| Nigerian men are worth
dying for
–Nollywood star, Chioma Chukwuka
By Azuh Amatus
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
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Chioma Nkemakolam Chukwuka
Photos: Sun News Publishing
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Alluring Chioma Nkemakolam Chukwuka is among the few scandal-free
actresses in Nollywood. Since her arrival five years ago on
the set of The Apple, courtesy of top director, Theodore Anyanji,
the slim and sexy actress has remained steadily focused and
untainted.
"I’m naturally a quiet person. I also try to mind
my own business in whatever I do. God has been guiding my
every move in Nollywood," maintains the Oraifite, Anambra
State-born actress who is also from a polygamous home.
Chioma is also a final year student of Banking and Finance
at the Lagos State University. When asked about her love life
and the rumoured secret wedding plans, she agrees there is
a Romeo in her life:
"Yes, I’m dating somebody and we are very serious.
But on the issue of marriage, just keep your fingers crossed…"
When prodded further on her views about Nigerian men, whom
many of her colleagues had lampooned and berated, she surprisingly
kicked against the opinion of her colleagues. "My lover
is a Nigerian man and he is worth dying for…" insists
the talented star who has dazzled in over 60 Nollywood movies
since she breezed in.
Easy-going Chioma, who wants to produce and direct her own
movie soon, also opened up to Daily Sun, Nigeria’s King
of the Tabloids, on other issues affecting her private and
public lives.
The story making the rounds within and outside Nollywood is
that you are planning a secret wedding with your lover. How
true is it?
(Laughs). But we agreed not to talk anything about my personal
life in the interview. Just keep your fingers crossed, that
is all that I can tell you on that.
So, in essence, you will be walking down the aisle soon?
I don’t know, but not too long, at least you won’t
have arthritis while waiting. (General laughter).
Aside movies, people don’t get to hear much about you
like your other female colleagues in Nollywood. Why is it
so?
I think it is best to lie low in Nollywood. I like it like
that. I’m just okay with people watching me in movies.
Also, as a public figure, I’m very cautious of whatever
I do in the public.
Your rise in Nollywood is meteoric. How did you do it and
looking back now, how does that make you feel?
(Laughs) God is my main secret. Other secrets that took me
to the top are hard work, being focused and luck. It makes
me feel good knowing that people like what I do. I’m
usually very happy when my fans call to commend my work. It
encourages me to work harder.
And how has it been for you coping with stardom?
It has not been easy, but I’ve tried in my own little
way. I’m also thanking God for the wisdom and humility
He has given me. I’m a normal human being that does
what normal human beings do everyday. I have vowed never to
let stardom get into my head.
And as a beautiful, young and single actress, how do you cope
with men?
I try to cope o! (Laughs heartily). I play with them and know
where to draw the line the moment they start getting some
funny ideas into their head. You know Nigerian men are very
stubborn.
And how about the ones coming to you with marriage proposals?
If those ones persist, I also persist on my stand that I’m
not interested in marriage. Sincerely speaking, if I don’t
want you, you can’t make me change my mind.
So, what appeals to you in a man?
First and foremost, he must be God-fearing, good sense of
humour, caring, loving and should have all those things women
love in guys. And he must also be good looking.
So, your Romeo that will soon walk you down the aisle, has
all these qualities?
Well, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, he is cute and
good-looking.
Tell us a bit about him and your romance
When the time comes, you will know him. He is also the quiet
type who does not like publicity.
For how long have you been dating?
I can’t tell you when and how we started. The truth
is that we have been dating and very seriously too. The qualities
I just reeled out to you got me tripped about him.
So, how did he woo you?
The only thing I can tell you is that we didn’t meet
in Nollywood, we met outside and he toasted me the way a normal
man would toast a woman. And I fell for him flat.
What were the exact words he used that day?
Humh! He didn’t use the usual and outdated, we started
as pals, one thing later led to another and the rest, as they
say, is now history.
Currently, what are you doing?
I just finished some jobs back to back. I will rest for three
days and hit location again…But it has been a busy year
for me and I thank God for everything.
Like how many movies have you featured in this year?
Maybe, six or seven. And incidentally, only few of them are
out.
Aside acting and being an undergraduate, what else are you
into?
I’m also a businesswoman, and please don’t ask
me the kind of business I’m into. I’m doing legal
buying and selling..
Let’s assume you are not acting today, what else would
you have been doing?
Sincerely speaking, I would love to be with my family full
time if I’m not acting. Since I became an actress, I
hardly spend quality time with them. I also love business
much. But I try to stay with them in my spare time. I also
try to watch as many of my movies as I can, so that I can
improve on my acting.
Still on movies, which was your first and how did you come
into Nollywood?
My first movie was The Apple. Theodore Anyanji introduced
me to Nollywood in 2000, but Lance Lot Oduwa Imasuen directed
the movie. Lancelot really encouraged me on the set, he was
patient with me on set.
From then till now, how many movies have you featured in?
Sincerely speaking, I’ve lost count of the number of
movies I have done. I’ve done much but I don’t
know if they are up to 100.
Aside seeing you in movies, most people do not know anything
about you. Tell us about yourself and family background?
I’m Chioma Chukwuka as you already know. My other name
is Nkemakolam. I’m from a family of 14, my dad has two
wives. My mom is the first wife and I’m the second child.
From my mom, we are six, three at par. I’m from Oraifite
in Ekwusigo LGA of Anambra State. I’m a final year student
of Banking and Finance at the Lagos State University. I did
my primary in Lagos and went down to the East for my secondary.
I’m an adult, my birthday is March 12, what else? I
was born in Lagos, Bode Thomas, Surulere to be precise.
How was growing up like? Any fond memories?
I grew up a normal child and it was fantastic. I’m a
very friendly child. The fond memories were the pranks we
played then as kids.
Before meeting your current Romeo, were you into an affair?
This is a personal question I would not like to answer. I’m
sorry, please.
Which among your numerous movies has really challenged you?
Few have really challenged me. My first movie, The Apple,
really challenged me. Disguise, Azima, Moment of Truth and
Romantic Attraction, my first movie with RMD. I was very scared
on that set.
You are very romantic in movies, in real life are you also
romantic?
Yes! I’m very romantic in real life, very, very o! I’m
also very emotional.
Can you fight over a guy in real life?
Nooo! I no fit do that o!
But you can marry an actor?
No! I can’t. I don’t have any reason I can’t
marry an actor, but deep down, I know I can’t. As a
human being, there are things you like and things you don’t
like. Marrying an actor is one of the things I don’t
like.
The ban on some of your colleagues is still raging. We would
like to know your views on the controversial issue?
Sincerely speaking, I don’t know what to say about the
ban issue because it was not officially done. It is a sensitive
issue that all those involved need to handle very carefully
so that it does not escalate.
And what if your name had entered the ban list, what will
be your reaction?
Thank God first that my name was not on the list. I would
have known what to do if my name had entered the list.
Do you still remember your lowest fee as an actress?
(Thanks). It was N10,000 then, but I won’t tell you
the set. And please, don’t ask me about my highest fee.
I earn something reasonable as an actress. God has blessed
me.
As a rising actress who has come in contact with many Nigerian
men. How would you assess them?
I strongly disagree with those of my colleagues that said
that Nigerian men are not worth it. Because the Nigerian man
I have and love is worth dying for.
Did your parents approve of your coming into the industry
when you just started, considering the many negative publicities
associated with Nollywood?
My dad is neutral and diplomatic in whatever he does. He is
of the view that all his children know what they want for
themselves. The one question he normally asks us is: "Are
you happy with this, is it what you want to do?" And
if you say yes and he eventually sees that you are serious,
he will stand by you. But my mom was strongly against me going
into acting. Then, she felt all the girls in Nollywood were
loose and promiscuous. Part of her fear then was that she
would lose me once I get into Nollywood. I was later able
to convince her that I won’t derail, though it was not
easy and did not come easy. I prayed much to convince her.
You are among the scandal-free actresses, what is your secret?
Sincerely speaking, I don’t know how God has been doing
that for me since I came in. My life was open for everybody
to see and I’m very simple. No pretences. It is God…
Because there are always stories in the print media about
this actor dating that actress, though, it has never happened
to me.
But have you dated any actor in the past?
It is my personal life that is at stake here, so, I’m
sorry I can’t answer you.
What are your parents into?
My parents are strictly business people. They are into legal
businesses.
Did you encounter any form of sexual harassments from some
producers/directors when you came in newly?
Thank God for Theodore Anyanji, he brought me in, so there
was nothing like sexual harassments from any quarters. He
guided me very well and I followed his advice to the letter.
From 2000 till date, how has it been like for you in terms
of challenges?
It has not been easy. But as an actress, my biggest challenge
has always been interpreting movie roles. I give different
interpretations to any role that comes my way. It is also
not easy being in the limelight.
As an actress that has played many romantic roles in movies
with the opposite sex, like how many men have you kissed in
movies?
One million men (general laughter). And for your information,
I do camera kisses only in movies and you don’t expect
me to be counting them.
And how do you feel having these camera kisses in movies?
I don’t know! How do you expect me to be counting that.
You, how many breath of air do you take in everyday? No feelings,
it's just normal. There is a way we do it.
Does your guy get angry whenever he watches you in movies
doing all these camera kisses?
You are dragging me too far and I won’t say anything
about my personal life again.
What is your view on Nollywood. Many people say it is still
crawling several years after taking off?
I disagree with them. It is a fast growing industry. There
is much difference. It is an evolving industry that will soon
be known globally whenever entertainment is being talked about.
I’m proud of Nollywood.
Who are your role models both home and abroad?
In Nigeria, I like Joke Silva, Liz Benson, Kate Henshaw, Stella
Damasus and for the guys, I like RMD and Ramsey Noah.
As an adult, are there things or mannerisms that you don’t
like about yourself?
(Laughs). I have learnt to accept myself the way God made
me.
As a popular actress, have you ever been embarrassed publicly?
No! I have not had any experience and I don’t also pray
to have any. Except the occasional comments from your fans
and critics
What are your phobias?
I have phobia for creeping and flying insects, especially
cockroaches and millipedes…
In the next couple of years, where do you want to be?
I’m five years ahead of where I am now. Hollywood is
in the picture for me in the nearest future. I will be there.
From your own point of view. What would you say is the biggest
problem facing Nigerian actresses?
For me, it is the fact that people still judge us with our
roles in movies. And most people still believe that nothing
good can ever come out of us. I’m also happy we are
beginning to conquer this problem.
As a good actress, why didn’t you read Theatre Arts.
Why Banking and Finance?
No special reasons. You know variety is the spice of life.
But I will still read Theatre Arts later in life.
Who is Chioma Chukwuka? Describe yourself for us?
I’m just a simple and nice girl who is fun to be with.
A very lively person. You can also read my emotions from my
face anytime.
But how come most of your colleagues and fans are still saying
you are cocky, pompous and arrogant?
It is no longer news to me. I started hearing it right from
my secondary school days. I believe it is a front. Those who
come close to me, always go back to tell the others Chioma
is not what we are perceiving her to be from afar. It is not
good judging somebody from afar. I’m not cocky, pompous
or arrogant.
What kind of legacies are you trying to leave behind when
you are no longer here?
I want to be remembered as that actress who joined Nollywood
from a tender age, made an impact through acting and the exemplary
life that she led. Let me also say it here that I want to
live above 80.
Since your arrival in 2000, what would you say has been your
biggest achievement in Nollywood?
I’ve achieved in my own little way since I came in.
But I have not really started. My best is yet to come. Right
now, my biggest achievement was being able to convince people
now that I can interprete roles. Much still to be achieved.
I have not even done my own movie which I also hope to direct.
I want to do every good thing that I see people do in Nollywood.
I don’t want to restrict myself.
If by chance you meet God here on earth. What are the things
you would beg Him to do for you?
Aaah! More money, more wisdom, more understanding and more
foresight. In fact, more blessing.
What is your philosophy of life?
Be happy always, no regrets whatsoever.
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