COVID-19 lockdown: Govt should put money in everybody’s account —Actress Chy

Chiagoziem Nwakanma popularly known as Chy, is a Nigerian actress who came into the limelight for the role she played in the ‘This is It’ series. She has been constantly on the screen ever since then and in this interview by FAVOUR BOLUWADE, she speaks on how she has been creating a niche for herself in the Nigerian movie industry among other issues. Excerpts:

When did you start acting?

I started acting in 2007, when I decided to give acting a shot, and I went for an audition at a local theater in Chicago, United States called “Freestreet Theater”. I got into the after-school programme and that kicked it off for me.

 

What influenced your decision to move to Nigeria to pursue your career in acting?

I came back for my NYSC so that gave me time to try out the acting scene here in Nigeria and it’s been quite favourable I must say.

 

Were there times you wished you stayed back abroad?

Of course.  I go through that phase at least once every month,  Nigeria can be quite stifling and frustrating.

 

Your role in ‘This is It’ was marvellously acted, was that your debut in the Nigerian movie industry? 

It was my breakthrough role in Nigeria. I had done some other minor projects but “This is it” is what brought me out and I’m still recognised till date because of the series. It was a launch pad for my career here in Nigeria.

 

The movie brought you into limelight, how did you feel about it?

I was really nervous when I got the role because it was my first lead role on screen. But once I got on set, everybody was so supportive.  We had the same goal, which was to make a great series and I believe we achieved that.

 

What challenges did you face being the lead actress?

As a lead, I felt like I had to carry the entire show. Before I got on set, I was a bit overwhelmed but after the first day on set, I felt a lot better because we had created a safe environment for everyone on set. My co-actors also made it a lot easier for me. We clicked from day one, so the energy was natural. The director, I can write a speech about her.  She’s special. She had the best production team with her as well.

 

What other movies have you been featured in?

I’ve mostly done TV series. There’s “Hustle” and “Eve” currently showing on Africa Magic channels during the week.

 

How did you join the cast of ‘Castle and Castle’?

I just made a cameo appearance in one episode on “Castle and Castle”. But I went for the audition and got called for the role.

 

How has the experience been, acting in a law-related show and other movies?

It’s actually funny because “EVE” is also a legal drama. The experience is always similar and different at the same time, no matter the type of show. You have expectations but never really know what to expect. Does that make sense?

 

Are there roles you would never act?

Not really. In the beginning, I used to limit myself but as I grow in the industry I want to do it all.

 

You have a small stature and I must say, it raises one’s eyebrow; has this posed any challenge for you, especially in the industry?

Why does it raise one’s eyebrow?  I’m petite, I’m not disabled. The way I see things, if it’s not meant for me, it’s not meant for me. If I don’t fit your role, that’s fine. There’s room for everybody.  Has it posed a challenge for me? I would say no because there’s nothing I can do about it. Same way some people are light skinned and some are dark, it is the same with height. It either works for you or it doesn’t. I don’t let it define me.

 

How has the lockdown affected you?

Of course it has affected me, just like everybody else in the world. This is the longest I’ve been away from set. I miss being on set and shooting.

 

Do you do other things aside acting? Can you tell us about them?

I act full time. When I’m not on set, I’m taking an online course on any skill that interests me at the time.

 

Is the lockdown the best measure for curbing the COVID-19?

Of course. The first step to winning against the virus is to stop and contain the spread. The lockdown is meant to do that.

 

What do you advise the government to do to help ease the burden?

It’s quite simple. Find a way to put money in people’s accounts. Majority of people are not earning this period, so the least the government can do is provide a means for them to at least feed themselves.

 

What languages do you speak?

Igbo and English

 

Are you in a relationship?

I’m always in a relationship!

 

What are your hobbies?

At this point I don’t even know anymore. The things I used to enjoy, like staying home, watching movies, food, sleep etc  are becoming boring now, no thanks to COVID…I need to find new hobbies.

 

Tell us about your background and education.

 

I’m Chy Nwakanma, I’m an actress. I was born in Aba, Abia State. I lived there in my early years, and then moved to the US for about 12 years and now I’m back here in Nigeria. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a BFA in Performance and a Communication degree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

Buy and read digital replicas of your TRIBUNE titles by subscribing through E-VENDING

 

COVID-19: We Don’t Know Whereabouts Of Chinese Doctors ― PTF • Don’t ask me where they are ― Health Minister
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, on Thursday, said that it is not aware of the whereabouts of the Chinese doctors and health professionals who were brought to Nigeria some weeks ago to help the country in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic… Read full story

Amid Uproar, Lagos Backtracks, Says Dubai Returnee Didn’t Die Of COVID-19
Lagos State government on Thursday night retracted its earlier claim that one of the returnees from Dubai, died of COVID-19. Other returnees, quarantined at an isolation centre in Lekki, had protested in a viral video clip, disproving the earlier official position… Read full story

No Conclusion Yet On ‘Strange’ Deaths In Kano
The Federal Government says there are no conclusions yet with regard to ‘strange’ deaths in Kano State. The Minister for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19… Read full story

FG To Present Revised 2020 Budget Next Week •As Reps uncover documents on illegal virement of MDAs funds to finance COVID-19
Barring last minutes changes, the Federal Government (FG) is expected to formally present the revised 2020 Appropriation bill of N10.58 trillion to the National Assembly. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, who disclosed this during high-level meeting held behind closed… Read full story

COVID-19: PTF Warns Against Using Bleach, Ethanol As Cure
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, on Thursday, warned Nigerians against the use of bleach or ethanol as cure for COVID-19, saying that its usage can result in death. Besides, the PTF also cautioned Nigerians to stop the stigmatisation of people with COVID-19 infection once they recover from it… Read full story

COVID-19 Care Now Available For All Who Need It ― PTF
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday assured that Nigeria’s testing strategy is yielding results, asserting that the country can now give care to any patient who needs it. Chairman of the task force and Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha… Read full story

Buhari Makes Plans For Post-COVID-19 Nigeria
The presidency on Thursday outlined its plans to move the country forward after it exits the present COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting actions in the areas of the economy, healthcare, jobs creation, among others. A statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity) in Abuja noted… Read full story

Nigeria Didn’t Ask For Madagascar COVID Solution, The Country Sent Them To Us, Says PTF
The Presidential Task Force of the control of the COVID-19 pandemic has disowned the Madagascar Covid organic solution, which had been reported to have been requested by the Federal Government to fight the virus. Chairman of the task force and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss… Read full story

Why Canada Denies Air Peace Right To Evacuate Stranded Nigerians–Onyeama
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama’s move to patronise local carriers for the evacuation of Nigerians abroad has suffered a setback. The Canadian government had denied a local airline, Air Peace, landing right to evacuate Nigerian citizens in Ottawa on the ground that it has no license to… Read full story

COVID-19: Pandemic Offers Chance To Reset Critical Sectors ― Osinbajo
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has observed that even though the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected lives and livelihoods of Nigerians in different ways, it, however, offers an opportunity for the Nigerian people and government to have a reset in critical sectors of the economy and social services… Read full story

13-Year-Old Girl, 23 Other Ladies Used For Prostitution Rescued In Lagos Hotel
The police in Lagos State have rescued 24 ladies including a 13-year-old who were trafficked to Lagos from Akwa Ibom State for prostitution. Four members of the syndicate that brought the girls, most of them from Oron in Akwa Ibom State, have also been arrested… Read full story

Shocking Story Of Man Who Found Out That His Twins Babies Have Two Fathers
A Chinese man is left stunned after finding out that his twin babies have two fathers, the Daily Mail of UK reported on Thursday. The man, who remains unidentified, made the shocking discovery after taking the new babies for a DNA test as part of the standard procedure to register their births in China, a DNA… Read full story

We Deregulated Downstream Oil Sector In March — Sylva
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva says the downstream oil sector was deregulated on March 19, with the reduction in the pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit(PMS) also known as petrol. Sylva made the clarification at a ministerial briefing giving a scorecard of the… Read full story

EDITORIAL: Governments And The COVID-19 Billions
SINCE the Covid-19 global pandemic touched down in Nigeria in late February, there have been concerted efforts by the private and public sectors to mobilise resources to contain its spread. As early as March 26, the Coalition Against Covid-19 (CACOVID) emerged to mobilise private sector leadership… Read full story