Charles Novia:”Omotola Has More Depth In Acting Than Her ‘Rival’ Genevieve Nnaji.”

Nollywood director/critic, Charles Novia
took to his Facebook page to congratulate
those who received awards/National
honours from President Goodluck
Jonathan, the likes of Kenneth Nnebue,
Joke Silva and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
amongst others.
He however compared Genevieve with
Omotola insinuating that Omotola is a
better actress than Genevieve. Frankly,
we do not think that was quite
necessary.
Read his message
below: “Congratulations to the Nollywood
recipients of the Nigerian National
Awards which took place today in Abuja.
Kenneth Nnebue, Joke Silva and Omotola
Jalade-Ekeinde were each given National
Honours by President Jonathan today.
Kenneth Nnebue is generally
acknowledged as the founder of the home
video industry in Nigeria which later
snowballed into Nollywood. His epoch –
making movie ‘Living in Bondage’ which
he Executive Produced in 1992 generated
the unleashing of creative spirits in
Nigeria who followed his footsteps and
used the affordable home video
technology to exhibit their gifts.
Perhaps without Nnebue’s foray into that
sector, the likes of me and thousands of
others would never have found the
creative leeway we used to show our
talents. His award is belated though. But
better late than never.
Joke Silva is an actor’s actor. A
formidable screen personality and one of
the most articulate thespians Nigeria has
produced. She is an inspiration to
millions and her award is just about a
crowning glory she could ever receive
from her nation. A priceless gem.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is known to
many. Her acting prowess is arguably in
a class by itself and her being nominated
as one of the world’s 100 most influential
persons by TIME magazine a couple of
years back must have paved the way for
her present national recognition by the
Federal Government. Frankly speaking, I
personally think she has more depth in
acting than her ‘rival’ Genevieve Nnaji. I
have worked with both of them in the
past and also studied their acting styles.
Omotola has the gift of role immersion.
She gives everything into her characters.
There is an organic style of interpretation
she is gifted with. Very few actors have
that. She Is not a Method Actor, mind
you but she has delivered roles which
many method actors would give her a
standing ovation for.
Genevieve, on the other hand, is a
fantastic actress and a trend – setting one
too. But she lacks the intrinsic ability to
evolve artistically beyond her present
heights in her career. That is my opinion.
There is an underlying stereotype in her
interpretation of her roles in many of her
movies; a linear aloofness and veiled
disdain at the thought of being pushed
further down the exploratory lane. Of
course she has an uncanny screen
presence which generally veils her artistic
shortcomings when it comes to acting and
between her and her rivals, she comes
tops on the fan base list. However, with
an attitude which seems to say she has
nothing more to prove, even the fans
would become restless if new artistic
exploits are not offered from her to which
they can beat their chests.
And for fans of both actresses, this is a
professional review of their acting
abilities and not an attempt to rekindle
old rivalries. Somehow, this post on the
National Honours dove tailed into their
artistry. All well and good.