Opinion

31 living legends of Nigeria’s Nollywood

October 26, 201802887

You will agree with me that the evolution of Nigeria’s Nollywood and the Entertainment industry which it belongs happened in a swift and exponential capacity.

Ever since the coming of living in bondage and Nneka the pretty serpent to the days of Violated, Games Women (and Men) Play, Osufia in London and then The Wedding Party, the industry has grown to achieve the status of the fastest growing industry in Nigeria contributing 2.3 percent (N239 billion) to Nigeria’s$510 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounting for almost 20 percent of employment in 2016.

The Entertainment industry has also produced many Millionaires, and Billionaires I dare say when you throw in those involved in the value chain of movie production in Nigeria. Nollywood is one of Nigeria’s few success stories and greatest value export commodity.

It has impacted poverty reduction and economic growth more than any other sector contributing more to employment generation than the Super oil industry.

What particularly stands out with this industry is its resilience-in the face of harsh economic fundamentals, tenacity and the growth of ideas and moving of boundaries.

Who are the living legends of Nollywood? (They will remain evergreen in our hearts and in the history books of Nigeria for they have impacted their generation and their works have transcended this generation and will outlive them.)

A Legend can be described as a person who embodies the pinnacle of all the important social aspects. Legends can also be described as a narrative of human actions that are perceived both by teller and listeners to take place within human history and to possess certain qualities that give the tale verisimilitude (wikipedia).

Legends are people who have achieved very formidable and exemplary track records that are not easy to topple. For Nollywood, these individuals have written their names in the sands of time and serve as models in not just their niche but to the public both locally and internationally.

I would not waste any more of your time on entreaties. Let’s go straight to this list you have been waiting to see. It is important to note that this exclusive list has been arranged in no particular order.