+ Why I’m not practicing as a journalist
Nwagbo
Breaking the jinx of successfully crossing over from the Eastern movie scene to the highly competitive Lagos axis, which is also regarded as the mainstream, according to fast rising Nollywood sensation, Ebube Nwagbo, remains her biggest challenge since arrival in 2003. And today, the pretty actress discovered by top moviemakers Teco Benson and Amaco in two separate hit movies, is not only hot and in constant demand, but also, one of the newest faces thrilling movie buffs with her acting dexterity and poise.
Even though fun loving Nwagbo read Mass Communication, she has vowed to give acting her all, because it gives her unparalleled joy and fulfillment. However, with over 30 hit movies to her credit, the sexy and ‘hippie’ actress, who was once linked romantically with top comedian Julius Agwu, maintained her best is yet to come.
In this interview, she willingly bared her mind on several issues within and outside tinsel town. She also took us down memory lane on how she sneaked into Nollywood without the consent of her parents, among many more interesting and germane topics.
Enjoy the interaction!
You just came back from the set of African Soldier, briefly share the location experience with us.
It was not funny at-all, we shot in Nsukka, Enugu State, and that was my first time in that town. We shot in the remote part of Nsukka, no electricity, no water, in fact, nothing was working in that town and to compound it, we were going to set very early in the morning. We also shot under hot sun for several days and some nights too, we shot very late into the night. Even though it was stressful, we also enjoyed it and had fun.
What was your role in the movie?
As an African epic, that was well-written and full of actions, I played the role of a jilted princess, who the gods later fought for and also revenged on her behalf. In the movie, I was in love with the African Soldier, which is also the title. He went to war in another village and fell in love with another princess; meanwhile, I was back home innocently waiting for him to come back so that we could get married. The bottom line is that I was heartbroken in the movie.
But in real life have you ever been heartbroken by a member of the opposite sex?
No! Never!
How come?
Maybe, I take off before the heartbreak comes.
How do you sense heartbreaks?
Of course, I would know the moment the guy starts behaving funny; I would know he is up to something nasty and before he breaks my heart, I will break his first.
And how many guys have you broken their hearts?
Maybe, like two, if I can remember.
What was your most memorable experience on the set of African Soldier?
First, the movie stands out on its own in all ramifications, be it the story, cast, crew and what have you, all these made the movie memorable and outstanding. Sincerely speaking, it is a different kind of story and also written by one of the best. It is an epic full of emotion, romance, action and what have you.
And what was it like working with your other colleagues on set?
It was fun, even though we were working in an environment that was not too conducive for us, nobody was complaining, we kept working like one big and happy family.
Was it your first job with Oakfil Movies?
Yes, it was my first job with him and I got it on merit, in fact, he called me up for the role and after going through the script, I fell in love with it.
Let’s take a look at your background.
I am Oluebube Nwagbo, from Umuchu, in Aguata L.G.A. of Anambra State. I’m from a family of six and also the eldest, just four girls and two boys. I’m in my mid 20’s; proudly single and not searching. I grew up in Delta State and studied Mass Communication and Public Administration at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State.
Since you are not searching, how soon is the wedding bells going to toll?
As soon as the time comes and that will be at God’s own time. I could say next month, but God’s time is the best, but I’m also not desperate to settle down.
So, how long have you been dating your Romeo?
For quite some time now and he is in total support of my career as an artiste in Nollywood.
Is he also not scared of losing you someday due to the nature of your job?
No, he is confident and knows what I can do.
Does he feel comfortable watching you play romantic roles in movies?
Very comfortable, he knows it’s just make believe and nothing more than that.
And you are not scared of him dumping you either, because of the negative publicity associated with your profession?
I think he understands what I do very, very well and would never misconstrue me or my profession…
Do you discuss and think marriage with him often?
If I’m with a guy and we don’t discuss or think marriage, then what are we doing? Of course, we do, especially at my age.
What qualities got you attracted to your Romeo?
I think he is quite different from every other guy out there. I don’t want to talk much about him, because he is a very private and quiet person. He is very understanding and different, not like your everyday guy. He also has a very good sense of humour.
Can you marry an actor?
An actor? If God approves of it yes, in fact, I don’t have a choice and it also depends on where I find love, I could marry anybody.
And what does love mean to you?
Love means a whole lot of things to me and it takes a whole lot of things to love. It is something extra ordinary and does not come just like that; it has to come from within and that is why it is special. It is also fragile and delicate, so it has to be treated with care.
When and how did you join Nollywood?
I joined Nollywood in 2003 and my first movie was Burning Will, courtesy of Teco Benson, whom I met through his wife. But it was Arrested by Love, my second movie, that brought me to limelight and it was from the stable of Amaco International, incidentally, it came out before the first movie.
Did your parents endorse your joining Nollywood?
In Nigeria, most parents wouldn’t want their kids to come into the industry, so, when I came in I didn’t tell my parents, I just did it on my own. And upon finding out, they did nothing. Because it still did not change the real me and I have also not given them any reason to regret allowing me do what I’m doing currently. And to them, I’m still their good daughter, and truly, going into movies made me more responsible. It did not change me or get into my head. If it had had a negative impact on me, my parents would have stopped me since, and they are very strict.
So, why did you go into movies?
I went into movies because I love watching films even as a baby, I love TV a lot then and as a child growing up, I usually dream of people watching me. So, I eventually made up my mind and went into it because I felt I could do it and also has all it takes to do it.
As a child growing up, what was your ambition?
I had always wanted to be a lawyer or a broadcaster, even at a point, a teacher.
And since your arrival, how many movies have you featured in?
Can I count, let’s just say between 30 and 40 and some of the ones I cherish most are Arrested by Love, Unknown Angel, Royal Palace, Mama, I Will Die for You, Light Out, and, of recent, African Soldier, and several others. In fact, I hold all my movies very close to my heart.
What would you say has been the major challenge in your acting career?
In the industry, if you start from the East, a lot of people tend to believe you are not too good and for me, breaking that jinx to become a mainstream actor in Lagos was really a big challenge. They believe anything coming from the East is not worth it and I have proved most of them wrong.
Was that why you relocated from the East to Lagos?
(Chuckles) I only wanted to be at the centre of it all and that is Lagos, where it’s really happening.
And now that you are at the centre, how are you enjoying the thrills and razzmatazz coming with it?
It’s fun and the same time not always too sweet. It has its good and bad sides, especially the lack of privacy and the fact that your fans want you to smile at them always, even when you are not in the mood.
Sexual harassment is a recurring decimal in Nollywood. Has it ever happened to you?
Never! It has never happened to me before, because I know how to handle such things. Truth is that nobody should put me in a position to harass me, and I have not come across anything like that.
And if you do, how would you handle it?
It is really going to be embarrassing, but I pray I don’t come across such things.
As a pretty and single lady, when guys come to you, what do they say usually attract them?
You should be asking the guys and not me. But maybe, my hips and I’m happy because it is God given. I don’t feel bad when they come to me.
But in your own views, which part of your body do you consider the sexiest?
Every part of me is sexy.
And what part of your body trips your guy most?
He likes my hips and physique a lot.
How romantic are you?
I’m very, very romantic and also very emotional.
Can love make you cry?
I could cry when I’m down because I’m very emotional.
And how do you handle heartbreaks?
I told you earlier, I have not had any; I take a walk before it happens. I have not come across it and don’t also pray for it to happen to me.
In your own views, are producers/directors really doing enough to help groom rising acts?
There are a whole lot of good and rising acts in Nollywood and, with the efforts of moviemakers, they are getting known through several movies. Opportunities are being given to all.
As a rising and promising act, what stands you out?
My personality, humble nature, and sense of reasoning all stand me out.
As a rising star too, how fulfilled are you financially and otherwise?
I am very comfortable because I pay my bills and have all a young girl must possess at my age.
If tomorrow, your Romeo says quit acting, would you oblige?
Unless my husband, but for now, my guy won’t tell me what to do. If my husband gives me a good reason, maybe, I could obey.
What breaks you down and also makes you cry?
As an emotional person, little things break me down and I also get moody. I like people around me making me happy. I also like being assured that I’m loved always and also still relevant in the scheme of things. And I feel very downcast when I feel all these are no longer forthcoming.
In the next couple of years, where do you see your career going?
Somewhere bigger than Hollywood. And I intend achieving that through hard work and God on my side.
Any intentions of practicing journalism in the nearest future?
Yes, but not now, when I’m set, I would give it a trial.
In the past, you used to club and party a lot, are you still zany and wild?
Truth is that I’m a fun-loving person, who likes being happy and I indulge in anything that makes me happy. I only party and club when I have the time. I like having fun, I must admit.
In your own views again, what would you say is the biggest challenge facing rising acts in Nollywood?
Stereotyping is gradually killing lots of budding talents in Nollywood. And that should be discouraged.
With the right fee, can you pose nude in Nollywood movies?
No, I can’t even bare half of my body. Even though, I’m fun loving, there are some things I wouldn’t just stoop to do and they are best known to me.
First published, May 2007
Culled from Azuh Amatus’ best selling books, FAMOUS FACES…
