For petite and pretty Yvonne Jegede, a shot at the klieg lights, had always been on her mind since she was a child. Not even the fiat from her strict dad to read Law could stop her from achieving her destined childhood ambition of becoming a TV star with a difference. Her breakthrough finally came in 2004 when she got her first movie role in Missing Angel, which further opened the floodgate for other movies and TV soaps in quick succession.
Edo State born Jegede, in her early 20s, aside acting, is also a fledging model and professional music video performer. In fact, she came into limelight with a scintillating appearance in Tuface Idibia’s monster hit video, African Queen, alongside two other beauties. And interestingly too, she had also showcased her angelic face and talent in other leading musical videos to the delight of viewers, especially her teeming fans.
In this heart-to-heart encounter with me, Jegede, who speaks the Hausa language fluently and had also thrilled in over 20 movies, shared some of her best kept secrets with us. Vivacious and boisterous, Jegede also spoke glowingly about her plans, prospects, and projections in Tinsel town this New Year. She equally talked about challenges on the job and how to overcome them effectively and efficiently.
Enjoy the interaction.
We would like to know you better, starting with your background?
Well, my name is Yvonne Jegede, from Edo State, Agenebode to be precise. I’m in my mid 20s, the first of nine children from my father and the first of five from my mother. In essence, I have 13 younger ones. I started my primary school in Kano, later moved to Plateau state, but completed it in Lagos. I have a diploma in Law from Lagos State University. I also speak Hausa fluently. On a sober note, it’s not been easy coping with life as a child from a separated home.
Aside being a rising actress, what else do you do in the showbiz terrain?
Aside acting, I’m also a model and professional music video performer. Most people mistake me for a dancer, I’m not, and I only appear in music videos as a performer. Even though I got into the industry through music videos, my first love remains acting, but truth is that music videos got me more roles, made me popular and helped me to get to where I am now.
So, how and when did you come into Nollywood?
Just a couple of years ago, I started with Blaze of Glory on TV, my role of a drug addict in the soap was really challenging. My role in Tade Ogidan’s Behind the Siege, was also well applauded, this was in 2004, still on TV. But my first movie was Missing Angel same 2004 it was on that set that I got the offer to star in Tuface Idibia’s African Queen, courtesy of Uzodinma Okpechi.
What was it like playing the role of African queen alongside Tuface in that monster hit musical video?
Sincerely speaking, that music video opened lots of doors for me and also gave me the kind of sudden leverage that I never expected. Truth is that I still expect it to do more for me, based on the popularity of the song itself. Even till date some people still call me African Queen. It was also nice and fun working with Tuface and his crew. Funny enough, I rejected the job when they first approached me, but accepted after much pressure.
Did you meet Tuface one-on-one prior to coming on set to work with him?
No, I hadn’t met him then. But when we became pals after the recording, I realized he is nice and crazy, very excited person and fun to be with. Our friendship continued thereafter, as pals, we still hangout together.
He’s rumoured to be a chronic and habitual playboy. Did he at any point in time woo you for a relationship?
No! He never did.
What if he had tried it, would you accept?
Honestly speaking, I don’t know what would have happened. I have discovered that most times, people you don’t really like at first meeting, you tend to do, when you get closer and become pals.
So, in essence, you are not sure of yourself when it comes to the matters of the heart?
Is not that I’m not sure of myself, but one can never tell…
Aside African Queen, which other musical video have you starred in?
Plenty of them. I have worked with Fadabasi, Mr. Cool, D’Jinee and several others. Let me also say it here that an uncle-veteran actor Ignis Ekwe made my coming into Nollywood smooth and possible.
Like how many flicks have you featured in since your arrival?
Approximately 16, but some of my big movies are coming out this 2007. They include African Baby Boy, Action to Prelude, The Hunters, Secret Game, World of Loneliness, and some others.
As a rising actress, what would you say are the major challenges?
Despite the challenges, it’s been fun because it is something I’ve always wanted to do, that is why I’m not feeling thee stress that much. In fact, I’m still working hard to get more jobs.
Another thing is trying to meet up with some set standards, you wouldn’t think of before you get into the industry. For example, when I had not come in, I always say I can’t accept some roles, but I now know the industry does not operate like that. Some of such roles could be a stepping stone; therefore, you can’t escape them.
So, in essence, you can bare it all in a movie?
I never told you that, but deep down I know I can be a bit daring in movies.
As a rising and pretty actress, have you ever been harassed sexually by movie-makers?
Nobody has ever harassed me sexually in place of movies, but they usually ask me out as a pretty girl. I get a lot of overtures from them, but I tell them we can only be friends.
But what if it happens to you, how would you handle it?
God Almighty will surely give me the grace and wisdom to handle such a risky situation.
Aren’t you also scared, it might happen to you some day?
I’m a child of God, so the Lord is my Shepherd…
What is your love life like currently?
Why do you want to know? Well, I have a relationship and I think that’s all I can say for now.
We would like you to tell us more about your Romeo?
I’m sorry, he’s a very quiet person, I don’t want him to feel offended.
Has love ever made you cry?
Why not, we are all humans.
On what occasions?
They are very personal to me, but it has to do with matters of the heart.
What qualities got you attracted to your Romeo?
I am a freak for nice guys who are also gentlemanly. For me, you don’t really have to be good looking or rich, just be nice and a gentleman. His niceties got me tripping.
Is he in the showbiz industry?
You are getting too personal. I can’t tell you where he operates from.
Okay! But is he in support of what you are doing?
100%. He loves the fact that I’m an actress; he’s crazy about the fact that I’m an actress. And he is also not scared about losing me just because I’m an actress. He is sure, I’m always there for him, actress or not.
The other way round, are you not scared of losing him too, due to the nature of your job?
You know men are very, very funny; it is only when you are around them that they are yours. If you are not around them, they are for someone else. All the same, I trust my man.
Is he also romantic?
He is not a romantic person and I think he knows that. I just like him for who is.
Is this affair going to lead you people to the altar soon?
I don’t know, maybe, you can ask him when you see him.
But are you ready to walk down the aisle with him, if he proposes?
This is another personal question I wouldn’t want to answer in public.
Don’t you want to spend the rest of your life with him?
You are pushing me too far with your personal and probing questions.
In essence, marriage is not on your mind now and in the nearest future?
Why not? That’s the dream of every young girl out there, but I just don’t want to rush into it because I have a whole lot of things to achieve before thinking of marriage. And if by God’s grace, I’m able to achieve them in the next six months, of course, I would get married. And if in the next ten years, I’m still unable to achieve them, I will still remain single and no apologies for that.
Did your parents endorse your sojourn into Nollywood, when you first sauntered in?
No, my dad was never in support until I did AIDS Patients, a movie I did for my church; he calmed down when he saw it. He later called me again and gave me his blessings. My mum, unlike my dad then, was so, so excited about my coming into Nollywood.
Who are the people you look up to as role models in Nollywood?
Joke Silva, Genevieve Nnaji, Olu Jacobs, and RMD. I also admire Mercy Johnson. Among them, I’ve only worked with Mercy Johnson and she is inspiring.
As a rising actress, what are your future plans and projections?
I usually dream of taking my career to Hollywood and God willing I would be there some day because I know I have all it takes to be there. But before then, I want to consolidate on my career here in Nollywood and that is my main aim now. Don’t forget that with God everything is possible. Even though I’m not very religious, I believe in God and very positive about his miraculous ways.
What breaks you down and also makes you cry?
Disappointments, heartbreaks and rejections.
Like how many times have guys rejected you and broken your fragile heart?
Aah! Heartbroken? Maybe, I’ve experienced that like three times, but life goes on because I bounce back very fast after the whole thing. I recover fast and very strong when it comes to coping with heartbreaks.
So that makes you a veteran?
Not really! Experience they say is the best teacher.
Do you believe in love?
Yes I do and cry every time for love, because I’m emotional and highly romantic.
Between music and movies, which comes first?
For me, movies come first.
With the right money, can you bare it all or play a very deep romantic role in movies?
I won’t because our society does not permit such, but elsewhere, I may give it a trial.
Any plans of going back to school to complete your Law degree?
No plans for that now. Even if I decide to go back to school, it won’t be Law any longer; I actually did it then to please my dad. I might end up reading English or Theatre Arts.
Describe yourself for us?
I’m a jovial person, not shy, and fun to be with, addictive, lovable and very happy no matter the situation.
What is your biggest vice as a young lady?
I think I like having fun and clubbing, at least, twice in a month.
If you are to meet God today, what major wish would you ask from him?
I would beg Him to give me a second chance so that I could correct all my mistakes.
What are these mistakes?
None in particular, but all the things that I have done wrongly in the past. Maybe, also, in my next world, I would strive to be a born again and run away from sins.
How do you feel when people commend your beauty?
My dad started it, so, right now, it does not freak me, because I’m used to it.
So, how do you cope with advances from the guys?
It’s not been easy, but I get by.
As a rising actress, what stands you out and separates you from the crowd?
I’m different in so many ways, when the crowd is going left, I go right. I’m just myself.
What part of your body trips your guy most?
From head-to-toe, they all trip and thrill him endlessly.
What part of your body, do you consider the sexiest?
My boobs, a whole lot of guys compliment them, even my guy. It makes me know that I’m richly endowed.
Any plans of baring some of it in the movies soon?
No! I can’t reveal my boobs publicly no matter the amount involved; they are so sweet and precious to me.
What are your plans and priorities for 2007?
Carving a niche for myself, consolidating on my career, and getting closer to my God. And above all, helping humanity in my own little way…
First published, January 2007
Culled from Azuh Amatus’ best selling books, FAMOUS FACES…
