In the world of make-believe where the only language spoken is acting and the words often spoken border around Lights, camera and action, one thing that is pertinent is the ability for an actor or actress to display onscreen prowess, creativity as well as professionalism in interpreting and delivering roles that better explain the story being told.
It is not just enough to have the good looks; an actor must have the knowledge of the technicalities involved in being on screen and executing jobs effectively.
It is said that phases come and go, a time of glory gradually fades out to usher in a new set of stars for each generation.
In the early days of Nollywood movies, the like of Patience Ozokwor, Hilda Dokubo, Regina Askia, Shan George, Eucheria Anunobi, amongst others, were a delight to watch, making their marks with their acting skills.
Along the line, another generation of stars emerged with Mercy Johnson Okojie, Uche Jombo, Ini Edo, Rita Dominic, Omoni Oboli and a host of others rocking the media world matching beauty with brains role interpretation and made movies that could be described as evergreen.
The Nigerian movie industry over the past years has since evolved with the emergence of young women who have become the rave of the moment and changing the narrative in terms of making it big in the industry, these women have, according to findings, been able to master the act of keeping movie lovers glued to their screens with their various skills and professionalism in delivering top-notch acting skills worthy of recognition.
With every blockbuster movie hitting the cinemas, these screen divas have within a short period of time, taken over by proving that hard work and being good at what you do keeps you in high places.
Nancy Isime
Having lost her mum at age five and was raised solely by her dad, Isime grew up in Lagos where she had her primary and junior secondary education. Afterward, she left for Benin, where she had her senior secondary education. She further engaged in a six-month basic course at the University of Port Harcourt and earned a Diploma in Social Work at the University of Lagos.
She began her journey to stardom as an actress by starring in the TV series’ Echoes’ in 2011.
Isime is also a television presenter, who is known for presenting gossip show ‘The Squeeze’, technology show ‘What’s Hot’ and backstage segments of MTN Project Fame season 7.In 2016 she replaced Toke Makinwa as the presenter of the popular show Trending on HipTV. She also co-hosted the 2019 edition of The Headies award with Reminisce and she is the presenter of the voice Nigeria 2021.
Nancy has played many roles and featured in many movies, including the popular Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons,Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, Merry men 2, among others.
She broke the net with her acting skills when she featured in Ndani TV’s series Gidi up in 2013 and Skinny girl in transit in 2016. She became one of the sought after faces after playing the lead role in Netflix blockbuster ‘Oluture’ where she effectively played the role of an underground journalist who goes undercover to expose the dangerous and brutal underworld of human trafficking. The movie depicts how sex workers are recruited to be exploited overseas. Her role in the movie won over more movie lovers and increased her fanbase.
She has since earned more roles and has more works and movies to her credit such as Coming from Insanity , The Bling Lagosians, Who’s the Boss and so on.
Bimbo Ademoye
Is one of the big names largely sought after in the Nigerian movie industry today.
Growing up, Bimbo was mostly under her father’s care after he and her mother separated when the actress was only two years old. As one might expect, her father has had a lot of influence on the actress’s career path.
Bimbo’s acting career began in 2014 when she was cast in a short film titled Where Talent Lies. In 2015, she landed her first feature film role in the movie Its About Your Husband.
Despite having been in the film and television industry for a relatively short period, the actress has amassed quite a fortune from her earnings and is considered one of the viewer’s favourites when it comes to blockbuster movies.
Jemima Osunde
A Nigerian actress, model and presenter,was born into a family of five and is a native of Edo State. She is the last child and only daughter of her parents and grew up with her mum, dad and older brothers.
She gained exposure after being persuaded by her uncle to venture into acting in 2014 where she landed a role in the film Jungle Jewel. She came into the limelight after playing the role of Leila in the Television series Shuga in 2018 and also starred in the lockdown series entitled MTV Shuga “Alone Together” which was aired in 2020.
Despite studying Physiotherapy at the University of Lagos,Jemima has proven beyond doubt that handling both careers at the same time is just a piece of cake. She has so far in her career as an actress captured the hearts of her viewers with her skillful acting and professionalism.
She has featured in other movies like Ndani TV’s Rumour Has It in 2018 and New money sequel entitled Quam’s money which was released in 2020
Ini Dima-Okojie
After she resigned from her job in investment banking to enrol at the New York Film Academy. Ini Dima-Okojie started her career with the first television appearance on Taste of Love and she has featured on many films including the multicultural romcom, Namaste Wahala in 2021.
Her career in Nollywood started as a production assistant on the film Before 30 and she went on to make her acting debut when she played “Feyisayo Pepple” in the television series, Taste of Love. In 2016, she played “Hadiza Ahmed” in the film North East; her character was that of a Muslim lady who began a romantic relationship with a man from a different religious background. She has made appearances on other movies including The Smart Money Woman, Who’s the Boss, Royal Hibiscus hotel and so on.
Bisola Aiyeola
Aiyeola appeared on the 2017 series of Big Brother Naija where she was first runner up.She was one of the contestants at MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2008 where she came 5th and Iyanya won.From 2011 till 2013, Bisola was a one time TV host of Billboard Nigeria which aired on Silverbird Television. In 2018, Bisola won the Trail Blazer Award at the AMVCA; She also made her debut as a producer on The Kujus. She is popularly known for her roles in The Bling Lagosians,Sugar Rush,This Lady Called Life and The life of a Nigerian couple which is a depiction of the activities of a typical Nigerian couple. The mother of one who has achieved great feats has proven to be a reliable source of inspiration and entertainment to the public with her ability to creatively interpret roles and deliver them expertly.
One trait that is pertinent among these young women is their ability to attract large attention to through hard work, consistency and understanding of the job given to them. As spotlight continues to shine on them, they will be remembered as queens who also rocked the scene in their time.
and then