How I’ve been avoiding sexual harassment in Nollywood - Chiamaka Nwokeukwu

Chiamaka

Sexy and emerging actress, Chiamaka Nwokeukwu in this interview monitored by SHOWBIZPLUSng, opens up on her career, journey to stardom, how some Nollywood producers lure desperate actresses to bed, among other trending issues.

Let's meet you please!
My name is Chiamaka Nwokeukwu. I am from Abia State. I was born into a family of four kids. I am the first child. I came into Nigerian movie industry in 2012.                 

How did the journey into acting begin for you?
I escorted a friend to an audition, not having in mind to be auditioned. When I got there, I was asked to try after all it was free and I was there already. So I did and was called back two weeks later and my friend wasn't even called. I was casted for that movie that was how I got into Nollywood.

 

Which was the movie that brought you to limelight? 

From that my debut movie other movie producers started calling me to be part of their works. The movies that gave me spotlights are ‘My unborn son’ ‘David my son’, ‘Chinelo the shy virgin, ‘Fallen angel, ‘Unthinkable, ‘My biggest game and some others.

What are the challenges you’re facing as an up and coming actress?

Oh yes! Actresses go through a lot of challenges.  Like, producers would want to go out with you before giving you a role probably you might not even get it after that, but that's when you are desperate to act. Producers know when an actress desperately wants to act and they always take advantage of that. I didn't go through such challenges because I wasn't desperate. I started getting roles through auditions and any role I get, I try my best to do it well so it would speak for me. After some time, I stopped auditions, so from the jobs I have done; they call me for more jobs.

How was your growing up, were you born with a silver spoon?
I was born with a silver spoon; I was over pampered by my father till I lost him. I was daddy's girl so after I lost my father I began a life of struggle because I needed to succeed.

Do you think if your father is alive you would have joined the industry? 
My dad was a person that doesn't even like me standing and talking to a guy. I can't leave home and give excuse of coming the next day, then I should just stay where I am and think of what to tell him. Honestly, he wouldn’t have allowed me be in Nollywood because if I go to locations and stay between two to three weeks there will be war. My dad won't take that neither would my mum. I've always wanted to be an accountant, work in the bank and not be an actress.                     

What was the worst moment of your life after the death of your father?
The worst moment of my life was when I never had money to pay for my JAMB. The only person that I asked for money was my dad's friend.  He always comes to my house when he was alive all of a sudden he changed, I asked him for money, he said I shouldn't ask him again, that I should go and look for a job. I have never felt that bad before; at my age then, I should go and look for a job?

 

We learnt your mum discouraged you from going into acting; what was her reason?
My mother never wanted me to go into acting because she felt being an actress would expose me to negative vices of life, but I made her understand that I can't change for anything. If I don't want to be bad, I won't be bad. I would always remain the good girl I've always been, so she did prayers and fasted for me to go and succeed and begged me to always select roles. I shouldn't do nasty and nude scenes.

                                                                                
Since the industry is highly competitive, what makes you unique?
The secret is God. It can only be God's doing. I am not doing anything different from what every other actress does. Another thing is being desperate. I am not a desperate actress that always wants to keep shooting back to back by all means or sleep with movie makers. I always sit and wait for a good script!

What projects are you currently working on?
I am working on "Tears in the sun" with Mike Ezuruonye playing my elder brother and few others.

Where do you see yourself, let’s say five years from now?
I see myself as one of the best in Nollywood and probably on my way to Hollywood.

What would you change if you had the opportunity in Nollywood?
If I had a chance to change something in Nollywood, I'll try to minimize the rate movies come out every day. I will try to make Nollywood so competitive with the outside world, better equipment, better picture quality, better editing and better fees.

Who are the big names that have influenced your career?
Monalisa Chinda for me stands out; I worked with her in "The unthinkable" where she played the role of my mum. She’s a very wonderful and brilliant actress

How do you handle your male admirers?
I appreciate all my admirers but right now I just want to focus on my career and give it the best.                                 

Many up and coming actresses always complain about sexual harassments in the industry; has anyone harassed you before?
Luckily for me my case has been different, I’ve never had such and I pray I don't get harassed.

Are you in any relationship right now?
No! For now I am not in any relationship. 

Tell us more about the lucky man in your life?
He is yet to come.

Can you describe your ideal man?
My ideal man should be gentle, God fearing, loving and caring.

How extreme could you go to interpret a script even it says you should go nude?
I am surprised that an actress can actually wear pant and bra for the whole world to see, that's something I can never think of, even for one billion Naira.

Can you date or marry an actor?

I have liked actors but not falling in love with them. As a professional, when given a romantic scene to do with an actor, I make him get used to me before the shoot even without him knowing, so I act it well and that ends there. Nothing else.

By RITA OKOYE- ENTERTAINMENT EXPRESS