The wind of change continues to blow over Nollywood as more and more professionals are crossing over to swell its ranks. The latest entrant is Chisom Oz-lee, a pretty up-coming U.S based producer/actress. She was in the country recently to shoot a new film starring Ramsey Nouah, Uche Jombo and Mona Lisa Chinda. I had a few words with her and this is what went down.
BA: Hi Chisom!
C: Hi Bola, how you doin’?
BA: Fine…for the benefit of those who don’t know you, can you please introduce yourself to us?
C: Well, I’m Chisom Oz-lee, a Nigerian based in the U.S. I’m a film producer and actress by calling and a professional registered nurse by training.
BA: Hmm…interesting combination. How do you manage both nursing and film producing?
C: Quite easily. I produce films about once a year and work regularly as a nurse for the remaining part. That’s what I do for a living.
BA: Why the romance with film making? Why not just stick to nursing?
C: Nursing is a job but film making is a passion. I also combine it with acting…. I have been acting since my secondary school … even while in I was in UNN studying English. I took part in a lot of drama programmes.
BA: Is this the first film you have ever produced? The one you are currently shooting?
C: No its not. In 2006, I produced ‘In a Stranger’s Arms’ starring Desmond Elliot, Kalu Ikeagwu and myself. Then in 2008, I produced ‘Lost Maiden’ which starred Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Bimbo Akintola and Kalu Ikeagwu.
BA: Kalu again!....you seem to like making use of him a lot…I mean in your films.
C: (laughs) Yes, I like Kalu…. I mean, I like his acting and I would have used him again, in this new movie I’m doing but I decided to opt for variety.
BA: He’s single y’know…
C: So?
BA: Maybe you two could hook up?
C: What ARE you saying?! (General laughter) Bola, behave yourself!
BA: Don’t mind me.. I like to have fun with my interviewees…
C: No problem… just make sure you get the facts right.
BA: So are you single? By the way has anybody told you… you look a lot like Lil’ Kim
C: Yes they have and I take it as a compliment and Yes, I’m but not searching.
BA: What if others are …. searching?
C: Can we get on with the interview please…this is getting…uncomfortable (general laughter).
BA: Okay, back to your projects…. Tell us about ‘Lost Maiden; your last film.
C: ‘Lost Maiden’ is something Im very passionate about. It talks about the scourge of female circumcision.
BA: Tell me more.
C: As a nurse in the U.S. I have seen a lot of cases. Even those of circumcision.
BA: Of Americans?
C: No, ofcourse not. The women I saw, were living in America but came from other countries like Egypt, Senegal and one was from Nigeria. Their cases were pretty pathetic, I tell you.
BA: Im listening…
C: Im going to get rather graphic here….
BA: Go ahead…if it can save a life or sensitize people, the better…
C: Okay, there are actually different types of circumcision; there’s the one where just the clitoris of the woman is cut off. Then there’s the one where the clitoris, labia minora are cut off. Mind you this is done without any anesthesia, and in very unsanitary conditions. Also cut are tissues, nerves….
BA: Whaaaat! Chisom, abeg e don do!
C: You have heard anything yet…. After this is done, the woman is then sewn up crudely leaving only a little space for her to urinate. She is only opened on her wedding night by her husband. What then happens is that scar tissue forms and makes birth very difficult and painful because there is no more elasticity for that place to stretch when the woman is giving birth.
BA: This affects child birth, right?
C: Definitely! When the woman gets pregnant and wants to deliver, complications arise because the baby can’t come out on time, gets distressed and dies. Sometimes she dies too..
BA: But why is it done at all?
C: They say to curb the sexuality of the woman…
BA: And this is still being practiced?
C: Yes… even in this country so I decided to do a film about it called ‘Lost Maiden’ to educate people on the dangers of the practice.
BA: Hmmm… this is heavy stuff…so when is the film going to be released?
C: It has been released in the U.S but it will be released in Nigeria soon.
BA: Thanks for chatting with me Chisom. I wish you the best in this crusade again female circumcision.
C: Thank you.  

Few months after recording a resounding success with When The Heart Lies, leading female filmmaker and honcho of Purple Pine Productions, Vivian Ejike, is set again to hit the local and international movie scenes with another box office.


Entitled Silent Scandal, the thought provoking flick, according to cerebral Vivian, would be released on VCD and DVD soon in Nigeria, Europe, US and the rest of Africa.

The dramatic love story that revolves around the hidden and triangular love lives of a strict mother, her spoilt daughter and an indigent ‘playboy,’ has top actress, Genevieve Nnaji, as the lead act. Uche Jombo, Ebele Okaro, Ghanaian import –Michael Majid and a host of other emerging acts.

Shedding more light, pretty Ejike, who just returned from the UK where she went to tidy up some movie-related deals, disclosed that Silent Scandal was painstakingly shot with hi-tech production equipment and thoroughly manned by tested professionals within and outside Nigeria.

“It’s a contemporary movie that will blow away the minds of movie buffs. It’s also an emotional story, where a mother and her only daughter, unknowingly, are torn apart by the true love and lust of an indigent young man. Silent Scandal is full of intrigues and suspense from start-to-finish. With all sense of modesty, it’s another plus for Nollywood, especially now that the nation is preaching the gospel of re-branding.

We believe so much in quality films and productions at Purple Pine and that is what this movie stands for,” disclosed Vivian, a former top banker.

The movie, which was directed by a Nigerian filmmaker based in Los Angeles, US, also featured a live Fashion Show by award winning designer, Zizi Cardow and her leggy models.

Gathered that Cardow’s cameo appearance in the fast-paced movie was well applauded by the cast and crew.
Aside producing and financing the big budget project, Vivian, with over 13 years experience in Nollywood, also wrote and screen played the forthcoming movie

Adaora Ukoh makes no qualms about her size; ‘I’m deliciously big,’ she says with a cheerful grin.   Adaora hit the big screen with a movie titled Black Bra some years ago. She was making a comeback to the industry she had left behind to pursue a degree in law. The movie enjoyed rave reviews and the actress was happy to be back on the scene.

But then, there came grave silence, and Adaora was certain it had to do with her size. ‘Not too many producers are keen on working with plus-size actresses,’ she complains, ‘we are generally neglected because they aren’t creative enough to find suitable roles for people like me.’

There’s still the worry of being stereotyped, as a plus-size, in the industry. ‘I get only certain kinds of roles that are hardly challenging; but you play along because of the love you have for the job.’ But Adaora comes with impressive talent; her roles of an angry sister, a crazy girlfriend, and mother or an aunt truly limit her flair and versatility.

‘I’m looking for something new, something fresh off the baker’s oven!’ She’s looking no further than being a part of Next Nollywood. ‘I watch movies like 30 Days, Figurine, and there’s a need to want to join the train.’  Her trite years in the industry might be coming to an end soon as she is keen on re-branding her worth. ‘It’s not just about being a good actress; it’s taking it a step higher and building on the brand that you have become. I am interested in that.’ 

We remember Adaora, in her first Nollywood appearance many years ago. She was only a teenager but she managed to carry a wifely role in the movie Karashika well enough. At just 17 she was a remarkable talent, and a plus size beauty. Another prominent character followed afterwards in Cursed from Beyond where she starred alongside Regina Askia. 

Interestingly, Adaora represents a large number of Nigerian women. ‘Everywhere you look we have confident plus-size women excelling in different industries.’ And the question remains; why should Nollywood be any different?  As she sips a glass of mango juice at a bar, she meditates on the success of Hollywood stars like Queen Latifah who’s gone ahead to conquer the industry over there regardless of her size. ‘She probably would have been looked over if she were here in Nollywood,’ Adaora states.

Adaora is hopeful as she looks forward to playing versatile roles, just so it can be known that a big girl can interpret whatever role she’s given. ‘It’s been a slow year for me; maybe it has to do with recession,’ she adds, shrugs and sips from her glass. 

As she looks forward to a new year; Adaora has her fingers dipped in many pies. ‘As we speak, I’ve recorded over 12 episodes of my talk show – Diva Dynasty.’ Diva Dynasty is a TV concept focusing on women. Ms. Ukoh is going all the way to empower women and youths; and giving them a platform to share, inspire and grow. 

If it sounds cliché, it probably is, but Adaora quickly defends her concept; ‘It’s different because we make it a show that gives all access to the icon under study. It’s not shot in a studio; what we do is pay a visit, lean on the couch, look through family pictures, and get the guest talking.’ 

The show takes one busy day out of an iconic woman’s schedule and asks all there is to know. She is looking at February for kick-off of the first season on DSTV and terrestrial TV. ‘I’ve interviewed inspiring women like Joke Silva and Tara Fela-Durotoye…’

You might wonder why she is dabbling into TV as a Talk-show host; ‘someone believed in me,’ she says. ‘They had a concept, had the funds and sponsors; they wanted a host, so they approached me. I thought it would be a good way to leverage on my brand.’ She is keeping her fingers crossed on the acceptability of the show and praying she becomes just as good as Oprah. 

There’s just another part of Adaora that might put a smile on the faces of her fans; most of whom are just as big as her, or are inspired by her size. ‘I’m floating a fashion label soon,’ she enthuses. Her cheeks blossom in delight as she shares her thoughts on what she plans to call – Adaora Couture. 

‘The plus size women are holding the short end of a stick in a society fraught with super-slim models on the runway and in boardrooms. With my fashion line I just want to make one thing clear – big can be sexy, cool, and hot!’  We have no doubt she’d pull that one remarkably well. ‘Adaora Couture deals with fabrics that are flattering on plus-size women. We lean towards comfort with a touch of class.’

She vows with a happy grin that the clothes from her line will be reasonably priced without compromising on quality.

‘We’ll have a one-on-one relationship with clients,’ she says as she chips in the bit of the couture line being in collaboration with a friend.  She seems quite ready for the challenges ahead. ‘I love to multi task,’ she beams proudly. So next year is definitely an Adaora year! She’s determined to make it so as she battles to fight back a bit of her reputation from the hands of inept journalists.

‘I haven’t had a good year with the press,’ she confesses. From blatant lies to calculating propaganda Adaora has been accused many times of being a sex-craved actress, something she has had to defend over and again. ‘I get interviewed only for me to pick the paper up the following week and realise my utterances have been twisted to suit the mind of a disturbed writer. It’s sickening!’ 

One that urgently comes to mind is a headline screaming at the top of it lungs:  ‘I want people to see me and get turned on.’ 

‘I never said that,’ Adaora states, ‘the writer’s warped mind came up with that, not me. They just want to sell by all cost, so we are only preys in the hands of some of these journalists.’ This, however, is sadly true. 

The interview gradually winds to an end as Adaora is ready to hit the gym; her black-striped sneakers bounce stylishly on her feet and her black combo looks just as sporty as her craving.

‘I want to lose some weight. I will never be a size 8; but I need to lose some for health reasons.’ I quickly ask the familiar question; ‘any man in the picture?’ She laughs shyly and shakes her head. ‘No man. It’s by choice really. I’m trying to focus on my career…’ We’ve heard that too many times, haven’t we? But she adds, as if reading my thoughts; ‘I have no problem with falling in love; but you have to wait for the right one. He doesn’t have to be perfect; just right for me.’ 

- Joy Isi Bewaji

Joy Isi Bewaji interviewed Nollywood Actress Adaora Ukoh on October 21, 2009 at the popular swanky spot Swe Bar in Lagos, Nigeria. Adaora has starred in such Nollywood hits as Black Bra, Supremacy, Only Love and Total Control

- Administrator

 

 
Multi-talented Uche Jombo makes production debut with star-studded‘Nollywood Hustler’

Posted on Friday, September 11th, 2009 at 7:25 pm

By Bella www.bellanaija.comShe’s known as an actress but Uche Jombo has many titles to her name – she is a mathematician/statistician, actress, screenwriter and now you can add producer to that list! Uche is making her production debut with the movie – Nollywood Hustler which she also stars in. The movie is co-produced by ‘Games Men Play’ producer Emem Isong and directed by Moses Inyang.

http://www.tansali.com/members/profile/83/pictures/4522/2

Nollywood Hustler takes a comedic look at Nollywood; the real stars and the wannabes. This star-studded movie stars Ramsey Nouah, Monalisa Chinda and Lancelot Imasuen acting as fictionalized versions of themselves. Charles Inojie stars as the wannabe producer and Uche Jombo as the wannabe actress. With the supporting cast including talented actors Ejike Asiegbu, Susan Peters and Bishop Ime.

At the links below you can find photos from the set of the movie including a scene from the movie which recreates a red carpet event tagged ‘Celebrities Give Back’ with real celebrities walking down the carpet as themselves and talking about their projects and the act of giving back.

These celebs included Genevieve Nnaji, Ini Edo-Ehiagwina, Ngozi Ezeonu, Kalu Ikeagwu, Muma Gee, Zik Zulu Okafor, Vivian Ejike, musical duo Bracket, Kevin Luciano of Questionmark Entertainment, rapper Sasha and Julie of WOW magazine.

This movie takes a swipe at nollywood top players and wanna-bees.it tells the real story of the actors' successes,failures and the'almost got there' syndrome. with the real A-list stars playing themselves in this about to be released flick.

An event in the movie tagged 'celebrities give back' shows the real celebrities walk on the red carpet as they are cheered on by their real-life fans. amongst those to look out for in this move include geneveieve nnaji, ini edo-ehiagwina, sasha, daniigaraw, ngozi ezeonu, kalu ikeagwu, ufuoma ejenebor, muma-gee, omoni oboli,b lessing effiom-egberukky sanda,uche iwuji,zik zulu,kevin luciano gabriel,vivian ejike(producer), righteousman,lancelot imaseun,uche jombo, monalisa chinda, ramsey nouah. this movie takes a look at the funny side of happenings in nollywood.

Director of this movie is moses ewang, producers include uche jombo and emem isong. Executive producer is uche jombo.

It will blow your mind. It is a brilliant script and whoever wrote the story deserve a pat on the back-enjoy the pictures. note: all the celebs mentioned are playing as themselves with their real names in the movie.

Watch out for this one .............

For pictures click on link below and click on next

http://www.tansali.com/members/profile/83/pictures/4522/2

 

 

tansali papapparazzi is an african entertainment social networking site focused on celebrating and highlighting the best of africa.

tansali provides african entertainment news in real time, gossip on Nollywood and Gollywood (the Nigerian and Ghanian movie sectors), latest african music, video chat, forums, magazine, a collection of relevant video's, latest paparazzi photos of african celebrities and gossip.

The tansali mission statement is to provide a platform that makes it possiible for Africans in Africa, Africans in Diaspora, Afro Carribeans, Black Americans and all other like minded individuals to collaborate, share and celebrate the best that Africa has to offer in the entertainment sector.

the name tansali was coined from the first or second letters of some of the major rivers or lakes in africa.

Source:

http://www.pressbox.co.uk/detailed/Entertainment/www.tansali.com_-_African_Entertainment_Social_Networking_Website_367427.html

 

6.              THE BIBLE ANSWER
                             A minister parked his car ina no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter. So he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: "I have circled the block 100 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES." When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note, "I've circled this block for 10 years, If I don't give you a ticket, I'll lose my job. LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION."

7.               SATAN
                             A few minutes before the church services started, the congregation was sitting in their pews and talking. Suddenly, satan appeared at the front of the church. Everyone started screaming and running for the back entrance. Soon the church was empty except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in his pew without moving. So satan walked up to the man and said, do you know who I am? The man replied, Yep, sure do. Aren't you afraid of me? satan asked. Nope, sure ain't. said the man. More than perturbed, satan asked, why aren't you afraid of me? The man calmly replied, Been married to your sister for 18 years.

8.              HOSPITAL BILLS
                           A man was brought to Mercy hospital, and taken quickly in for coronary surgery. The operation went well and, as the groggy man regained consciousness, he was reassured by a Sister of Mercy who was waiting by his bed. We do need to know, however, how do you intend to pay for your stay here. Are you covered by insurance, pay in cash or have any relatives to pay the bill. Just my sister in New Mexico who is a spinster nun. Oh, I must correct you, Mr Smith. Nuns are not spinsters; they are married to God. Wonderful, said Smith. In that case, please send the bill to my brother-in-law.

9.                REARRANGE THE LETTERS
           
              DORMITORY = DIRTY ROOM
              PRESBYTERIAN = BEST IN PRAYER
              ASTRONOMER = MOON STARER
              DESPERATION = A ROPE ENDS IT
              THE EYES = THEY SEE
              GEORGE BUSH = HE BUGS GORE
              THE MORSE CODE = HERE COMES DOTS
              SLOT MACHINES = CASH LOST IN ME
              ANIMOSITY = IS NO AMITY
              ELECTION RESULTS = LIES- LET'S RECOUNT 
              SNOOZE ALARMS = ALAS! NO MORE Z'S
              A DECIMAL POINT = I'M A DOT IN PLACE
              THE EARTHQUAKES = THAT QUEER SHAKE
              ELEVEN PLUS TWO = TWELVE PLUS ONE
              MOTHER-IN-LAW = WOMAN HITLER

10.                  RIDDLES
             
               Q. What do they call pastors in Germany?
               A. German Shepherds.
               Q. What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
               A. Snowflakes.
               Q. Who designed Noah's ark?
               A. An architect.
               Q. Who is the fastest runner in history?
               A. Adam - because he was the first in the human race.
               Q. Who was the best actor in the bible?
               A. Samson, he brought the house down!
               Q. Why are there no Christians in heaven yet?
               A. Because they are still at the gates, saying to each other: "After     you", "No, I insist after you..." 
               Q. Why do people wear shamrocks on St. Patrick's Day?
               A. Regular rocks are too heavy.
               Q. Why shouldn't you tell an Easter egg a good joke?
               A. It might crack up!
               Q. How does the Easter bunny stay in shape?
               A. Lots of eggs-ercise!        

It is no longer news that over ten nollywood stars were selected to be brand ambassadors for africa's leading telecommunication firm, globacom and that these stars included Rita Dominic, Ini Edo, Ramsey Nouah, Van Vicker, Desmond Elliot, Kate Henshaw, Monalisa Chinda, Funke Akindele, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, Nonso Diobi, Mike Ezereonye, Ali Nuhu, Uche Jombo. They were recently in Jozi, south africa for the shooting of the glo commercial "we gat people talking" and from the look of things, it went well. Here are pics from the shoot....








        The glo stars having a blast...








        "we gat people talking"






               "nollywood with golly"





                              Hmmm.....see the stars dancing and singing...





                        Glo babe and Glo dudes!




      Jackie and Ini





                         Ini Edo, Rita-D, Uche Jumbo, Chioma, Van Vicker




                     Ramsey Nouah and Jim Iyke






                     Mike Ezereonye, Jim Iyke and Ramsey

By the time you read this, Nollywood Glo ambassadors would have settled down to their daily hectic routines after a recent trip to South Africa to shoot an advert for telecom giant GLOBACOM. The trip is being described as a gigantic success as 16 Nollywood/ Gollywood actors teamed up with 20 Ghanaian musicians to record the latest version of the GLO advert –WE GOT PEOPLE TALKING.

The Nigerian actors including Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Desmond Elliot, Uche Jombo, Chioma Chukwuka, Ini Edo, Mike Ezuronye, Mona Lisa Chinda, Funke Akindele, Nonso Diobi and Ali Nuhu arrived Johannesburg Sunday July 20, 2009. They were joined hours later by Kate Henshaw who travelled from London and Jim Iyke from the United States. The Ghanaian actors arrived a day later and included Van Vicker, Jackie Appiah and Nadia Buari.



The recording was a momentous occasion which even awed the stiff upper lipped British director of the advert. The director congratulated everyone personally and stated that if the Nigerian and Ghanaian football teams matched the performance and enthusiasm of the stars, it would spell doom for other countries in the 2010 world cup.
One must commend GLO for the combination of stars chosen as they have apparently shown maturity, motivation and camaraderie in their eagerness to dispatch their duties for the telecom giant.












The GLO stars were spotted at Muritala Mohammed International airport on Sunday, July 26, 2009 hugging each other goodbye and loading lots of luggage on to their various cars.

















Kudos to all the glo ambassadors. You guys truly rock,  GLO and ROCK on guys!

1.       THE TOY GOES TO....
                Tom had won a toy at a raffle. He called his kids together to ask which one should have the toy. "Who is the most obedient?" he asked. "Who never talks back to mother? Who does everything she says?" Five small voices answered in unison. "Okay, dad, you get the toy."

2.      NO. 1 ON OUR LIST - LITERALLY!
                  My father was completely lost in the kitchen and never ate unless someone prepared a meal for him. When mother was ill, however, he volunteered to go to the supermarket for her. She sent him off with a carefully numbered list of seven items. Dad returned shortly, very proud of himself, and proceeded to unpack the grocery bags. He had one bag of sugar, two dozen eggs, three hams, four boxes of detergent, five boxes of crackers, six eggplants, and seven green peppers.

3.      COME DOWN TO MY LEVEL
                    An illiterate woman boarded a plane from enugu to abuja in nigeria. She was booked for an economy class seat. Just after the plane took-off, the woman stood up and went to sit in the first class cabin. The flight attendant went to ask her to go back and sit in econmy class because that's where the ticket allowed her to sit but she refused. She had paid and wanted the best seat. Then the attendant informed the Jnr. pilot. The Jnr. pilot went and spoke with the lady and she still refused. Then the Jnr. pilot went to inform the chief pilot. The chief pilot said, I am married to an illiterate therefore i'll go and talk to her. The chief went and whispered some words to the woman and she peacefully stood up and went to her economy class seat. The attendant and Jnr. pilot surprisingly asked, sir what did you tell her? The chief pilot said: easy guys, i just told her that first class is not going to abuja, only economy class is.

4.        FAMILY TREE
                      A little girl asked her mother, "How did the human race appear?' The mother answered, 'God made Adam and Eve and they had children and so was all mankind made." Two days later the girl asked her father the same question. The father answered, "Many years ago there were monkeys from which the human race evolved." The confused girl returned to her mother and said, "Mom, how is it possible that you told me the human race was created by God, and Dad said they developed from monkeys?" The mother answered, "Well, dear, it's very simple. I told you about my side of the family and your father told you about his."

5.         I'M THIRSTY
                       A small boy is sent to bed by his father. Five minutes later......."Da-ad..." What? I'm thirsty. Can you bring a drink of water? No. You had your chance. Lights out. Five minutes later: "Da-aaaad....." WHAT? I'm THIRSTY. Can i have a drink of water?? Itold you NO!! If you ask again, i'll have to spank you!! Five minutes later....."Daaaa-aaaad......" WHAT! When you come in to spank me, can you bring a drink of water?

Source: www.sunnewsonline.com
All men are dogs 
She insisted she was the girl next door. The okada riders in Mazamaza, Lagos, didn’t think so. They saw through her designer sunglasses and collected N250 for leading her to The Sun Corporate Office, a service that ordinarily cost only N50. Their rationale for charging her 500% more than everybody else was because she is now a star. They are right, aren’t they? But the journey has been long for this once troublesome girl who preferred football to dolls. Uche Jombo let us into her world: the intimate details of her hero, her father, Nelson Jombo, the man who shaped her world view of men and marriage and why we should stop blaming men for not being able to keep their zips up. In tears, she told the story of the father she loved to bits but who ‘refused’ to live beyond 57 years.

Mike Awoyinfa, Dimgba Igwe, Funke Egbemode and Sam Olatunji were there.
Sunday, June 14, 2009

Uche Jumbo Photo: Sun News Publishing

More Stories on This Section

I was such a difficult child that my mother told me I must have at least one child to do to me what I did to her.

I was born in Enugu. Later, my dad moved back to Aba. My childhood is a huge part of where I am today. I was not an easy child. My mother used to say I must have a child like me and I would say no, what if I don’t want to have a children and she would tell me I must have one and go through what I made her go through. I did everything a teenager would do and more. I climbed trees, played football and played cowboy. I’m short-sighted and that is as a result of a clothes hanger entering my eyes. I was the only female playing football with boys. 

At that point, my mum had given up because she felt I thought I was a boy. It was then that a friend told her to put me in a drama group in church. They called the group Children of the Lord. We ministered every Sunday but I was not happy because I thought my mother wanted to curtail my excesses. Later, when I heard they gave scholarship every quarter, I started competing to win. That was the only time I had acting experience. I have played every woman in the Bible (laughter). It was a very good starting point for me. When I told Fidelis Duker I still remember some of the lines I played in the church, he told me to read the last one I played. I read the lines of Ruth and he was impressed that I could still remember my lines of over six years.

My father said Abriba girls don’t act.
At a point, my dad said, ‘you are an Abiriba girl, you cannot act or disgrace the family name.’ Ten years ago when I was starting out as an actor, if you say you wanted to act, it is like you had given up on life. That is why it gives me joy when mothers stop me to say I should help their children that want to act. And now my uncles refer to me as their niece in interviews. It is a lovely feeling. I never thought that would happen.

An Abiriba girl is expected to go to school, marry and make babies but I broke the myth
An Abiriba girl just goes to school, prepares herself, gets married and stay there. Sometimes, an Abiriba man will tell you to sit at home and be a full-time housewife. He feels it is an affront if you go out and work. I sit back and hear lots of stories come out of my culture. Where I’m coming from, I’m larger than life because you have so many things in front of you telling you you cannot break out of this chain or life. But I have been able to break out.

Some say it is even unheard of for an Abiriba girl to marry from outside Abiriba.
But my mother is not Abiriba. Even my elder sister, who is the first child of a first son, did not marry an Abiriba man. That is to tell you how strong my mum is. I think she was able to give us the opportunity to be whatever we want to be irrespective of the culture. 

So far, I have not dated an Abiriba man. I’m not saying I have not dated an Ogbo man but an Abiriba man, no and I cannot say who I have dated in the papers. Maybe somebody dey there dey count for me (general laughter). 

Today, I’m an Abiriba girl who stood for what she believed in and is living her dream
I’m just the girl next door. What I mean by that is those close to me know me as Uche Obi and not the popular Uche Jombo that people know. I think at a point you have to surround yourself with people who know you and can tell you the truth. 

The Jombo name is both a blessing and a curse. Jombo is my real name. In Abriba, the Jombo is a popular family name. It is not a nickname. Every Jombo in Abriba is related to me.

Every Abiriba person is believed to be strong in business and I am no exception. 
I think I work harder because of where I come from. In the beginning, my father would not hear jack from me as per acting. He went on and on to tell me I’m an Abiriba girl because at a point Abiriba girls were seen but not heard. So, I’m proud to be an Abiriba girl who stood for what she believed in and is living her dream. 

Fidelis Duker gave me my first on-screen opportunity.
It happened by accident. I had taken a letter to Fidelis Duker as one of the marketers of REEL Awards. When I got there, there were so many people; I think I was number 50 or so. When I got inside, he did not even look at me, he just pushed the script in front of me and said read. I said, ‘I’m not here to read; I’m here to give you this.’ He looked up from his table and said, ‘what’s that supposed to mean?’ He said, ‘you are not an actress and you can’t act.’ I said, no, ‘I’m not an actress but I can act.’ He asked how I knew I could act. I told him three years of my secondary school was sponsored by a scholarship from an Acting School. He asked if I had acted in front of a camera and I said no. He told me to read for him and I did. I walked away with the Linda role. Fidelis Duker was the first person to give me the on-screen opportunity. That was in Images. I don’t think he has paid me for that job (laughter). Actually, he was the first person that made me believe I could do this aside my sister.

Being an Igbo girl does not guarantee success in Nollywood
After Images, I started working with people that were on the same set. I did My Visa To Hell and Adure, which was my first lead. People always thought it was my first film. It wasn’t; it was just that it came out before My Visa To Hell.

Being an Igbo girl does not give you an edge in this business. I don’t think so. If anybody should know I think I should because I don’t think I saw success like this five years ago. I don’t think there is any tribal sentiment. People that say that are just too lazy to go out there to look for job or package themselves for the job.

The famed sex-for-role does not exist
Anybody coming into the industry must first believe in himself. It starts with believing in yourself. Trust me, the disappointment will come but your belief in yourself will keep you going. As for the sex-for-role thing, it doesn’t exist. If it does I would have been a star long before now.

My father, my hero and why I think men are dogs
My father is dead but he was my first hero. He is the reason I think there is love and I also think men are dogs. The truth of the matter is, it is not their fault. It is the way they are built. It is not possible for a man to be faithful no matter how much he loves a woman. Remove religion out of it; it is not just possible. My dad is an Abiriba man, He was the first son and he was married to someone from Mbaise. You can imagine that. I watched my parents’ drama unfold in front of me. I sometimes blackmailed him at a point when I caught him with a woman (laughter) but I never squealed to my mum. Why should I tell when I was busy collecting money from the man? (laughter) . I cannot tell you how many times I caught him with girlfriends because I’m only running my mouth now that he is dead.

My mum was strict. She was always cancelling stuff from the list we brought from school. It was what she approved that my dad would buy. I would wait and just go and meet my dad in his office. I would tell him I wanted to collect money for the stuff my mother cancelled from the list and he would give me. I have not seen any man who loves a woman the way he loved my mum but if he could do that, it means love does not guarantee faithfulness. There was pressure on him to marry an Abriba woman when they were giving him a chieftaincy title but he refused. That still did not stop him from having girlfriends.

Every woman deserves a man who loves her more than she loves him
It is not the men’s fault; it is just the way they were made. Trust me, my dad is everything I want in a husband if I eventually see one. I want a man who could root for me; who could trust me when everybody is against me. I think every woman deserves a man who loves her more than she loves him. Because of the animalistic thing in man, they have tendencies to take a walk. But a woman, especially an African woman, cannot take a walk because when you are divorced whether you like it or not you are a tokunbo. Even the men that come to you feel you should be happy they are coming.

I wish my father had lived long enough to see where I am today
He had family values. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t know a better Abiriba man than my dad. He always spoke his language to you whether you understood it or not. He was proud of his heritage. My only regret is that he is not here. I would have loved to tell him I told you so, see where I am. He didn’t believe I was strong enough for this. 

I’m a combination of both my parents. I want to believe I took after their strength but I don’t know whom I took the stubborn thing from.

Here’s the point she broke down and cried. We switched off our recorders in memory of Chief Nelson Jombo.

My dad died at 57 but he smoked actively for 35 years
My father’s death is something I don’t want to talk about (sobbing). My dad is the reason I can never smoke or marry somebody who smokes. I don’t want to talk about my dad (crying). My dad didn’t die by accident. He died of bronchitis. That is what you get when you smoke for too long. He lungs were infected. 
In this industry, most people feel they have to smoke to be hip.

I was shocked when someone called me to say they wrote that I smoke. I had a good laugh. I could do any other thing but smoking is something I will never do because it killed my dad. Those close to me that smoke don’t feel comfortable doing it around me. Smoking is not something people can give up for you. My dad was still smoking while undergoing treatment because it was an addiction. My dad died at 57 but he smoked actively for 35 years. The man smoked a major part of his life. I always argued with him not to smoke. If you presented your reasons against smoking, he would tell you he had been smoking before you were born.

I cannot accommodate a cheating husband
I can’t. My dad is the reason I see that that is the way men are created. But that does not mean I will accommodate it. I take pride in being an African woman. I can’t take the fact that someone should tell me there is nothing I can do about a cheating husband because I’m an African woman. I don’t think that should be the case. To whom much is given much is expected. I demand as much as I give. When I give you so much in a relationship, it is only logical that I demand as much. 

I don’t know if I can accept a man who is unfaithful. I don’t think I can accept a man who doesn’t have family values or who thinks I should be happy that he is in my life. He should be the one that is happy I’m in his life. Anybody who is going to end up with me is the winner. There is nothing saying I must get married as an African woman. I have not seen the right man. Someone can be a perfect boyfriend and not be a perfect husband. 

If you can get 70% on the list of what you want in a man, then you have gotten your perfect man. 
In a relationship, there are things you can take in a marriage and there are things you wouldn’t. The transition from being single is drastic. Most men still prefer women to sit at home and not work and I wonder why. Yet they are still attracted to women who are working. That goes a long way to tell you about men. There is no perfect man. All those people who say they are waiting for a perfect man are deceiving themselves. If there is a perfect man, there won’t be God. If you can get 70% on the list of what you want in a man, then you have gotten your perfect man.

The media and Nollywood marriages
It is the same press that say Nollywood marriages don’t last that always ask when we will get married. The fact that somebody is on the screen does not mean the person is not human. The only difference is that everything you do is under scrutiny. It annoys me sometimes when people look at you as different from other human beings. I guess it is just one of the curses of this job. It is just that the blessings are more. 
People who don’t know jack about you talk about you. The junk journalists supply them with stories that are not true except the correct spelling of your name. Sometimes they get mine wrong. They spell Jombo with a ‘u’. So, you have to defend yourself to people who really know you and you wonder what you have to do with people who don’t know you. 

The media can only speculate about my relationships. They can never hear it from me. I know that if you want your relationship to grow, you have to keep it out of the press.

Life is one big stage and we are all actors
What you become in life is not about what you read in school; it is all about talent. I think all of us are actors. It is just that some of us have decided to make money with our talents. If you check out life, who you are in the presence of our kids is different from who you are in the presence of visitors. We all act at different levels of our lives. It is just that we don’t realise it.

I have no regrets dumping statistics. Luckily, my dad is not alive to hear that. I don’t have regrets at all. Two of my classmates are in my employment now. One is actually my primary school classmate while the other was my classmate in secondary school. It is just about them knowing who I am from when I was born.
So, it is about what you do with what you have acquired. I don’t think any knowledge gained is wasted.

My first script, Ordained, was produced eight years ago
I started writing when I started acting. It was just that people did not know. My first script that was produced, Ordained, was about eight years ago. It is just that I’m mostly known as an actress. But I will not tell you how much I earn.

I am a success story
I am as successful as I can get. I think my career speaks for itself. Success is being fulfilled at what you do and in all modesty, I am a success story. As for failure, I think you cannot know success if you had not known failure. I have known failure in every area of my life. For me to get here, I must have known failure. For you to say you are successful, you must have known failure.
There had been times I felt like quitting. when my career wasn’t going the way I wanted. People were telling me to go and get (another) job. There was a point I felt I was tired but I never stopped believing in myself.

I cut my dreadlocks to repackage myself for new roles
It’s showbiz. At a time I was always getting a particular role and I needed to prove that I can act other roles. So, I cut my hair because I had dreadlocks and I totally repackaged myself. And you won’t believe it, I started playing other roles. The truth is, if producers see you in a particular role, you have to do something drastic to convince them that you can play other roles. You have to be able to look at your jobs and learn. That is why I find it funny when people say they don’t watch their own films. You must not get to a stage where you stop learning. I never stop learning. Every day is a learning process. I watch my films to learn more.

Kissing on screen
I don’t think kiss on screen is real kiss. I have not really played kissing on the screen.

I’m a sucker for good dialogue 
I’m a sucker for good dialogue. When I see good dialogue I sink into it. Being an actor is a privilege because you are able to live another life and come out of it and still be you. I had to first of all fall in love with the script. 

The characters I play do not affect me. Rather they teach me. When you play the role of a drug addict, you know the evil of drugs. I learn from the character I have played.

My rating of actresses
Mercy Johnson is drama queen, Ini Edo is charismatic, Omotola is lucky. It is not easy to be having kids and still remain on the A-list. Ramsey is a cross-breed. Emeka Ike, that is my bros now. Bimbo Akintola, she is just Bimbo. And yes, there is rivalry in the industry. It might not be on the surface but it is there.

Ini Edo and I
She is my friend and still my friend. 
That is the press trying to find something out of nothing. They said all kinds of things about why I was not at her wedding but the truth is i didn’t because I was working. I wasn’t released and she understands. Ini is my friend and she is still my friend. As far as friendship is concerned, you hear things about each other. I saw it in the paper and we spoke about it.

Journalists make up all kinds of stories about how there is so much in-fighting in the industry. They need to make some people scapegoats. For instance that one actor ended up playing a role originally cast for another person is nothing new or unusual. I don’t think there is any actor alive who has not played somebody’s role.