They are part of the movers and shakers of the motion picture industry, and their immense contributions to what is today celebrated as Nollywood cannot be underestimated. When they decided to spread their tentacles to the music industry, many expected that their ready-made fame in the movie world would be replicated, but surprisingly their achievements as actors and actresses could not make the difference in the music industry. AJIBADE ALABI reports.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

She is one of the best celebrated Nollywood diva. She is highly successful as an actress, but several attempts by the beautiful wife of Pilot Mathew Ekeinde at music have not made any impact despite her celebrity status. She was among thespians that tried their hand in music in 2005 after they were banned by the Ejike Asiegbu-led AGN regime. That year she released a single entitled ‘Gba’ followed by a video and album. However, despite the massive hype to boost acceptance of the album, it turned out a huge failure. Her second attempt with songs like ‘Missing You’ and ‘Feel Alright’ made little or no impact either.

Genevieve Nnaji

Genny, as she is fondly called, is also among the most celebrated Nollywood actresses in Nigeria and abroad. She was among those suspended from acting in 2005, and before one could say “Genevieve” she also joined the musical bandwagon with the release of an album titled ‘No More’. She went ahead to secure a mouth-watering recording deal in Ghana, but this wasn’t enough to make her a force to reckon with in the music industry, thus making her one of those Nollywood stars who failed in their attempt at music.

Anita Joseph

Until recently when she announced her born-again status, Anita was hitherto referred to as Nollywood bad girl. Though she was enmeshed in a lot of controversies, she however has proved her mettle as one of the future talents in Nollywood. Between 2008 and 2009 she released a single and performed in a couple of shows, including the ‘News of The People’ Awards held at Sheraton Hotels, Lagos. Even at that, she is yet to make any spectacular statement as a singer. She dropped two new gospel singles, claiming that God directed her to do so during the nationwide fuel subsidy strike.

Jim Iyke

The list of wannabe Nollywood singers will not be complete without the name of controversial actor, Jim Iyke. The former Globacom ambassador also embraced music when he released a song, ‘Who Am I’, featuring one of Nigeria’s finest, Tuface Idibia. Jim, whose genre of music is rap, was actually keen on making a statement musically, and spent a fortune on radio and television hypes. Yet, his attempt at music was anything but a success. The actor also did another song entitled ‘Born To Do This’, which featured Mike Word and Puffy T, but it did not make the expected impact.

Nkem Owoh

Popularly referred to as Osuofia, Nkem Owoh is a highly successful actor. At a time, he was the highest paid Nollywood actor, raking millions from every script that comes his way. But when he grabbed a microphone to release a song, ‘I Go Chop Your Dollar’, it was a different ball game. The audio and video of the song were banned on air due to its lyrical content. Osuofia went ahead to record another song, ‘Olamma’, but it did not hit the success expected. Perhaps, he needs to add his comical bag of tricks to make headway in music.

Cosy Orjiakor

There is no doubt that this naturally endowed actress possesses a sonorous voice, but it is obviously not enough to give her a hit in the music industry. She has recorded a couple of songs and also shot some videos, but her efforts were not enough to guarantee her musical success. One of her songs is entitled ‘Me and You’ through which she hoped to connect with her fans in some musical videos, but the fans seem to be looking the other way.

John Okafor

Also known as Mr. Ibu, John Okafor is a skilled and successful actor who has carved a niche for himself. Regarded as one of the most hilarious actors in Nigeria, Mr. Ibu claims he is gifted with good singing voice. He actually released an audio/video album some years back, but it is yet to reach the success line. He has since gone back to his original calling – acting.

Shan George

She is an actress of note, but like her colleagues, Shan’s attempts at making hits through music have so far been futile. She has performed in a couple of gigs, including the annual ‘Felabration’ and has released an album, but like her fellow movie stars, she could not make any impact as a singer. But now that one of her sons is into the business, who knows, she could do a collabo with him.

Lillian Bach

The half-caste actress also tried her hand in music, but was quick to withdraw after realising that it was a tough terrain for her. Nollywood wannabe singers learn from her. She once labelled herself an ‘all in all’ as far as entertainment is concerned. Fans are still expecting her to conjure a miracle that would resurrect her dying music career since she has not been featuring in movies recently.

Tonto Dikeh

The release of her two new singles met with so much hate and rejection. Recently, a Nollywood producer referred to her attempt at singing as a “Terrible Tremelo” (whatever that means).

Since the release of her singles ‘Hi’ and ‘Itz Over’ fans at home and abroad have made it clear they don’t like her veering into music. They virtually pulled all the stops to show their displeasure.

Stella Damasus

She also tried her “luck” in the singing profession. But like her other professional colleagues in Nollywood she got her hands burnt in the heat of it. After failure to take the music scene by storm, Stella “relocated” to America, where grapevine claims she is now married to Daniel Ademinokan, the estranged husband of Doris Simeon, another Nollywood actress. What is not yet clear now is whether she could still go back to music, or perhaps do a collabo with Daniel.