In this article we’ll be sharing with you 8 Nollywood actors that were banned from acting for demanding huge fees. If you have been following Nollywood gist since the early 2000s, I am certain you would have heard of the famous G8, which comprises of 8 popular Nollywood actors and actresses, who were banned from Nollywood for a year.
Reports had it that they usually demanded huge fees from producers because they were some of the choicest Nollywood stars. And as a result, they were banned from starring in Nollywood movies for a period of one year.
Following the temporary suspension, actresses like Stella Damasus, Omotola Jalade and Genevieve Nnaji tried a shot at music, but their music career wasn’t really a hit. And when the ban was lifted, they all returned back to acting.
Speaking in an interview years later, Ramsey Nouah said the ban had a huge impact in the Nigerian movie industry and paved way for a new era. In 2011, Omotola Jalade said the ban was a kind of a revolutionary stage in Nollywood, and as a result of that, actors are now well paid.
So here are 8 Nollywood actors that were banned from acting for demanding huge fees.
1. Jim Iyke
James Ikechukwu Esomugha popularly known as Jim Iyke is a famous Nollywood actor, producer, director, hip hop rapper, model and an entrepreneur. He was born on 25th September, 1976 in Libreville, Gabon. He is currently 41 years old. He is referred to as Nollywood Bad-boi because of his criminal role in movies. He is originally from Enugu Agidi town in Anambra State, Nigeria. He is the only boy in a family of eight children. He studied at the University of Jos, Plateau State & obtains a diploma in Banking and Finance and then a B.Sc. in Philosophy. Jim Iyke began his acting career in 1996 and has starred in over 150 films. He is one of the highest paid actors in Nollywood.
2. Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji is a Nollywood actress, singer, model and an entrepreneur. She was born on 3rd May 1979 in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria and grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. She is currently 41 years old. She is originally from Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. She is the fourth child in a family of eight. She was brought up in a middle class environment. Her father worked as an engineer while her mother worked as a teacher in Lagos State. She attended Methodist Girls College Yaba, before heading onto the University of Lagos to study Theatre Arts. She joined Nollywood in 1997 and has starred in over 200 movies.
3. Richard Mofe Damijo
Richard Mofe Damijo popularly known as RMD is a famous Nollywood actor, director, producer, investor, politician and a philanthropist. He was born on 6th July 1961 in Warri, Delta State in the south southern part of Nigeria. He is currently 56 years old. After completing his primary school education, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) proceeded to Midwest College in Warri and later completed his secondary school education in Anglican Grammar School in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. After completing his secondary school education, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) proceeded to University of Benin in Edo State, Nigeria and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts. After which he went further to University of Lagos and obtained a Master’s Degree in Law. RMD joined Nollywood in 1995 and has starred over 250 movies.
5. Omotolola Jalade Ekeide
In 2005, while still on the blacklist, Omotola launched a long awaited music career with the released of her debut album titled “Gba”. Her unreleased sophomore album “ Me, Myself And Eyes” brought in production from Del B. It was supported by the songs “Feel Alright” featuring Harrisong and “Through The Fire” featuring Uche. In late 2012, she began working on her third album and enlisted the help of “The Bridge Entertainment”. She headed to the musical Mecca of Atlanta, Georgia, to work with some prominent singers and songwroters who could help create a sound that could resonate to American audiences. Studio sessions included Grammy Winning Producer Kendrick Dean. Omotala made the 2013 Times list of the 10
6. Nkem Owoh
Nigerian Nollywood actor Nkem Owoh, popularly known as “Osuofia” was listed among the actors banned by Nollywood. His song “I go chop your dollar” did very well in the market. The first album of Osuofia was said to have sold over a million copies and was widely accepted. His second album titled “Osuofia Don Come Again” was not as successful in the market as the first.
7. Stella Damascus
Stella Damascus was also one of the stars that was banned back then. Stella utilized the opportunity to revive her music career. Some people thought she had joined the bandwagon of actors and actresses who delved into the music industry as a result of the ban. She refuted those claims by stating that she had been in the music industry before she went into acting.
8. Ramsey Nouah
Ramsey Nouah was among the actors that were banned in 2005. In a recent interview, he spoke about how the ban had helped to shape up the industry positively. Ramsey Nouah on his part has also enjoyed corporate deals, as well as the media spotlight from international platforms prior to the ban.
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