So yesterday, Charles Novia took to his Facebook page to
congratulate those who received awards/National honours from President Goodluck Jonathan – the likes of Kenneth Nnebue, Joke Silva and Omotola
Jalade-Ekeinde etc.
He however dragged Genevieve Nnaji’s name into the mud….read his piece below:
“Congratulations to the Nollywood recipients of the Nigerian National
Awards which took place today 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
Executive Produced in 1992 generated the unleashing of creative spirits in Nigeria who followed 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 we used to show our talents. His award is belated though. But 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 gives
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 would 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.
Congrats to the Recipients once again.
