Genevieve Nnaji, born on May 3, 1979, is a renowned Nigerian actress, producer, and director.
She made history by winning the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005, becoming the first actor to achieve this feat. Recognizing her immense contributions to Nollywood, she was honored as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government in 2011. Nnaji’s directorial debut, “Lionheart,” marked Nigeria’s first Netflix film and its initial submission for the Oscars. However, it faced disqualification due to a significant portion of its dialogue being in English. In 2020, she was featured in two new books alongside other celebrities and business executives by publisher and Editor in Chief of Yes International! magazine, Azuh Arinze, reflecting her enduring presence in the movie industry.
Early life and Education 
Genevieve Nnaji was born in Mbaise, Imo State, situated in the southeast region of Nigeria. She spent her formative years in Lagos, southwest Nigeria. As the fourth of eight children, she was brought up in a middle-class household, with her father employed as an engineer and her mother working as a nursery school teacher.
Genevieve Nnaji attended Methodist Girls College in Yaba, Lagos, before pursuing her bachelor’s degree in creative arts at the University of Lagos. During her time at the university, she started auditioning for acting roles in Nollywood, marking the beginning of her journey in the Nigerian film industry.
Career
Nnaji’s acting journey began as a child actor in the popular television soap opera “Ripples” at the tender age of 8. At 19, she made her debut in the Nigerian film industry with the movie “Most Wanted” in 1998. Her early roles included films like “Last Party,” “Mark of the Beast,” and “Ijele.” Notably, in 2010, she starred in the acclaimed film “Ijé: The Journey.” Throughout her career, she has appeared in over 200 Nollywood movies.
In addition to her acting prowess, Nnaji ventured into music, signing a recording contract with EKB Records, a Ghanaian label, in 2004. Her debut album, “One Logologo Line,” featured a blend of R&B, Hip-Hop, and Urban music. She also achieved recognition outside of acting, winning the search for the face of Lux in 2004.
Her talent and dedication to her craft were further acknowledged in 2005 when she clinched the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actress in a Leading Role, setting a historic milestone as the first actress to win the prestigious award.
In 2009, Nnaji was among the highest-paid female actors in Nollywood, reflecting her significant impact on the industry. Her achievements were recognized with several notable awards, including being the first actor to receive the Best Actress award at the 2001 City People’s Awards, previously reserved for politicians and business figures. She also made history as the inaugural recipient of the Best Actress award from the Censors Board of Nigeria in 2003. Notably, Oprah Winfrey likened her to Julia Roberts, acknowledging her influence and talent.
In 2015, Nnaji ventured into film production with her debut movie, “Road to Yesterday,” which went on to win Best Movie Overall – West Africa at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. While there were rumors in 2018 about her involvement in Marvel’s “Avengers: Infinity War,” it turned out to be a prank.
Her directorial debut, “Lionheart,” made waves when it was acquired by Netflix in September 2018, marking Nigeria’s first Netflix original film. The movie premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, where it garnered attention alongside other notable works.
Activist
Beyond her contributions to the entertainment industry, Nnaji is a vocal advocate for women’s rights and social justice. She campaigns against early marriage for girls and speaks out against the abuse of women in society. Identifying as a feminist, she champions the idea that women should have the freedom to make their own choices and pursue their ambitions.
Endorsements
Nnaji’s influence extends beyond the silver screen to numerous commercial endorsements. She has appeared in advertisements for brands such as Pronto (beverage) and Omo detergent. Notably, in 2004, she secured a lucrative sponsorship deal as the “Face of Lux” in Nigeria.
In 2008, Nnaji expanded her entrepreneurial endeavors by launching the clothing line “St. Genevieve,” which operates on a charitable model, donating its proceeds to charity. Additionally, she was appointed as the official “Face of MUD” in Nigeria in May 2010, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in both the entertainment and business spheres.
Personal life
Genevieve Nnaji’s daughter, Chimebuka, affectionately known as Theo among her friends, is indeed a significant part of her life. Nnaji became pregnant as a teenager and chose to keep the pregnancy. Today, she is proud of her daughter, who has grown into a young woman in her twenties. While Nnaji has maintained a private stance regarding her personal life, her pride and happiness in her daughter are evident.