1. Tonto Dikeh
Perhaps the most notorious music foray to come out of Nollywood, Tonto Dikeh came complete with signature sign off #Poko and a thick skin to ward off the most vicious of criticisms. Her debut solo singles ‘Hi’ and ‘It’s Ova’ swept the nation with the force of their odiousness but Miss. Dikeh was not the least bothered. She promised appreciation would follow with time. It did not. More singles followed instead before she decided to put the unnecessary experiment on hold.
2. Genevieve Nnaji
Miss. Nnaji may downplay her aborted music career now but in 2005, she was paid a hefty sum by some Ghanaian producers to record One Logologo Line, a pop album of new material. The move was a ploy to bank on her teeming popularity at the time and cash in on a hapless audience. Sadly, it failed. The lead single ‘No More’ disappeared as quickly as it arrived and Nigeria’s sweetheart has since moved on from the fiasco, choosing not to draw attention to that incident.
3. Jim Iyke
Nollywood’s baddest boy hit a rough patch some years ago when he decided to turn his talents to singing. Not even enlisting the services of one of Africa’s finest 2face Idibia could save the album Who am I? from flopping fast. And the negative media blitz that trailed the release parties did more damage than good.
4. Desmond Elliot
Nowadays, Desmond Elliot goes by the title prolific director and boss of Denziott productions but in a former life he was a prolific actor and wannabe singer. He tested his vocal cords on the soundtrack to the Charles Novia directed flick Missing Angel then slummed shamelessly through some traditional gospel choruses even as audiences looked on in disbelief. No surprises when he did not record a hit. He has since turned his attention to filmmaking.
Story: Wilfred Okiche
Read the full article in Nolly Silver Screen (March 2014) here or click on the download button below.