Nollywood is blessed with so many actresses at the moment who could fill the massive shoes the likes of Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Uche Jombo, Chioma Akpotha, Ini Edo, Mercy Johnson Okojie and Rita Dominic have occupied for several years.
These Nollywood celebs have contributed immensely towards the growth of the Nigerian movie industry.
Despite being around for so long, some of these stars are still relevant today and are waxing strong in 2022.
Thankfully, there are other actresses doing well such as Destiny Etiko, Chizzy Alichi, Luchy Donalds, Uju Okoli (although she is older than the others), Nazo Ekezie, Sharon Ooja, Chinenye Nnebe and her elder sister, Sonia Uche.
There are still so many young and talented actresses doing well. We have left out Regina Daniels because it is uncertain where her career as a movie star is headed as at the time of writing this article.
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That’s not to say she isn’t doing well after all, she is now into fashion and is using her enormous fan base which runs into millions of people to advertise her products. Again, her billionaire Nigerian politician husband, Ned Nwoko ensures she does not lack anything.
However, we are not focusing on the fabulous lifestyle of the rich and famous but on those young actresses who are most likely to take Nollywood to the next level. Yes, Chioma Nwaoha can be added to the list. She is beautiful and a talented actress who can fit into any movie role. She is hot cake among filmmakers hence, the lengthy queue to sign her up to their projects.
Nigeria does not lack when it comes to celebrity superstars. We will be taking a look at the actress Destiny Etiko as she seems the obvious choice to tower above the others.
Etiko has risen from a humble background all the way to stardom. Her story is easily a rags to riches tale with plenty of cash and fame attached now. However, while growing up as a child, she feared the rain would bring down her family’s roof as she recently disclosed in an Instagram post.
In fact, the thespian shared photos of her childhood home which would have left a lot of her fans in shock. This was a wise move as it would definitely inspire her fans to believe that they can do something similar in whatever career they have as hardwork pays.
Destiny Etiko was born in Udi, Enugu state. She also received her primary and secondary school education in the same state as well as her First School Leaving Certificate and the West African Senior School Certificate.
However the actress bagged a degree in Theater Arts In Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in Anambra state.
According to Destiny Etiko in an interview with Vanguard newspaper, she got into the Nigerian movie in 2011. She said it was a difficult experience for her as she had to combine both her career and schooling.
However, her breakthrough came in the 2012 movie, “Idemili” which was produced by Ernest Obi. If you recall, the film was released eventually in 2014. Etiko performed beyond expectations and her role landed her a nomination at the City People Entertainment Awards.
It’s worth noting that Destiny Etiko had appeared in other movies aside “Idemili” but failed to get the recognition which she rightfully deserves.
The Enugu-based Nollywood superstar is Kindhearted and still appreciates her humble beginnings. Also, she did not abandon or deny her family upon becoming a famous and rich actress.
In 2019, the thespian gifted her mother an apartment and hailed her for supporting her throughout her career unlike her father who opposed her decision to become a movie star.
However, tragedy struck in 2020 as Etiko lost her father. If you recall, popular Nollywood legend, Pete Edochie visited her and while he was even still sitting in the car, the actress rushed out to greet him as she let out uncontrollable tears.
Yul Edochie’s father emerged as the first notable figure to visit the actress after she became bereaved.
Destiny Etiko also has human feelings especially for the less privileged in the society. Her warm feelings towards others has endeared her to millions of fans across the world.
The movie star launched her Destiny Etiko Foundation last year, 13th of August, 2021 on her 32nd birthday. The purpose is to reach out to the less privilege in the society through humanitarian works
Also, the thespian has been able to bring in one of her biggest fan into the Nigerian movie industry after the girl was pushed away by her body guard. Fans saw the post and were not impressed so they called out Destiny Etiko.
Being one to listen to her fans, Etiko asked anyone with information on how to reach out to the girl (Nenye Anibueze).
PHOTO CREDIT – DESTINY ETIKO/INSTAGRAM
Eventually, she traced the fan and made her dream of not only meeting her (Destiny Etiko) come true, but she actually got the girl into Nollywood movies.
The absolutely gorgeous “Drama Doll” as she enjoys calling herself, has emerged as an influencer of note. So many brands are on queue to have the ebony beauty on their payroll only if she accepts to promote their products. The Nollywood actress has fans running into millions across the world who simply love her and are willing to do as she says.
Destiny Etiko is arguably the best actress at the moment. There is something about the way she interprets her movie roles that reminds a lot of people of Mercy Johnson Okojie. Of course, this is a massive compliment as her older colleague is an A-list superstar actress loved by so many.
If you love Etiko’s movies, you might want to look out for her in these movies;
- WHERE MY HEART BELONGS
- AMUCHE
- MARRIED TO A DEITY
- SECRET OF THE QUEEN,
- THE STRANGE WOMAN
- SECRET OF A QUEEN
- OVERSEA HUSBAND
- DESPERATE SON
- WOUNDED MARRIAGE
- THE CAB LADIES
Destiny Etiko does not play around with her job but enjoys to have fun on set with her colleagues. She also enjoys all round entertainment as her fans on Instagram would have noted. Her TikTok videos are out of this world as they are really hilarious.
So when her fans are not watching her movies on YouTube, they are definitely on her Instagram page watching Etiko dance and perform comical acts. Also, she has a healthy habit of flaunting her expensive cars on social media as well as her outfits.
Recently, she showed off her mansion in Enugu state. She also disclosed that she had not even slept in it because she is always busy on set working. However, on the day she arrived home, she stated in an Instagram post that she is happy and looking forward to enjoy her time in her new home.
As at the time of writing this article, Destiny Etiko is not married and it is uncertain if she is in a romantic relationship or even has the time to be involved with any guy. She is always on set with new projects as so many people want to see her in every movie. This has placed her in a vantage position way ahead of other Nollywood celebs.
Last year, while the movie star was on set, she was given the “Most Influencial Actress Of The Year” award.
She was visibly so excited and even shared the photo on her Instagram page. Several Nollywood celebs hit the comment section of the post to congratulate one of their own.
LizzyGold Onuwaje, Uche Elendu, Somadina Adinma, Dave Ogbeni, Nuella Njubigbo, Omalicha, Chacha Eke Faani and Christabel Egbenya were among the names who hailed the Drama Doll.
Destiny Etiko enjoys a great relationship with her siblings including her younger brother, Sopuru Melody Etiko.
Elsewhere but still on the Nollywood actress, a lot of men including colleagues have been romantically linked to the Drama Doll.
Zubby Michael was once linked to her but it may have just been a professional relationship because the Nollywood celebs have done a couple of good movies together. In fact, the actress has had to come out to deny that there was anything going on between her and her colleague although.
Etiko has also been said to have been involved with Ray Emodi – an actor well known to play lover boy in the movies.
Another person she has been said to be romantically involved with is Dr. Success John. Fans began to suspect there was something going on between the duo shortly after the death of her father.
In an appreciation post, she thanked Dr. Success for being there for her as he played the role of brother, boyfriend and father. Not done, the popular Nollywood actress referred to the light-skinned man as “darling”.
If you follow them on social media, then you would have already noted that they always support and say nice things about each other. But, are these sufficient reasons to conclude that they are lovers or wven dated at any time?
Meanwhile, it’s rumoured that Destiny Etiko once opened up to Yul Edochie telling him that she will soon get married. However, she made it clear that in this moment, her career remains her top priority and she will like to focus on it. To add to that, the absolutely gorgeous movie star said she would only get married to someone who respects and supports her career as a thespian.
