Meet Genevieve Nnaji, Ini Edo and Monalisa Chinda – Nollywood's power divas

By Joseph Akahome

They are unarguably the biggest names and most recognizable faces in the Nigerian movie industry, popularly referred to as Nollywood.

Their stellar performances in a number of movies over time have endeared them to the hearts of many. Consequently, they are heavily sought after by multinational corporations and businesses to push their products, by way of brand endorsements.

Collectively, these three actresses control well over a hundred million Naira worth of endorsement deals between them. They currently stand out as worthy ambassadors of preferred causes. They are the power divas of Nollywood.

Genevieve Nnaji: This delectable, enigmatic actress and mother of one has no doubt etched her name on the top spot of the Nigerian movie industry.

She is reputed to be the highest paid actress on the scene, with fees in excess of a million naira per movie.

Her star power has seen her land numerous juicy endorsement deals, from being the face of Lux beauty soap in 2005, a two year deal worth about a hundred thousand dollars (or a little above fourteen million naira), to gracing the MUD cosmetics range in 2010 for an undisclosed amount.

She also recently signed a 50 million naira deal with an energy drink company, Cintrion, as one of its brand ambassadors, making her the first African female to achieve that distinction.

This Imo state born diva was conferred with the national honour of MFR in 2011, and dabbles in fashion, with her label St. Genevieve.

Ini Edo: Actress and producer, Ini Obong Edo is one screen goddess who always leaves an impression. A veritable money-spinner, Ini has proven her viability as a top brand with the avalanche of projects that steadily come her way with each passing year.

Her much talked about deal with telecoms giant, Glo, which was recently renewed, is reported to be in the region of N15m. She followed that up with a recent deal to be the face of the Noble hair brand which allegedly fetched her a cool N32m.

With numerous magazine covers and movie projects in both acting and producing capacities raking in money, as well as reported investments in real estate in the commercial city of Lagos, there seems to be no stopping this Akwa Ibom state born actress.

Monalisa Chinda: ‘Yes, I’m the new face of Vita500 energy drink, we recently concluded all contractual agreements with both parties being very happy with the deal’.

With this statement, this striking Rivers State born actress confirmed her latest endorsement with a South Korean energy drink company.

But she has steadily been on the rise as well recently, as one of the array of stars who are being proudly showcased by telecoms company, Glo, as its high profile ambassadors.

She brought her star power to bear in the recently concluded Calabar Carnival, being the face of the globally renowned event.

She is also a major face of a yet to be unveiled Nigerian Army commercial where she reportedly lit up the scene with her charming personality.