‘It’s disrespectful’ — Genevieve Nnaji, Adesua Etomi’s comparison sparks dispute

A heated argument bordering on “who is the better movie star” between Genevieve Nnaji and Adesua Etomi, two Nollywood heavyweights, has set Twitter abuzz.

On Sunday, some fans — believed to be backing Etomi — took to the microblogging platform to reflect on the movie star’s acting career and that of Genevieve.

Citing ‘Sugar Rush’, a movie by Jade Osiberu, wherein she played the lead character, they argued that Etomi is an actress of the ‘Lionheart’ star’s ilk.

“Anyone who says Adesua isn’t a good actor is a hater. They may not even know it themselves. But that’s the only reason you’d watch all her role interpretations then come with a conclusion like that. It’s either conscious or subconscious hating,” J.J Omojuwa wrote.

Anyone who says Adesua isn’t a good actor is a hater. They may not even know it themselves. But that’s the only reason you’d watch all her role interpretations then come with a conclusion like that. It’s either conscious or subconscious hating.

— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) July 4, 2020

But the comparison did not go down well with several others who pitched their tents with Genevieve.

They argued that even though the wife of Banky W, Nigerian entertainer and politician, remains a good actress, she is no match for Genevieve.

“Adesua is a beautiful woman and a good actress but comparing her to Genevieve, is disrespectful,” a Twitter user wrote.

Adesua is a beautiful woman and a good Actress but comparing her to Genevieve, is disrespectful

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— Engineer Tolu Tezzy_ 💧 (@tolutezzy_) July 5, 2020

Weighing in on the argument, Gimba Kakanda, a journalist, described Genevieve as “an average actress”, noting that only the likes of Mercy Johnson could outshine Etomi on the basis of sheer talent.

“Genevieve is actually an average actress, there’s nothing extraordinarily spectacular about her acting. You should be talking about someone like Mercy Johnson if you want to talk about someone much more talented, and above the league of Adesua,” he wrote.

Genevieve is actually an average actress, there’s nothing extraordinarily spectacular about her acting. You should be talking about someone like Mercy Johnson if you want to talk about someone much more talented, and above the league of Adesua. https://t.co/NlPUN28UYC

— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) July 5, 2020

Quite a number of Nigerians have taken to Twitter to register their different opinions in the argument.

Here is what some Nigerians had to say:

Adesua is the closest thing to a complete celebrity you can find. She does her job well. She’s got a great head on her shoulders. She doesn’t centre herself into stuff or make things about her. She’s beautiful but that’s easy to see, you don’t need any thinking to see that!

— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) July 4, 2020

I watched Sugar Rush when it hit the cinema, and I didn’t find Adesua Etomi’s acting underwhelming as some have observed. She’s your everyday Nollywood actress, nothing spectacular but commendable. It’s too soon to judge her fairly because we haven’t seen the extent of her range.

— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) July 4, 2020

Truth is if you watch old Nollywood, it's quite obvious that the actors from those days are leagues ahead of these new ones.

Adesua Etomi no act reach Stephanie Okereke, so I no see where the Genevieve comparison from dey enter. New Nollywood na just hype and Lekki friendships.

— 4 (@Probably_Dafe) July 4, 2020

Adesua is one of the best actresses in Nigeria right now. Whoever has a contrary opinion is on some serious stress p.

She didn't win an AMVCA to be so disrespected.

She got mad range and fits into any role. Wicked girl, seductress, church girl, etc.

— Jayson Rogue (@jaysonrogue) July 4, 2020

While some people are dissing Adesua some are peddling the lies about Genevieve being in thesame category with Adesua's acting. The effrontery to even say this🙄.Bcos Genevieve has stopped playing some kinda roles doesn't mean she hasn't murdered them before. Lets be guided pls! pic.twitter.com/oRFIFRYwlS

— Preciousong 🇳🇬🔱 (@preciousong1) July 4, 2020

Ye all can clamour for Genevieve, Omotola & adesua all ye want.
But right here is the best actress out of Nigeria. Nse Ikpe Etim pic.twitter.com/HH3YnxhsIw

— Eben Rave (@iam_Eben) July 5, 2020

Imagine comparing Genevieve to Adesua. You will just open mouth waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

They will not use comparison to insult you ooo

— Sir Dickson (@Wizarab10) July 4, 2020

Saw Sugar Rush last night. Till today, I still think Adesua shouldn't be getting those lead roles. She's too stiff an actor.

— BJORN Ironside (@theofficialFEMI) July 4, 2020

What is amazing on this twitter is how unbelievably classist alot of you are.

You won't create
You know nothing about creative

But will shit on their work and call it criticism.

Saw the silliness at Adesua yesterday and was just laughing

— Cinderella Man (@Osi_Suave) July 5, 2020

Its only on twitter you people want to sound smart. Genevieve was the lead actress of sooo many movies in her prime but No that was not colorism. Say all the shit about Adesua's acting but don't even play the Colorism card because thats trash. Stop Undermining people's hardwork!!

— Rachael (@rahchellin) July 4, 2020

How can u compare Adesua with Genevieve when u r not sleeping. Even Adesua can't compare herself with Genevieve😂

— Dr Toolz (@toolzbabe) July 5, 2020

Adesua Etomi is a fantastic actor & best of her kind. The way she excellently interpretes her roles can’t be overemphasized & the fact that she doesn’t tell the world her struggles doesn’t mean she deserves less. Give credit when due. She’s a Queen that deserves great honor 👑❤️

— OLAMIDE 🌸💖🌸 (@Olamideofficial) July 5, 2020