Although Hollywood-Nollywood crossovers has often seen D-list Hollywood actors playing random white people roles in Nollywood films, some Nollywood stars have actually featured in foreign productions as well.
With the internet still buzzing over the vintage Genevieve Nnaji cameo on FX’s Atlanta with Lakeith Stanfield, I thought it’d make sense to rank all the times our Nollywood faves appeared in Hollywood projects. Let’s go!
6. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde doing waka pass in Hit The Floor
I love me some Omotola, but even I was shocked by this cameo, especially after how it was hyped on social media. Back in 2013, Omotola appeared on the VH1 dance-drama, Hit the Floor alongside Akon. When I say waka pass, I mean it. She literally walked into the scene, smiled and then left like someone was chasing her. Why, sis? It’s been 10 years, but I still need answers.
5. Davido giving them vibes on Coming 2 America
I know you’re thinking, “Davido isn’t an actor.” Even though! It’s not easy to snag a spot in the highly anticipated sequel to a classic like Coming to America. Performing his hit song, Assurance, Davido was the major selling point of the film. I can categorically put it to you that Davido is the one that helped Eddie Murphy. Quote me anywhere.
4. Olu Jacobs is a young legend in The Dogs of War
I’ll say the truth and shame the devil, The Dogs of War came out in the 1980s which makes it old AF and I haven’t seen it. Either way, it’s Olu Jacobs and he’s a legend so I’m sure he killed it. The man’s diction and carriage alone are enough to make me biased. Leave matter.
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3. Osas Ighodaro almost hung out with Beyoncé in Cadillac Records
Believe it or not, Osas Ighodaro and Beyoncé are best friends. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating. Before moving back to Nigeria to steal our hearts on Tinsel and confuse our brains with projects like Assistant Madam and Man of God, Osas was a beauty queen trying to make it in Hollywood. She eventually appeared in 2009’s Cadillac Records alongside The Beyoncé and Gabrielle Union. It wasn’t a big role, but it’s Beyoncé, so nothing else matters and that’s on periodt.
2. Joseph Benjamin and Oprah are co-workers because of Greenleaf
Joseph Benjamin is not our mate. This man moved from hosting Project Fame to appearing on a show produced by Oprah Winfrey. He’s basically a billionaire by employment. His role as Mr. Joseph Obi on Greenleaf may have lasted for just one episode, but at least Oprah knows who he is now and homeboy has appeared on a show that airs on Netflix and Oprah Winfrey Network. Beat that!
1. Genevieve Nnaji almost steals the show in Farming
It’s Genevieve Nnaji. I don’t understand, what number did you think she’d occupy here? Even if she appeared for 00.01 seconds, she’s still getting all my attention. Luckily for me, because my queen never puts me to shame, her role in Farming carried weight. Playing the lead character’s mother opposite director Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, she had enough screen time to make a mark. Love to see it.
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