When you search for the most lovely celebrities in Africa, Nigerian celebrities stand out among them, and at the top of the Nigerian cadre is the beautiful Genevieve Nnaji. When talking about exquisite Nigerian ladies who have stepped out of their comfort zones to deliver the best acts in their roles and grow the Nollywood movie industry, Genevieve Nnaji is undoubtedly one of those extraordinary ladies.
Genevieve is a famous, beautiful, talented, creative, and talented Nigerian actress, film director and producer, who has performed many roles incredibly in the Nollywood scene. She is a multiple award-winning actress known all over Africa for her exceptional acting, dressing splendour, and charisma. This has earned her fame and fortune and numerous awards, recognitions, accolades, and mouth-watering deals with notable local and international brands.
She was born on the 3rd of May 1979, and as of 2021, she's 42 years of age. Although she spent her childhood growing up in Lagos, she was born in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. She's the 4th of 8th children in her middle-class family, with her father working as an engineer while her mother was a nursery school teacher.
She had her secondary school education in the Methodist Girls College (Yaba, Lagos State) before proceeding to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to further her education. While in the university, she pursued her dream of becoming a famous movie star by auditioning for acting roles in Nollywood before graduating with a bachelor's degree in creative arts.
Right after she obtained a reputable degree that can help further her passion for acting, even though she already got a role when she was a child, in a then-popular television soap opera – "Ripples" at just 8 years of age. She made her official debut in the movie industry in 1998 (at age 19) in a movie titled – "Most Wanted". Although, all this time, she was still an upcoming actress who was waiting for that big breakthrough to gain recognition from many.
She eventually made a mark in the acting scene, after her movies – "Last Party", "Mark of the Beast" and "Ijele", won the hearts of many Nigerians (including those living in the diaspora) with her remarkable talents, which then boosted her into being everyone's favourite in Africa as a whole.
The following movies have been considered the best of her iconic performances:
• Lionheart (2018)
• Blood Sister (2003)
• Ije (2010)
• Tango With Me (2010)
• Road to Yesterday (2015)
• Half of a Yellow Sun (2013)
• Mirror Boy (2011)
• Love My Way (2008)
• Doctor Bello (2013)
• Farming (2018)
• Weekend Getaway (2012)
• Super Love (2003)
• Bursting Out (2010)
• Silent Scandals (2009)
• Games Women Play (2005)
• Letters to a Stranger (2007)
• Sacred Lies (2011)
• Private Sin (2003)
• Dangerous Sisters (2004)
• Formidable Force (2002)
• Sister's Love (2008)
• Break Up (2003)
• Broken Tears (2008)
• 30 Days (2006)
• A Piece of Flesh (2007)
Her name became a household name, and her image was the desire of every young girl. In 2002, she starred in the movie "Sharon Stone", and her fame shot beyond the shores of Nigeria to the rest of Africa and several European countries. One can say that through the buzz, Genevieve reinvented the Nigerian film Industry, introducing Nollywood to the rest of the world.
Genevieve appeals just as warmly to Kenyans, Liberians, South Africans, and Ghanaians, who avidly watch Nigerian home videos at home and abroad. Genevieve has led the market into new territories today.
She took the extra step of projecting herself beyond Nigeria by having a website in her honour back in 2003. It was arguably the most-visited Nigerian site on the Internet. Its fame spread like wildfire in no time.
In recognition of her immense contribution to the Nollywood industry, Genevieve has numerous awards to her name, some of which have been in Dublin, London, and the United States. She won the Best Actress Of The Year in the 2001 City People Awards and 2005 inaugural awarding of the prestigious African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
In 2004, a search for the face of Lux was carried out, and out of several celebrities in Africa, Genevieve emerged with the highest votes. She appeared on several billboards and television stations with her enduring smile and personality across African nations. That same year, she was contracted by a Ghanaian record label to record an album, which got immense attention locally and in several African countries.
With several movies to her credit and numerous fans worldwide, in 2008, in a bid to give back to society, Genevieve launched her very own clothing line – "St. Genevieve", which donates a percentage of its proceeds to charitable foundations every year. In 2009, Genevieve made history by being the first Nigerian actress to be profiled on the legendary "Oprah Winfrey Show" on an episode about the most popular people around the world. Genevieve is believed to be the highest-paid and most desired actress in Nollywood today.
Her life personifies the saying, "All things are possible if you will only believe." These words describe her: determined, focused, humble, and creative. The best years of her career are still ahead.
Genevieve Nnaji is estimated to have a net worth of about $10 million, thanks to her numerous endorsements and ambassadorial deals with multinational companies such as Etisalat, Amstel Malta, Range Rover, MUD Cosmetics, Face of Lux, and many others.
Although rumours are circulating all over social media that Genevieve had been in a relationship with many public figures in Nigeria, such as former vice president – Atiku Abubakar, veteran music artist – D'Banj, and many others. However, those are just speculations by netizens, the actress herself has never for once revealed her love life to the public in any way. But what we know is that she was or she is in a beautiful relationship with a blessed man with whom she had a beautiful daughter.
Note: Most of Genevieve's lifestyle has been kept low-key, and she's someone who doesn't like to flaunt or make noise on social media like her colleagues. Even when she bought a house worth over ₦220 million, she never revealed it until her neighbours uploaded it on social media. She's a businesswoman who likes to keep her social life private and remains hardworking despite acquiring so much wealth.
Well, there you have it. Do well to check out our other blog posts for more exclusive content and exciting stories. Thanks for reading!