If it is my destiny to marry Davido, I’ll have him all over —Actress Sonia Nwankwo

Are you a registered Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) member?

Yes. I registered as an AGN member in 2011. It was upon my registration that I started acting fully. Within a short time, I did movies such as ‘Cry of the Motherless’, ‘Joy of my Destiny’, ‘My Mothers Wish’, ‘Where I Belong’, ‘Dear, My Beloved’, ‘Against My Blood’, ‘Mary the Hunter’, ‘Sorrows and Tears’, ‘King of the Vultures’, ‘Blind Mother’, and so many others.

Why did you in 2018 venture into singing? Was the movies a little too much for you?

I have always been a singer. I only released two of my songs – Suspender (May 2018) and Obimo (Nov 2018) – because I wanted to reveal this side of me that not many people know of.

Which is the most challenging movie you have done among the ones listed?

I have done so many challenging roles but the one I can never forget in a hurry is ‘Against my Blood’. It is an epic movie. On the set of the movie, there were times where we had to sleep in the bush and I was heavily bitten by insects and I fell very sick for almost two weeks after leaving that movie set.

How did your journey into the movie industry begin?

Entertainment has always been a thing for me right from when I was very much young. I used to be in a Debatic and Dramatic Society in school then called DDS. While I was in the University, I used to travel to different states during ASUU’s strikes to learn more about movies and participate too.

Aside acting, what else do you do?

Asides acting and singing, I also own a farm.

Who are those you  admire in the entertainment industry?

I admire a lot of people, especially the women. One of the people that inspired me growing up is Stephanie Okereke. I remember wanting to act like her. I also admire Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), Ini Edo, Genevieve Nnaji too. There is so much I still learn from them.

Who’s your entertainer crush?

I love a lot of Nigerian entertainers due to the fact that we are taking it by force, but I think when it comes to crushing, I would just go for David Adeleke popularly known as Davido (laughs).

Can you marry him, if he asks you to?

I think he is in a serious relationship which is very much visible.

But what if your path crosses?

If it’s my destiny, why not? I will marry him all over.

Does age matter to you in relationship?

Age is nothing but a number. If a younger lover will make me happier and contented, so be it.

What do you look out for in a man?

My ideal man would be very patient, loving, understanding and above all God-fearing.

How about his pocket and other physical features?

Those other things can be worked towards. They are not primary.

What’s next for you?

Musically yes, I am working on a song that I’ll be performing at The African Film Festival in Dallas, Texas, USA, where I have been invited to be part of the workshop and also perform live.

How does your man cope with your busy schedules?

I don’t have a serious man yet, but before I do, I’ll let him know my schedule and see if he can deal with it.

How supportive are your parents of your chosen career?

At first, they weren’t supportive at all, especially my dad. But when they saw the outcome of my jobs they are beginning to get in line. My mum is my biggest fan now; she even goes as far as watching my movies and downloading my songs even before I inform her.

Have you encountered sexual harassment in the industry, even at your early stage?

Everybody has but I think the way you handle it is what matters. When I started, I remember losing a lot of roles all because I refused to play some dirty games. I am glad now that my talent is gradually subduing the sexual harassments.

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Do you watch your movies to see your flaws?

Yes I do, I criticise myself a lot and try to be better.

How do you improve on them?

I try to be open to criticism in as much as I know it hurts, and I also watch my role models who have been there before me and learn from them.

What’s your unique selling point?

I really don’t even know my selling point. All I try to do is better myself every day.

How do you deal with male fans?

I love all my fans dearly because they have brought me this far and still going. As for my male fans, I love them too but sometimes some of them try to cross boundaries. However, I know how to handle them without being offensive. My male fans are the best ever.