“Congratulations to the Nollywood recipients of the Nigerian National Awards which took place today (Monday) in Abuja. Kenneth Nnebue, Joke Silva and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde were each given National Honours by President Jonathan today.
“Kenneth Nnebue is generally acknowledged as the founder of the home video industry in Nigeria which later snowballed into Nollywood. His epoch-making movie Living in Bondage (which he executively produced) in 1992 unleashed the creative spirit of many Nigerians who followed in his footsteps and used the affordable home video technology to exhibit their gifts.
“Perhaps, without Nnebue’s foray into that sector, the likes of me and thousands of others would never have found the creative leeway to show our talents. His award is belated though. Better late than never.
“Joke Silva is an actor’s actor. A formidable screen personality and one of the most articulate thespians Nigeria has produced. She is an inspiration to millions and her award is just about a crowning glory she could ever receive from her nation. A priceless gem.
“Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is known to many. Her acting prowess is arguably in a class by itself and her being nominated as one of the world’s 100 most influential persons by Time magazine a couple of years back must have paved the way for her present national recognition by the federal government. Frankly speaking, I personally think she has more depth in acting than her ‘rival’ Genevieve Nnaji. I have worked with both of them in the past and also studied their acting styles. Omotola has the gift of role immersion. She puts everything into her characters. There is an organic style of interpretation she is gifted with. Very few actors have that. She Is not a Method Actor, mind you, but she has delivered roles which many method actors will give her a standing ovation for.
“Genevieve, on the other hand, is a fantastic actress and a trend-setting one too. But she lacks the intrinsic ability to evolve artistically beyond her present heights in her career. That is my opinion. There is an underlying stereotype in her interpretation of her roles in many of her movies; a linear aloofness and veiled disdain at the thought of being pushed further down the exploratory lane. Of course, she has an uncanny screen presence which generally veils her artistic shortcomings when it comes to acting and between her and her rivals; she comes tops on the fan-base list. However, with an attitude which seems to say she has nothing more to prove, even the fans would become restless if new artistic exploits are not offered from her to which they can beat their chests.
“And for fans of both actresses, this is a professional review of their acting abilities and not an attempt to rekindle old rivalries. Somehow, this post on the national honours dove-tailed into their artistry. All well and good.”
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