Uche Elendu
With her intimidating and inviting starry-eyes, fast-rising Owerri-based actress, Uchechi Elendu, is definitely set for a very bright and promising career in Nollywood. Not even the intervening years Elendu sacrificed in order to get a degree in International Relations from the Imo State University could stop her from regaining her position in Tinsel town. And interestingly, since her second coming, the fun-loving thespian, who first sauntered in, in 2001, has been mesmerizing the industry with her immense skills, poise, and personality.
In fact, she is currently the toast of movie makers, especially those operating from the Eastern bloc. And unknown to many, single and not searching Elendu, aside acting, also sings and dances with an unrivalled passion. I caught up with the boisterous actress during a recent visit to the East and took her up on several germane issues within and outside Nollywood. Without mincing words, Elendu, provided answers to the questions and many more.
Enjoy the interaction!
Let’s start this interview with your background?
My name is Uchechi Jessica Elendu, from Isiukwuato LGA of Abia State. I’m the first in a family of four and also the only girl. I was born and brought up in Lagos; my parents also live in Lagos. I had my secondary and university educations in the East. I studied International Relations in Imo State University and after graduating, I decided to base in Owerri, Imo State, because it is more peaceful than Lagos.
How come you abandoned your parents in Lagos and decided to live alone in Owerri?
I did not abandon my parents; point of correction. I just felt Owerri was more comfortable for me, because of my job, when I first started I was doing most of my movies in the East. Again, I decided to stay in Owerri, because it is a town I’m used to. I have also spent a greater part of my life in that town. In fact, Owerri, is convenient for me. And let me also inform you that my parents are also comfortable with me living in Owerri. They come around once in a while to spend holidays with me. I also visit them very often, so we see ourselves always.
Are there plans for you to relocate to Lagos any moment from now?
No, I don’t intend to relocate or live permanently in Lagos. I’m down with the East and it is more peaceful, totally different from the bustle and hustle of Lagos. I am comfortable and very happy with my job here in Enugu.
Your journey into Nollywood, how and when did it start?
Actually, my first movie was shot in 2001 titled Fear of the Unknown and after that I left to complete my degree education. Larry Koldsweat actually brought me in. I came back fully in 2004 after my final degree exams. Nothing for Nothing by Amaco Production was the movie that made me a household name.
And now that you are fast growing, what would you say are the major challenges?
Challenges come in different forms for every artiste, but truth is that we are used to the job.
Little stress here and there, but we are okay with it, because it is through these challenges that we make our money and also earn a living from it. And sincerely speaking, since my arrival, I won’t say I have really encountered so much problem or challenges, as the case maybe. After I got a lead role in Price of Destiny, I fully developed interest in acting professionally. Even though, there are challenges, I’m having fun and enjoying myself.
And like how many quality films have you featured in since your arrival?
Well, I have featured in over 30 quality movies and I hold some of them very close to my heart. They include Occultic Battle, Security Risk, Nothing for Nothing, Consequences, which till date remains my best, and many others. It was a really challenging movie, where I had to play a real village girl, something I’m not really used to.
The general feeling and impression about you among your colleagues is that you are very weird and controversial. How true is this?
Uche Elendu, is not weird, neither is she controversial. I’m not disputing the fact that people say a lot of wrong things about me. But despite all these, I still believe in who I am and what I am. I don’t care about what people say about me. I believe in myself and do only the things that makes me happy, maybe, that’s why people say I’m controversial.
In your views, what would you say is the major difference between the Eastern and Lagos movie locations?
From my own experience, I prefer the Eastern movie locations. In Lagos locations, the stress is too much especially traffic, which usually delays production, while in the East, it is not like that.
As a fast rising artiste, where are you heading to with your fledging and promising career?
It is my dream and ambition to attain a greater height with my career. I’m heading to the top where most people won’t expect I would be. Wherever God takes me, I will be.
How old is Uche Elendu?
Uche Elendu is as old as her mates.
What’s your love life like?
I’m a single young lady, not searching because there is somebody in my life.
And how soon will the wedding bells toll?
Very, very soon, sooner than you all will expect, maybe this year, by the Grace of God.
Is your guy in the industry too?
Not-at-all, he is outside the industry.
But is he comfortable with your career in the industry?
Very comfortable and happy with it. In fact, he loves it and also encourages me. He is Igbo…
How long have you been dating?
So, sorry, but that was a personal question, but if you insist, we have been on for over two years.
What qualities got you attracted to him?
First and foremost, he is God-fearing and adores my job and that is most important to me. I love my job with a passion and anybody that loves it with me is my friend.
And what if after marriage, he tells you to quit acting, would you obey him?
He can’t tell me to do that, but I can’t answer this question till the time comes. But I don’t think he will ever tell me to do that.
Deep down inside you, is marriage on your mind?
Well, it is on my mind because I will get to that stage someday as a young African girl. But I’m not in a haste to be married. I’m still very young.
Prior to your coming in, did your parents endorse your sojourn in Nollywood?
Actually, my dad was not in support at first, but my mum was in full support and saw it as her adventurous daughter having fun. But later on, my dad started falling for it, when he started seeing me in movies and posters alongside commendations from people. And right now, my whole family is strongly and solidly behind me.
Are you really adventurous?
Sometimes, I could be very adventurous and it also depends on the adventure.
Can you bare part of your body in the movies as part of your adventurous nature?
I can’t bare my body in a movie, because I am an African and my culture does not accept or permit that. I also have a family I look up to and they also look up to me. No matter the amount of money involved I won’t and can’t do that.
You recently did a full album for P. Collins. Are you also a musician?
Well, I will call myself a singer; in fact, I’m a rounded artiste, who acts, sings and dances. Singing has always been my hobby and it is also my first love.
So, why did you abandon it all this while for solely acting?
Never, I did not abandon singing, acting only took a better part of me and maybe it is so because I had a better opportunity to go into acting first.
Tell us more about this your song with P. Collins Production?
Well, the songs are highlife, but I’m not limited to that alone. I can do any kind of songs, depending on the storyline.
Sister Rosekate and Johnbull is one of your most recent movies. What was it like on set?
It was fun and memorable with the array of stars on board. In fact, it was beautiful. Only Solution, is another of my recent movies, I acted with a lot of professional colleagues. My role of a ghost in the movie was challenging and I have never done that before in any movie. At a point, I was so scared playing that role. I was also emotional on set because that was part of me. But I still prefer Rosekate and John Bull, imagine, I played the role of a reverend sister with Nkem Owoh.
The rampant issue of sexual harassment is tearing Nollywood apart. Have you ever been a victim?
First of all, I do not believe in sexual harassment because whatever people call sexual harassment happens in every sector. But I have never really been harassed. We all are adults and we do what we want to do, not necessarily because we are forced to do it.
But if you are harassed sexually, how would you react?
Nobody can harass me, they can only ask me out, I am a pretty girl, so why not.
As a pretty lady, how are you coping with advances from men?
At first, it was really embarrassing, but I’m gradually getting used to it. Men will always come. They see me on screen; they don’t really know who I am. They also judge me from the characters I portray in movies. I also get some embarrassing calls, but I handle all of them with maturity
Most of these guys, whenever they beseech you, what part of your body do they say usually attracts them to you?
They come with different choices, mostly my smiles, the way I talk, my body and all of that.
But those who trip for your body, which part of it do they find most attractive?
I don’t know, because I wouldn’t ask. I really don’t know.
What are the three things you don’t usually miss when preparing to hit location?
First, my bible, toiletries and lastly, my script
Who are your role models?
My mum and Eucharia Anunobi Ekwu– I worked with her once, in my earliest days, on the set of Love and Sacrifice.
But why is she your role model?
I like her interpretation of roles, looks, carriage and all that. In fact, I admire her professional life as an actress.
As a wave-making actress, what stands you out?
What I think gives me an edge, is the way I interpret my roles. Power of diction, delivery and character style. When I get a script, I read it deeply. I don’t go to location without putting myself into the character. Due to lack of time, most of us don’t have time to read our scripts deeply and it destroys most of us. I take my time to put myself in all my characters.
By the time you are finally married, would you still be actively involved in entertainment and still reside in the East?
That’s left for me and my husband to decide. But left for me, I would love to reside here in the East.
You look so vivacious. What weighs you down?
I’m a very emotional person and a lot of things weigh me down and they also make me cry.
Like heartbreaks?
Maybe yes, although, I have not really encountered any, because I have not really given out my heart.
Do you believe in love?
Of course, I do believe in love, even though I have never been heartbroken before.
What does love mean to you?
Love is a feeling that you have never felt before. It can’t be explained, it can only be expressed.
There is this belief that most Eastern-based actresses don’t measure up to their colleagues in Lagos. Do you subscribe to that belief?
That belief is very, very wrong, there is absolutely no difference between the Lagos and Eastern artistes. We are all artistes. After all, I was born and brought up in Lagos, that I decided to base in the East does not change anything. We all do the same thing; there is nothing so special about Lagos artistes.
The rumour mill is also agog that you are dating few movie makers in Nollywood. How true is it?
I’m not dating anybody in the industry, like you rightly said, they are mere rumours.
So, where did the rumour emanate from?
I don’t know and I don’t believe in rumours also.
Do you think producers/directors are doing enough to promote and project a lot of up and coming artistes like you?
Well, from my own point of view, I really don’t think movie makers are doing enough. We have a whole lot of talents out there. But you really won’t blame them because of the market.
In what ways do you think they can really assist you people get to the top of your careers?
Simply by giving us enough chance to feature in movies and thereby discovering the stuffs we are made. Stars are not made in a day; it is a process, which starts from somewhere.
As a child growing up, was acting part of your dreams?
It was partly, but not the main dream. I’d always wanted to be an ambassador cum politician, because I feel that is where I belong. I still have plans for that.
How would you describe yourself?
I’m an intelligent and God-fearing young lady with talent. I’m also full of life and easy going.
First published, June 2007.
Culled from Azuh Amatus’ best selling books, FAMOUS FACES…
