YOU disappeared from the screen when the ovation was loud. What happened?
But what are you doing presently?
I present a programme for Promasidor called “Nwanyi Onwuga.” It’s a cooking competition programme that I present in Igbo language. Each week, somebody wins a hundred thousand naira.
When did you start presenting the programme?
I started presenting the programme since last year. But before then, I have been doing other things on television.
Are you doing this because the scripts are no longer coming your way?
In Nollywood today, there’s a clique, and unfortunately, I don’t belong to the clique. Besides, I want to be doing my own thing that would generate more funds for me. That’s why I delved into television and movie production. So, I am still working. I have not abandoned acting.
Looking back, what would you say has changed about your acting career?
We are in a world where we must continue to learn everyday. When I do a film, I’m tempted to go back and watch it. All I do is to improve on my last job. That’s what I do, and that’s what I expect any actor or actress to do.You are as good as your last job, and when you look at your last job, you would notice some minor flaws here and there, that probably others might not take note of.
What’s the difference between your time, and what’s happening today?
Would you say the industry has been fair to you in all respect?
Yes, I would say that the industry has been wonderfully fair to me. This is because I came out from nowhere and suddenly became a star, starting from television. I also came into the film industry and the stardom pushed on. I featured in Behind the Cloud which was a darling television series most families would not dare miss. That was because a lot of us were loved, and moreover, we had good audience that appreciated us.
You said, you came out from nowhere, how?
Yes, I came out from nowhere, because I was just a Theatre Arts student at the university of Jos. I went for an audition for a small girl role in Behind the Clouds, which gave me the platform. But surprisingly, I was given the role of a mother of two children. I wasn’t expecting the role, but the producers felt I have a motherly disposition. Suddenly, my name disappeared and everyone on the street was calling me Mama Nosa and Efe, not even the Adesuwa that was the character’s name. I enjoyed playing the role.
Did you go underground after starring in Behind the Cloud?
After starring in Behind the Cloud, I did Jezebel, which was one of the pioneer films in Nollywood. When I finished youth service in Jos, I relocated to Lagos, and secured a job in the bank. When the film industry started, I came into the industry.
Don’t you believe in marriage?
I believe in marriage. I was born into a home, I have a father and a mother. But marriage has not come my way, and I don’t think it’s yet a challenge to me. When it comes my way, it comes.
But are you ready for the asking?
Why not! As a woman I am ready.
Does it mean there is no man in your life?
That’s not for public discussion.
