Entertainment
How Banned Nollywood Stars Bounced Back
It would be recalled that in
the year 2005 several A-list Nollywood actors were banned from all forms of acting and commercial activity in the Nigerian Movie industry. The Actors’ Guild of Nigeria placed a one-year ban on eight actors, Stella Damascus, Nkem Owoh, Pete Edochie, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Genevieve Nnaji, Chinwe Okeke, Ramsey Nouah and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, for charging too much for movie appearance owing to their popularity and fan base.
In the end, the actors were ‘Vindicated’ as they returned to acting and carried on with their normal work in the industry as though nothing had ever happened. Today, hardly anyone remembers that there was ever a ban on names like Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah and Omotola because they all went on to achieve individual success following the ban.
For instance, Omotola went on to make the 2013 Time’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world a list including pioneers, icons, artists and world leaders. Genevieve Nnaji, on her own, has gone on to ink major deals with corporate brands as well as to enjoy positive media reviews both locally and globally from the Oprah Winfrey show to CNN.
Ramsey Nouah has also enjoyed corporate deals as well as the media spotlight from international platforms. Other than the aforementioned corporate deals, their exploits also spread into Nollywood as they re-launched their acting careers following the “break” with major, best-selling movie appearances. It is clear that they have enjoyed sizeable recognition and successes in their careers regardless to being deemed too “pricey” by Nollywood marketers and the Nigerian Actors’ Guild.
But each of them was and is armed with a distinguished understanding of acting and all the dynamics of 21st century theatre and media maneuverings. Even if these three were not totally distinguished, Joke Silva was. And yes, she was also a part of the banned Nollywood A-list actors in 2005, only her name was not announced, probably owing to respect for her status.
In sum, if these Nigerian movie stars did not have a rich catalogue of movies that they acted in or produced, if they did not have the requisite acting skills, if the media was not favourably disposed to them and their every move and if corporate brands did not consider them worthy of several endorsement deals, then it would have been a different story altogether today.
The truth is, however bright one’s career gets, there is only so much buzz it can garner if there is no substance behind it or enough work from the artists in question. Otherwise, no sooner has the buzz faded than the truth will come to the fore, and at this point reality sets in faster than the speed of light, and the world realises that it was all a charade, that the prior buzz was nothing but a flash in the pan.
Entertainment
Stephanie Linus, First Black Recipient Of Lennox K. Black Prize
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.
Entertainment
‘I’ll Continue To Ask For My Balance’ – Phyna reacts.
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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