The movie industry in Nigeria aptly tagged; Nollywood is one of the top
three leading motion picture industries in the world. Few weeks ago, Nollywood
celebrated its 20 years of existence, though that is still being argued by some
of its stakeholders who believe the industry is even older than Nigeria, which gained
independence in 1960.
Apart from being the popular faces most movie buffs see on their
screens, these stars are in the forefront of some sharing formulas whenever
there is a national cake to eat.
Not too long ago, a Governor of a South-South State in Nigeria gave the
industry N50 million, some of these players were fully involved in allotting
what goes to any group within the system. One of them even reportedly pocketed
over N5 million from the spoils. That shows that bubble would burst if she is
not carried along.
Here are some of the most influential Nollywood stars.
Joke Silva: This veteran actress has come a long way in the movie
industry in Nigeria. Mama J, as she is fondly called by the younger generations
in the film industry, has created a viable name and brand for herself. She is seen
as a role model in Nollywood. Unfortunately, some of those who look up to her
don’t follow her good steps. If those who truly see her as a role model imitate
her, Nollywood wouldn’t be as scandalous as it is today. However, Joke Silva is
a mother figure with a huge influence in the industry. She is very influential
to the extent that when things turn upside down, they run to Mama J for advice.
And like a true mother, Joke Silva calmly proffers solution to issues brought
before her.
Ibinabo Fiberesima: Another actress that is
very influential in Nollywood is Ibinabo Fiberesima. This ex-beauty queen is
presently the President of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). She is also the first
female to occupy that exalted seat. Doing anything in the industry without
informing her about it is like a foreign investor coming to Nigeria to set up a
refinery without first seeing the President and the Petroleum Minister. Ibinabo
wields that kind of big influence in Nollywood and she is mostly involved in
matters that concern the industry, especially actors, whose interest she is
representing. Some even believe that she has a full grip of Nollywood in her
hands. Shortly after she was sworn in as Chairman of AGN, many forces rose
against her in order to unseat her, but after spending a year in office,
Ibinabo has remained stronger than before. This goes to show the power Ibinabo
has in the industry, especially in the politics of AGN.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is
another powerful star in Nollywood. Before she joined the list of most
influential 100 persons in the world according to TIME Magazine, Omosexy, as
she is mostly called by her teeming fans, was powerful in Nollywood. She gained
power when she became an international star after she was banned from acting in
Nigeria by some marketers. Some of the marketers had thought that the mother of
four would go into oblivion when she was banned, but she shook it off and
proved the marketers wrong by clinching international movie deals. Now, Omotola
is carried along in the industry when it comes to branding and using it to get
favours from some influential people in the society. She has given the industry
a better brand and value, which most stakeholders are very proud to be
associated with.
Stephanie Okereke-Linus: When issues relating to the presidency are being sought, one of the first names that come to the minds amongst the industry stakeholders is that of Stephanie Okereke-Linus. She is regarded by some people as the best route to get to the ‘father through the son’. Nobody in Nollywood ever jokes with Stephanie. Doing so would be to such person’s detriment.
Genevieve Nnaji is another actress that has
big influence in the film industry in Nigeria. She is one of the top stars in
the continent and she was once described as the Julian Roberts of Africa.
Genny, as some of her fans prefer to call her, is an influential star in
Nollywood. Just like Stephanie, she also has influence in the Presidency.
Recall that a purported fight broke out between her and Stephanie in 2011 over Presidency
related matters. Some people started to reckon with her with respect. She went
ahead, just like Omotola, to make a statement that with or without Nollywood,
she is a hot cake in Africa. Her rumoured affair with a former vice-president
also contributed to the respect some stakeholders have for the single mother of
one.
Would this write up be complete and credible if the name of Pete Edochie is not mentioned in the
list? Pete, apart from being a veteran and a legend in the game, is an icon
that has much influence in Nollywood. He has transcended the fear and respect
he commands in his movies into real life.
Olu Jacobs is another influential and powerful star in Nollywood.
Just like his wife, Joke Silva, Olu Jacobs is a father figure to many Nollywood
stars, who run to him when there is storm in the boat. His name also opens
doors. The iconic role interpreter is also well respected because he has worked
very hard to build a good name for himself. His name is never mentioned in
controversial or dirty stories. Olu Jacobs is even respected outside the
industry.
Segun Arinze became more powerful and influential during his reign
as the President of AGN. Segun has also become politically strong in AGN. When
it comes to decision making that concerns the industry, Segun is never found
wanting. In fact, he is a key factor in happenings in Nollywood. The veteran
actor is not new in the industry. He has seen it all having been in the game
for a very long time.
Kanayo O Kanayo KOK, as he is fondly
called, is another influential and powerful star in the Nigerian film industry.
Some people refer him as a ‘one man Mopol’ because he could singlehandedly pull
weight without the backing of others. His link with the Presidency is also
working for him. Some months ago, he was one of those that dragged President
Goodluck Jonathan to Lagos to have a dinner with the stakeholders in the
industry. Also recently, he grabbed an appointment from Jonathan. Stepping on
KOK’s legs is like stamping on the tail of a cobra.
Richard Mofe Damijo is another very influential
star in Nollywood. Even though he is no more very active in the industry like
before, the present Commissioner in Delta State is still a big fish in the
movie industry in Nigeria. Whenever there is any problem, many still run to him
for help. He knows the right buttons to press to get what he wants. His name
alone can withdraw cash from the ‘bank’. His romance with politics has given huge
power to his brand.
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