Entertainment

How Banned Nollywood Stars Bounced Back

Published

10 years ago

June 24, 2016

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

Sarah Martins Knocks Yul Edochie Over Comment

Published

1 month ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has tackled Yul Edochie over comments he made about his ex-wife, May.

The actress questioned why Yul brought up claims about their marriage but refused to explain further.

Her sharp response has added another twist to the long-running conversation around the Edochie family.

The actress reacted after Yul appeared on The Honest Bunch Podcast, where he made comments that many listeners linked to his former marriage.

During the interview, Yul hinted that certain things happened while he and May were still married and suggested those moments contributed to the decisions he later made.

The Tide Entertainment reports that Yul hints that certain things happened while he and May were still married and suggests those moments contributed to the decisions he later made.

He, however, stopped, short of explaining further.

In the interview, the controversial actor said he had accepted being seen as the villain in the story.

He also stated that, despite everything, he genuinely wished May well and wanted her to prosper because she remains the mother of his children.

Yul Edochie finally shares last moments with late son three years after his tragic death

But while saying that, Yul also hinted that there were incidents in their marriage he had chosen not to discuss publicly.

According to him, he was “too much of a man” to come online and break down over personal matters.

Reacting to the interview, Sarah, in a post on her Instagram story, pointed out what she described as irony in Yul’s words—saying he wished May well while also making statements that could create doubt in people’s minds.

According to her, if he truly meant well for his former wife, there was no reason to hint at hidden issues and leave people guessing.

“You wish her well, but you granted Podcast the power to sow doubt in people’s minds by saying she did something that led you to do what you did, but you won’t say it,” she said.

She went further to accuse Yul of being uncomfortable with May’s continued growth and public support.

“Oga, you’re just pained that she’s doing well!”
Sarah also questioned the purpose of the interview, asking if jealousy may have played a role.

Yul Edochie recounts final moments with late son.

Meanwhile, Yul Edochie opened up on the last time he saw his first son, Kambilichukwu Edochie, before the boy’s tragic death in 2023.

The actor recalled that his son came into his room early in the morning before leaving for school.

According to him, they spent time talking, laughing, and joking in what felt like a typical father-son interaction.

Yul Edochie reacts to crashed marriage
The Tide Entertainment had reported that Yul Edochie had continued to speak about his ex-wife as he appeared on the Honest Bunch Podcast.

He shared part of what happened between them and all the things he wished for her while speaking about his new wife.

The actor noted that he and his ex-wife know what happened that led to the dissolution of their union.

Entertainment

Cubana Chief Priest Opens Up On Feud With Burna Boy

Published

1 month ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite, Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, has opened up on his fallout with singer Burna Boy, alleging that the music star publicly attacked him because of his close relationship with Davido.

Speaking during an interview on The Beat 99.9 FM on Wednesday, Cubana Chief Priest said his journey to success began from apprenticeship and years of hard work, adding that fame and financial growth often attract envy and criticism.

“Success comes with a lot of hate. I started my journey from apprenticeship and service and I learnt so much about growth and perseverance. When you start becoming successful, you understand how people treat you.

“I was on my own and Burna Boy came for me, went on his big platform and started tweeting things that are not genuine, things that are not possible, things that have not existed and the attack was straight to my wealth.

“So he wanted to make people look at my wealth, disrespect my wealth, I felt bad and that happened because of my relationship with Davido,” he said.

He further stated that Davido has consistently supported his businesses and personal projects.

“David is always there for me. He opened all my nightclubs, restaurants, everything. He always shows up to support me.

“He’s investing in clubs in Lagos, and I’m making music to prove a point that I can,” he added.

Entertainment

Family Releases Burial Arrangements For Late Actor, Alexx Ekubo

Published

1 month ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nollywood Actor, Alexx Ekubo’s family has officially announced the funeral arrangements for the late actor, describing him as a man whose life was filled with love, faith, generosity and compassion.

The Tide Entertainment had earlier reported that the Nollywood actor passed away after suffering from kidney cancer.

The Ekubo-Okwaraeke family announced the funeral arrangements in a statement released via the actor’s social media handle.

The statement read: “Forever in Our Hearts.

“With profound sorrow, yet gratitude to God for a life so beautifully lived and deeply impactful, we officially announce the funeral arrangements of our beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and colleague, Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke

“The overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, messages, visits, calls, support, and strength shown to the family during this painful period has been truly humbling. Words cannot fully express our gratitude.

“Alexx was deeply loved, and your kindness continues to remind us that his light, compassion, faith, and impact on so many lives will never be forgotten.

“Though his passing came far too soon, Alexx lived a life marked by love, warmth, generosity, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to God and the people he cherished. His presence filled rooms, lifted hearts, and created memories that will remain with us forever.

“We warmly invite family, friends, colleagues, fans, and well wishers to join us as we honor and celebrate his beautiful life, enduring legacy, and the precious memories he gave us all.

“SERVICE OF SONGS

Date: Wednesday, 10th June 2026

Venue: The Monarch Event Center, Lekki, Lagos Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Dress Code: White

“WAKE KEEP

Date: Wednesday, 17th June 2026

Venue: 7 Ekubo-Okwaraeke Avenue, Aziukwukwa, Ujari Village, Arochukwu, Abia State

“FUNERAL SERVICE

Date: Thursday, 18th June 2026

Venue: Mary Slessor School, Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu, Abia State

“INTERMENT

Date: Thursday, 18th June 2026