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In a world where success, beauty and fame have been attributed to light skin, a few renowned Nigerian actresses who haven’t bleached have proven otherwise.

Wikipedia says,

Skin whitening, also known as skin lightening and skin bleaching, refer to the practice of using chemical substances in an attempt to lighten the skin or provide an even skin color by reducing the melanin concentration

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 77% of women in Nigeria use skin lightening products, the world’s highest percentage. Below is a list of renowned Nigerian actresses who haven’t bleached.

1. Genevieve Nnaji

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This 40-year old director of the first Nigerian Netflix original is a Actor, Producer, Director, Screenwriter, Entrepreneur, Former Model. The movie, LIONHEART, was also the first Nigerian movie to win Oscar awards. Genny, as her fans call her, with her beautiful dark skin, nailed it too in the modeling industry as she became the face of many commercial brands. Among which Lux and MUD just to name a few. She remains an inspiration to millions of people in the world especially women of color and career women.

2. Ini Edo

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The Nigerian actress, Ini Edo, is popularly known as brown sugar by her Instagram family. She has over 7 million followers on the app. She’s been in the movie industry for close to 20 years. Aside from her excellent acting skills, her dark skin complexion has always been admired by many. Despite her career ascent, it is soothing to know that she remains ever glowing in her beautiful skin. Hence, she earned her spot on my list of top 10 Nigerian actresses who haven’t bleached

3. Uche Jumbo

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Uche Jumbo is an Actress, Film Producer, director and Writer. Amongst the films she’s produced, Damage addresses the issue of domestic violence. She’s a wife, mother and career woman. And she didn’t let complexion be a hinderance to achieving her dreams.

4. Stephanie okereke

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When it comes to Nollywood, Stephanie Okereke is a legend. She’s an actress, director and model. She has received so many awards for best actress. She was also the runner up for the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeriabeauty pageant of 2002. This proves that you can be dark skinned and still make it in modeling industry. Therefore, she deserves her spot on my list of top 5 Nigerian actresses who haven’t bleached.

5. Kate Henshaw

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Kate Henshaw is also one of the veterans of Nollywood. She is an actress, politician, fitness coach and mother. Doesn’t she look beautiful for a 48th- year old woman?

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The purpose of this article is for us blacks to see that contrary to what society says, we are beautiful. And we can be successful too! Fortunately, some African countries have started banning skin bleaching products. However, Banning skin bleaching products won’t work as long as fair skin is linked with beauty and success. Just like most things, skin bleaching has it’s pros and cons.

Which other Nigerian actress should be on this list? Comment below if you want to see a part 2.

Thanks for reading…