Nollywood, the Nigerian movie business, boasts a wide range of proficient girls who’ve captivated audiences with their performing prowess and skill to embody numerous characters on display screen.
These main girls haven’t solely earned acclaim for his or her performances however have additionally dabbled in music, showcasing their multifaceted abilities and including one other dimension to their creative endeavours.
It’s not unusual for film stars to discover music as an extra artistic outlet or income stream, pushed both by their ardour for music or the will to diversify their careers. Whereas not all of their songs have achieved chart-topping success, many followers have embraced these musical ventures just because they have been launched by their favourite display screen idols.
In celebration of Girls’s Month 2024, NotjustOk, a number one platform for Nigerian music and leisure, has compiled an inventory of 10 Nollywood actresses who ventured into music sooner or later of their careers. Whereas a few of these actresses have since shifted their focus again to performing, their musical endeavors stay a notable a part of their creative journey.
1. Genevieve Nnaji
Veteran actress Genevieve Nnaji launched the album One Logologo Line in 2004, with the lead single No Extra. Nnaji revealed that her enterprise into music was initially pushed by strategic choices made by her administration group. Regardless of not concentrating on Nigeria, her album achieved success and opened doorways in neighboring international locations like Ghana. Nnaji expressed her intention to return to music on her personal phrases sooner or later.
2. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Famend for her charming performances on display screen, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, a a number of award-winning Nollywood actress, ventured into the music business to the delight of her followers. Dubbed OmoSexy by her admirers, she launched into her music profession in 2005 with the discharge of her debut album, GBA. The album launched hit singles similar to Naija Lowa and The Issues You Do To Me, garnering widespread acclaim and additional cementing her standing as an icon in African leisure.
Following the success of her debut album, Omotola continued to discover her musical abilities, getting ready for the discharge of her sophomore album titled Me, Myself, and Eyes. Produced by acclaimed musicians Paul Play and Del B, the album featured tracks like Really feel Alright that includes Harry Tune and By means of the Fireplace that includes Uche. Anticipation for the album’s launch occasion in Nigeria was palpable, with tables anticipated to promote for a staggering N1 million, a testomony to Omotola’s enduring recognition and affect.
In late 2012, Omotola launched into a brand new musical journey, collaborating with The Bridge Leisure to work with famend producers and songwriters in Atlanta, GA. Amongst them have been Grammy-winning producer Kendrick Dean, Drumma Boy, and Verse Simmonds, in addition to Grammy recording artist Bobby V. This enterprise underscored Omotola’s dedication to increasing her musical horizons and reaching a broader viewers past the shores of Africa, showcasing her versatility and willpower to depart an indelible mark on the worldwide music scene.
3. Tonto Dikeh
Tonto Dikeh, acclaimed for her stellar performances in quite a few Nollywood productions, ventured into the music scene following her profitable performing profession. Regardless of preliminary skepticism surrounding her vocal talents, Dikeh launched singles similar to Hello and Itz Ova that includes Snypa. Whereas her musical pursuits garnered combined reactions from critics, Dikeh continued with tracks like Crazically match that includes Terry G. In 2014, she garnered consideration by becoming a member of D’banj’s report label, DB Information’ Lee household.
4. Shaffy Bello
Shaffy Bello, a famend Nigerian movie actress and singer, made her mark on the leisure scene together with her charming vocals featured in Seyi Sodimu‘s 1997 hit music, Love Me Jeje. This Afro-soul monitor, launched as a part of Sodimu’s studio album Born in Africa, showcased Bello’s expertise and propelled her into the limelight.
Love Me Jeje grew to become a beloved Afropop anthem, resonating with audiences each in Nigeria and internationally. Bello’s soulful rendition of the refrain added depth to the music’s heartfelt lyrics, expressing a craving for real and enduring love. The repetitive nature of the refrain, sung by Bello, showcased the depth of the feelings conveyed within the music, emphasizing the fixed presence of ideas in regards to the beloved one.
Whereas Love Me Jeje stays Bello’s sole contribution to the music business, she has since transitioned into performing, establishing herself as certainly one of Nigeria’s main actresses. Her outstanding expertise and flexibility have earned her acclaim within the movie business, the place she continues to captivate audiences together with her performances on each the massive display screen and tv.
5. Endurance Ozokwor
Endurance Ozokwor, a revered actress in Nollywood, launched the only Adaeze from her Ojadili album in 2012. Regardless of her prominence in performing, Ozokwor’s musical pursuits have been restricted to a single launch, highlighting the challenges of transitioning between creative mediums.
6. Shan George
Shan George, a veteran of Nollywood’s early days, earned popularity of her performing expertise, however her foray into the music business didn’t meet the identical success. Regardless of elaborate launches for her debut and sophomore albums, the actress brazenly admitted her limitations and acknowledged her choice to launch the albums primarily for her village viewers. In a candid revelation, Shan George expressed her consciousness of the challenges posed by Nigeria’s aggressive music scene, indicating her acceptance of her area of interest throughout the leisure business.
7. Ibironke Ojo-Anthony “Ronke Oshodi-Oke”
Widespread Yoruba actress, Ibironke Ojo-Anthony often known as Ronke Oshodi-Oke additionally ventured into music together with her debut single Ori Mi, that includes 9ice. Whereas the music acquired some criticism from followers, Oshodi-Oke’s foray into music demonstrates her willingness to discover numerous artistic avenues.
8. Stella Damascus
Stella Damasus, recognized for her success in performing and advocacy for feminine kids, has ventured into music, showcasing her numerous abilities. Along with her spectacular voice, she stands out amongst singing actresses. Damasus was a member of the band Synergy, later renamed G-factor, based by her late husband. Her involvement in music consists of performances in golf equipment and cameo appearances. Checkout her musical talents within the video for her single, Love Me Fast.
9. Dakore Egbuson Akande
Dakore Egbuson Akande, recognized for her charming performances, demonstrated her singing prowess with the discharge of her debut single Do not Make Me. Though comparisons arose concerning her lyrical talents, Akande aimed to launch an album titled Dakorious in 2009, indicating her dedication to pursuing music.
10. Anita Joseph
Anita Joseph, an actress who has garnered consideration in Nollywood for her hanging bodily attributes, launched into a musical journey to showcase her expertise. Regardless of controversies fueling her rise to fame, her debut singles failed to realize widespread success, circulating primarily amongst a small circle of supporters. Nevertheless, her music video for Attractive Boy garnered sympathetic applause from audiences much less discerning of well-composed music.
