JACINTA Obianuju Amelia, known as Lota Chukwu in movies, is an actress, model and yoga enthusiast. In this interview with Mujidat Balogun, the lady who contested for the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria crown in 2011 talks about the thrills, challenges and more.
What are the thrills of being an actress?
It has been really interesting and exciting for me. I get to be who I want to be, at whatever time. I also get to do what I love and get up every day happy at what I’m doing. It’s the greatest thrill for me, really.
What do you consider as your biggest achievement so far?
So far, I think my biggest achievement is being able to be an actress. I must say that coming from a home like mine and being able to do what I do is no easy feat. Every day is an achievement and that’s how I see it. I do not take anything that comes with the job as anything less than an achievement and I’m grateful for that.
Let’s talk about some memorable moments in life?
I have a couple of memorable moments and each time I look back I get inspired by them. This includes going for the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria competition. Then I also have my first day on set as well as presenting my parents with my first acting pay and telling them that this was what I wanted to do. From that point , I moved down to Lagos to chase this dream and I also recall the first time my mum called to say she watched me on TV. These are some of the memorable moments that I cannot forget for one reason or another.
Who or what is the greatest influence in your life?
Definitely, it has to be my mom. She is very special to me.
Looking back now, which of your movies do you like most?
I think all the productions that I have been in have been great to me, for one reason or another. My first production was with Mr. Lancelot Imasuen and it was great because it was my first and it felt so real. I mean I was actually acting and it was with one of Nollywood’s best. That for me was a very big deal.
I loved shooting The Arbitration because I was the youngest person on set, talking about my age and career-wise. It was an honour for me to be in the presence of such an array of talents like O.C Ukeje, Adesua Etomi, Iretiola Doyle, Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, Sola Fosudo, Greg Ojefua, amongst others. Then we move to Fine Girl and that was my first lead role and you also have Spotlight which was like a Royal Arts reunion. Jenifa’s Diary is already a second home, and it’s exciting because I’m shooting alongside with great Funke Akindele. It’s difficult to pick one best, I have actually been very lucky.
What are the things that you like to wear?
I love to wear comfortable clothes a lot. I do not consider myself very stylish; style is always the last thing on my mind when I’m dressing up. I love wearing sneakers or brogues or other boyish shoes. I love dresses or shorts with tee-shirts a lot. Shoes are an addiction for me; they are definitely my favourite items.
How do you relax?
I try to relax by watching series, reading books, sketching, or cooking. I’m such a potato couch when I’m not working, so relaxing is always easy.
What did you think of Funke Akindele when you first met her?
The first time I met her was at the Jenifa’s Diary audition and I was just stunned and scared because she auditioned me herself. I was already her fan from the days of I Need to Know, but she was so kind. Then she told us to relax and not be scared and I tried to do that. I kept thinking about how considerate and kind she was and that didn’t change when we started working on Jenifa’s Diary.
How has the acting journey on Jenifa’s Diary been?
It’s been great, insightful and a great learning process too. On Jenifa’s Diary we don’t simply learn about acting, we learn ethics. Everyone I know who has been on JD has come out better for it and to be honest, it has a lot to do with Funke Akindele. She’s so disciplined and you can’t help but pick up some of that discipline.
What attracted you to the script?
It was fresh and every episode that I participated in had a lesson. I tell people that they need to get past the comedy and see the message that is being passed across and I’m glad people finally did. It’s not every day that you get a script that teaches you morals, discipline and other ethics. It also addresses some sensitive topics like rape, premarital sex, abuse while at the same time making everyone laugh. So, I just knew that I had to be a part of that.
How challenging was the role of Kiki?
For me, I would say that playing the role of Kiki wasn’t really challenging. This is because we have a lot in common. She is level headed, intelligent, kind, and gentle. It was easy playing her, so for a lot of it, I didn’t consider myself acting.
Tell us about yoga: how did you discover it?
At a point in my life, I gained a few pounds so I needed to shed and my personal trainer promised to hook me up with something that was quite amazing and he did a few moves. At first, I was very skeptical but over time, I warmed up to it and I got addicted.
Would you recommend it for everyone?
Yes, definitely! Young, old, fat, slim. It is for everyone.
According to your website, you posted that you are mother of four, do you have kids?
Yes, I do. They are my dogs.
Is there any plan for marriage?
Of course. I want to get married at a point but everything in its time; you can’t rush these things. It’s a lifetime commitment and if you want to do it just once, you can’t do it with just anybody.
Do you like to cook? What food do you like to prepare?
Yes, I love cooking. It’s one of my favourite pastimes. I love experimenting a lot, so I love cooking everything I find interesting. I love grilled meat, so I love experimenting with that and also with rice. Soups are also a go-to for me.
Tell us about the character Kiki in Jenifa’s Dairy
Kiki is a rich kid, who is friend with Toyosi but meets Jenifa and loves her. She’s one of the few who can tolerate Jenifa’s antics. Kiki is an only child, so she likes to hold on to friends even when they are bad influences; we saw that with Tania and even her abusive boyfriend. She’s a sweet girl who just wants to be loved.
What is your favourite motivational phrase?
Better days ahead. (It will always get better)
If you have to advise young people, what would you tell them?
Let your focus be on your future and on God. I don’t think anything is as important as that. There’s no present pleasure worth jeopardising your future or your relationship with God over. If it costs you your relationship with God, it’s too expensive and if it makes you ashamed to stand before God, it’s not worth it. Where you are coming from doesn’t define you, it’s whatever decision you make today that defines your tomorrow. And at whatever time, wherever you are, you have a choice to start all over again. It’s not too late to do the right thing.
What is your definition of style?
It has to be something comfortable. I don’t do well with glam and all that. If I have my way, I will only wear make-up once a month. I used to be a bit of a tomboy and there are still slight traces of that, but when I want to get all glammed up, I like to think I can do it but it has to be clean, nothing overly dramatic and nothing too sexual.
What did you study in school?
My entire educational background was done in Benin; from primary, secondary and my university education. I attended the University of Benin where I studied Agricultural Economics and Extension Services which people find weird because I am now an actress. I also attended the Royal Arts Academy where I studied acting, to give me a bit of a formal background and improve my skills.
What other projects are you working on for now?
Keep your fingers crossed, but I promise you will love it.
