There is no denying that Nigeria parades the most beautiful celebrities Africa has ever produced - Point blank.
And standing on top of the cadre of beautiful celebrities currently, is the one and only - Genevieve Nnaji.
When you talk of outstanding Nigerian ladies who have given out their best in the development of their country’s movie industry,the name Genevieve Nnaji comes to mind.
The multi award-winning actress has always been a delight to watch. Her dress sense, beauty, charisma - this diva has got it all.
With so many accolades and mouth-watering deals with both local and international brands to her name, Genny is popularly celebrated, acknowledged and recognized both in Nigeria and overseas.
Genevieve Nnaji – Bio, Daughter, and Age
Genny was Born in Mbaise, Imo State of the eastern part of Nigeria on 3rd, May 1979. She was the fourth of her eight siblings.Genevieve Nnaji grew up in Lagos.She was brought up in a middle-class environment with her father then working as an engineer and her mom as a nursery school teacher.
She was eight when she began to showcase her acting talent.
Her first act as a child actress was in the then popular television soap opera, Ripples. But her career in the movie industry did not manifest fully until she was 19 when she was officially introduced into the industry.
But before that, Her dream almost came crashing down when she discovered she was pregnant at the young age of 17 when she was expected to be concentrating on her education. Nevertheless, with the aid of her parents, she scaled through and was able to rise again to face her education after she had her baby like a true heroine !
Looking back at her education, Genevieve attended Methodist Girls College (Yaba, Lagos), before proceeding to the University of Lagos for her tertiary education. That was after giving birth to her daughter.
Career and Success
While still in the university, she began auditioning for acting jobs among the many Nollywood projects. According to her, she went into acting because she loved doing it and also to help provide for her family.
Although she is widely known as an actress, not so many know she was a model, even though she didn’t do this for a long time.
She has featured in several commercials some of which include Pronto beverage and Omo detergent. In 2004, she was the “Face of Lux” in Nigeria in a highly lucrative sponsorship deal.
And in May 2010, she was appointed to be the official “Face of MUD” in Nigeria.
Genny no doubt is an epitome of success but her greatest of all feats, was her ability to successfully nurture her daughter into adulthood; given the fact that she was still a child herself when she had her.
Speaking on how she first felt when she discovered she was seven months pregnant, she said she was so happy and grateful that she didn't not abort the baby, despite the fact that the pregnancy slowed her down.
Accolades
Aside from being a heroic mum, Genevieve Nnaji can also be counted a success in several other ways.In the Nollywood movie industry alone Genevieve has starred in over 80 movies some of which include: Half Of A Yellow Sun, Weekend Gateways, and Games Women Play among many others. She is considered to be one of the highest paid actresses in Nollywood.
In 2009, she was referred to by the legendary Oprah Winfrey, as the “Julia Roberts of Africa”. In fact, the name "Genevieve" has become a household name and her image the desire of every young girl.
Genevieve Nnaji has equally won lots of awards and nominations. These include Best Actress of the Year Award in 2001 at the City People Awards and the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 2005 Africa Movie Academy Awards.
She was also among the distinguished Nigerians who received National Honors conferred on them by the former President - Goodluck Jonathan. Also in November 2011, she was named Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). And in 2015 she was awarded the Best Dressed woman at Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice (AMVCs) Awards.
Well, truth be told, the beautiful and simple young woman sure has a unique and creative way of dressing - Her “St Genevieve” clothing line attests to it.
Net Worth
According to 2014 Vanguard’s Richest Celebrities List, Nollywood actress – Genevieve Nnaji net worth was appraised: N220 million from endorsements alone, and is believed to have grown further in 2015. Her first deal as the Face of Lux led to her signing other deals with multinational companies like Etisalat, Amstel Malta, Range Rover Evoque and MUD Cosmetics." Living out your dream will take you to places you can only dream about " - Benjamin Manuoma.
Genevieve’s career in the movie industry has taken her farther from the shores of her land of birth into other nations of the world like UK, USA Ireland and many more. And in all, she never fails to dedicates her awards to her faithful fans.
At present, the net worth of the actress and entrepreneur is placed at an estimated N850 million.
Is She Married ? Husband and Love Life ?
A lot have been said about Genny's love life - mainly circulated rumours.They have been rumours attaching her to one Nigerian celebrity or the other including Nigeria’s former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and singer D Banj.
But it seems Genevieve on her own part has been able to keep her love life personal, occasionally leaving one or two hints here and there to keep the rumour trolls well entertained and busy.
Pictures of her and a man known as AJ Cham we're one time shared online as her husband. But it would turn out to be an entire fake story. But in truth, Genny is yet to reveal to us who she is in a relationship with.
In all, we can say Genevieve Nnaji is proud to be a model, actress, singer, businesswoman and above all a Mother and we hope to see more of her in the coming years as she fulfils her dream of becoming a movie director.
- Africa is proud of you, Nigerians love you - we say Ndalu
