Despite the fact that top actress Princess Tina Amuziam started her acting career with NTA in the late 80s, stardom did not beckon on her until she joined Nollywood in ’96 on the set of Last Hope. She eventually became a household name and the darling of movie buffs when she titillated in monster hit movie Glamour Girls, from the stable of NEK Videos Since then, the Delta State-born star from a royal house has continued to dictate the pace in Nollywood, when it comes to flawless acting. To further raise her stakes in the industry that has brought her fame and fortune, Amuziam recently veered into moviemaking as a producer with a soon-to-debut flick titled Woman of Destiny.
With the world premiere of her movie already taken place last Saturday at Flamingo Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos, and well-attended, ecstatic Amuziam disclosed that she looks forward to making more quality movies that would help transform mankind and the society in general. In this warm encounter, the top flight thespian that had sizzled in over 80 movies took us down memory lane on how the journey started, the trials, and triumphs. Princess, as she is fondly called, also spoke passionately about God, men, future goals, among other germane topics.
Enjoy the interaction!
Where have you been, because we have not heard much from you in recent times?
I’ve been around, though I stepped aside for some time, but came back since 2003. And ever since, I’ve been busy working.
You stepped aside to do what?
To do one or two other things like contracts, during that period, I also took a trip outside Nigeria to look around. I went to the U.S. I also left then because I wasn’t comfortable with what was going on in the industry, a lot of trash here and there. I used to run a boutique, called Home De Glamour; I stopped when my shop was robbed.
The many trashes that made you leave Nollywood then, are they no longer there?
Truth is that the industry has really been sanitized to an extent, and then it was really something else.
Is that part of the reasons you eventually veered into movie production?
You know I’ve been around in the industry for a very long time and just decided I should do it the other way too and see what it is like being a producer, I’ve always had this dream of going into production, so I had to pray to God to provide the funds, at least to an extent to be able to go into it and finish it the best way and not stopping by the road side. And to God be the glory I have finally completed the movie.
Tell us more about the movie.
It is titled Woman of Destiny, a family oriented story that is also true life. Won’t say much about the storyline till it hit shelves after the world premiere. Notable Nollywod stars in the movie were Zack Orji, Emeka Enyiocha, Oby Edozieh, Chinyere Winifred, Obiageli Molube, Thelma Okoduwa, myself, and several others. Ekenna Igwe directed and we shot for almost two weeks. It was my story.
What were the fond memories while on location?
It was really fun working with a wonderful cast and crew members. I enjoyed it and saw the other side of movie-making by being a producer which is not very easy, but all the same I thank God, I was able to do it.
How about the major challenges on set?
For me, the biggest challenge on set was the days we had to shoot into the night, it happened on several occasions. Then, once-in-a-while, you have one or two problems with your colleagues on set; all the same, the challenges were part of the fun.
Like how much was spent shooting this movie?
I spent close to N4million of my personal funds shooting this movie, mind you; I’ve been planning for it for a very long time. The world premiere took place last Saturday at Flamingo Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos, it was well attended. We are still trying to fix a date for the marketing and distribution nationwide.
But why did it take you this long to come out with your own movie?
Well, I’ve been taking my time and did not want to rush into it. I was actually enjoying what I was doing as an actress, even though I longed being a producer, I had to take my time and not a situation where I would rush into what I don’t know. I like taking my time and making researches here and there before venturing into new fields. By the grace of God, I intend producing more quality movies. In fact, it is very likely; I would produce another movie by December.
Your sojourn into Nollywood, how and when did it start?
My first movie in Nollywood was The Last Hope in ’96, but before then I had been on TV as an actress. I was at home when my first movie script came to me. I started professional acting with NTA Tele movies in 1987, here in Lagos. Christain Onu, was my first TV director. After Tele movies I did Wind of Destiny, Dreams, Cradle, Blossom, and several other TV soaps and series then.
So, in essence you have abandoned the TV for Nollywood now?
No, I have not. Currently, I’m on TV working on Chico Ejiro’s Treasures, only that NTA has not invited me for any soap recently, if they do, I will gladly accept, because that was where I started from.
What fond memories do you still relish about your days at NTA?
A lot (Laughs). I remember being paid about N100.00 (One hundred naira) for a lead role in NTA jobs then, not cash o! They usually give you a CBN Cheque, which you will now cash at First Bank and also pay your tax from it. It was really fun then. I also wrote for Food Basket then on NTA, plenty fond memories that I can’t begin to recollect now.
Who would you say discovered and nurtured your acting talent?
I will give it to Christian Onu, any day, anytime. He discovered me in a Tele movie titled Victim of Circumstance, where I played the lead.
Were your parents in support of your going into showbiz then?
Well, they did and I really appreciated their efforts.
Between soaps and movies, which do you prefer?
As a professional, I cherish both, even stage, they all come with their different challenges, but all the same, I still remember the days on TV, it used to be fun. But if I’m to choose now, I would pick home video. It is so because this sector has grown and artistes earn good money also. We now get star treatment on set.
In what ways has acting impacted positively on your life?
Quite a lot of ways. I can go to places not everybody can walk into because of my face. You are known and respected because of your famous face, a lot of people, especially youths look up to you as role model, a lot of benefits. Again, through my roles, I’ve impacted positively on my society and healed many troubled souls.
If you were not acting today, what else would you have been doing?
Maybe, I would have been a lawyer or a big time businesswoman, globetrotting in quest of legit deals.
Like how many flicks have you featured in since you joined Nollywood?
I’ve done well over 80 quality movies.
And that makes you a millionaire?
If you say so, to God be the glory.
That also means moviemakers are doing enough in terms of good artiste fees?
I will say yes because artistes now earn good money from movies, it is a welcome development but it could be better.
In retrospect, which among your movies would you say brought you to limelight?
I would say it is Glamour Girls; it was my role of Jessica in Glamour Girls that made me a household name in movies. Till date, most people still call me Jessica.
What are your views about Nollywood?
Truth is that I don’t know where to place Nollywood right now, it is a fast growing industry, which we are all proud of, but what I don’t like is the kind of politics that is currently going on in recent times, it also reminds me of the type of politics that is currently going on in the country. They should all come together and help build Nollywood, for me that is the way forward. People should remove selfishness from whatever they are doing and remember they are going into public offices to serve and not to eat. The cause of all these is greed and it is tearing our dear Nollywood apart.
But do you have the intentions of going into public office in the nearest future?
Well, I would say yes, but have not decided the level at which I will serve my people. Even this 2007, my people are still calling me to come and serve them; I told them the time is not yet ripe. By God’s grace I will definitely go into politics.
Let’s get personal with you, tell us more about yourself?
I’m Princess Tina Amuziam, from a royal home in Delta State, the fourth in a family of nine. I’m from Aniocha North LGA.
How old are you?
I’m an adult.
Are you married or still single?
I’m so sorry I can’t answer the question; it is too personal for me. Aa! Please, I would not like us to discuss my personal life in this interview again.
Okay, but how do you cope with male admirers as a beautiful actress?
The point is that you can’t crucify somebody because he is admiring you; you have to be polite with them, even though you don’t want to jump at every admirer that comes your way. I get along with my male admirers very well and give God glory always for taking extra time to create me, so I don’t blame anybody who admires me. I also like making friends with people who like me. Even as a married woman, if a guy admires you, you simply tell him thanks and sorry because you are married and it ends there.
But how do you react when some of these stubborn admirers take it to the extreme?
If I tell you no and you still persist, that is your problem because I will ignore you.
What is the secret of your beauty?
I’m flattered. The first secret is that I don’t live a rough life, I don’t smoke, drink or night crawl. I also take off time once in a while to rest and very, very close to my God. For me, these are the secrets.
How close are you to your God?
Very, very close, in fact, I’m a Catholic and would soon open a ministry for women. I have a mandate to relate with women and discuss God with them, for me, it is a burden.
What motivates you?
I will still say God, because in whatever you do in this life, if you don’t have God, you are a failure, that’s the truth. I relate to my God all the time. He directs me, if I wake up in the morning I talk to Him, bed time, He also directs me. He actually motivates and inspires me every day.
How do you want to be remembered when you are no longer acting?
Like I told you earlier about my ministry, I want God to use me to reach the women and children, that is the first thing I want to be remembered for. I also pray to God every day of my life to enrich my coast, so that I can reach out to people. You see a lot of people are suffering and I can’t stand people problems and I think that’s what God created me for, but I have not had enough to reach out to people the way I want. I want to run a charity home that would take care of the less privileged so that tomorrow when I’m gone, they would still remember me for something special. You saw what happened when Bimbo Odukoya died, youths were crying, in fact, everybody was crying. Wherever she is today with God and hears the cries of her loved ones, she would be happy, because she lived a fulfilled life.
Do you have regrets in life?
My only regret is that I’m too kind and people take advantage of it, but on a second thought, I have learnt not to regret it because I feel that is how God wants it.
What makes you cry?
What makes me cry? I’m not rich and not from a rich home, but thank God, I’m comfortable. So when I see some people go through some rough times, which I feel they should not go through because of money, I cry, in order words, other people’s problems makes me cry.
Then that you were new in Nollywood, did you encounter any form of sexual harassment from randy movie-makers?
No. I never encountered it, in fact, there wasn’t anything like it. Till date, nobody has ever harassed me.
But you are aware it is rampant these days?
Yes, I’m aware it is rampant but not only on the male side, our girls are rotten. When a girl dresses half nude, what do you expect the man to do? Bodi no be wood o! Our girls should be cultured, we should not imitate America, and this is Nigeria. Our tradition and culture do not allow these things, so if you go seduce a guy, he will react.
You recently won an award. Tell us more about it.
This award means so much to me and also remains my best even though I have won so many within and outside Nigeria. It is so because it came from my own people. You know they said a prophet is not recognized in his country, my case is not like that, my own people appreciates me and what I’m doing, it’s rare. When I got the I.V for the award, I was dazed and could not believe my eyes. I’m very happy and grateful to my people for honouring and believing in me. If my people can recognize and appreciate what I’m doing glory be to God, it also means the sky is my beginning point.
When your movie finally hits shelves nationwide, what core message do you intend passing to Nigerians through it?
The movie is a thrilling story that people will learn a lot from the moment it comes out, especially the men, they should not be in a hurry when it comes to taking family decisions. They should also realize that anything that happens in one’s life God has a hand in it. My movie also teaches people to keep their hands clean.
How soon is your women ministry kicking-off?
Very, very soon but I’m not in a haste to commence.
Are you going to completely abandon acting for the ministry?
Let’s wait till the time comes, but no matter what acting remains my first love.
What are your future plans?
Starting and consolidating on my women ministry, helping the less privileged through my charity home and also helping to shape the society through my movies. Above-all, I want to be closer to my God and help win souls for him through my good deeds.
In a sentence, describe your movie for us.
Woman of Destiny is a great movie which every family must own a copy, a collector’s item.
First published, August 2006.
