News

Genevieve Nnaji Opens Up On Aborted Glo Deal

genevieve-nnaji-4Nollywood sweetheart, Genevieve Nnaji has made a career for herself in the make-believe industry; over the years she has continually featured in hit movies and this has earned her a load of awards, including Member of the Federal Republic. Recently, the Mbaise, Imo-State born actress cum musician spoke on her acting career and numerous brand endorsement deals.

What has been the challenge since taking up the ambassadorship of the Amstel Malt brand?

There has been none so far. Thank God for that. It has been a smooth ride and a positive relationship. I have been working with very competent people and agents. And Amstel has been very kind to me. It has been a blessing and an experience working with the brand.

Why did you take up the endorsement deal with the brand?

The truth is that for a very long time, I have chosen the brand as my choice drink. This is because I am not a soda person. However, as their ambassador, Amstel chose me. They are the one to ask why they picked me as the brand ambassador.

What is the deal worth?

Of course, you should know I can’t tell you that. It is strictly private.

You have also represented other brands as an ambassador. Can you tell us the difference between the latest one and the rest?

You can’t compare. This is a drink and also a health drink. It is also a successful brand and it is something that I consume as well. It is not that I am just being introduced to it. It is the same for every other brand. For every brand I represent as ambassador from Range Rover, Polo luxury brand or Etisalat, I am actually a customer or patron of such brands.

Talking about being a brand ambassador, many of your colleagues are part of a particular telecommunication brand as its ambassador. Why were you never considered for the deal?

See also  Wike Is A Satanic Person - Sheikh Gumi

You have to mention the brand.

Ok, Globacom

But you know I am an Etisalat brand ambassador.

Of course I know. But many people believe you ought to be among the main target when they were choosing entertainment persons for their brand?

Well, I don’t know about that.

Is it true that they actually contacted you and you directed them to talk to your manager?

That is not true.

Would you also clarify the insinuation swirling around then that Chief Mike Adenuga personally called you and you still referred him to your manager?

First of all, that is not true as I never spoke to Dr. Mike Adenuga. In fact, it will be a honour to speak with him. However, let us face the subject of speaking with my manager. I think it is professional that managers should be contacted when issues about business are about to be discussed. I am not saying that was the issue with that particular brand. But let’s assume it was; is there any problem speaking with someone’s management? Please tell me.

There is no problem about that.

Exactly. Then you must understand that there is more to that story going round then.

So, they never approached you?

Truly, I was approached. We had negotiations but things didn’t work out and everyone moved on. It is simple.

Was it that you rated yourself higher than your other colleagues that were also approached and signed on by the brand?

I don’t rate anybody. I don’t even know other people’s rating. I don’t believe in such things. Why would I rate myself higher? Well, I wasn’t told of others rate, may be I would have compared.

See also  Dangote Remains Africa’s Wealthiest Person For Nine Successive Years

What exactly do you look out for in setting for a brand as an ambassador?

First of all, as a person I need to appreciate the brand. I must have a sense of appreciation of the brand. I need to believe in the brand to be able to represent it without feeling odd. Then, I look at the brand quality and also ensure that it is customer friendly. The brand should be easy on the consumers because at the end of the day, I am a role model to so many people and whatever brand I represent should be friendly to my followers as well.

You have cut down your appearances in movies lately. Is that a deliberate action?

It is not deliberate or any strategic move. I read scripts almost day in, day out. I just haven’t found anything worth my while.

Could it be true that you are being conscious of taking any script lower in standard to what you did in Ije and Half of A Yellow Sun?

To be honest, I have done quite a number of amazing stories in Nollywood that would give the likes of Ije or Half of A Yellow Sun the run for their money. So you can’t assume I am only looking out for scripts that have foreign subjects. It is still me looking for scripts that are attractive; scripts that would raise my name as an actress. This is a job for me but entertainment for other people. Acting is a job for me. A job that I respect and love so much. The only time I have fun in my job is when I am on set, so I have to be comfortable and happy with any production I am working on.

See also  Abba Kyari Speaks On Kate Henshaw

Would it be correct to say one of the things that keeps you atop of your career is the mystery around the personality called Genevieve?

Really?

A whole lot of people think few things are known about you.

I thought you guys would know more about me than what you needed. But the truth is that I am who I am. I do my work; mind my business and leave my personal life out of my business.

But there are allegations that you don’t socialize like your colleagues, as well as not media friendly?

But that’s not true. Do I look like a snub or haven’t I been friendly with you?

Would you want to set the record straight concerning your relationship with the music star, D’Banj?

I have no comment at all on that subject.

But your fans need to know?

Sorry, I cannot comment on that.

Ok.

Thanks

The trend in your industry is having some of your colleagues venturing into producing and directing their own movies. As one of the leading lights, are you not looking in that direction?

What makes you think I am not looking in that direction?

I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking you?

If you know me well, you would know that you wouldn’t know until the time is ripe.

So, you are already working on your own production?

No. We haven’t started production but we are working on something and will let you know when we are ready.