What role are you playing in a new TV series ‘it’s A Crazy World?
I’m playing the role of Rita in a new TV series, produced by Amanda Ebeye. In the series, I’m dating someone (Bob-Manuel Udokwu) who already has three wives and I might just be the fourth.
How long have you been acting?
I have been in the business for over five years. But on and off because I have a 9am-5pm job. It’s like family business, so I juggle. I can’t leave one for the other because I like them both: acting and my job. We need to pay the bills too.
Are you saying acting can’t pay your bills?
Certainly not! There are bills and there are great bills. Standards are different too. Where I’m coming from, Nollywood can’t pay my bills.
How have you been able to cope with the two careers over the years?
I’ve been able to manage. It hasn’t been easy though. But I try to cope. There are times I run late for certain meetings or come on set a little late. I try to have my schedules all the time and I work around it. It has always helped me to plan myself well.
Which of your movies brought you to limelight?
My major rise to stardom was Tinsel. That’s what I’ve done for over five years. That’s the major thing I do. Then I have also done few movies. I’ve done ‘A House Without a Home’, Public Wife and a number of others.
Do you think your curves and height give you an edge in the industry?
Well, not necessarily. I know in the Industry looks matter, but I think content is also key. You can’t have the looks and then no content to deliver. But maybe because I have both – it’s an added advantage. Because when ladies that are curvy walk into a room, they draw attention and people would want to hear them. So, it’s always better you have something upstairs to deliver. You have to bring something good to the table in order to be taken seriously.
Does your looks restrict the kind of roles you play?
No. I can cut across. I can play a mother role, sister, commissioner or a spoilt daughter. My looks don’t limit me at all.
Do you think there are disadvantages of being a curvy actress?
No, there isn’t. Just as much as curvy people draw attention, some petite and not so curvy ladies also draw attention. It all depends on what you have to offer. I can’t change who I am. In my family, most of us are huge. It is in the gene. I can’t practically do anything about it. I have to live with it and be the best I can be. I am not just a package, there’s content and that’s key.
Have you ever had an embarrassing moment on the job?
Not much. One day, I was wearing a flare skirt and the breeze was blowing really hard and the skirt went up. It was crazy but we handled it anyways.
How about from your male fans, any embarrassing encounter?
I’m used to that. I get that all the time. Even in church, airport, everywhere. Some would even want to hug you just like that. But it’s part of the job. We are coping.
Do you feel uncomfortable about it?
Sometime yes, other times no. It just makes me feel that people know me and appreciate what I do. It’s a good feeling anyway.
Do you have one achievement you’re most proud of as an actress?
There are lots of things that I’ve done for myself that I’m very proud of. I wouldn’t want to disclose all of them. My parents are dead and I know that wherever they are now, they are so proud of me because I’ve really done well for myself.
Do you mind sharing just one of them with us?
(Laughs). Building myself to where I am today is a huge achievement for me. People that know me from the get-go know the difference and are so proud of me too.
Well, acting started out for me with Amaka Igwe. Then, I was in school and we were on strike, so I attended auditions. She picked me and gave me a role which was way above what I thought I could handle. But I pulled it off. After that I began to get offers. I went back to school. My face is not all over the place at the moment, but I’m okay with that. When people see me, they still appreciate me because I have a lot to bring to the table. Amaka Igwe taught and mentored me. She told me that I don’t need to be everywhere. If I am in one or two good productions, that’s fine. I have lived by that and it worked for me.
Are you married?
No! I’m not yet married.
You’re doing a 9-5 job, from work to location, how and when then do you have time for yourself and your partner?
Well, we make time from no time. But there’s no one at the moment. I would rather not talk about it.
When the time to get married comes, what would be the description of your man?
Tall, dark, handsome, God-fearing! Someone who has lots of core values! He has to be dark, because I am light skinned. I want someone that would compliment me.
You didn’t mention his financial status.
Very important! He has to. Finance is key. I have worked my way up here, I’ll not date or marry someone that I am richer than. He has to be way richer than me. I’m also tall 5.8”, so he has to be taller than me. My dad was 6.4”, so I know it’s very possible. God can send me a 6.4” too.
You said he is not available at the moment.
No, he is not. I’m single and waiting on God. He (God) will send me my heart desires.
What should your fans expect from you this 2019?
Well, I have lots of scripts that I’m still going through at the moment. Hopefully, people will see more of me in 2019.
and then