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Tag: Beverly Naya

  • BEVERLY NAYA: I can’t seduce a man

    BEVERLY NAYA: I can’t seduce a man

    Over the years, British-born Nigerian actress, Beverly Naya, has continued to dazzle Nigerian movie screens, and she says that all credit goes to God. OVWE MEDEME caught up with her at the screening of her latest appearance, The Wedding Party, in which she plays the role of the sassy Rosy.

    WHAT was playing Rosy in The Wedding Party like?

    It was amazing. I think it was such an enjoyable experience because, as you can see, we’ve got an ensemble cast made up of fantastic actors. Thecrew was amazing. The production houses involved were phenomenal as well. So was the director. SoI feel like all together, we produced a fantastic film.

    The experience was just wonderful because there was a lot of unity on set which ensured that we got through successfully. It’s one of those films I’m truly proud of. I’m very excited about its release. I can’t wait for it to come out so people can see exactly what I’m talking about. But it’s definitely an amazing film.

    What drew you to the script?

    I would say it was the story and what it deals with. First of all, it’s hilarious. But then it deals with weddings in Nigeria, specifically Lagos. And we know how our weddings are in Lagos. They are lavish, they are loud, they are flamboyant, so I could picture where they were going while reading the script and the comedy was just insane. SoI think that’s definitely what drew me to the script.

    You also played villain in The Arbitration. Are you deliberately picking such scripts?

    Definitely not.This is how it works. We have films that we shoot and some of them come out before others. I’m definitely not about playing the villain all the time. But then, The Arbitration just happens to come out a few months after we shot it. And The Wedding Party was shot this year in July and we are ready to release it soon. So it really depends on the production behind it and how soon they are ready to release. I have a ton of films that are coming out soon and you’ll definitely see a variety.

    You have been in the cinemas a lot lately…

    Which is good. I’m glad I have been. That means there is a consistency there. I still have other films coming out too so I’m really excited. But for The Wedding Party, I think that’s the one we are really excited about right now because it’s definitely going to be a really big film.

    Did you have to visit a Babalawo to make that happen?

    No way. It’s just God. It’s only God. I mean, I’m the type of person that believes that everything is possible with God. And before I take on anything, I just wait for him to answer me. By that, I mean I wait to know that it’s in my path. If it’s meant to be, it will happen. If it doesn’t, I don’t really get upset because I feel like something better is happening. That’s basically my motto.

    That’s how I live my life. So I think that’s what’s been working for me. I’m on my path.

    How spiritual would you say you are?

    I would like to think I’m very spiritual. I’m still working on my journey. But I would like to think that I have a very good relationship with God. I pray about everything, I pray about every decision. I try not to take things into my own hands because I think that’s the beginning of a downfall. So, the fact that I am where I am today is definitely God’s grace. I give him the glory. I don’t claim any of it, to be honest.

    How similar are you to Rosy?

    In my very honest opinion, I don’t think I’m like Rosy. I can’t go and seduce a man who’s going to get married just because I feel I can. I can’t do that. I feel like Rosy is an extremely sassy person and she’s in your face. I’m very reserved. I don’t just walk into a room and announce my presence. That’s not me.

    So you’ve never snatched any girl’s boyfriend?

    (Laughs)No no no no. I’m as calm as you know what. So I avoid situations like that. I don’t think we are similar in any way. I do feel like she’s a woman who has a lot of issues. I don’t go around wanting to be hated. And I think Rosy has no problem with being hated by the world. We are not similar in that regard.

    This is the 11th month of the year. How would you say you have fared?

    This has been such an amazing year for me, for my brand, as well as for my acting career. I’ve done some amazing things. I’ve been in some amazing films. I’ve collaborated with amazing brands, so I feel it has been a great year for me. And oddly enough, it’s the year that I’ve worked less. Because I decided to spend some more time thinking and understanding what I want and how I want to be projected. And it paid off. I think it paid off tremendously.

    Looking back in the year, is there any part you’ll like to replay and then change some scenes?

    This year? Not at all. As I said, my strategy has been ‘let go; let God’. I’ve done that the entire year and it has been my best year so far.

  • I’M NOT IN A RELATIONSHIP –NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS BEVERLY NAYA

    I’M NOT IN A RELATIONSHIP –NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS BEVERLY NAYA

    Within five years of making her debut in Nollywood, British/Nigerian actress, Beverly Naya, has received high acclaim for her work on stage, television and in film. And in this interview with JOE AGBRO JR, Beverly who is a brand ambassador for Dark and Lovely talks about acting, her love life and founding Fifty Shades of Black, a campaign to empower black women and girls.

    IN one of your recent movies, Surulere, you played the part of Omosigho who falls in love with Seun Ajayi somewhat suddenly. Do you believe in love at first sight?

    No. I don’t necessarily believe in love at first sight… But then I do believe that you can meet someone that you genuinely connect with, someone you could see yourself with in the future.

    But then I wouldn’t call that love at first sight because you still need to get to know that person. And when you get to know that person, that person may not be the person that you thought you liked in the beginning. So for that reason, I don’t necessarily believe in love at first sight.

    Are you currently in a relationship?

    No, I’m not in a relationship at the moment. I’m just taking it one day at a time. I know that the right guy will come into my life when it is time. But at the moment, I’m just enjoying the process of going on dates and meeting new people and hopefully, I’d meet the one soon. Let’s see what happens.

    Some news reports have linked you romantically with Uti Nwachukwu but you denied. Do such stories affect your romantic life?

    Oh no, not at all. First and foremost, Uti is my good friend and there was no truth to that rumour. So, it never affected my love life in any way because I don’t think people actually believed that I dated Uti. So, rumours like that have never affected my love life.

    In western countries, same-sex relationships are becoming accepted in everyday life but in Nigeria

    and many parts of Africa, it is illegal. What is your own position regarding same-sex relationship?

    Well, I don’t really condone same-sex marriage. Obviously, whatever your preference is, it’s up to you. But same-sex people getting married in the church is not really how it’s supposed to be in my opinion. Being a Christian and everything, I feel like marriage is a sacred thing and it was originally planned so that a man and a woman can go to church and be married in unity. So, I just feel like I don’t really agree with same-sex marriage but at the end of the day, who am I to judge? I’m not really in a position to judge anyone.

    Do you have a crush in the movie industry?

    Actually, I don’t. We do have a host of very good looking actors but I like to keep it as professional as possible because I don’t really look at them in that light. But yes, we have a few very handsome actors in the industry.

    Aside acting, what other things do you do?

    Right now, I’m acting full-time but I’m going into production. But I want to start with a documentary. So, I’m producing a documentary called ‘Fifty Shades of Black.’ It’s basically about empowering young girls to love themselves.

    Now, what I mean is that there’s obviously something that I’ve noticed in our society where I feel like people aren’t sure about how they feel about themselves. You know, some women aren’t proud to be dark-skinned and look how they look. Via the documentary, I hope to empower and inspire women to love their complexion and love themselves just the way they are because all black is beautiful, whether you’re light-skinned, dark-skinned or brown-skinned.

    I hope to highlight the issues concerning colourism because I think colourism is an issue that’s starting to plague Africa, especially Nigeria. And this is where young people believe that one complexion is more desirable and more beautiful than the other, which isn’t necessarily true. So, I intend to do that in the documentary. And yeah, that is really what I’m working on at the moment.

    What is your impression of Nollywood?

    I think Nollywood has grown a lot within the last five years. I think it’s getting better and better by the day, the quality of our films are getting better. Everything is just getting better and I’m truly impressed with where we are today because we’ve improved the industry drastically quickly in such a short spate of time. And I’m really really excited to see where we would be in another five years’ time.

    A lot of actors delve into movie production. Are you interested in going that direction?

    Yes, as I said earlier, I am definitely interested in going into production. One of the main reasons why I want to start with the documentary is I kind of just want to get my feet wet and see how it goes. And then get an idea of that and come and build my knowledge before I plunge right into filmmaking. So, that’s the reason why I’m starting with the documentary. But in the very near future, I intend to produce my own film, maybe a short film or feature film. Let’s just see where God takes me.

    What is one thing fans don’t know about you?

    Hmm… Let’s see. Well, there’s one thing that I don’t think I’ve said very often. I don’t grow hair on my legs so I’ve never had to shave my legs before. Thankfully, I’m not one of those females who have to worry about shaving their legs every week. I’ve never had to do it in my life. That’s one thing my fans don’t know about me.

    Who is your role model?

    I would say my mum. My mum is a very strong, courageous and amazing woman. I would say she is definitely one of my biggest role models. She’s a huge inspiration of mine and she has just achieved so much in her life. And I admire that she is very hard working, very ambitious and I really admire that about my mum.

    If I was to pick a person in entertainment, then I would say Oprah Winfrey. She’s a huge inspiration. I love everything, I love how far she’s come as a woman considering everything she’s gone through. She just keeps thriving, keeps pushing, she keeps getting better and more successful. So, she’s an inspiration for that reason.

    Your mum has played an important role in your life. Was there ever anytime she didn’t support you?

    No. my mum has always supported my career. She’s always believed in me. her only issue was the fact that once I finished with my A’ Levels, I wanted to go to university to study acting and she was totally against that because in as much as she believed in me as an actor, we all know that acting can be quite volatile. It can be demanding and at the same token, it’s a dicey business some don’t make it. So, she advised me to study something else in university so I have a back-up plan in case my acting career doesn’t take off as planned. So, yes, I decided to study filmmaking and once I graduated, I moved to Nigeria and she supported me from the very beginning. Since the first time she saw me act, she’s been my number one supporter and I really appreciate that.

  • Beverly Naya GOES natural with her hair

    Beverly Naya GOES natural with her hair

    TINSEL star, Beverly Naya, recently posted new pictures on her Instagram account, showing off her new look – her natural hair, which she said she has been grooming since the past nine months.

    She captioned the photo: “Just one of those days! Natural hair- Nine months and counting, combed out and ready to be washed… A bit of liner and I’m ‘tying wrapper’ (not in the conventional manner, but still…”

    According to the actress, she put down the relaxers and started letting her hair grow out about nine months ago.

    The actress is pictured wearing tiny denim shorts with an Ankara print wrapper tied across her chest.

  • Beverly Naya ‘dumps’ Skales for D’banj

    Beverly Naya ‘dumps’ Skales for D’banj

    Nollywood actress, Beverly Naya, has declared her love for Nigerian pop singer, Dapo Oyebanjo, aka Dbanj. Naya, who is one of Nigeria’s finest actresses, was speaking on her celebrity crush on One on One, a programme on Pulse TV.

    She said: “…I will just say D’banj. I love his swag, and he has a lot of presence. That can be appealing to a lot of women sometimes.”

    Sometime back, Nigerian singer, Skales, made it known that he appreciates her beauty and talent, and sees her as his ‘celebrity crush’.

  • Why I’m still Single–Nollywood star Beverly Naya

    Why I’m still Single–Nollywood star Beverly Naya

    Beverly Naya, one of the darlings of Nollywood movie buffs speaks with OVWE MEDEME on a number of issues, including her latest project targeted at young women, the challenges of the profession and why she is still single.

    HOW has it been since you relocated to Nigeria?

    Obviously, it has been a rocky journey. I’m still trying to adjust to the culture and the society here. But then, it has ultimately been an amazing journey, especially because I have learnt so much and have grown so much as a person and as a woman. So, I am grateful to God for the journey so far. I don’t have any regrets; I am happy being here.

    What part of the adjustment process has been most difficult for you?

    Well, obviously, I was born and raised in England; so, I am used to a different way of living, a different culture and different types of people. But the truth is, it was a major challenge in the beginning. But the longer I live here, the more I understand how to do things. I think, for that reason, it makes me more grounded. So, I am happy.

    In that case, are you comfortable with the level of acceptance the Nigerian movie industry has given you?

    I am happy with the acceptance and the recognition I have received thus far. I am not really concerned. In fact, I don’t think anybody should be concerned as long as there is still more to be achieved, more to gain and more to learn. I am just really excited about the journey. I am very pleased with how far I have come in this specific space of time.

    You played the role of a church girl in this series, Oasis. What was it like for you?

    What drew me to the character was the fact that I hadn’t taken on a role like this before. Besides, such characters don’t come very often because they are not that commercial. It is not what people necessarily want to see in the cinemas. Instead, they want to see the glamour. So, I was drawn to the character for that reason alone. Also, I just had to challenge myself because Paris, the character I played, is just an amazing. She goes through so many things and struggles to maintain her faith, in spite of her challenges. So, I think that alone inspired me to take the character.

    Does playing the character affect the way you see things now?

    Yes, definitely. It makes me appreciate life more and I’ve realised that I can’t take anything for granted because tomorrow is not certain. So, I’ve realised that I must cherish today, live life to the fullest, thank God for everything and be grateful for how far I’ve come. Sometimes, we tend to take our blessings into our own hands, forgetting that there is someone responsible for bringing us and taking us to where we are today-that is God. I think, in that respect, I’ve learnt how to appreciate God for everything in me, for every breath and every achievement I have had.

    As an actress, you have stayed away from controversies. So, how have you been able to keep your head above water?

    I am a very private person. I don’t like to go out that much. If I do go out, then, I make sure it is for an event or I am hanging out with my friends or stuff like that. I don’t like to be seen at the wrong place and at the wrong time because I don’t want a situation, where I will have to explain my actions. I think that is the most important thing to me. I like to stay humble and stay grounded. That is really how I avoid controversies.

    But there are those who believe that controversies sell. Don’t you buy into that idea?

    Actually, I don’t think it does sell an actress. It just makes one cheap in my opinion. Besides, I am trying to be an inspiring woman. I am trying to be a brand that young girls can look up to and be inspired. It is not that I am a role model; I am not trying to be a role model and I am  not saying I am perfect as a human being either. But I am just saying that I want people to look at me and say they are inspired by what I have done in my life. So, in that respect, I do not think that controversies sell at all.

    You came into the country practically handheld by your mother…

    (Cuts in) It was a plan. When I came into the industry, I had already studied in a school in London. So, I already had two years of experience as an actress. But then, when I came here, my mum had already built a lot of contacts in Nigeria, so it kind of made things a lot easier for me.

    Why didn’t you pursue your career over there, instead of coming back home, considering the general belief that starting out there projects one better?

    Things weren’t working in the film industry in England. Apart from that, the country is predominantly white. First and foremost, film is a depiction of reality. It will be unrealistic to have films constantly portraying the black culture because, as I said, the country is predominantly white. What does that mean for a black actor? He gets less work. But when I am here, because the country is a 100 percent Nigerian, I fit into the culture more. As an actress, I had to think about it. Am I passionate? Yes. Do I want to work? Yes. So, that was what led me over here.

    Do you feel threatened by any actress?

    No, I am not threatened by anyone because I have always believed that I am in competition with myself. I don’t really see anybody else for what he or she is doing. I only see what I am doing. So, I am constantly trying to improve myself and pursue my own dreams.

    Does acting affect your private life?

    Not at all! They are very separate. What people see in Beverly Naya as a brand is quite different. I can’t say they know that much about me and my personal life because I keep that much to myself.

    Aside acting, what else keeps you busy?

    I have a degree in filmmaking, so I am working on my own productions. We are doing short films and web series. That is what I am currently working on. I also have a degree in scriptwriting, so I write scripts in my spare time. I am also currently working on a campaign for Fifty Shades of Black, which is a project geared towards young girls, inspiring them to love their complexion, whether they are light-skinned, dark-skinned or brown. That is what I am working on right now and that is currently taking quite a bit of my time.

    What inspired you to embark on that project?

    For me, I just felt like we live in a time, where our black females aren’t necessarily appreciative of their skin colour as much as they should-not all of them though. I want to inspire young girls because I feel like there is no point in targeting adults because their minds have already been formed. So, if I could just inspire young females to love themselves, no matter what and appreciate their black beauty just the way it is, then, I will be inspiring the next generation. That was the main reason I started the project. Then, I brought together some artistes to join me in the campaign; and so far, it has been worth it.

    What other activities have you lined up for the project?

    Right now, I am currently working on a youth tour. We intend to go to different schools, speak to young people, empower them and give them encouraging advice and stuff like that. We would also collaborate with someone who is very prominent, as far as motivational speaking is concerned. I can’t say her name yet because we are still working on the legal aspect of it. That will be very soon. I am also collaborating with Dark and Lovely. There are a variety of things we are working on at the moment.

    Is Beverly in a relationship?

    At the moment, I am not in a relationship.

    Why?

    Well, I just feel it is better for things to remain the way they are than for me to settle for less.

    Have you been in a situation where you had to settle for less?

    No, I have never been in such a situation.

    What if it takes too long for this guy to come?

    He’ll find me; I know he will.

  • Why I’m still single –Nollywood star Beverly Naya

    Why I’m still single –Nollywood star Beverly Naya

    Beverly Naya, one of the darlings of Nollywood movie buffs speaks with OVWE MEDEME on a number of issues, including her latest project targeted at young women, the challenges of the profession and why she is still single.

    HOW has it been since you relocated to Nigeria?

    Obviously, it has been a rocky journey. I’m still trying to adjust to the culture and the society here. But then, it has ultimately been an amazing journey, especially because I have learnt so much and have grown so much as a person and as a woman. So, I am grateful to God for the journey so far. I don’t have any regrets; I am happy being here.

    What part of the adjustment process has been most difficult for you?

    Well, obviously, I was born and raised in England; so, I am used to a different way of living, a different culture and different types of people. But the truth is, it was a major challenge in the beginning. But the longer I live here, the more I understand how to do things. I think, for that reason, it makes me more grounded. So, I am happy.

    In that case, are you comfortable with the level of acceptance the Nigerian movie industry has given you?

    I am happy with the acceptance and the recognition I have received thus far. I am not really concerned. In fact, I don’t think anybody should be concerned as long as there is still more to be achieved, more to gain and more to learn. I am just really excited about the journey. I am very pleased with how far I have come in this specific space of time.

    You played the role of a church girl in this series, Oasis. What was it like for you?

    What drew me to the character was the fact that I hadn’t taken on a role like this before. Besides, such characters don’t come very often because they are not that commercial. It is not what people necessarily want to see in the cinemas. Instead, they want to see the glamour. So, I was drawn to the character for that reason alone. Also, I just had to challenge myself because Paris, the character I played, is just an amazing. She goes through so many things and struggles to maintain her faith, in spite of her challenges. So, I think that alone inspired me to take the character.

    Does playing the character affect the way you see things now?

    Yes, definitely. It makes me appreciate life more and I’ve realised that I can’t take anything for granted because tomorrow is not certain. So, I’ve realised that I must cherish today, live life to the fullest, thank God for everything and be grateful for how far I’ve come. Sometimes, we tend to take our blessings into our own hands, forgetting that there is someone responsible for bringing us and taking us to where we are today-that is God. I think, in that respect, I’ve learnt how to appreciate God for everything in me, for every breath and every achievement I have had.

    As an actress, you have stayed away from controversies. So, how have you been able to keep your head above water?

    I am a very private person. I don’t like to go out that much. If I do go out, then, I make sure it is for an event or I am hanging out with my friends or stuff like that. I don’t like to be seen at the wrong place and at the wrong time because I don’t want a situation, where I will have to explain my actions. I think that is the most important thing to me. I like to stay humble and stay grounded. That is really how I avoid controversies.

    But there are those who believe that controversies sell. Don’t you buy into that idea?

    Actually, I don’t think it does sell an actress. It just makes one cheap in my opinion. Besides, I am trying to be an inspiring woman. I am trying to be a brand that young girls can look up to and be inspired. It is not that I am a role model; I am not trying to be a role model and I am not saying I am perfect as a human being either. But I am just saying that I want people to look at me and say they are inspired by what I have done in my life. So, in that respect, I do not think that controversies sell at all.

    You came into the country practically handheld by your mother…

    (Cuts in) It was a plan. When I came into the industry, I had already studied in a school in London. So, I already had two years of experience as an actress. But then, when I came here, my mum had already built a lot of contacts in Nigeria, so it kind of made things a lot easier for me.

    Why didn’t you pursue your career over there, instead of coming back home, considering the general belief that starting out there projects one better?

    Things weren’t working in the film industry in England. Apart from that, the country is predominantly white. First and foremost, film is a depiction of reality. It will be unrealistic to have films constantly portraying the black culture because, as I said, the country is predominantly white. What does that mean for a black actor? He gets less work. But when I am here, because the country is a 100 percent Nigerian, I fit into the culture more. As an actress, I had to think about it. Am I passionate? Yes. Do I want to work? Yes. So, that was what led me over here.

    Do you feel threatened by any actress?

    No, I am not threatened by anyone because I have always believed that I am in competition with myself. I don’t really see anybody else for what he or she is doing. I only see what I am doing. So, I am constantly trying to improve myself and pursue my own dreams.

    Does acting affect your private life?

    Not at all! They are very separate. What people see in Beverly Naya as a brand is quite different. I can’t say they know that much about me and my personal life because I keep that much to myself.

    Aside acting, what else keeps you busy?

    I have a degree in filmmaking, so I am working on my own productions. We are doing short films and web series. That is what I am currently working on. I also have a degree in scriptwriting, so I write scripts in my spare time. I am also currently working on a campaign for Fifty Shades of Black, which is a project geared towards young girls, inspiring them to love their complexion, whether they are light-skinned, dark-skinned or brown. That is what I am working on right now and that is currently taking quite a bit of my time.

    What inspired you to embark on that project?

    For me, I just felt like we live in a time, where our black females aren’t necessarily appreciative of their skin colour as much as they should-not all of them though. I want to inspire young girls because I feel like there is no point in targeting adults because their minds have already been formed. So, if I could just inspire young females to love themselves, no matter what and appreciate their black beauty just the way it is, then, I will be inspiring the next generation. That was the main reason I started the project. Then, I brought together some artistes to join me in the campaign; and so far, it has been worth it.

    What other activities have you lined up for the project?

    Right now, I am currently working on a youth tour. We intend to go to different schools, speak to young people, empower them and give them encouraging advice and stuff like that. We would also collaborate with someone who is very prominent, as far as motivational speaking is concerned. I can’t say her name yet because we are still working on the legal aspect of it. That will be very soon. I am also collaborating with Dark and Lovely. There are a variety of things we are working on at the moment.

    Is Beverly in a relationship?

    At the moment, I am not in a relationship.

    Why?

    Well, I just feel it is better for things to remain the way they are than for me to settle for less.

    Have you been in a situation where you had to settle for less?

    No, I have never been in such a situation.

    What if it takes too long for this guy to come?

    He’ll find me; I know he will.

  • Beverly’s top 10

    Beverly’s top 10

    Britain-based Nigerian model and Nollywood actress, Beverly Naya, reveals her favourite things to Kehinde Oluleye.

    Favourite shoe designer

    Christian Louboutin

     

    Favourite bag designer

    Salvatore Ferragamo

     

    Favourite hairdo

    Braids

     

    Favourite Nigerian fashion designer

    April by Kunbi

     

    Favourite perfume

    Flower Bomb by Viktor & Rolf

     

    Favourite nail polish

    Red

     

    Favourite quote

    A lady should be two things, classy and fabulous- Coco Chanel

     

    Favourite car

    Red Ferrari

     

    Favourite holiday location

    Tokyo, Japan

     

    Favourite food

    Chinese food

  • Beverly Naya gets role in Tinsel

    Beverly Naya gets role in Tinsel

    Many regard sultry Nollywood act, Beverly Naya as a rising star. The actress has landed a role in the critically acclaimed MNET Series, Tinsel.

    Set to play Yaya, Beverly enthused; “I was in the United States shooting a TV series when I was contacted about a screen test for the role of Yaya.

    Fortunately, my return back to Lagos was in a week. So as soon as I got back, I auditioned. I was delighted when I got the role. Yaya really is a fantastic character to play.”

    She describes it as nothing but a lovely journey working with the Tinsel cast and crew, describing them as welcoming and professional. “I’m also happy that I can now be seen not just in Nigeria but around Africa too, that’s a beautiful blessing.”

    The youngster came into limelight with the movie, The Actress, which was co-produced by her mom and notable filmmaker Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen.