WHY did you relocate to Nigeria?
I was in Ghana for a few years for different reasons. One of the reasons was that I was trying to break into the movie industry there. It wasn’t easy, as most of the productions largely involved speaking the dialect; so, I found it difficult as I couldn’t speak the dialect. I came back to try out acting in Nigeria and here I am today.
As a singer, songwriter and screenplay writer, how do you juggle all these?
They are intertwined in my mind, so it doesn’t necessarily feel like I’m doing too many different things at once, which will require me to try to ‘balance’ anything, so to speak. They are all the same to me.
How do you manage your time to meet up with your schedules?
I try as much as possible to plan myself; and where I can’t, I make the most and the best of the situation.
Why the preference for acting?
I wouldn’t say I ‘prefer’ acting above anything else. That is like saying a person likes both yellow and green colours, but will go with yellow, if he or she has to choose. I didn’t have anything else I consciously wanted to do as much as act. In other words, I knew I wanted to act from a very young age.
When did you start acting professionally?
I usually tell people that I started professional acting early 2008. But recently, I remembered that in Ghana, I had the opportunity to record on camera. It was a soap opera that never saw the light of day. But it was still filmed professionally in 2006.
Would you say it is because of the fame and money?
Fame and money? Let’s break it down. I’m a very private person, so I’d say ‘fame’ isn’t exactly the first thing I will go looking for. With regard to the issue of money, it doesn’t matter what anybody does for a living, people definitely want to be able to put food on their tables and take care of themselves and their families. So, I will say yes.
Why are you diversifying now?
There isn’t a law against doing different things. Besides, variety is the spice of life!
As an entrepreneur, how have you been relating to your clients?
Just like any and every other method of service, when you are working with clients, you need patience and a great smile!
Are you a fashion freak?
No, it wouldn’t be right to say I’m a fashion freak!
So, what is style to you?
Style is whatever makes you comfortable in your skin and makes you stand out and classy without appearing slutty.
With your beauty and brains, how do you deal with male advances?
Ha, ha! Well, men will always admire an intelligent and beautiful woman. I appreciate the looks and I deal with advances accordingly. Most times, the advances are unwanted, but one finds the best way to deal with the situation. I think I’ve almost figured it completely out!
Presently, you seem to be getting a lot of movie roles; so, what is the secret?
I’ll attribute it to hard work and favour, and I thank God for it!
Do you have any plans to become a producer like some of your colleagues?
I plan toeing that line someday.
Since you started, have you won any award?
I won the Best of Nollywood award for Best Breakout Performance in a leading role for Two Brides and a Baby in 2011. I’ve been nominated twice for Golden Icon Academy Awards (GIAMA) in Houston, Texas.
How will you compare stage plays to TV?
Stage play is a different ball game in acting! You can afford to make mistakes while filming because there are many chances to correct yourself. But stage? As far as I am concerned, stage is the true test of an actor and I am very happy to say that in my experience with stage, I passed that test effortlessly.
How would you describe life as an actress?
Professionally, it’s a busy and stressful life because there’s so much to do and do right. For me, it’s a bit uncomfortable because I don’t like my life on display and that’s exactly what some people expect your life to be. But all in all, I am grateful for it.
Who are your role models?
I don’t exactly have a role model. But I just have a handful of men and women I respect and people who have shaped the industry, both locally and internationally.
Will you go to any length to get a role you so much desire, knowing it can get you an international accolade?
Will I fight really hard to get a role I know can get me international accolades? Of course! But one thing I’ve realised is that, if something is yours, it’s yours; and I mean after all is said and done.
How did the journey as an actress actually start?
It started with a small part in the soap opera titled Crossroads by Emeka Ossai.
What are you working on at the moment, aside working for others?
At the moment, I’m starting up a few personal long-term projects.
Do you have a charity organisation like your colleagues?
I work with a charity organisation called ‘The wings of love foundation’. We are small and just starting up. But our aim is to help widows, orphans and young people who want to get off the streets and turn their lives around. However, we have been doing this in the little way we can. We appreciate support from every quarter.
Some actors say they prefer soaps because it is restricted. Do you share this view?
Actually, I don’t know if I even understand that idea. First of all, why will an actor want to restrict him or herself to doing just one thing? Personally, I believe in doing different things. In my opinion, it makes you a better and stronger actor. So, I don’t think I’d want to stick solely to soaps. I’d love to be part of a great one like Lekki Wives, for instance, and not limit myself to it.
People claim that you have the same features as Mercy Johnson. Do you agree with this description?
This particular subject has sparked a media hailstorm of nasty comments directed at my person. First of all, I don’t personally see a resemblance. Also, she is an actress whose works I respect a lot because she has worked really hard. A few people have mentioned the fact that we look alike. But these days, I just shrug and say it’s no big deal. It’s great to be compared to a star all the same.
So, will you say it is advantageous in any way?
Actually, it hasn’t affected me, one way or another. So, it’s not been an advantage or a disadvantage.
Do you have plans to pursue music too?
I do have plans to pursue music and I’m going to do so.
How did the love for acting start?
I’ve always had flair for the arts from as far back as I can remember. My mum introduced me to books at a very early age. I even had a brief period in my life where everyone thought I would become an artist because I picked up drawing and painting so fast that it surprised my friends in the primary and high school. Also, I loved watching lots of fun TV… Mary Poppins was a favorite.
I remember clearly the first time I ever thought I would like to act was when I was about five and a half. I had seen Sound of Music for the first time…I just knew I would like to act because I was inspired by the kids in the film and I wanted to do what they were doing. Of course, as a child, I didn’t understand all the dynamics and I probably was thinking in my mind that I just wanted to live that life- do what they were doing, as if it were real.
As I got older, I realised that they were role playing and my understanding of acting became better and I never wavered. Of course, growing up in a Christian background, one is bound to face a little opposition on such a decision because of how the industry is perceived and I wasn’t exempted. My folks didn’t think it was the right career path for me, but I couldn’t be swayed in my mind… Yeah, I eventually studied something else, but I’ve never lost the passion for acting, not for a second!
Would you say Emeka Ossai paved way for you in Nollywood?
No, I wouldn’t say he ‘paved the way’. What I would rather say is that he gave me my first real shot and I took it gladly. Sure, it took a while before I got something else. But that acting experience in ‘Crossed Roads’ made me realize that I really had what it took to get into the industry.
I remember I met Kate Henshaw for the first time on that set. Wow, she was divine! One of the most down-to-earth screen stars ever! She praised my work and said she liked the fact that I was effortless in my delivery and I didn’t show any nervousness at all, seeing that it really was my first time in front of a camera here in Nigeria. I hold her words to heart till date. Bet she doesn’t remember the advice she gave to me, which was “be focused on the job, keep your head up and work hard. You will get there!” Those words have continued to ring true in my life. I’m not ‘there’ yet, but I’m not where I was when I started.
What other soap operas have you featured in aside Cross Road?
I’ve been in quite a few actually, including Dear Mother, Everyday People; Just the two of us; Tinsel; Disclosure; Lekki Wives. I’m quite sure I’ve forgotten some. I’ve played a cameo here and there.
How has the journey been so far?
It has been a tough journey! I speak for myself personally when I say this. Quite a number of actresses have breezed through successfully (or at least, that’s the impression they give and that’s what it looks like from the continuous jobs they do). But personally, it has been a serious learning experience because I am picky about what I do. Then, there’s always the availability of the kinds of work I will like to be doing. Also, there’s the challenge of getting filmmakers to use you when you are relatively unknown. This is because in Nigeria, face sells. There are other reasons I wouldn’t really like to elaborate because it’s pointless.
How easy was it for you to find your feet in Nollywood, considering the fact that it was a bit tough for you in Ghana where you started?
I was in Ghana for almost three years and I did try at some acting, but I didn’t go very far there because I found that most of the productions I auditioned for needed the native tongue: Twi or Fanti. I couldn’t speak either, so it acted as a sort of block. Of course, I didn’t have such issues when I got back to Nigeria. It was really easy for me. I would go for an audition and if they liked me, I got picked.
How were you able to get the lead character in the movie Two Brides and a Baby, which won you an award?
Two Brides and a Baby…. My claim to fame! I met the producer, who is also a dear friend, through an actor who had worked with her previously. He saw me at a rehearsal one day and when we were done, he walked up to me and said, ‘I’m going to send you to someone I think you should meet! She’ll love you!’ I was surprised, but I said, ‘Oh, okay!’ and that was how I went to meet with Blessing Effiom-Egbe for the first time to work on disclosure. She was so lovely and nice.
Funny enough, she didn’t even give me like a regular audition. We just sat down and chatted and then she just asked me to read a script to her. Then, she said, ‘I have some dresses for the character. If they fit you, you got the job!’ I went into the changing room, praying furiously and saying under my breath ‘Please, fit! Please, fit!’ and they did perfectly. That’s how I started working with Blessing.
When she was going to do Two Brides and A Baby, she told me about it. I was originally supposed to play a supporting role, but I don’t exactly know what happened because she later said she was going to audition for the lead role. She held a couple of auditions and one of those days, I was with her, and she just turned to me and said ‘Read for Keche’. I took a deep breath and…. went to town; and that was it.
