video. Oby Edozieh has been around for a while, and despite her occasional appearances in movies nowadays, her excellent performance in some of her previous movies is one of the reasons why the mutterings about her acting skill continued to grow. This actress has also acted in a couple of Yoruba films, which she performed brilliantly.

INI EDO
She actually sneaked into the movie industry when the movie marketers slammed a ban on famous faces like Omotola, Genevieve and Rita Dominic few years back. Even with the return of these actresses, Ini Edo has continued to rise in the movie circuit. Although some people did not vote Ini as one of the very best, her strength lies in her sensuous moves in movies and a body to die for; which are reasons men cannot get their eyes off her and why she is the choice for most of the movie posters and jackets.

BUKKY WRIGHT
She is a very good actress, a beauty with brain that always loves to express herself whenever she hits the movie set to interpret her roles. Bukky Wright is very vocal, natural and she has the ability to maneuvre her way into both the Yoruba and English genre of the Nollywood industry with her acting prowess.

SHOLA SHOBOWALE
Many fondly call her ‘Toyin Tomato but this ageless actress has shown over the years that there is a difference between acting and in-born actress. Shola Shobowale has acted across all ages and featured in quite a number of Yoruba and English home videos. Apart from being a rare breed actress, she is very natural on screen.

LIZ BENSON
Ranking her among the faded star actresses,one may not be wrong but ever since this actress turned evangelist and quit the movie scene, her name never fails to grace the lips of home video followers, who have described the disappearance of the ageless screen diva as a big loss to the industry. Liz Benson is undoubtedly a knockout when it comes to character interpretation. She is real and dynamic.

FATHIA BALOGUN
Her troubled marriage to star actor Saheed Balogun has not stopped her numerous fans from appreciating her acting skill. Fathia Balogun’s beautiful look, good skin complexion and acting prowess explain the reason the star Yoruba actress is being admired by men and adored by women. And why some critics believe that she is not natural on movie set is best known to them.

ALEX LOPEZ
How the model cum actress known for sensuous moves in home videos is able to maintain respect among her peers and numerous fans may not be far-fetched.. Alex Lopez’s versatility and how she normally breathes life into her characters in home videos stand her out. Although it is not in doubt that she is one of the fading Nollywood star actresses.

EMPRESS NJAMAH
Apart from the allegation of being kleptomaniac, which always puts her in the news, Empress Njamah is a born actress, sexy and real on set. Despite her great acting skill, most home video lovers are still wondering why Empress is not enjoying prominence like her contemporaries in the Nollywood industry.

JENNIFER ELIOGU
You may rank her among the fading movie star actresses, but the frontally endowed actress still maintains her position among Nollywood evergreen star actresses. Though Jennifer Eliogu is not too dynamic with her style of acting, her full lips and good understanding of movie scripts may probably be the reason she is being voted among the best.

BENITA NZERIBE
The small-framed star actress is synonymous with bad roles and skimpy dresses in movies, but Benita Nzeribe is a good actress, very vocal and real on set. Her interpretation of a bitchy daughter of a billionaire in the old soap opera, Beyond our Dreams marked the beginning of her journey to stardom and it has not stopped her bad roles, which she is now known for. But today, the fair-complexioned star actress has been able to make up with other challenging roles in the English genre of Nollywood.

BIMBO AKINTOLA
Whether you like or hate her, the sexy Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Ibadan is in a class of her own and has been able to break all barriers with her acting prowess, which is one of the reasons she has been tagged ‘movie bad girl’. Choosing between Stella and Bimbo as the leader of the Nigerian star actresses is very close to call. Forget about sexy moves on screen, Bimbo Akintola is a brilliant actress, real and natural while interpreting her roles in movies. Her good stage-craft and command of language are some of the qualities that place her ahead of other Nollywood queens.

GENEVEIVE NNAJI
She has shown that acting skills are not necessarily got from within the four walls of the classroom, because when her mates were busy writing JAMB, Jenny, armed with her in-born talent, had her name written among top Nigerian movie stars. And today, the former face of LUX Soap has left her peers at the lower rung of the ladder to ensconced herself at the highest place reserved for the best. Genevieve Nnaji’s natural beauty and cool nature cannot but reflect positively in most of her movies. Apart from being real on set, the highly gifted screen siren is a cameraman’s delight.

KATE HENSHAW
It has been established that Kate is vocal and natural. Ever since the ebony-complexioned screen diva made her debut with When the Sun Set in the year 1984, Kate Henshaw has left no one in doubt of her versatility in the Nigerian movie industry. She is real, cool and calculating.

STEPHANIE OKEREKE
Although her diction is averagely okay, critics believe that Stephanie Okereke does not have good command of grammar on set. Her captivating smiles coupled with her good character interpretation are some of the reasons her numerous fans and video followers cannot get enough of her and why she is being rated among the best. Being a model turned actress is probably one of the reasons the sexy actress always makes the cover of most movie jackets and posters.

OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE
Even after four beautiful children, Omosexy still rose to stardom as a teenager and her amazing character interpretation of a dying girl in the old flick Mortal Inheritanc” which also won her an award, was what stamped her feet in the Nollywood industry. Omotola Jalade knows her onions and can fit into any kind of role.

RITA DOMINIC
She is also a very good actress. Her baby face, sexy figure and excellent character interpretation in movies are some of those qualities that make the Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Port-Harcourt a choice among other star actress. Rita Dominic’s acting skill is wholesome, even though she may not be very real on screen.

MAUREEN SOLOMON
Although her pretty baby face is rarely visible on posters and movie jackets, the chocolate-complexioned actress is among the few highly gifted actresses around. Maureen Solomon’s natural look, which always reflects in her acting, actually won her a place on this list.

BIMBO AKINSANYA
The busty actress came into prominence after her appearance in Super Story and ever since, she has become a darling of most Yoruba movie producers, who now regale the pretty face of the sharp-voiced actress on posters and film jackets. Bimbo Akinsanya is one hell of an actress that always understands her lines very well, and it always reflects whenever she is interpreting her roles.

LOLA ALAO
Call her tattoo girl, you may not be wrong because the Yoruba actress has tattoos drawn on several parts of her body. Lola Alao is a controversial actress to some people but her beautiful looks, unique ways of interpreting roles and her trendy life style are some of the reasons people find it difficult to distinguish her from the character she plays in most of the home videos.

IYABO OJO
Though, critics would be wondering how the name of the slim, petite Yoruba actress got on the list, they must not forget the fact that Iyabo Ojo is a better actress, if not the best among her mates. She is very real but could over-act at times.

TAYO ODUEKE
Sikiratu Sindodo was actually the title of the popular Yoruba flick that catapulted her into the mainstream of the Nigerian home video industry and also earned her that nickname. Although different tales have been trailing her relationship with MC Oluomo, Tayo Odueke is very real and natural. She has featured in lots of Yoruba home videos and also produced one or two.

FOLUKE DARAMOLA
Apart from her large size boobs which give her out wherever she goes, the Obafemi Awolowo University graduate’s good delivery of lines and how she usually handles her roles in movies, are some of the qualities that place Foluke Daramola among the best.

DORIS SIMEON
Apart from her youthful and pretty looks, the fair-skinned Doris Simeon is another good role interpreter of roles; very real and natural. She is obviously one of the rare breed Nigerian actresses. The cool, calm and highly gifted screen beauty would rather allow her acting skill to speak for her than be a rabble-rouser.

QUEEN NWOKOYE
She is a head-turner any day, most especially when she is wearing her seductive look. Queen Nwokoye is one of the rare talents to emerge from Enugu, and her pretty face has found its way to many posters and film jackets. Queen is cool and highly gifted when it comes to interpretation of roles.

MOSUNMOLA FILANI
Her captivating voice and natural artistic display have won her greater admiration among her numerous fans than her pretty looks and nice body. Mosunmola Filani is another of the hottest chics in the Yoruba movie industry. Her consistency ever since she hit the movie scene couple of years ago and her ability to give life to most of the characters she interprets in films are some of those qualities that turned the Abeokuta, Ogun State-based actress into a pick among young star actresses.

EBUBE NWAGBO
She is one actress whose profile could be said to be on the rise. Ebube Nwagbo who was hitherto based in the East, seemed to want to make up for missing out of the Lagos fun as she can be seen at most showbiz events these days. The actress could be said to be a party bird but what many have come to notice is that apart from some stubborn pimples on her face, she is fast winning accolades as a good dresser.

ZAINAB BUKKY AJAYI
She is unarguably one of the most experienced and fantastic Nollywood actresses. The Britain-trained grandmother leaves no stone unturned to please her fans anytime she is on set recording a movie or on stage doing it live. Bukky Ajayi is charismatic and very down to earth. At locations, she teaches younger ones the ropes, encouraging them on their career and always telling them they can do better than her only if they are hardworking. Mama, as she is fondly called, has featured in various national and international movies with series of accolades and awards coming her way all the time.

SHAN GEORGE
She has played many controversial roles in movies and this has made many to label her a bad girl but she gives no attention to what they are saying. She is a mother of two and a Mass Communication graduate from the University of Lagos, and she is still glowing day by day. Shan George is a screen goddess who has been one of numerous ladies who have sworn to wear low hair-cut till death. A popular actress in the Nigerian movie industry, she is a musician with a single to her credit.

NGOZI NWOSU
This is one lady who has held on to her single parent life as if her life depends on it, despite her roles in home videos and soap operas. Ngozi Nwosu featured in Checkmate, a soup opera in the early 90’s and currently plays Peace in Amaka Igwe’s Fuji House of Commotion. She is a strong member of the single parent club and this has seen her act freely any role she wants to play in the movie industry without caring about who will say what.

IBINABO FIBERESIMA
This is one actress who featured widely in movies in her early years. However, Ibinabo Fiberesima has been a single parent for a while since her separation from her first husband and she is presently the wife of the popular Nollywood producer and actor, Fred Amata. This Bayelsa State-born actress and ex-beauty queen was on the 20th February, 2009, sentenced by a Lagos State High Court presided over by Justice Deborah Oluwayemi to five years imprisonment for manslaughter after many months of anxiety. She has however been granted bail pending the hearing of her appeal.

ANITA JOSEPH
She is always in the news these days. The reason being that she has been described as one of most new controversial actress the industry has ever seen.. Anita Joseph recently revealed that why she is the most controversial actress in Nollywood today is because she hardly wears any underwear and hardly can any other actress in the industry match her in a sexual contest.

DAKORE EGBUSON
Naturally, an encounter with her will leave you stunned by her beauty, carriage and very amiable disposition. Dakore Egbuson, despite her run away success does not have airs around her but her relationship with Olumide Akande, Chief Harry Akande’s son, has generated a great uproar around her in the industry. There have been insinuations about whether the Akande family will admit her into their family. Remember her role in the movie Emotional Cry, which brought her to limelight? This actress is a multi-talented award-winner.

OGE OKOYE
This tall, light-skinned and very beautiful mother is also a force to reckon with in Nollywood. Oge Okoye is free of scandals but her foreign-based husband was recently accused of being a drug dealer. The star actress came into the make-believe industry in 1999 and was shot into limelight by her role in her early movies like Spanner, Black Bra and a host of other blockbusters.

UCHE JOMBO
Despite the fact that she is a very good Nollywood actress, Uche Jombo is a notorious for quarrels and fights with fellow actresses, majorly over men issues. This Abia State-born actress also has another bad habit of smoking. Uche is bold, beautiful and brainy, qualities that stand her out among her peers, but her seductive roles in most home videos have arguably earned the ebony-complexioned Nollywood star actress the reputation of a movie bad girl.

PATIENCE OZOKWOR
This experienced Nollywood actress, years back lost her husband and has since been battling with widowhood and loneliness. This Udi in Enugu State-born actress knows how to act the ‘bitchy’ role perfectly as if in real life she is that way. Patience Ozokwor, has won a lot of awards as a result of her acting prowess. She is fondly called Mama G by her numerous fans.



UCHE IWUJI
She came into the Nigerian movie industry in 1999 through her godfather, Zeb Ejiro. As at today, Uche Iwuji has done like 30 movies. Two years back, her nude pictures were circulated through phones via Bluetooth. It was a period when many took her to be a wild girl. She is a Creative Arts student of the University of Lagos. Uche acts very well in any role given to her.

MONALISA CHINDA
Monalisa Chinda is a household name in the movie industry, having featured in over 30 home videos. Despite her popularity, Monalisa turns out not to be a celebrity like most other actresses. She had her first child early last year, which explains her absence from the screen.

ADAORA UKOH
This busty Abagana, Anambra State-born Nollywood actress began her acting career in 1998 and came to prominence when she starred in Black Bar and Total Control. Adaora Ukoh is a Law graduate who acts so well in home videos. This actress also dances so well, and many that have come across her in clubs can attest to this.

BISI IBIDAPO-OBE
Popularly known as Olabisi Omologbalogba, she has made a remarkable mark in the Nigerian entertainment industry referred to as Nollywood, especially the Yoruba genre. Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, born thirty-something years ago to the Ibidapo-Obe family of Ilesha, has over the years impressed her fans with her acting skills, making her the toast of a lot of people, especially the men folk, thanks to her beauty. She is involved with the Odunfa Group, a prominent group in the Yoruba sector of the movie industry that gave her the breakthrough she is enjoying today.

FUNKE AKINDELE
Undeniably the most popular Nollywood actress as far the Yoruba section is concerned, Funke Akindele’s performance in the movie Jenifa is still making her the toast of many. A school of thought believes that, had Femi Adebayo not been married, Funke would have gone for him a hundred times but unfortunately, Femi is living happily with his wife in Ibadan. Right now, this actress who came to limelight through a TV drama series I Need To Know is romantically linked with Olasco Films boss.

PORTIA YAMAHAN
In a recent report, this Edo State-born actress was quoted as saying that she is so much in love with coloured underwear that she can do anything to get one because she loves playing with colours. Portia Yamahan, aside the fact that she emerged the winner of the 2006 Next Movie Star TV Reality Show, has turned out to be one of Nollywood’s celebrities. Despite that, Portia is still single and very controversial when it comes to acting sense but she finds white and black underwear less attractive.

Source:Newsofthepeopleng.com

Suliat kan. Ayetoro kan.
If you dont 'get' the words above then you haven't been touched by the 'Jenifa' phenomenon.'Jenifa' is the brainchild of actress, Funke Akindele.

Funke has been a successful actress for over a decade.She got her big break on the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) sponsored youth-oriented TV show, 'I Need To Know'. Since then she has completed her law degree at the University of Lagos and now she is pursuing her movie career in full throttle. Acting in English movies and then producing, writing and starring in Yoruba movie productions.

Her new movie 'Jenifa' is making major waves and is selling out fast! 'Jenifa' tells the all too familiar story of a young 'village girl' who moves to the city to enrol in university. Suliat (Funke Akindele) is a local champion in her humble hometown, Ayetoro. She is the most popular babe of them all and highly influential amongst her peers. She gains admission to university in Lagos and moves there with great expectations. At university, she is ridiculed for her style (or lack-there-of), her accent and manner of speaking then she meets a group of girls, things begin to change and Suliat is transformed to JENIFA….

The movie is actually pretty predictable but the humour, costumes and acting performances carry it along nicely.Its so commendable that Funke also wrote the script and produced the movie.The movie also stars Ronke Odusanya, Iyabo Ojo, Ireti Osayemi, Odunade Adekola, Eniola Badmus and Tola Oladokun.

This is definitely the movie of the moment! You can hardly go anywhere without hearing a conversation about it or some quips from the movie like Suliat/Jenifa's buzz words 'ooouushhh' 'Bigz Girlz' etc…

The movie is so popular that it has inspired a song by Amplifyd Ft ID Cabasa

She sneaked into Nollywood with such humility and worked with such tenacity that her image became larger than she could have imagined as her fan base expanded across borders within and outside the country. When Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde took up the microphone, many wrote her off but she proved that she is a good musician as she is an actress.In this chat,she opens up on some issues about the industry,her music career and Nollywood.

Choosing entertainment.

I would say I've been in entertainment all my life. I started out as a model. My father was in entertainment business. He was at one time a manager of Lagos Country Club. So naturally, I used to be around entertainment a lot. My mother was a dancer and was one of the dancers at FESTAC '77. So, I would say entertainment is in my blood. And when I was in secondary school, I was in a club that had to do with entertainment.

After school, during the time of awaiting result and Jamb, the first thing that came to my mind was entertainment. So I went into modeling. I was a model for over a year and was doing very well. It was from modeling that a colleague of mine told me that she was going for a movie casting and I escorted her. She didn't get the part. But she encouraged me to go in and try. And that was how I landed my first role. That was 1995.

Getting into music.

I'm an entertainer so I would do whatever I can to entertain.There is nothing peculiar or strange about my going into music.

Music career?

I've always said to everybody that I wasn't going to be releasing an album every other time. My projections to bring out an album every three years because I want to be able to grow and I want to be able to deliver the right quality. And because I have other interests, I want to be able to dedicate time to it. When I want to work on my music, I stay off other things so that I can concentrate. And I don't know if I can do that all the time. That's why I space it out. My second album is ready. Right now I'm in the process of putting finishing touches to it. Basically, I'm working hard to see that everything in the album is tight. It should drop during Easter.The kind of money I made from my first album,were not made by so many big artistes.

Competing with the artistes

It's not going to be easy for any artiste crossing over in the world. It's not something peculiar to Nigeria . There are so many Hollywood stars who have crossed over to music and who have found it tougher. There are so many artistes who have had to go through the same procedure. But because people have already perceived them in a particular way, it's hard for them to now see you in another light. It's okay. But I guess, over time, everybody will adjust to the change. Actually, they have no choice. I'm not going to die either so let's leave it to God.

Nollywood and the Music Industry

Concerning Nollywood, I would say keep your fingers crossed.Big things are going to happen soon.I understand people's frustration.I feel the same way.Some of us actors are more frustrated than our fans.You're doomed if you do,you're doomed if you don't.It's a frustrating situation but we keep struggling to make it better.I have done movies that I was embarrassed about.Most times people who put a lot of quality into Nollywood movies

Sex for roles in Nollywood.

It happens everywhere in the world. It's not a big deal. It's only a big deal if it becomes harassment. If you say no and someone tries to harass you, then it becomes a big deal.It has not and will never work with me;it will virtually not be possible with me. It's a capital NO! I would also want to say ladies too should know how to carry themselves.It would help.

Rivalry with Genevive Nnaji

It's not true. It's not true at all. Though we don't visit each other, we talk. We don't have to visit each other.I can understand if people want us to be close friends because we act together in films.I can understand people's expectation. We're cool.We're okay but we're not necessarily close friends.We're good colleagues. It's the same relationship that I would have with any other actor that I have with her.We don't have to be best buddies.

Secret to happy marriage.

I'm not going to sit down here and act like a super angel.I would just talk from what I think I know.First is the grace of God.And I believe and know that I'm married to my husband.My marriage is not necessarily perfect.It's not necessarily always rosy.I've been married for 13 years and we keep working at it.

Over protective of hubby.

That's crazy! That's strange!How do you stop ladies from getting close to a pilot? This is the first time I have heard that in my life!It's crazy for anyone to say I don't let ladies get close to my husband.

Hubby's attitude to stardom.

I'm going to give him a lot of credit.He's a very good man.I'm not saying that because I'm married to him.I'm saying it because that's why I'm married to him.He lives above petty talk and jealousy.Before I married him I used to think there were no men like that.He is a very contented man.Sometimes I even get angry and ask him “are you sure you've not done something that's making you this confident.He's a very confident person and he has helped me as a human being.I have learnt from his wisdom.There are times when he's sad and gets angry.But before he gets there,you must have really pushed him.So it's easy to live with him and we have understanding. We give each other space and that is very important in a relationship.When you're in your spouse's face all the time, there's an overload.

Snub?
I am not,I'm very simple.I'm sure a lot of people would not believe it but I can understand that Really,I'm of two extremes.I can be very hot and I could be very cold.It depends on where the pendulum swings.One thing you can be sure of about me is,what you see is what you get! I don't pretend and that's the only thing I can say to people about me.I deal with people the way they deal with me.

Secret to looking young and beautiful.

I'm restless.I'm just myself.I don't try to impress anybody.I think that helps me to relax and ultimately become who I want to be. I have found happiness within myself.

Infidelity temptations.

Everybody gets tempted including men of God.I would be lying to myself if I say I don't get tempted.I will not answer you if you ask me if I have ever fallen,I will not answer that.I only answer to my God.I don't answer to men.I would only answer to my husband and my God.So the point here exactly is I raise my head high.I remain to be challenged by anybody.And that's good enough.

Source:National Daily,Nigeria