We might be a little late onboard for the Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde @25 industry celebration, but the measure at which her career stands gives room for a year-long admiration.
A lead actress that has taken Nollywood to the Oscars voting bench, a fierce entertainer that got shortlisted on Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential personalities in the world (2013) and an ever-evolving influencer to have amassed the very first 1 million worth of likes on Facebook by any African celebrity on social media, the active years of Omotola has seen her tailor her showbiz relevance with an indelible fabric that goes beyond the standard of an African powerhouse.
Featuring in the very best of everything, the widely acclaimed actress has led the way since her 90s debut on the silver screen. Everyone likes and talks about her and that’s an effortless power emblazoned on her personality.
Below highlights some accomplishments bagged by herself in the course of her 25 years career presence.
Oscars
The last three years has brought in some extra global recognition for Nollywood in terms of film distribution and inclusion at bodies of high rank. Naming one of such icons that have established such feat for the industry is Omotola who became the very first Nigerian actress to have made it to the Oscars as a voting member on the actors branch in 2018.
Time 100
With music stars pushing harder to secure a side-by-side name placement next to Beyonce on weekly, monthly and yearly music charts, Omotola again in the ‘very first’ domain got approved by Time Magazine as one of the most influential personalities in the world (2013) alongside Beyonce, Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton.
Awards
Taking out time to number all of Omotola’s awards won over the years in order of importance is nearly impossible. Typecast as one of the best to ever do it on the big screen, her acting exploits has fetched her endless titles both in and outside Nollywood. Amongst them are; Africa Movie Academy Awards (best actress in a supporting role 2005), Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (best actress in a lead role drama, 2018) and the Toronto International Film Festival (best actress 2017).
TEFFEST
Synonymous to evolution, real Omosexy as she is affectionately called by the Osexynationals expanded her showbiz fame with TEFFEST, an entertainment festival that promotes the business of entertainment through training and trade. She holds the pen as the convener of the year-old fair.
Honorary Conferment
In 2014, Omotola was honored by the Nigerian government as a member of the order of the Federal Republic MFR, wholly due to her contribution towards Nigerian cinemas. Late last year came in the Doctorate recognition by the Igbinedion University, where the Nollywood queen’s name was preceded with a ‘Dr’ title. The full name now reads, Dr Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, MFR.
Music
The music industry landscape has had a great share of the all-round entertainer. Her first love which is music got unleashed in 2005 with the release of a debut album ‘Gba’ and a second album ‘Me, Myself & Eyes’ in 2010. Her songs are currently on stream on all platforms including Apple, Spotify, Tidal and Shazam.
Social Media
With over 8 million followers across all social media platforms, the daily post of Omotola extends beyond normal pictures and video uploads. Distracting societal issues are brought to light as well as grids that offer updates on her committed activities. In the case of the excessive police brutality that the world witnessed intensely this year, the actress used her platform as a laudable voice that can reach top officials with the power to cause change and also educate the public on the necessary steps to take when one falls victim to any injustice such as rape, murder e.t.c.
Movies
From the N60 million box office accumulation with ‘Ije’ through to the N40 million budget for ‘Last Flight to Abuja’, its become evident that her screen performance attracts major scripts. The list includes; ‘A Private Storm’, ‘The Tribunal’, ‘Ties that Bind’ and the iconic DVD oriented film ‘Blood Sisters’ in the early 2000s.
What’s Next?
We can only wait for the big announcement.
