ELAN PERSONALITY: Genevieve Nnaji

The Actress

“Being recognized by Oprah is certainly one of the highlights of my career so far,” she says, “but having people of all races from different parts of the world actually recognize and appreciate who I am and my work, is fulfilling and one of my greatest achievements.”

This international recognition is definitely a breakthrough, not only for Miss Nnaji, but for Nollywood as a whole. Since the inception of her acting career more than a decade ago, Miss Nnaji’s star has been rising at an amazing velocity—ironic considering that acting was not her first career option. “When I was younger, I wanted to be a lawyer. Going into acting as a career was not planned. The idea, for me, was to spend time while I awaited my WAEC result doing something I enjoyed and felt I could do. It all started out as a hobby, to be honest.”

Miss Nnaji started out with small roles, until her memorable performance in ‘Ijele’. “That was the movie that gave me my big break. After that, people started to recognise and acknowledge me for my work.” Thus, her ‘hobby’ developed into a full-time career, but like most great artists, something inside her always knew that she had what it took to deliver. “I knew it was something I could do because I felt it strongly inside me. Everything about it (acting) has to come as natural as you being you.”

With more than 80 movies to her credit, Miss Nnaji has been a trailblazer, amassing great awards and recognitions, including her 2005 African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She has not only conquered the acting world, but has delved into music and is currently starting to make waves in the fashion world. Miss Nnaji could also probably make a great model, as her 2004 lucrative Lux advertising campaign affirms.

Behind the Spotlight

What lies behind the woman everyone is fascinated with on screen, is a mystery. But as the interview proceeds, the real Genevieve emerges. She is funny, warm, and down to earth. She is fan of sugary treats, snacking on cookies and a bottle of coke.

She also reveals her love for Jazz and mellow music, as well as her aversion to romance novels. “They are too predictable,” she says. As an actress, she is passionate about “a good story with strong characters”, adding that her movie ‘Letters to a Stranger’ is one of her personal favourites. She says that she maintains her true identity “by staying true to myself and being able to decipher what is real and what’s not, and surrounding myself with people that really and truly care for me as a person and not Genevieve the public personality.” On the rare occasion that she is not working, she unwinds by relaxing and watching movies. Her favourites include ‘Shrek’, ‘Crash’ and ‘Saw’.

St. Genevieve

“I like my hair slightly messy, not looking too perfect,” she says as she prepares for the photo shoot. Her style, as she puts it, “is simple, classy and comfortable”. This is translated in the designs from her St. Genevieve clothing line, some of which she has brought along for the photo shoot. “I am motivated by fabrics. I can look at a fabric and determine what dress can be made.” Launched in 2008, Miss Nnaji defines her clothing line as an extension of her personal style which is about chic simplicity. “Style is personality. It is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Simply put, style is the real you.” An advocate of aid organisations, proceeds from the sales of her designs are donated to charity.

Supernova

Barely in her 30s, Miss Nnaji has achieved more than most have in a lifetime. She defines success as “self-satisfaction and peace of mind”, and attributes hers to “God, determination, focus, hard work, honesty to one’s self and patience.” One unique thing about her success is how she has been able to diversify. Beyond acting, she dabbled into music—releasing an album in 2004—and has now turned to designing. So what’s next for this star?

“I have not set out to be a conqueror of things. I do the much I can and sit back and allow God do the rest. I never know his plans for me and that makes life all the more exciting. I like to be pleasantly surprised.

“Life is what you make of it,” she says. “It’s yours to live and be happy with. Don’t waste it trying to please others because it’s a one time opportunity you can’t afford to lose.”

Judging by her past achievements, there seems to be no limit for this shining star.