The Nigeria Movie Industry is likely to witness a turnaround this year with the presence of talented and alluring thespians PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA, takes a look at some of them

FUNKE AKINDELE

Funke Akindele who started her acting career as far back as late 90s in the family television series, “I Need To Know” as Bisi, has carved a niche for herself, especially with her comic character. She is today identified as one of the few actresses who can compete favourably with the likes of Nkem Owoh when it comes to comedy.

The actress who is also a producer grabbed attention and won a lot of fans for her role in the movie “Jenefer”. She has since clinched several awards as well as endorsement deals. Funke is certainly going to do more this year, even as she plans to launch another version of her movie “Jenefer”.

CHARITY EKE

Charity Eke, popularly known as Chacha, has become a household name in the Nigerian Movie Industry. The actress has made a name for herself, having featured in over 50 movies in just few years.

The actress who started acting in 2009 through the “Miss Nollywood Talent hunt/Pageantry” is now reckoned as one of the current hot stars as well as the most sought after actress in the industry. She is certainly going to draw more attention this year with her charm and acting skill.

MERCY JOHNSON OKOGIE

The charming and alluring actress who had her first appearance on screen in “The Maid” where she played the role of a possessed house help has never looked backed ever since.

The actress who revealed that she once worked as a housemaid to survive, has today emerged as one of the most admired Nollywood stars. Her being a wife and a mother could not even stop her from appearing in almost every current movie as every producer wants her appearance in their movies.

The proud mother of two was one of the inaugural winners at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards 2013, for her role in the comedy film “Dumebi The Dirty Girl”. She won the 2009 African Film Award for best supporting actress. She has lots more to offer.

TOPE TEDELA

Temitope Tedela, popularly called Tope Tedela, is one of the rising stars in Nollywood. The dude has gained recognition for his role in the television series, Edge of Paradise. He came into limelight after playing the lead role in the 2013 film, “A Mile from Home”, through which he was nominated for Most Promising Actor at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards. Tope has also received several awards for his role in the film, including Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award, Nigeria Entertainment Award, Best of Nollywood Award, Nollywood Movies Award, Golden Icons Academy Movie Award and Express Star Award. He is certainly one of those to look out for this year.

DANIEL KANAYO DANIEL

The upcoming actor won the award for Best New Actor of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards 2014. Daniel’s recognition in his 2014 performance is perceived as the beginning of his achievements in the industry, he is surely one of those to look out for this year.

CHIKA IKE

Chika Nancy Ike is another actress who can keep your eyes glued to the screen for hours. She started her acting career at the age of five in church plays. In 2005, she appeared in her first lead role in a movie called “Bless the Chi”, directed by T. Chidi Chikere. Ever since, she has starred in over 100 movies.

Chika has received several Awards for her performances including the African Youth Society Award, 2008, Best Role Model In Africa 2009, City People Entertainment Award 2012, African Heritage Award 2011, Donven Club Award Best Actress 2011, UN Ambassador for Peace 2006, African Movie Academy Award, Best Upcoming Actress, Nomination 2009: African Movie Academy Award, Best Actress in a supporting role, Nomination. She featured in so many movies in 2014 and she is not likely to relent this year.

QUEEN NWOKOYE

The Nollywood queen has of recent become the face in the every movie poster. She is said to be the big star in almost every film shot in Asaba and Enugu. Her fame has also been attributed to her comic character which she acted in most of her recent movies. The skill has given her an edge just like Funke Akindele. In 2011, the one and only queen in the industry was named ‘Most Scandal Free Actress’ at the Best of Nollywood (BON) awards. It is likely that more of her skills will be displayed in 2015.

OKECHUKWU UKEJE

The actor is one of the outstanding dudes in Nollywood. He has done perfectly well for himself and he is has become a household name in just a short period of time. He has many awards to credit, including Best Actor in a Lead Role at the Best of Nollywood (BON) awards among others. He is surely one of those to look out for this year.

CLARION CHUKWURA

The Nollywood legend took a break from Nollywood for some time. Upon her return, she bagged a prestigious award in recognition of her contribution towards the development of the Nigerian film industry; Legends of Nollywood award, for her outstanding role in Mirror in the Sun. She also won the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 10th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards for her marvelous performance in the movie, Apaye, and several others.

ALEX EKUBO

Alex Ekubo, the actor who is also a model was first runner up at the 2010 Mr. Nigeria contest. In 2013, he won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in the movie Weekend Getaway.

He is surely one of those to look out for in Nollywood this year.

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