Do you wish to know some of your popular nollywood actresses who are single? The names on the list will shock you to even know that they are over 40 years of age.
Nollywood has always fascinated me with its glamour and glitz hence I have developed a certain interest in the people who act on the films that are liked by many.
Nevertheless, beyond the cameras, there is a true life part of these stars that we all find captivating- their personal lives.
For example, one of the issues touching upon the Nigerian movie industry is the endless debate about certain actresses’ marital status. In march 2024 nairaland made list of some actors and actresses whom are still single and i was surprised to see some actors over 40 years that are still single.
Notwithstanding any pressure from anywhere else, a number of them have opted not to marry and they do so at their convenience.
Being unmarried, especially in societies where marriage and family values are highly esteemed can be quite hard. However, it’s a reflection of their independence, confidence, and dedication to work as shown by these Nollywood actors.
They are also known for defying societal norms by choosing to be single mothers or adopting children outside wedlock.
Hence my post today will not focus on their relationships but rather on what has made them strong enough to sail through fame storms in real life.
1. Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji is one of Nollywood’s most iconic figures without doubt. She has had a lasting career of more than two decades, and during all those years she consistently gave strong performances that earned her several awards and accolades.
Despite being one of the most chased actresses in Nigeria, Genevieve managed to maintain her private life and remain single.
Genevieve has remained unmarried for as long as possible, though it has been the subject of speculation countless times. However, she would always affirm that she was at peace with herself when asked about it.
The actress once said during an interview that she did not want to get married just to meet societal expectations.
Happiness and fulfillment are considered more important for her even on individual terms; what others might think does not matter.
Therefore, Genevieve’s story stands as a powerful testament that true happiness comes from within and also shows how success or personal satisfaction may not be tied to one’s relationship status.
2. Maryann Appolo, Age 50
Maryann Appolo is a Nigerian actress who has earned accolades for her roles in Nollywood films and TV shows. No doubt, she is an accomplished entertainer that commands respect within the industry.
Even at this age of fifty years, she still amazes her fans on stage, proving her adaptability as a thespian.
The journey through Nollywood by Maryann is therefore indicative of her dedication to the craft; hence she remains a darling to millions of fans.
3. Franca Brown, Age 56
Franca Brown is a veteran Nigerian actress and producer known for her mark making appearances in Nollywood.
Over the years of being active in show business at that tender age number, 56 which many consider as retirement period; Franca has been widely acclaimed for acting with realism which has influenced many actors in Nigeria.
Though she may be remembered most for her performances on-screen, Franca’s career includes work in production too so that people can remember it much later than other film performers’ lives.
When summed up all together, those are some reasons why Franca who is very adaptable to any situation turns out to be one of the highly regarded persons both inside and outside Nigeria’s movie industry.
4. Elvina Ibru, Age 51
A multi-talented Nigerian actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Elvina Ibru has made tremendous contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond. At fifty-one years old she still remains active and influential on screen as well as in various business ventures.
Her vibrant personality and her ability to bring characters to life with authenticity have characterized Elvina’s career.
Besides being an actress, she is known for her loving efforts especially in support of downtrodden areas of Nigeria.
5. Chika Ike
Chika Ike is another actress who has chosen to remain single. After going through a public divorce, Chika has focused on building her career and empowering other women through her foundation.
She is a successful actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who has shown that being single doesn’t mean being alone or unfulfilled.
Her journey has not been easy, but she has emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
She has often spoken about the importance of self-love and personal growth, emphasizing that true happiness comes from within.
Chika’s story is a powerful example of how one can overcome adversity and build a successful and fulfilling life on one’s own terms.
6. Ini Edo
Ini Edo is another Nollywood actress who has embraced her single status. After the dissolution of her marriage, Ini focused on her career and personal development.
Today she is one of the most successful actresses in Nollywood with several awards and accolades to her name.
There have been times when Ini has spoken about the significance of self-love and growth.
She thinks that being single has helped her concentrate on her job and transform herself into a better person.
Indeed, Ini’s story confirms that being single is not a limitation but creates room for personal development hence leading to great
7. Bimbo Akintola, Age 53
Bimbo Akintola is yet another unmarried Nollywood actor as well. Having made some remarkable plays through which she defined herself in the industry, Bimbo carved out a niche for herself in the industry.
Despite societal restrictions urging conformity, Bimbo stayed true to herself focusing instead on her career and personal growth.
Bimbo has often talked about staying true to oneself without giving up due to societal pressures.
She feels that being single helped her focus more on her career and personal growth too.
Bimbo’s story is a reminder that true happiness comes from within, and that one’s worth is not defined by their relationship status.
8. Tina Mba, Age 56
Tina Mba has been a versatile and powerful actress in Nigeria since her debut. She is one of the most respected and wanted actors in Nollywood now when she has clocked 56 years.
Tina’s acting career is marked by her ability to fit into different roles such as comedy and drama that have made her famous all over the world.
The Nigerian film industry owes its current status to Tina’s incredible achievements which not only exhibited her prowess but also made her a legend in Nollywood.
The Pressure to Conform
In Nigerian society, marriage is often seen as a rite of passage, particularly for women. This pressure can be overwhelming for actors who always have their lives in public.
For Nollywood actresses, social media and other media outlets amplified that pressure by constantly wanting to know when will their favorite celebrities tie the knot.
However, despite all the external forces that push them into marriage some Nollywood actresses have decided to remain single – and they are doing so without apologizing.
They consider being single not as a curse or failure but a choice that enables them to concentrate on their careers; personal development as well as happiness.
These women challenge the conventional idea that a woman’s value is dependent on her marital status and in this, they inspire many others.
Embracing Independence
One of these actresses’ most desirable qualities is the way they proudly accept being independent.
These Nollywood stars refuse any attempts to define them through relationships where women usually face similar pressures.
They show that one can also be successful, satisfied, and fulfilled without being with someone else.
To these women, singleness is not about giving up love or relationships; instead, it is a matter of putting themselves and their happiness first.
They have chosen careers, interests, and personal development as well as showed that marriage isn’t everything in life.
Breaking the Stereotypes
In addition, the choice by these Nollywood actresses to stay single is also helping to break down the stereotypes that surround single women in Nigeria.
Single women for so long have been seen as incomplete or inadequate in one way or another. Nevertheless, such actors are showing us that being unmarried doesn’t equate to someone’s worthiness or achievements.
They’re revealing that one can lead a fulfilling and successful life without having a partner.
This also means they are challenging the idea that female happiness and self-fulfillment depend on whether she’s married or not; thus changing how society perceives single ladies.
The Importance of Self-Love
The most important thing behind this decision for these actresses has been self-love. To them, being single doesn’t mean rejecting romantic relationships but rather focusing on themselves and what makes them happy.
They’ve learned that true happiness comes from within and that it’s important to love and take care of oneself before entering into a relationship.
These actresses have always been an example that a happy and fulfilling life is rooted in self-love.
They’ve taught us about the okayness of being not married, and singleness as time for personal growth, self-discovery, and self-improvement.
They’ve demonstrated to us how it is possible to be happy and satisfied with our lives on our own without having someone else complete them.
Do These Actresses Plan to Get Married in The Future?
A desire to marry one day has been expressed by some Nollywood actresses, but only when they feel the time is right and have found the right man.
To others, being married is not something that matters so much as they are happy with their lives just the way they are. It’s a personal decision that every actress will make on her terms.
What Message Do These Actresses Send to Other Single Women?
Singlehood shouldn’t be seen as a failure or a limitation; this is a strong message that other Nollywood actresses send to single women in Nigeria. They demonstrate that living happily, satisfactorily, and successfully without being romantically involved in someone else’s life is possible.
Their stories tell other women to appreciate their state of independence, and happiness as their main priority and set a worthy benchmark.
Conclusion
In contrast to a world that lays so much emphasis on relationships or marriage, it is quite refreshing to observe these Nollywood actresses in their singlehood celebration.
They’ve shown us that being single does not mean you are cursed or have failed but rather it’s an option for personal growth, self-discovery, and happiness.
These women are showing many others to prioritize their happiness by embracing independence.
Thus challenging the traditional story that says a woman gets her value from her marital status, they are changing how society perceives single women.
So Single ladies out there remember your worth can never be defined by whether you are in a relationship or not. You are more than enough as you expanse them and hence capable of leading a joyous well-rounded life alone.
FAQs
1. Why do some Nollywood actresses choose to remain single?
Most Nollywood actresses remain single to focus on their careers, self-development, and happiness.
They argue that being alone helps them to concentrate on themselves and what they set out to achieve without any pressure from being committed elsewhere. In other words, for these actresses, marriage is an individual choice rather than a collective obligation.
2. Is there pressure for Nollywood actresses to get married?
Nollywood actresses feel the pressure to get married both from society and the media.
Nevertheless, a number of these have decided against this kind of pressure choosing to stay single thus defining this institution in terms that are not so traditional.
3. Can being single impact an actress’s career in Nollywood?
Being unmarried can affect an actress’s career in Nigeria’s film industry positively as well as negatively sometimes.
To some extent, some singles may find it easier to commit more time towards acting hence leading them into success.
Nevertheless, oftentimes societal expectations or stereotypes can create unfair assumptions about their life situations.
Disclaimer: Determining the exact marital status of public figures, including Nollywood actresses, can be challenging due to the dynamic nature of relationships and the desire for privacy. Information can change rapidly.