Not my fault!
Men feel horny ’cos I look sexy
By SAMUEL OLATUNJI
Sunday, November 30, 2008

•Adaora Photo: Sun News Publishing

Showpiece Index

She has been there long before this present day actresses, but her foray into education slowed down her progress as it were. But since she came back in 2005, Adaora Ukoh has proven that her getting role alongside major stars in the days of Regina Askia was not a fluke. SAMUEL OLATUNJI spoke with her on her sojourn and her sexy looks.

With the pictures I saw now, you surely know how to whet a man’s fantasy. Do you go out of your way to look sexy?
Looking good and sexy has been part of my life way back when I was in school. I sometimes go out of my way. But aside that, this is just me.

How far have you gone acting wise?
I’m trying, but life is not about how far but how well. I have done well so far, but I’m looking forward to going further.

What has kept you going?
Passion and focus have been my driving force. The moment you have passion for what you do, there will always be a way out.

A veteran once said that most of you young actresses cannot hold your own when it comes to ‘real acting’ that it is only in movies like ‘Black Bra’ that you can shine. Do you agree with that?
No. Let me start by saying that, I am not a young actress. I have been in the industry as far as the industry is. I started out as a child and left when school came calling. I was taking it as hobby then and dumped it when I gained admission. That is why I won’t call myself an upcoming actress. Then, if you look at my role in Black Bra, you will know it is not a role for somebody who doesn’t know how to hold it down for camera. The movies I have done tell a lot about me. No one can tell me I’m not a good actress.

Black Bra seems to be the biggest movie you’ve done.
No. I’m already getting accolades for the one that came out this year, ‘Four Sisters’. I never knew the movie was out until I started getting calls. But there is something people see about Black Bra that they appreciate. I’m excited that people still hold me down for the role in Black Bra after three years. My other big movies include ‘World of commotion’, ‘Four sisters’, ‘The earth’ and ‘House of doom’.

How was it on location with Stella Damasus on the set of Four Sisters?
That was the first time I worked with her. She was surprised that I’ve been part of the industry when the going was good and we all share common interests. She is one actress who goes on set and internalise her role. I enjoyed working with her. It was beautiful.

What do you mean by when the going was good? Does that mean the going is no longer good?
Now, what we have are people with different interests. Then, we would attend audition together and it was like having one house. But now, competition is driving actresses apart. It wasn’t like that when the industry started. We were like one family. But then, we must flow with change.

Are you finding the competition funny?
No, if you don’t have the power to compete, you won’t bring out the best in you. Competition helps.

How old is Adaora?
I’m in my mid 20s.

What was it like not getting your parents’ support when you started?
It wasn’t easy. Imagine where I would have been by now. That is why people like Beyonce are where they are today. Her parents saw it in her.

What movie did you do at the age of 16?
I was acting. I wasn’t even 16, I was 14. The first audition I went for was done by OJ International. I got the role I went for on my first audition. I have never played a wakapass. I did ‘Blood Money’, playing alongside Zack Orji, I did ‘Carrishica’, ‘Curse from Beyond’ with Regina Askia and Segun Arinze. Just imagine what I would be by now if I had continued on that pace. I always get roles for every audition I attend.

You discovered your love for acting before you went to UNILAG to study Law. So why didn’t you read Creative Arts?
I wasn’t in control of my world then. But I must tell you I had fun reading Law. I passed out in 2005 and that was when I came back.

Tell me about your upcoming TV programme.
The show is called ‘Diva’s Dynasty’. It is a show that showcases women and their challenges and victory. Women are actually running and doing a lot in various sectors of our economy. It’ll start airing on AIT, BEN TV in London and NTA in Nigeria.

Do you have any regret leaving the industry to pursue a Law degree?
Maybe, because if I had stayed, only God knows what I would be by now. But then, I do not have to regret leaving the industry because I’m coming back with a Law degree. I am the only actress who has a degree in Law in Nollywood.

When are you getting married?
I am thinking about it and taking my time. I am in a relationship that I adore so much. He is very supportive.

What is keeping you?
The fact that he hasn’t proposed yet does not make us husband and wife. Maybe he is taking his time. I hope you know that you guys don’t like commitments. I am single but not searching.
But I like commitment.
Then you are one in a million. Maybe he is still trying to be sure that I am what he really wants.

Why is the guy abroad?
That is where his business is based. There is nothing to fear, he trusts me and I trust him too. I keep one man at a time.

So, how many men have you kept?
Don’t even go there. But seriously I have not kept much.

Will you relocate abroad?
That is a decision we will both sit down and make when the time comes. But I’m sure you know all relationships do not lead to marriage?
But I was taught that relationships should lead to marriage?

Was that what happened to you?
No, I had a relationship before meeting my wife.
Then, you are lucky. I am very neutral about life. Some certain things don’t bother me.

What attracted you to the guy?
He is tall and dark. He’s nurtured and well-groomed. We met through a friend.

So, it wasn’t through the Internet.
No. Internet is not a place you go and have relationships; it is a place where you are meant to have fun.

Is that why you said in one of your interviews that you like to play games with your male fans?
Well, I’m someone who likes to exhume sexiness. So, if you come at me and I feel good, I can lead you on. But I know my boundary. The fact that the men come makes you feel like a woman.

So, no one could snatch you from your man?
If only you know the hard work he is doing, you will know that nobody can snatch me from my man. The guy is a masterpiece.

Is being big a limitation?
No, it is actually an advantage. The fact that you have a presence and goes about with this peculiar swagger is an advantage. People will know you are around.

Who are the best sets of directors you’ve worked with?
Andy Amanechi is one of them, he directed ‘Black Bra’. Tchidi Chikere directed ‘Rose Kate’, Moses, directed ‘Player No 1’, and Lancelot is also wonderful.

Since you said you like to exhume sexiness, do you know what your sexiness does to men below the belt?
I really don’t have apology for being sexy or looking good. I think men should have control over themselves the more. It is not my fault if my looking good makes a man gets horny.