Genevieve Nnaji, born on May 3, 1979, in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria, is a celebrated Nigerian actress, director, and producer.
Nnaji grew up in Lagos, where she was raised in a middle-class family of eight children. Her father was an engineer, and her mother was a nursery schoolteacher. Genevieve attended Methodist Girls College in Lagos before earning her bachelor’s degree in creative arts from the University of Lagos.
Nnaji’s acting career began at the tender age of 8 when she appeared in the popular television soap opera Ripples. She made her Nollywood debut at 19, starring in Most Wanted (1998), which marked the beginning of a prolific career. Over time, Genevieve became one of the most recognized and highest-paid actresses in Nigeria, winning multiple awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actress in 2005.
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In 2004, she ventured into music, signing with EKB Records and releasing her debut album One Logologo Line. However, her biggest achievements came from her impact in Nollywood. In 2015, she produced Road to Yesterday, which won Best Movie Overall – West Africa at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards.
Genevieve made history in 2018 when her directorial debut Lionheart became the first Netflix original film from Nigeria. The movie, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, opened doors for African films on the global stage.
Beyond her film career, Genevieve Nnaji is a staunch advocate for women’s rights. She speaks out against early marriages and domestic abuse, championing feminism and gender equality. Her brand of feminism focuses on empowering women to make independent choices and pursue their passions freely.
