Why Genevieve And I Were Banned From Nollywood
Veteran Nollywood Actress Reflects on 2005 Ban by Film Marketers
Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has recounted her experience with a ban imposed on her and several prominent actors in 2005. In an interview on Yanga FM Nigeria, she described the incident as a critical turning point in her career.
The ban affected eight well-known figures in the industry, including Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Nkem Owoh. According to Ekeinde, the group was prohibited from working with certain film marketers, severely limiting their opportunities during that period.
“The marketers claimed we were having a negative impact on the industry,” she stated. However, Ekeinde suggested that the real motivation behind the ban was their push for improved quality and higher standards in filmmaking, a stance that apparently displeased some individuals controlling production and distribution at the time.
Ekeinde noted that the duration of the ban varied among the actors. While some were able to return to work after about a year, she faced a longer restriction, which she attributed to her decision to skip a meeting convened by the marketers to resolve the issue. Her absence, she explained, exacerbated tensions with those enforcing the ban.
During the time she was sidelined from acting, Ekeinde did not remain idle. She ventured into music, releasing her first album, and also focused on business opportunities outside the entertainment industry, particularly in real estate.
Reflecting on this challenging chapter, Ekeinde said the experience compelled her to explore new avenues rather than lament her circumstances. “The ban did not stop me from moving forward,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in her career.
