Film  

Kate Henshaw @ 50: Garlands for timeless diva

By Shaibu Husseini

24 July 2021   |   3:05 am

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There was wild excitement when news broke that Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw turned 50 on Monday. Garlands poured in from home and abroad for the timeless diva whose relevance has refused to patter off.

There was wild excitement when news broke that Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw turned 50 on Monday. Garlands poured in from home and abroad for the timeless diva whose relevance has refused to patter off. Social media buzzed with congratulatory messages flowing freely for the abundantly talented performer and fitness buff whose artistic contributions have found, if you like, an irreplaceable place for her in the artistic scheme of things.

An actors’ actor who has continued to put her talent at the disposal of directors of the first rank, Kate, daughter of Etubong Etim and Theresa Henshaw of the Henshaw Royal family of Cross Rivers State, had her break in the ground breaking urban telling When the Sun Set. It was from that point that the Efik Princess developed an unquenchable passion for acting.

As her passion grew, the Microbiology graduate, sought for more movie outings and as she did, producers found the star of movies like Girls in the Hood, A Million Tears, To love and to Hold, Dangerous Silence, Blood and Ice and Emotional Hazards, a ready hand for their offerings.

Today, Kate whose career ambition is to work on television as a show host; work in Hollywood and then float a charity for the less privileged, has through dint of hard work, dedication and discipline, earned a top place in the movie. Indeed she has with boundless passion and a stubborn determination to succeed risen to become a leading force in the Nigerian motion industry with a conservative movie credit estimate of about 150.

As a special to the precious talent, a role model and ‘acting aunt’ to couple of new entrants, Moviedom offers a compilation of some of the birthday shout-out by some of her colleagues in Nollywood. The eulogies say a lot about the beloved actress who has walked herself to a level where she gets the sort of adulation that stars in Hollywood get.

Richard Mofe Damijo
My personal person. Even now I hear your laughter deep from within. You make 50 so sexy. It feels like the new 21. You are an embodiment of discipline. Always on the money. God bless and proposer you in all areas of your life. Love you Katie. We love you K8thegreat!!!

Rita Dominic
Wishing my hot beautiful friend a very happy birthday. You are such a buddy bunny and all round amazing woman and I pray that the rest of your year be filled with every good thing on this earth. May the happiness you find today stay with you forever and a day. Love you lots. This is what 50 looks like ladies and gentlemen.

Ufoma McDermott
I stopped posting birthdays on my feed for strong personal reasons. But today is k8henshaw’s birthday. You have all seen and heard about the disciplined and strong part of Kate. I wish you could all experience her compassion and heart. One of the lowest periods of my life was when was physically assaulted by Ikuforiji’s personal policemen on October 10, 2010. Only two people stood with me through all the media and actual back and forth, court filings and personal appearances—Stella Damascus and Kate. You see with big sis Kate, it wasn’t just about being there. It was about giving me strength when she saw mine dwindling. …. TUC President, I am forever in your corner. Your heart and hand is too straight. You are simple, fun and very alive. You are super at your craft but ‘superer’ as a human being. I love you sis and I know god has only begun His good work in you. May you continue to exude that 1000w smile to all around you. May it always warm your heart. May health, joy and wealth be your companion forever.

Segun Arinze
For the love you share, for the smile you put on faces, for the laughter you bring, for the kindness you show, for the joy and warmth that flows from inner recess, for your generous heart, for your bluntness and matter of factly stand, I say God bless you and more. The 5th floor welcomes you. Beauty, brain, brawn and black, happy birthday. 50 really looks good on you. May you continue to soar higher and higher.

Eyinna Nwigwe
50 must be new 20. Happy birthday super Kate. As you celebrate this milestone, may the heavens rain unimaginable blessings upon you. May all the love and support you give return to you a thousand fold as you continue to inspire a generation. Everyone loves Kate.

Uche Jombo
I can write a book on the institution called KATE. I have loved her since my first day on a Nollywood set. That’s over 2 decades ago of knowing, learning, working and believing in her brand. Time keeper of sets. A talented queen. Fit for life. Happy golden jubilee superstar. I celebrate you like always but most importantly I pray god continue to bless, keep, provide and lead you. Happy birthday.