Izuchukwu OkosiYou are definitely aware of the fact that we have stars in the movie and music industries that have opted to join the political space.
Nigeria’s Nollywood is one of the world’s biggest in motion pictures while Afrobeats – Nigeria’s unique music genre – is unarguably one of Nigeria’s and Africa’s biggest exports to the world.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelJoining politics for some superstars across the world is not a strange phenomenon among the fan base. However, there are select group of actors and music stars that their fans hope stick to their first love either because they adore them or because the political experiment hasn’t quite worked out.
As Nigeria’s Democracy Day (June 12) beckons, Prime Business Africa in this piece presents five stars Nigerian fans would to have back full time on the movie sets and in the music studios.
1. Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD)
As stated above, it is not news that there are several Nigerian celebrities that have political careers.
The thrust of this writeup is to highlight those we feel fans are a little bit jealous of seeing in the murky waters of Nigerian politics instead of their television sets.
So Richard Mofe Damijo makes the cut.
This writer was on the same set as RMD in the 1998 classic, Scores To Settle.
The movie also starred Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Liz Benson, Teco Benson and Bukky Ajayi as directed by the late Chico Ejiro.
The affection showed by the fans towards the cast and crew when exterior scenes were shot – particularly to RMD was a testament to the fact that he is made for the movies and theatres for them.
Politically, RMD was a Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State in the administration of of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan between 2007 to 2015.
2. Funke Akindele
The hit series, Jennifer’s Diary is popular among large sections of Nigerians.
The actress who has also entertained her fanbase with flawless deliveries in works like Omo Ghetto, A Tribe Called Judah to name a few aside being a successful actor and producer, is also a trained lawyer.
Akindele was a running mate to Abdul-Azeez Olajide of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last gubernatorial elections.
They lost the in the primaries three ago but ‘Jennifer’ is one thespian that fans would like to have back in their faces, not the political posters around town.
She has vowed to return to politics.
3..Yul Edochie
Son of Nollywood legend and onetime broadcaster, Pete Edochie, Yul Edochie is undoubtedly one of Africa’s best actors.
The deep baritone voice, the elegance and excellent acting skills of the University of Port Harcourt graduate in Theatre Arts are assets that are better valued in the movies.
Yul Edochie contested for the Gubernatorial seat in Anambra State in 2017 with ticket of the Democratic People’s Congress (DPC).
Edochie clearly did not have the political experience at the time which he admitted albeit he is still interested in becoming Anambra State governor and even the country’s President.
Yul’s family faceoff with first wife, May, and the backlash it has generated is one drama too many for his ardent fans who want less controversy for him.
READ ALSO: Six Celebrities Nigerians Will Love To See In Nollywood Movies, Songs
4. Kate Henshaw
Ageless actress Kate Henshaw in 2015 contested for the House of Representatives sear in Cross River State.
Henshaw has acted in some of the most successful movies in the last three decades in what is curiously now known as ‘old Nollywood’.
Despite not winning in that House of Reps elections, Henshaw who graced our screens with movies like A Million Tears, Stronger Than Pain, The Sun sets, Candle Light (drama series) continues to be involved in advocacy programmes that protect and amplify women’s voices, promote fitness and wellness and national impact.
Kate turns 54 on July 19 and her disciplined upbringing and social cause are ingredients that Nigerian youth especially the little girls would seek to emulate.
5. Kenneth Okonkwo
Kenneth Okonkwo was a lawyer and actor turned politician but he is not endeared to many Nigerians for appearing on political programmes aired on television stations to talk about politics.
The exceptional acting skills of ‘Andy Okeke’ (that very popular character he played in Living In Bondage) is one that his fans across Africa want to see on their screens.
Okonkwo was spokesperson for the Labour Party as former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi contested for Presidency.
Although he has quit the party after irreconcilable differences and joined the ruling All People’s Congress (APC), millions of movie fans still have nostalgic feelings about Okonkwo’s movies and want back fulltime and not sparingly.
Honorable Mentions
Notable mentions will include Bob Manuel Udokwu who is currently the Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on Entertainment and Media.
Others include the trio of Ini Edo, Tonto Dike and Hilda Dokubo who are now into Rivers State politics as Special Advisers as well as Jibola Dabo and Desmond Elliot.
Elliot will be better served putting his talent into good use on movie locations as most Nigerians see him as not chat out for politics.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
