Genevieve Nnaji is a Nigerian actress, producer, and director. She won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005, making her the first actor to win the award. In 2011, she was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government for her contributions to Nollywood. Her directorial debut movie, Lionheart, is the first Netflix film from Nigeria and the first Nigerian submission for the Oscars. The movie was disqualified for having most of its dialogue in English. After having spent decades in the movie industry, she was profiled alongside some celebrities and business executives in 2020 in two new books by publisher and Editor in Chief of Yes International! magazine, Azuh Arinze.
Aki na Ukwa is a 2002 Nigerian family comedy film directed by Amayo Uzo Philips. The film stars Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze. The film launched the acting careers of the two actors Osita and Chinedu and this film marked their maiden collaboration. The film was critically acclaimed opening to positive reviews and the film has been regarded as one of the finest ever films in Nigerian cinema mainly for the introduction of Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze in the lead roles playing the so-called characters of PawPaw and Aki respectively. The duo rose to stardom and became overnight sensations in Nigeria for their performance in the film since its release. Since then, the duo have starred together in several films in the lead roles. Chukwuka Emelionwu who was the producer of the film was credited for creating brand characters "Aki" and "PawPaw".
Osita Iheme, MFR is a Nigerian actor, Producer and author. He is widely known for playing the role of Pawpaw in the film Aki na Ukwa alongside Chinedu Ikedieze. Osita Iheme is the founder of Inspired Movement Africa which he founded to inspire, motivate and stimulate the minds of young Nigerians and Africans. In 2007, Iheme received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. He is considered to be one of Nigeria's most famous actors. In 2011, Osita Iheme was honored as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by President Goodluck Jonathan. He has an estimated net worth of 560 million naira.
Chinedu Ikedieze, MFR is a Nigerian actor, entrepreneur and investor. He is best known for playing alongside Osita Iheme in majority of the movies after their breakthrough as duo in the 2002 film Aki na Ukwa. He has featured in over 150 films in a career spanning over 20 years. He has acted in the role of a kid in most of his films during his early career due to his stature and physical appearance. He is known as Aki for his performance in the film Aki na Ukwa. In 2011, he married fashion designer Nneoma Nwaijah and the couple had their first child in 2012.
Majid Michel is a Ghanaian actor, model, television personality, evangelist and a humanitarian. He received nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2017. He eventually won the award in 2012 after three previous consecutive nominations. Majid Michel attended Mfantsipim School, along with fellow actor Van Vicker.
Stephanie Okereke Linus is a Nigerian actress, film director and model. She has received several awards and nominations for her work as an actress, including the 2003 Reel Award for Best Actress, the 2006 Afro Hollywood Award for Best Actress, and three nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2005, 2009 and 2010. She was also the runner up for the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria beauty pageant of 2002. In 2011, she was honoured by the Nigerian government with a national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR.
The 3rd Africa Movie Academy Awards ceremony was held on March 10, 2007 at the Gloryland Cultural Center in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, to honor the best African films of 2006. The ceremony was broadcast live on Nigerian national television. Numerous African & international celebrities and top Nigerian politicians attended the event, including Nigerian musician Tuface Idibia and Ghanaian hiplife band VIP. Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo and South African actress Thami Ngubeni hosted the ceremony. Special guests of honor were Academy Award winners Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Mo'Nique. Nollywood's favourite acting duo Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
30 Days is a 2006 Nigerian action thriller film written and directed by Mildred Okwo. The film received 8 nominations at the 2008 Africa Movie Academy Awards, with Joke Silva taking the award for Best Supporting Actress.
Tango with Me is a 2010 Nigerian romantic drama film written by Femi Kayode, produced and directed by Mahmood Ali-Balogun and starring Genevieve Nnaji, Joseph Benjamin and Joke Silva. The film was nominated for 5 awards at the 7th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Dickson Nnamdi Iroegbu is a Nigerian film director and producer. He has directed and produced several Nollywood hit movies. In 2005, at the maiden edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, Iroegbu won three awards for the movie The Mayors, including the awards for Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Director.
Michelle Bello is a British Nigerian film director and film producer. She is also CEO of a Nigerian-based entertainment and publishing company, Blu Star Entertainment Limited. Bello was born in London, England.
Weekend Getaway is a 2012 Nigerian romantic drama film directed by Desmond Elliot and starring Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Monalisa Chinda, Ini Edo, Uti Nwachukwu, Alexx Ekubo, Bryan Okwara, Beverly Naya and Uru Eke. It received 11 nominations and eventually won 4 awards at the 2013 Nollywood & African Film Critics Awards (NAFCA). It also received 2 nominations at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards with Alexx Ekubo eventually winning the award for Best Actor in a supporting role. The film was a box-office success in Nigerian cinemas generally because of its star-studded cast.
A Private Storm is a 2010 Nigerian romantic drama film, co-directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and Ikechukwu Onyeka. It stars Ramsey Nouah, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Ngozi Ezeonu, Ufuoma Ejenobor and John Dumelo. It was premiered on 18 December 2010 at Four Points Hotel, Lekki.
Road To Yesterday is a 2015 Nigerian road romantic drama film directed by Ishaya Bako. It stars Genevieve Nnaji and Oris Erhuero in lead roles, with Majid Michel and Chioma 'Chigul' Omeruah in supporting roles. The film, which is co-produced by Genevieve Nnaji, is the actress' first effort as a producer.
Lionheart is a 2018 Nigerian drama film produced by Chinny Onwugbenu and directed by Genevieve Nnaji. It stars Pete Edochie, Genevieve Nnaji, and Nkem Owoh. It was acquired by Netflix on 7 September 2018, making it the first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria. Lionheart premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. The movie was Nnaji's directorial debut as well as Peter Okoye's and Chibuzor Azubuike's acting debut. The film was released worldwide on 4 January 2019 on Netflix.
Ifeanyi Kalu is a Nigerian television and film actor, model and fashion designer. He is best known for his role in the movie Lagos Cougars where he starred alongside Uche Jombo, Monalisa Chinda, Alexx Ekubo and the Africa Independent Television (AIT) series Allison's Stand alongside Joselyn Dumas, Bimbo Manuel, and Victor Olaotun.
Bella Awa Gassama is a Gambian actress.
Udoka Oyeka is a Nigerian-American actor, director, and producer. He directed the short film, Down and Out, which was nominated in 3 categories, including best short film at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
