Entertainment
Intimidating Profile Of Genevieve Nnaji, Africa’s Most Revered Actress
Genevieve Nnaji has
frequently been hailed as Africa’s own answer to the likes of Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon and the rest of Feminine Hollywood Stars, this is according to Forbes who has ranked her as number 19 of the 40 most powerful celebrities in Africa.
She started out in her acting career over 24 years ago at the age of 8 playing a supporting role in a Nigerian TV series. Today she is arguably Africa’s most revered actress and the poster girl in Nollywood, Nigeria’s burgeoning movie industry. She has featured in over 80 successful blockbuster movies.
Genevieve Nnaji was born in Mbaise, Imo State Nigeria, but grew up in Lagos. She is the fourth of eight children and was brought up in a middle class environment. Her father worked as an engineer and her mother as a nursery teacher.
She attended Methodist Girls College Yaba Lagos before transferring into University Lagos, while, at the University, Genevieve began auditioning for acting jobs amongst the many Nollywood projects. She started her acting career as a child actress at the age of 8 in the then popular television soap opera, ‘RIPPLES.’
In 1998, at the age of 19, she was introduced into the growing Nigerian film industry with the movie “MOST WANTED.’ Her subsequent movies include “LAST PARTY,” “MARK OF THE BEAST” and “IJELE,” in 2010, she starred in the award winning film “IJE,” the journey, Gene as she is popularly called by fans and admirers is considered to be one of the best paid actress in Nollywood.
In 2004, she signed a recording contract with EKB Records, a Ghanaian record bale and released her debut album one Logologo line, a mix of R&B, Hip-Hop and urban music Nnaji has featured in several commercials some of which include pronto beverage and Omo detergent. In 2004, she became the “Face of Lux” in Nigeria in a highly lucrative sponsorship deal. Also 2008 said Nnaji launching a clothing lines St Genevieve which donates its proceeds to charity.
In May 2010, Nnaji was appointed to be the official face of MUD in Nigeria, in June 2012, she was unveiled as the brand ambassador of Range Rover Evogue. Genevieve has received several awards and nominations for her works, including the best actress of the year award at the 2001 city people awards and the best actress in a leading role award at the 2005 African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
The super Nollywood actress has also sealed a corporate deal with Amstel Malta as ambassador, alongside international football star Michel Obi. She is also one of the ambassadors of Airtle, a deal that fetched her multi millions of naira.
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.
The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.
This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.
The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.
According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said
Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”
Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.
‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.
“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.
“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.
Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.
Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.
Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.
She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.
“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.
“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.
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