Even with three lovely kids, all boys, fast–rising actress Joyce Kalu is still a head-turner in Nollywood. With a daily increasing fans base that is gradually cutting across our shores, the 34-year-old curvy starlet that made her debut last year in Mistake in Marriage is stylishly climbing the ladder of success in tinsel town to the admiration of many.
Kalu, a marketing graduate from the Lagos State University (LASU), since her bold arrival, has mesmerized movie buffs in close to a dozen hit movies and still striving to further raise the bar in her newfound love. Interestingly, the voluptuous role interpreter who also speaks French fluently is fast becoming the darling of top moviemakers because of her impeccable script interpretations and acting prowess.
In this interview with Azuh Amatus, on the set of her latest production, a yet-to-be-titled movie with many A-list stars on board, Kalu, for the first time ever, spoke on her most intimate things, Nollywood, family, husband’s place in her thriving acting career, among other germane issues.
Enjoy the interaction!
You just finished from the set of a new movie, how was it like?
Yeah, it was a yet to-be-titled movie from Guniks Production; I had over 30 lovely scenes in the movie. A lovely script with a lovely storyline, I found it very interesting and that was why I became so happy when I got a role in the production. The executive producer treated all of us so well; in fact, he was like a father to all of us on set. It was a memorable outing for me, very wonderful experience.
Who were the big names you acted alongside with on set?
I worked with Chioma Chukwuka, Clem Ohameze, Desmond Elliot, among several other fast rising artistes like me. Theodore Anyanji was the director and he carried everybody alongside very well.
What was your role in the movie?
I played Chioma Chukwuka’s mother in the movie, a widow who lost her husband very early in life and now had to fend for her entire family, an interesting movie. The attraction for me in the movie was just that fact that I would be playing the role of a mother, which I am in real life. It takes a true mother to play such a tasking role. Besides, this is my first movie with Guniks production.
Which was your first movie in Nollywood?
It was Mistake in Marriage by Chike Brian, early this year; I acted alongside Rita Dominic, Mike Ezuronye, and Justice Esiri. But I actually came into Nollywood last year for me; my coming was through divine intervention. Coming into Nollywood, for me, was an adventure.
What were you doing before coming into Nollywood?
I have a B.Sc. in Marketing, so professionally that was what I read at the Lagos State University, LASU. I once worked with Integrity Solution for twelve years, an I.T. firm that is into auditing. From there, I and my husband opened a graphics centre in Surulere, I also run a thriving catering business and one or two legitimate businesses. Right now, acting is the biggest job occupying my mind and I’m giving it my all.
So, how do you combine all these with acting?
It’s not been easy, but God gives me the grace to combine all of them. Truth is that I have an undying passion for acting I derive joy from it. Another good thing is that I have capable hands running my other businesses.
Since your arrival, like how many movies have you featured in?
Almost a dozen that are already out, but by the time the yet-to-be-released ones hit shelves; they will be more than 20 this year. God has been good to me in terms of movie roles.
You are married with how many kids?
I am happily married with three lovely boys and a wonderful husband. I got married in ’94.
When you were about coming into Nollywood, did your husband object?
He objected to it somehow, it was not easy for him, in fact, he found it very difficult. But because he had known me for 20 years out of my 34 years on earth, he had to give in because of the love and trust. I convinced him genuinely and also reassured him that I will never betray the trust he has in me as his wife and mother of his children for 13 years. I’m going to stick to acting and make people look at marriage the way it should be.
As a married actress, do you choose the kind of roles you play in movies?
It depends on the kind of role, I do the normal acting kiss, but if it goes beyond that no way.
Does your husband get jealous sometimes when watching you act these romantic roles in movies?
Truth is that he vets all my scripts before I go on set, once in while I rehearse at home by acting with him and the kids. Even though he understands, but being a man he still gets jealous once in a while.
If tomorrow he tells you to quit acting, would you obey?
If he does and gives me a very strong reason or reasons for doing so, I will definitely obey him, nothing will hold me back.
We would like you to tell us more about yourself and background?
Joyce Kalu is a happily-married actress from Umuahia in Abia State. The last girl in a family of nine–six girls and three boys; she is 34 this year. I grew up in Cameroon and speak French.
What were the major challenges you encountered when you newly came in last year?
It was really tough when I came in because most moviemakers don’t believe in giving us challenging roles; they usually feel we can’t deliver. But with hard work, focus and constant training, I was able to get to where I am today. People are now seeing and believing strongly in my acting capabilities and I’m so, so happy for that.
As a married and beautiful actress, have you ever been harassed sexually in place of roles by moviemakers?
I have heard about sexual harassments from people, and also read it on papers often times, but it has never happened to me. Another thing I discovered about it is that it has to do with your carriage and personal conviction. Truth is that a lot of people come to me to express their love, which is normal, but harassment no. Those who come to express their love for me, I usually thank and let them also know that I’m happily married.
But how would you react, if you are sexually harassed?
I have a different way of reacting to things, but if it happens, I would definitely stand my ground, I’m highly principled.
Any plan of producing your own movie soon?
Yes, the plan is almost concluded, but we don’t want to rush things. I like doing my things very well with a touch of class.
In the next couple of years where do you want to be as an actress?
Sincerely speaking, I want to be up there, as in reaching the top of my career. I want to be a household name in Nollywood and even beyond.
Getting to the top is not usually easy, so how do you intend reaching the zenith of your career?
Through hard work, commitment, being focused and prayer, which is the master key. With all these in your kitty, the sky will definitely be your starting point.
As a married woman, how do you cope with the pressures of acting, especially shuttling in between home and locations?
Quite tedious and tasking, but I thank God for giving me a supportive husband and family, they usually rally round me whenever the pressure becomes too much. We also communicate a lot.
As a rising actress, who are the people you look up to in Nollywood?
I have few role models in Nollywood and Joke Silva is one of them, even though I have not met or worked with her in a movie. She is one woman I respect a lot. I also admire Rita Dominic for her impeccable role delivery.
In what ways, do you think producers/directors can assist rising actresses like you get to the top?
First, is by believing in us and giving us good roles, especially those challenging roles they usually reserve for only the big names. They should try us and also give us the chance to prove that we can do it, even better. Giving us only minor roles will never help us and even the industry; all we ask for is equal right and the opportunity to prove our worth. And if she fails, you keep correcting and building her until she gets there.
Let’s assume you were not acting and not engaged in any of your businesses today, what else would you have been doing?
Who knows, maybe I would have been a complete housewife or gone into fashion design, I like looking good.
So, in essence you have completely abandoned marketing for acting?
If you say so, but for me they are related. As an actress, I’m also marketing my face and industry, you can see, they are somehow related.
How do you feel when people compliment your beauty in public?
I feel good and thank them for that. But I think the secret of it all is the sound mind that God has given me. I relax a lot, which I would say is another secret of my looking beautiful.
So, how are you coping with Nigerian men and their overtures?
Those who do not know I’m married disturb me a lot, but I usually allow them to express themselves, after which I will tell them I’m happily married with kids and love my husband so much.
You have said so much about your husband, what got you attracted to him?
First, his intelligence and strong-willed nature. Well, we met immediately my family returned from Cameroon. We actually became stronger when he went to my secondary school to sign an undertaking when they suspended me. And after that he told me he wants to marry me, after thinking about it, I consented.
What fond memories of your marriage do you still remember?
A lot, but I would not want to say them in public.
Let’s assume you are still single today can you marry an actor?
An actor, why not? If he is so, so principled and loves me.
Now that you are fast becoming famous, what are the things you hate about stardom?
My privacy, it’s like I’m losing it fast, but who are mine to complain.
What kind of future are you envisaging for yourself in Nollywood?
My future in Nollywood from what I have seen so far is very great. Just like the industry is growing rapidly, I’m also growing rapidly. Like I told you, I want to be up there in Nollywood soon and very soon.
If in a movie, you are told to bare part of the sensitive part of your body, are you going to comply?
I don’t think that will be possible, I can wear sexy clothes in movies, but baring a bit of it, no way.
Do you have regrets in life today?
We all make mistakes, but that does not mean I should live in the past or brood over my past mistakes. I only learn from them.
As a rising actress, what stands you out?
My name, poise, carriage, and amiable nature stand me out. Also, I don’t believe artistes should have airs around them. I always frown at my colleagues who are fond of doing that. Because you are an actress does not make you an exceptional human being. Truth is that without your teeming fans you are nobody and nowhere. I get pissed when some of my colleagues snub their fans openly in public.
In what ways has acting impacted positively on your life, especially as a married woman?
In so many ways, like I told you earlier, I usually feel so happy whenever I’m called to deliver the role of a mother in movies. And such roles also impact positively on my life and those watching. Through acting also, I have been able to rediscover an inner and hidden talent, which I’m now using to impact positively on the society.
How do you feel most times when people mistake you for top actress, Ngozi Ezeomu, because the two of you have some resemblance?
Well, I have been told that and mistaken for her several times, but whenever it occurs I usually tell them I’m not her, but Joyce Kalu.
Let’s go back a bit, how was it like the first day you faced a camera on set?
It was not easy, being my first time, but the director and cast members kept urging and propping me. It was a memorable experience that I won’t forget in a hurry.
Are you romantic?
Very, very romantic, at least my husband can testify to that. He also knows I’m loving and very cheerful and caring.
Describe yourself for us?
Joyce Kalu is an easygoing woman, full of life, industrious, principled, and God-fearing.
What are your views on Nollywood?
We thank God for Nollywood and are also very proud that it’s making waves globally. Our moviemakers are trying their best but government should come in and assist especially through legislations that would help and curb the activities of pirates.
When the time comes, what would you love to be remembered for?
For my motherly roles in Nollywood movies and the Joy I brought into homes via my sweet movies.
First published, July 2006.
