The sacrifice I made to get to this level… —Ferrari

Ferrari Tonia Bongkem Okoro is gradually building a name for herself in the Nigerian movie industry not just as an actress but also as a producer. Popularly known as Ferrari, the Cameroonian-Nigerian was nominated for a number of awards for her role in movies. She speaks with SEGUN ADEBAYO about her career and plans to keep getting better.

 

How would you describe your entry into the movie industry?

I developed passion for acting since childhood. Funny enough, I didn’t start with acting despite my passion for the job. I was an internal auditor in a bank and I was living very fine, but I always felt incomplete; I felt like something was missing from my life. At that point, I still couldn’t figure what that thing could be. So, I kept pushing on until one day, the story changed. In a nutshell, I discovered that I was not doing what I really love so I resigned from my pay job and followed my dream. It hasn’t been easy but it has been fulfilling. I am happy I followed my dream because it has been paying off.

 

Some people see the entertainment industry as a quick way to fame and fortune. What drove you into the business?

I can only speak for myself. My passion drove me into the entertainment industry. I had a good job before I resigned to take up a career in acting. I decided to quit the job to focus to work more on horning my skills. For me, the journey has been pretty exciting ever since and I am happy I took that bold step because it was not easy. Since I started acting, I have been nominated for several awards and I can tell you that I am currently living my dream. I am here to reign and rule by God’s grace.

 

With your few years in the industry as an actress and producer, what’s your conclusion on the way movies are being produced in the sector?

I am proud of the movies we are producing becasue we are getting better by the day. We all know that Rome is not built in a day. You will also agree with me that our movies are getting better. Nollywood is becoming a major force and everybody wants to be part of its success. Having said that, I will not rule out the fact that there is always the need to keep getting better and improving.

 

Starting as a young actress is always very challenging as you have to work your way to the top through hard work and perseverance. How would you describe that moment when you had to wait for the big time to come?

It is the same thing for anyone who is trying and working hard to make a headway in any profession. I have had to sacrifice a lot to get to where I am today. I learnt from a very young age that there is always a price for every rise. However, I have never done anything illegal or immoral to get to this level. It has always been by God’s grace.

 

You are also a movie producer. At what point did you feel you could start producing your movies?

I just felt it was time for me to change the narrative. I decided to stretch myself in order to discover a new side of Ferrari. My believe is that until you stretch yourself, you can never get better at what you do. You can’t continue to do the same thing same way. Sometimes, you may feel like changing the narratives to suit your new style. You may also want to up the ante for personal reasons, I think all these things culminated in how I became a movie producer. You can only discover the potential in a tea bag when it is put inside hot water. This applies to me too.

 

Must every actor become a producer?

It is not necessary. For me, it is about what works for you and doing it at the right time. I think being a producer works for me now and I am enjoying it. That does not rule out the fact that I am also an actress.

 

Why is it difficult for some of you to remain an actress?

It’s not really about the movie industry; an average Nigerian doesn’t do only one thing. For example, TY Bello is a photographer and also a singer. Popular actor, Saka is an actor and also a lecturer. Actors shouldn’t be limited to acting alone. The more streams of income you have, the better for you. This means that I need to become better and set new goals for myself.

 

Why do they call you Ferrari?

Ferrari is my name. I was christened Ferrari at birth by my parents.

 

Did you ever ask your parents why they named you Ferrari?

My late dad was into automobile. Ferrari means blacksmith. He gave me the name and I understand its meaning very well.

 

With the spate at which marriages of thespians are crashing, what lessons are you learning as a single lady?

Marriages are crashing everywhere not only in the showbiz world. However I have learnt to be patient, understand the purpose of marriage and become a more tolerant person.

 

Does this make you dread the marriage?

No, it does not have to get to that point. You don’t leave the kitchen because hot water poured on you. There are still marriages that are working and inspiring other couples. I don’t dread marriage.

 

You are still single will you consider marrying a co-actor?

I won’t consider that. I prefer to marry someone whose life is not in the limelight. I think it is better to stay in the limelight alone rather that have the two of us in it.

 

When you heard about Mercy Aigbe’s crashed marriage and the violence she allegedly suffered at the hands of her husband, what came to your mind?

I was shocked and sad. I have learnt to keep my private life private and not to wash my dirty linen in the public.