5 most powerful female celebs in Nigeria

Its International womens day, today, March 8, 2016! And in celebration of the economic, political, and social achievements of women in Nigeria, Pulse presents a list of the Top 5 most powerful female entertainers in Nigeria at the moment.

These female Nigerians in the entertainment scene are not only successful, but also powerful, in a world widely regarded as a man’s:

1. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

With a career spanning over 21 years, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is a Nigerian actress, singer, philanthropist and former model of an Ondo descent from Lagos, Nigeria.

Her acting career kicked off in the 1995 movie Venom of Justice, directed by Reginald Ebere. She was given the lead role in the movie, which set the stage for a flourishing career in the Nollywood film industry. Omotola Ekeinde got her big break in the critically acclaimed film Mortal Inheritance (1995).

Ever since then, she has not looked back and has starred in several blockbuster movies, including Games Women Play, Blood Sisters, All My Life, Last Wedding, My Story, The Woman in Me and a host of others.

The leading actress has appeared in 300 films, selling millions of video copies. She has been revered by the press as the "African Magic".

She is also applauded for her remarkable humanitarian efforts. Over the years, Omotola has successfully become the most watched actress in Africa.

In 2013, she was honoured in Time Magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world alongside Michelle Obama, Beyonce and Kate Middleton.

2. Mo Abudu

Mo Abudu, real name Mosunmola Abudu, is a talk show host, TV producer, media personality, human resources management consultant, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

She has been described by Forbes as "Africa's Most Successful Woman".

Abudu started off her career in the UK as a recruitment consultant in 1987, becoming a branch manager. She went on to work for the Starform Group, managing the Corporate Credit Management Exhibition from 1990 to 1992.

In 1993 she joined Arthur Andersen for Esso Exploration & Production Nigeria Limited (now ExxonMobil) to head their Human Resources and Training unit. She left in 2000 to establish a privately owned specialist human resources development company known as Vic Lawrence & Associates Limited (popularly known as VLA).

Abudu is the Executive Producer & host of a TV talk show, Moments with Mo.

Guests have included celebrities, Presidents, Nobel Laureates, and the 67th US Secretary-of-State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

3. Genevieve Nnaji

Genevieve Nnaji was born in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria but grew up in Lagos. She started her acting career as a child actress in the then popular television soap opera Ripples at the age of 8. In 1998 at the age of 19 she was introduced into the growing Nigerian film industry with the movie "Most Wanted".

In 2010 she starred in the award winning film Ijé: The Journey. Nnaji has starred in over 80 Nollywood movies.Genevieve Nnaji is considered to be one of the best paid actresses in Nollywood. In 2009, she was referred to as the Julia Roberts of Africa by Oprah Winfrey.

In 2004 she signed a recording contract with EKB Records, a Ghanaian record label, and released her debut album One Logologo Line.

4. Emem Isong

With a well celebrated film-making career, spanning over a decade in Nollywood, Emem is a filmmaker extraordinaire. Also a writer and CEO of Royal Arts Academy, the Akwa Ibom-born director has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Nigerian film industry.

Beginning her career in 1994, she has excelled in writing and producing movies and has earned her place in Nollywood as one of the best screenplay writers.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from the University of Calabar and a diploma in computer science from the Computer Science Institute (NCR).

Since 1994, Emem has written and produced more than 17 movies some of which have won awards both nationally and internationally.

5. Tiwa Savage

Mrs. Tiwa Savage Balogun is a triple threat with her natural songwriting ability, her electrifying stage presence and a voice that stays powerful through many stages.

Tiwa warmed her way into our hearts with the single “Kele Kele Love”, which went on to become an anthem for women everywhere around as it took the number one spot on numerous radio and television stations across the continent.

She has her big break at the age of i6 when she started off a background singer for George Michael. Her determination didn’t stop there as she went on to do backup singing for a host of artistes including Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Blu Cantrell, Kelly Clarkson, Andreas Bocelli, Ms Dynamite, and much more.