Pretty Dope is the place where ESSENCE highlights creatives doing amazing things in front of the camera and on the mic. You should know each and every one of these faces. They’re pretty dope.
Genevieve Nnaji is the darling of Nollywood, Nigeria’s multi-billion dollar movie industry. And after having enjoyed over two decades as one of the most popular and successful actresses in the industry, she recently made history with her directorial debut, Lionheart.
The film, which debuts on Netflix Friday, follows a woman who has to step up to help run her father’s company, became Netflix’s first original film from Nigeria after the streaming giant purchased the worldwide rights in September.
“I am thrilled that through Netflix, the film will be available to a global audience,” Nnaji tells ESSENCE.
The director and actress also spoke to us about her film, Hollywood and her transition from actress to director.
ESSENCE: Why did you decide to move behind the camera after many years of success in front of it?
Nnaji: I believe the right story and intent called for it. I was ready to become a storyteller beyond portraying a singular character. The only way to fully share the vision I had was getting behind the camera lens, and I look forward to sharing more.
Where did the idea for Lionheart come from?Lionheart stemmed from my desire and hunger to shed light, and to speak the truth of what it’s like to be a young [woman] trying to make it in a world that is dominated by men. That being said, it was equally important to me that the movie was light-hearted and warm, so the environment in which it was told was crucial as well.
What were you most worried about with your director-actor role in the movie?
I was most worried about being in two places at once. As an actor, you get on set at your call time and leave when you wrap your shoot for the day. As a director, you are first in and last out. I had to stay up long enough to go through the rushes of the day as well as plan out the scenes for next day’s shoot. It was difficult and very challenging, but with sheer determination and tenacity, as well as a very efficient crew, Lionheart was made.
As Netflix has made a shift towards Africa, and your film became the first original Nollywood film to ever be purchased. How did that deal come about?
Our movie had been accepted into the Toronto International Film Festival and that was where Netflix acquired it. I am thrilled that through Netflix, the film will be available to a global audience.
How easy is it for Nollywood to break into Hollywood and vice-versa. Do you see potential future collaborations in the future?
I believe authenticity has a home in today’s globalized world. A good human story with relatability from anywhere will travel far and resonate with viewers despite their backgrounds.
For those who have never watched a Nollywood film, which film would you recommend they watch first?Rattle Snake, October 1, and of course, Lionheart.
Who in Hollywood would you most like to collaborate with in the future? And what movie have you watched that you wish you made?
I would love to collaborate with Jordan Peele, Shonda Rhimes, Issa Rae, Patty Jenkins, Ava Duvernay, or Angelina Jolie. [As for movies, ] Crash, Get Out and Black Panther.What next for you? Would you like to keep directing?
Yes, definitely. There are so many stories out there yet untold.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Throughout history, many young men and women have joined these historical Black fraternities and sororities on college campuses across the United States, including a number of celebrities. Other famous men and women have received honorary letters for their public impact as entertainers, government officials, and more. Check out this list of famous Black sorority and fraternity members and meet sorors and frat brothers you might not have known you have.
01
Keisha Knight Pulliam
This former “Cosby” kid joined the Delta Sigma Theta sorority while attending Spelman College.
02
Alicia Keys
Keys became an honorary member of the historic Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 2004.
03
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada is a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
04
Toni Morrison
The Pulitzer Prize winning author is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
05
Phylicia Rashad
Rashad became a member of the Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., while attending Howard University.
06
AJ Calloway
Calloway became a man of Omega Psi Phi, Inc. in 2011.
07
Thurgood Marshall
The former Supreme Court Justice was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, which he joined while attending Lincoln University.
08
Steve Harvey
Harvey is a proud man of Omega Psi Phi. Roo-oop!
09
Sheryl Underwood
Underwood is not only a member, she’s a former president of Zeta Phi Beta sorority.
10
Star Jones
Jones is a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha.
11
Omari Hardwick
Hardwick is a Alpha Phi Alpha brother.
12
Towanda Braxton
Braxton is a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority.
13
Wanda Sykes
Sykes was initiated into the Gamma Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc at Hampton University.
14
K. Michelle
K. Michelle pledged Delta Sigma Theta while attending Florida A&M.
Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
15
Montell
Montell Jordan performed at ESSENCE Festival in 2000.
16
Terrence J
Terrence was initiated into the Bloody Mu Psi Chapte of Omega Psi Phi fraternity at North Carolina A&T State University.
17
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
18
Victoria Rowell
Rowell is a proud member of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.
19
Arthur Ashe
Arthur Ashe biopic, Ashe, is currently in the works. The project was announced earlier this year, but not much else has been revealed. Ashe was a three-time Grand Slam title winner and the first Black tennis player selected to the United States Davis Cup team.
20
Kelly Price
Price became an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority in 2006.
21
Loretta Devine
Devine was initiated into the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc at the University of Houston.
22
Anna Maria Horsford
Horsford is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.
23
Cedric “The Entertainer”
Cedric is a proud Kappa Alpha Psi man.
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24
Lena Horne
The legendary singer/actress was also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta.
25
Roland Martin
Martin is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
26
Michael Jordan
The basketball legend is also a proud man of Omega Psi Phi.
27
Hill Harper
Harper was inducted into Alpha Phi Alpha in 2009.
28
Coretta Scott King
The First Lady of the Civil Rights Movement Coretta Scott King was the model Alpha Kappa Alpha because of her tireless community service.
29
Frat Brother
Dr. King is an Alpha Phi Alpha brother. The fraternity has a scholarship in his name.
30
Lionel Richie
Richie is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha.
31
Zora Neale Hurston
Hurston was initiated into the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority at Howard University.
32
Condoleezza Rice
Rice is a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
33
Nikki Giovanni
Rising to fame during the Black arts movement of the 1960s, poet Nikki Giovanni is one of the most well-known Black poets. Giovanni has won several awards and was even nominated for a Grammy for The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection. Giovanni has also written numerous children’s books including Rosa, which was based on Rosa Parks’ life.
34
John Singleton
Singleton is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
35
Dionne Warwick
Warwick is an honorary member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
36
Finesse Mitchell
Mitchell was initiated into the Iota Chi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity while attending the University of Miami..
37
Tom Joyner
Joyner became a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity while attending the Tuskegee University.
38
Maya Angelou
Angelou joined Alpha Kappa Alpha, the nation’s first African-American sorority, in 1983 as an honorary member.
39
Marvin Sapp
This Gospel great s also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
40
Tavis Smiley
Smile became a Kappa Alpha Psi man while attending Indiana University Bloomington.
41
Aretha Franklin
The queen of soul is also an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Founder of Radio One and TV One, Cathy Hughes is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
44
Lance Gross
On November 20, 2021, Lance Gross posted the photo above with the caption “Long time koming,” showing he’d cross and become a member of Kappa Alpha Psi.
45
Fantasia
Fantasia announced she was officially a member of Sigma Gamma Rho with a series of videos on Instagram November 29. The singer wrote in one caption, “Y’all have no idea how long I been waiting to share this news!! I’ve officially been inducted as an Honorary #SigmaGammaRho 💙🐩💛. #D9 #sorority #prettypoodle THANK YOU… I am overjoyed.”