By Damilola Fatunmise
Uche Odoh is a woman of many parts. She is a talented filmmaker, photographer, content creator, model and video vixen.
Odoh made a foray into the entertainment industry when she took part in the 2007 edition of Amstel Malta Box Office reality TV show.
In this interview, the Enugu-born co-owner of Propa Studios, who is also the director of her movie, Hell Ride, opened up on her artistic journey, growth, dreams and many more. Enjoy it.
How do you cope being a filmmaker, photographer, content creator and model at the same time?
I stopped being a model some five years back. Now, it’s basically movies, content creation and photography for me.
Why did you stop being a model?
Growth! As I am growing up, I’m evolving, trying to find myself more, in terms of my passion and all. And I noticed that my special love is for creating content, shooting movies, and I went for it.
Tell us about your growing up.
Growing up wasn’t bad at all; my mum provided all I needed as a child, thanks to her. I’m the only daughter of a family of four. I lost my dad in 2004 and when I was 18, I left Enugu for Lagos to discover myself.
Do you have any role model in the industry?
Not really, but I appreciate Kelechi Amadi Obi’s craft a lot. I love documentaries and street jobs. I love anyone that loves nature, and street has my interest.
Fifteen years in the industry, do you think the reward is worth the whole stress?
I really don’t do this for rewards; all I’m doing is to make impact in the lives of my people. If you are one that works for recognition, you will wait till you die. Truthfully, I have gotten nominations that are very impressive, like Best Filmmaker, Best Feature and so on. But my goal is living a life of purpose and giving back to all those who have one way or the other supported me. I am a daughter, aunt, friend and sibling, who just want to make my people proud.
Are your parents in full support of your chosen career?
Like I said earlier, I lost my dad in 2004 before I came into the entertainment industry. But my mum insisted I complete my university education before I could do whatever I like, which I did. But I am still studying.
Would you say being the only girl amongst three guys influenced your masculine look?
Ah… no! I can look girly and I can look boyish. Whatever look I wear at a certain time is influenced by my mood.
Does your man complain about this?
Not at all… Whoever I’m seeing loves me for who I am.
Are you considering marriage anytime soon?
Sure, I want to have kids. I am very open to settling down.
Do you have any man in your life at the moment?
No one at the moment, but I am very open to settling down.
Can you marry from your industry?
Hmm… no… because I wouldn’t want both of us to be too busy for home making. This industry can be very crazy and tasking; so I feel it won’t be a good idea for both of us to be industry couple.
Can you allow marriage to take you out of your career?
Yes, at least for baby making; after all, I can always come back. I can have some break when I start having babies.
What’s new about Uche Odoh?
I am seriously working on a movie, a cinema project coming out in 2023 under the umbrella of Propa Studios. Trust me, it’s going to be huge and breathtaking. I’m also pushing contents of my YouTube channel, “Gositv” and planning a photo exhibition soon by God’s grace.
Do you have a walk-in-studio for photography?
No! Not at the moment but I’m just a call away.
Do you have a team you are working with?
Presently, most of them are freelancers but they are very dutiful.
From where do you get your energy?
From the street and my survival instincts. Conscious of the fact that there’s no one to cry to for my bills, I braze up easily. Knowing that a lot of my nieces and nephews look up to me in so many ways, I won’t want to fail. And being sensitive about the fact that everybody has what he or she is going through, and I won’t want to be a burden to anyone, the energy will just come naturally.
What advice do you have for those who see you as their role model?
I will tell them to just start! Don’t wait till you are of so, so age; don’t wait for someone to introduce you to one person, and don’t wait for certain amount of money… those things might not come pretty soon if you don’t start from somewhere. Along the line, you might just be lucky!