Often mistaken for a mulatto, beautiful actress and model, Ijeoma Imoh, is not one to engage in scandals to gain fame. In this interview with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI, the Abia State indigene and graduate of History and International Studies from the Lago State University, speaks on life challenges as an actor, projects and her reason for always visiting the orphanages. Excerpts
IS marriage plan why you left the entertainment scene?
(Laughs) Hian! Did you hear I was getting married?
You suddenly went off the scene. Have you stopped acting?
I have not stopped acting. I recently featured in Koffi’s movie ‘Hullabaloo’. I have not gone anywhere. I am still very active; I don’t know why people have been asking me this same question on why I have been hiding.
What have you been up to recently?
I have been busy doing what I know how to do – acting. I have some jobs that I have done like ‘The Option’ and ‘Maja’. There are others too.
The latest ones are the ones I mentioned. I also produced (a movie) two years back titled ‘Yabis Night’. It is a romantic comedy and there is the next one which is work in progress.
Did you have to sleep your way through to become one of the most sought after actresses?
First of all, I am not one of the most sought-after actresses. Besides, I did not know everyone must sleep their way through to become the most sought after. What then happens when grace is in play?
Do you still visit orphanage homes?
Yes, it is mandatory for me to visit them yearly. I just love the idea of sharing my little proceeds with them. They are less-privileged and they also deserve to be happy. And it is another way of thanking God for what he has done for me too.
What are you plans for 2020?
To stay fit and maintain healthy lifestyle, get more job endorsements and be at peace with myself and people around me.
You had an issue with a producer recently. What was it about?
It’s about payment after four months I shot for him. But I have decided to rest the case as my senior colleagues and his fellow directors waded in.
Which would you say has given you fulfillment – acting or personal projects?
Both! Though am not yet fulfilled. Got more to do but I am happy doing what I love to do – acting.
Why do you always appear casual?
This is Nigeria where it is always hot. I don’t have that strength to always keep the make-up on. I end up licking my lipstick.
But when we meet on a red carpet, you will see all the necessary things put in place. It also depends on the mood.
Sometimes, you do not know where that person is coming from, or going to. But for me, I already know where I would be going; which means I already know what I will be wearing. And I also love looking simple. I just love being free.
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You seem to relate well with people?
This is me. I am a very blunt person and this is who I am. And if you know me very well, you will know that I do not mix business with pleasure.
How has the journey been so far?
Sincerely, it’s been tough out there. It is always like a battlefield, trying to get roles and balance your career. Auditions, to the best of my knowledge, have virtually disappeared in Nollywood. You get roles these days based on how connected you are.
The trend is killing the acting spirit of most of us. If not for the encouragement and advice of some directors and producers, some of us would have left.
Actually, my first acting role was in a soap opera, ‘Young, Single and Free’, directed by Kinsley Omoefe. It is still running on national TV stations, and my role is very challenging. My first movie in Nollywood was ‘Bumper-to-Bumper’ and it was a party scene.
Though it was a minor role, I really enjoyed myself. In fact, that really opened my eyes about how Nollywood really operates. Since then, I have featured in several other Nollywood movies.
What do you do in your leisure time?
Sometimes, I could be boring but I love life. It is not that hard. Just treat yourself nicely. Only you can make yourself happy. It is when you make yourself happy that people around you are happy too.
If you start frowning, your face will start having wrinkles all over. I go swimming and I dance to any sound I hear. And my friends will always say, ‘Ijeoma, won fi se e ni?’ The thing that is usual for me is to just go to club and dance. I also go to cinemas if I need to go. I could be boring but extremely playful.
Being the playful type, do people take advantage of you?
That is something that is not new. I don’t think this has to do with being a celebrity. They keep doing it. But in my own case, I see, I feel and I hear. And once I notice such a thing, I call you to order.
How did you find yourself in the make-believe world?
I don’t like office jobs. I have always loved entertainment. But unfortunately, I cannot sing. So acting, showbiz and all the paparazzi were the options open to me.
I joined Nollywood more than a decade ago based on my love for the art. And since my arrival, I have featured in some movies but I am yet to get my dream role. But I am not giving up. I am optimistic that it will come soon.
How often do you get roles?
I am working so hard to get these jobs. But every day, people are born wanting to do this same job. There is competition out there.
Besides, many of the old faces seem not to be shifting. And you also have people coming after you for this same job. So, you need to work extra hard to see if it has to come your way.
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