Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, boasts a variety of talented women who have captivated audiences with their acting prowess and ability to embody diverse characters on screen.
These leading ladies have not only earned acclaim for their performances but have also dabbled in music, showcasing their multifaceted talents and adding another dimension to their artistic endeavours.
It is not uncommon for movie stars to explore music as an additional creative outlet or revenue stream, driven either by their passion for music or the desire to diversify their careers. While not all of their songs have achieved chart-topping success, many fans have embraced these musical ventures simply because they were released by their favorite screen idols.
In celebration of Women’s Month 2024, NotjustOk, a leading platform for Nigerian music and entertainment, has compiled a list of 10 Nollywood actresses who ventured into music at some point in their careers. While some of these actresses have since shifted their focus back to acting, their musical endeavors remain a notable part of their artistic journey.
1. Genevieve Nnaji
Veteran actress Genevieve Nnaji released the album One Logologo Line in 2004, with the lead single No More. Nnaji revealed that her venture into music was initially driven by strategic decisions made by her management team. Despite not targeting Nigeria, her album achieved success and opened doors in neighboring countries like Ghana. Nnaji expressed her intention to return to music on her own terms in the future.
2. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Renowned for her captivating performances on screen, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, a multiple award-winning Nollywood actress, ventured into the music industry to the delight of her fans. Dubbed OmoSexy by her admirers, she embarked on her music career in 2005 with the release of her debut album, GBA. The album introduced hit singles such as Naija Lowa and The Things You Do To Me, garnering widespread acclaim and further cementing her status as an icon in African entertainment.
Following the success of her debut album, Omotola continued to explore her musical talents, preparing for the release of her sophomore album titled Me, Myself, and Eyes. Produced by acclaimed musicians Paul Play and Del B, the album featured tracks like Feel Alright featuring Harry Song and Through the Fire featuring Uche. Anticipation for the album’s launch party in Nigeria was palpable, with tables expected to sell for a staggering N1 million, a testament to Omotola’s enduring popularity and influence.
In late 2012, Omotola embarked on a new musical journey, collaborating with The Bridge Entertainment to work with renowned producers and songwriters in Atlanta, GA. Among them were Grammy-winning producer Kendrick Dean, Drumma Boy, and Verse Simmonds, as well as Grammy recording artist Bobby V. This venture underscored Omotola’s commitment to expanding her musical horizons and reaching a broader audience beyond the shores of Africa, showcasing her versatility and determination to leave an indelible mark on the global music scene.
3. Tonto Dikeh
Tonto Dikeh, acclaimed for her stellar performances in numerous Nollywood productions, ventured into the music scene following her successful acting career. Despite initial skepticism surrounding her vocal abilities, Dikeh released singles such as Hi and Itz Ova featuring Snypa. While her musical pursuits garnered mixed reactions from critics, Dikeh persisted with tracks like Crazically fit featuring Terry G. In 2014, she garnered attention by joining D’banj’s record label, DB Records’ Lee family.
4. Shaffy Bello
Shaffy Bello, a renowned Nigerian film actress and singer, made her mark on the entertainment scene with her captivating vocals featured in Seyi Sodimu‘s 1997 hit song, Love Me Jeje. This Afro-soul track, released as part of Sodimu’s studio album Born in Africa, showcased Bello’s talent and propelled her into the limelight.
Love Me Jeje became a beloved Afropop anthem, resonating with audiences both in Nigeria and internationally. Bello’s soulful rendition of the chorus added depth to the song’s heartfelt lyrics, expressing a yearning for genuine and enduring love. The repetitive nature of the chorus, sung by Bello, showcased the intensity of the emotions conveyed in the song, emphasizing the constant presence of thoughts about the loved one.
While Love Me Jeje remains Bello’s sole contribution to the music industry, she has since transitioned into acting, establishing herself as one of Nigeria’s leading actresses. Her remarkable talent and versatility have earned her acclaim in the film industry, where she continues to captivate audiences with her performances on both the big screen and television.
5. Patience Ozokwor
Patience Ozokwor, a respected actress in Nollywood, released the single Adaeze from her Ojadili album in 2012. Despite her prominence in acting, Ozokwor’s musical pursuits were limited to a single release, highlighting the challenges of transitioning between artistic mediums.
6. Shan George
Shan George, a veteran of Nollywood’s early days, earned acclaim for her acting skills, but her foray into the music industry did not meet the same success. Despite elaborate launches for her debut and sophomore albums, the actress openly admitted her limitations and acknowledged her decision to release the albums primarily for her village audience. In a candid revelation, Shan George expressed her awareness of the challenges posed by Nigeria’s competitive music scene, indicating her acceptance of her niche within the entertainment industry.
7. Ibironke Ojo-Anthony “Ronke Oshodi-Oke”
Popular Yoruba actress, Ibironke Ojo-Anthony also known as Ronke Oshodi-Oke also ventured into music with her debut single Ori Mi, featuring 9ice. While the song received some criticism from fans, Oshodi-Oke’s foray into music demonstrates her willingness to explore diverse creative avenues.
8. Stella Damascus
Stella Damasus, known for her success in acting and advocacy for female children, has ventured into music, showcasing her diverse talents. With her impressive voice, she stands out among singing actresses. Damasus was a member of the band Synergy, later renamed G-factor, founded by her late husband. Her involvement in music includes performances in clubs and cameo appearances. Checkout her musical abilities in the video for her single, Love Me Quick.
9. Dakore Egbuson Akande
Dakore Egbuson Akande, known for her captivating performances, demonstrated her singing prowess with the release of her debut single Don’t Make Me. Although comparisons arose regarding her lyrical abilities, Akande aimed to release an album titled Dakorious in 2009, indicating her commitment to pursuing music.
10. Anita Joseph
Anita Joseph, an actress who has garnered attention in Nollywood for her striking physical attributes, embarked on a musical journey to showcase her talent. Despite controversies fueling her rise to fame, her debut singles failed to achieve widespread success, circulating mainly among a small circle of supporters. However, her music video for Sexy Boy garnered sympathetic applause from audiences less discerning of well-composed music.
