They began as young dreamers, armed with raw talent and pure passion for performance. Today, Rita Dominic, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, and Genevieve Nnaji are more than actresses. They are cultural icons whose names are forever etched in the story of Nollywood. Their careers mirror the evolution of an industry that grew from makeshift video productions into a global film powerhouse.
When Rita Dominic recently reflected on her journey, she described it with poignant honesty: “When we started in Nollywood all those years ago, we were just passionate girls with a dream. We had no idea the incredible journey ahead or how our industry would grow to touch the entire world. To look around today and see how far we’ve come… It fills my heart with pride. No matter what, we did not walk alone.” That sentiment captures the bond the trio share, not only with one another, but also with the millions of fans who watched them rise.
A New Face of Nigerian Cinema
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Nollywood was carving out its identity. Films were largely low-budget, often shot within weeks, and distributed as VHS tapes across Africa and the diaspora. It was in this unpolished but vibrant landscape that Rita, Omotola, and Genevieve emerged. They represented a fresh wave of actresses who fused beauty, charisma, and grit with undeniable acting skill. They quickly became household names, setting box-office trends and shaping the standards for what Nollywood stardom could be.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, affectionately known as Omosexy, embodied a blend of glamour and power. Her breakout roles showcased her ability to balance vulnerability with strength, making her one of Nollywood’s most bankable stars. Genevieve Nnaji carried an aura of mystique, redefining what it meant to be a leading lady in Nigerian cinema. Her performances were subtle yet magnetic, often leaving audiences spellbound. Rita Dominic, with her commanding screen presence and refined delivery, established herself as an actress of depth and versatility.
Redefining Stardom
The impact of these three women extended beyond film scripts. They reshaped the very idea of celebrity in Africa. Their faces dominated magazine covers, billboards, and fashion campaigns, ushering in a new era where Nollywood stars were not just actors but cultural influencers. They became role models, style icons, and voices of a new, confident African identity.
They also redefined beauty standards in an era when the Nigerian entertainment industry was still grappling with representation. Their poise and confidence challenged stereotypes, affirming that African women could command global attention without apology.
Breaking New Ground
Their influence was not confined to Nigeria. Omotola broke into international recognition when she was named among TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. Genevieve made history in 2018 when her directorial debut Lionheart became the first Netflix Original film from Nigeria, placing Nollywood squarely on the global stage. Rita Dominic, in turn, has been lauded for her consistent excellence and her ability to balance mainstream commercial films with more artistic projects.
Together, they bridged the gap between the old Nollywood and the new. They proved that Nigerian cinema could move beyond the boundaries of its limitations and compete globally while staying authentic to its roots.
Rita, Omotola, and Genevieve are more than legends of the screen. They symbolise vision, and a refusal to be boxed in. They represent the aspirations of countless young women who now see acting not as a side hustle but as a legitimate and respected career.
Nollywood continues to expand with streaming giants investing in African stories and filmmakers gaining global recognition, the influence of the Three Musketeers cannot be overstated. They laid the foundation for what the industry has become, proving that determination, talent, and belief in one’s craft can shape a cultural movement.
