Why Mercy Johnson Is Well Paid In Nollywood

Mercy Johnson Okojie is one of the highly paid
actress in Nollywood right now. Besides being
one of the most sought after actresses, the
dark skinned actress has placed herself on a
pedestal where she now charges up to
N2million fee for a movie. In the last few years,
films with Mercy Johnson’s name and face in it,
have some what become an indication that the
film will turn-out a best-seller.
Recognising this fact, it is no wonder the
actress has pushed up her fees high up for
marketers and producers who request her to
feature in their flicks.
A few months ago, the Film and Video
Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria
(FVPMAN) threatened to ban the actress for
allegedly becoming exorbitant with her fees,
which have shot up as high up as N2m for a
movie role, while the rest of her peers are paid
between N700,000 and N1.2million.
In her response, Johnson answered her critics
to go for less payable actresses, if they are
unable to pay her by saying, ‘Wats wrong when
u keep quiet till u no wats up? no petition, no
complain just fees those who can’t afford
Heineken should stick with ‘Kai kai’.
The 28year old actress made her acting debut
in the movie ‘The Maid‘ in which she played the
role of a possessed house help. Her
performance in the movie shot her into the
limelight and has acted in other major movies
ever since. With all her talents and assets, it is
no wonder some media pundits have agreed
that she is the most exceptional actress for the
year 2013.
When Nollywood filmmaker, Charles Novia drew
up his list of the ‘Best 5 Nollywood Actresses
for 2013′, it was not surprising to find Mercy
Johnson’s name on the top of the list. ‘There’s
something ultra-natural and organic about
Mercy Johnson which confounds even her
critics’, Novia said. ‘In four movies I watched in
2013, which she starred in, she was the epitome
of delightful characterisation. Watch her in the
‘Dumebi’ spawn of movies and you would
appreciate how her talent has evolved since she
came back from her maternity break’.
Last week, MJ as the actress is fondly called
became the subject of discussion on twitter
when Rubbin’ Minds host and Ebony Life TV
presenter, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu tweeted his
admiration for the actress’ work. ‘Mercy
Johnson makes a lot of ‘leading ladies’ in
Nollywood look like amateurs. Yes, I’m talking
about all your favorite divas and A listers’
Uchendu tweeted. ‘I’ve seen her do everything
VERY WELL. Diva, runs girl, villager, corporate
chick, mother, grandmother, villain, hero. All!’,
Uchendu continued. Early this year when she
returned back from the US where she went to
deliver her baby girl, MJ had several scripts
waiting for her. Sources had confirmed that
between March and July, MJ had no less than
20 scripts waiting for her being sent by
marketers and producers in Nigeria and Ghana.
Already, since her return to Nollywood, she’s
featured in about six productions, including the
Tchidi Chikere produced comedy, ‘Dumebi Goes
to School‘, a sequel to the hilarious ‘Dumebi
The Dirty Girl’ which won her the award for the
Best Actress in Comedy Role’ at the 2013 Africa
Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Besides her acting skills, everybody just loves
Mercy Johnson.
She’s pretty much the ultimate girl crush right
now. One thing for sure is that she isn’t
planning to relinquish her position anytime
soon as she tweeted, ‘Na God do am and only
he can take it back. Not yet time gurls stay
back‘