I am from Nimo, in Anambra State, but was born and bred in Lagos. In 2006, I became a medical doctor by training.
I obtained a Medical degree f r o m t h e College of Medicine, University of Lagos, but because of the love and passion I have for acting, I decided to delve into the profession. Medical training is such a huge profession.
Did you ever practice and why did you throw it aside for acting?
I had finished school and done my housemanship, NYSC and I’ve worked briefly. It is not that I opted for acting. I just realised that it was a part of me that was just always there and it refused to let go. At every point in time, that part of me was just struggling to get credit. Initially, I thought I would do this on the side with my medical profession but then I finished school and realised that the desire was still very strong in me. So I decided to just explore it and see where this would take me. It has not been very easy but I thank God for the success and the progress that I’ve made so far.
Are you totally done with the medical line?
No, definitely not. Up until recently, I used to host a health show on the radio, but because acting has taken up so much of my time right now, I don’t have time to follow it up. I also write for health blogs. Once in a while, I practice pro bono health care.
Since I don’t work in hospitals, I try to lend my health expertise as much as possible. I don’t think medicine is a part of me that I will say I will never do.
How did your parents feel when you dropped medicine after they must have spent so much on your education?
As God will have it, I have very understanding parents. They didn’t stress me about it. I think they already knew that I had that part of me.
So when I said I was going to do it, they were very supportive. I would say that our parents always know who their children are. They know which of their children that would come and tell them something like that and they would not be too surprised. They have been very awesome and supportive.
How did your journey in the movie industry begin?
When I was done with housemanship and was working, I just realised and told myself that what I really wanted to do was to act.
So I quit my job and started attending auditions. I started acting officially in 2011. My very first role that I got was a TV series, ‘Behind the smile’. It was directed by Tunde Olaoye and I was starred opposite Femi Brainard in a leading role. Getting my first role as a lead role gave me so much confidence. If anybody was going to cast me in anything for the first time and it was a lead role, then I guess I really have what it takes. After ‘Behind the smile’, other things just kept coming up.
I did a number of other TV series such as ‘Nowhere to be found’, ‘Gidi culture’ notable among them is ‘Lekki Wives’ which is probably the biggest project I have done so far. This has given me so much visibility. I have also done a feature film ‘Married but living single’. This gave me my first award in London as the best actress in a supporting role at the17th African Film Awards in 2012.
You have only been in the industry for three years and you have made so much impact. What has been the strength behind it?
It has really been God. To be honest, ‘Lekki Wives’ catapulted me into limelight that made me very visible. I got that role at an audition. I wanted so much to work with blessing Egbe because I have seen her work and wanted to work with her. I attended an audition and as soon as I read for her, she said she would give me a call back. So I would say it was a combination of talent and favour.
What is your passion?
For me, it is the desire to excel, to be happy, contented with what I do.
Describe your style.
My style is simple and elegant. I am not an over the top person when it comes to fashion. I am not somebody that will dress too loudly. Simplicity for me is elegance. I also think I should be comfortable in whatever I wear and look glamorous.
When we look into your wardrobe, what do we see?
You see a lot of dresses. I wear a lot of short dresses. I hardly wear long dress unless attending an award ceremony. By and large, most of the time, you will see me wearing short dresses. I wear jeans once in a while, but mostly its short dresses you will see me in. Which part of your body is your greatest asset? I would say my legs. I get a lot of compliments about my legs.
If asked to play a nude role in a movie, what would be your reaction?
I and that director would have to talk about it and find a way around it. This is because Nigeria is a place people have difficulty separating a character from the real person. So it is difficult for them to understand that whatever character you are portraying is not you but a character. No, I would not want to pose nude at all.
What about romantic scenes like kissing?
The truth is that there are sometimes that kissing tells a better story and what I mean by that is that in real life, you do it with your boyfriend or husband. So if kissing is going to help tell a better story, and by that I mean it is absolutely necessary, then sure, I will. If taking on a romantic role and kissing is going to help bring the story to life why not?
What are your hobbies?
I love reading novels, watching movies. I think I can actually stay in front of the television and watch movies all day. I go to the cinema a lot. I love listening to music too. Music, movies, books are my three biggest hobbies. What is the most expensive thing in your wardrobe? It is a handbag, a Louis Vuitton bag. I love durable bags and they are pretty to look at.
Fashion item you cannot do without?
If there is anything I cannot do without at any given point in time, it is my phone. If you take my phone away from me, I will feel naked. But for fashion item, I am not too big on accessories. If I am wearing only earrings I am happy, but if you take my phone away, I will be lost.
What are your favourite Perfumes?
I love Roman perfumes; I love Very Irresistible by Givenchy, Intuition by Estee Lauder. They are so many other ones. I just love good perfumes.
Are you in a relationship?
I don’t talk about my private life in the media. If you are asking if I am single, yes I’m single, I’m not married, but relationship wise, I don’t talk about it.
What is your dream man like?
People always like to describe their dream man in one way or the other to say they want a tall or handsome man but the truth is that when you see him, you will definitely know and he might not be any of the things that you have been calling out. For me, when I meet my dream man, I will know.
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