Voluptuous and sexy Chioma Okoye is among the new
breed of starlets currently hypnotizing Nollywood with
their acting prowess, panache and poise. Since her
bold and unexpected entry in 2004, with the aid of
veteran actor Pete Edochie, on the set of “My Good
Will” the Queen Latifah look alike has not stopped
proving her worth as one of the actresses to look out
for in the nearest future.
Immensely “endowed” Okoye, whose latest movie, “War in
the church”, is already causing ripples within and
outside the motion picture industry and even in
Christendom, said she has no apologies for being part
of the cast of the controversial flick.
With more than a dozen hit movies to her credit, 24
year old Okoye, an indigene of Aguleri in Anambra
State, said her ultimate wish is to be a household
name within and beyond tinsel town. She also wants to
settle down and have babies for her would be husband
soon.
In a hearty chat with Azuh Amatus, the self confessed
adventurous actress poured out her youthful mind on
several germane issues. She also spoke passionately
about her love life, heartbreaks and many more.
War in the church, one of your recent movies is out
and making waves, what was it like on the set?
J-e-e-z! It was terrible, from one problem to
another, we kept encountering difficulties. The last
day of shoot, so many strange things happened, almost
all the cars on set packed up, including our location
bus. It also rained heavily that day. Even the taxi we
chartered broke down half way into the journey on our
way home. Even one of the actresses that played a
risky scene got herself burnt and collapsed, it was
fervent prayers that revived her.
Don’t you think all these misfortunes had to do
with the fact that you people were trying to document
the weird and wicked life style of disgraced and
convicted man of God, Rev. King into a home video
without his permission?
I wouldn’t know, but all the things that took place
that night, which was our last day of shoot, were so
strange. But Nigerians should commend the director for
documenting such things into a home video.
And how does it feel to be one of the leading
actresses in the movie?
It feels good and also makes me happy. But my
biggest burden remains the fact that some over zealous
members of Rev. King’s church have been confronting
and challenging me for taking part in that movie. They
said I shouldn’t have taken part because we didn’t get
the real story. I played Rita, one of the church
members he impregnated and forced to have an abortion.
In real life situation, can you date a man of God?
Never! But any man of God that descends so low to
sleep with church members is not fit to be called that
name. This movie is a real eye opener. I sincerely
believe Nigerians, especially the so called born again
will gain a lot from it.
How did you get the role?
I have worked with Ifeanyi Ikpoenyi, the director
of the movie before in Enugu State on the set of War
for War. And when the director approached me again for
this job, I grabbed it for two reasons. One the script
was tight and secondly, the pay was equally good.
Talking about threats, are you not scared some
members of the church might want to attack you, for
being part of those exposing their pastor in this
movie?
I get scared sometimes, especially when moving at
nights. Aside the few verbal confrontations with some
members, none of them has really come out to attack or
harm me. But I kept telling them, I was only called to
act and that they should direct their grievances to
the director.
As a rising artiste, what was it like acting
alongside other big stars on set?
It was cool, interesting and memorable. Even
though, I have acted alongside some big stars in
several movies in the past, this one was special and
unique. Ken Okonkwo, was the biggest star on set and
he carried everybody along very well. We worked like
one big family.
And how would you rate the director’s performance
on set?
It was great and challenging too. He has a way of
carrying everybody along on set. I always feel relaxed
working with him.
Your sojourn into Nollywood, how and when did it
start?
My sojourn into Nollywood began in 2004 and it was
on the set of My Goodwill, from the stable of
P.Collins Production. I got the job accidentally
through Pete Edochie, who is my uncle. I lazily
escorted him to a location in Enugu and the director
called me to take a scene for him. Initially, I said
no, because I was shy, but after much prompting I
accepted the role and they applauded me for doing a
good job…
And how does it feel, having an uncle like Pete
Edochie behind you in Nollywood?
It makes me feel a top of the world in Nollywood.
He is wonderful and amiable. I appreciate him the
more, when I played the lead with him in Father Tansi.
He has really helped in shaping my fledging career, I
owe him a lot.
Since your arrival, which are some of your popular
movies?
They are much, movies like Nothing Spoil, Father
Tansi, True Romance and several others.
Did you parents endorse your coming into Nollywood?
Initially, my mum was somehow against it, because
she felt I would not be able to get married, but she
later succumbed after I promised her I would be a good
girl. She and my dad are now very happy with me,
especially when people commend them about my exploits
in movies.
Deep down inside you, are you not scared you might
end up, not getting married like your mum said?
Not really, I pray to get married this year, I
love kids a lot and I pray to have one soon. I can’t
wait to carry my baby soon.
Is there any man in your life?
Of course yes, and we are carrying on fine.
Is he in support of what you are doing?
Yes and also supports me, even though he gets
jealous sometimes.
Aside being jealous, is he not also scared of
loosing you since you are in the klieg lights?
He is, especially when my male fans commend or
appreciate me in his presence. But I always calm him
down and explains thing to him with a reassurance of
my love.
What if tomorrow, he tells you to quit acting, would
you oblige?
I will obey but he has to give me good reasons I
should quit. But as an alternative, he will allow me
go into hosting a talk show, because I have a dying
passion for TV presentations. In fact, I’m currently
working on one with Sammie Needle and the title is
Naked…
But in most cases, how does your guy feel when
watching you play romantic roles in movies?
He feels very jealous and usually unhappy but after
explaining he calms down with a caveat for me to be
more careful with such roles.
What part of your body trips him most?
He loves my lips with a passion and commends it
always.
And for you, where do you think is most attractive
in your body?
I like my boobs and backside a lot, I also thank
God for making them mine and unique, can’t trade them
for anything.
Based on experience, what do Nigerian men like most
about your body?
Whenever they see me, their eyes go straight to my
boobs and backside.
Does that embarrass you in any way?
Not really, in fact, it makes me happy and proud
because I’m a true African woman. Besides, it is very
rare for you to see a girl with all these qualities.
So, in essence, you are very comfortable with your
size?
Very, very comfortable, except for my job, on that
ground, I would like to reduce a bit. I’m not fat,
just chubby, which is how a true African woman should
look.
So, with all these curves at the right places, how
are you coping with Nigerian men and their advances?
It’s been very difficult coping with them, most of
them want to have me in their beds, only few of them
want to have me as a platonic friend, the rest are
coming for ulterior motives.
Back to your jealous Romeo, for how long have you
been dating each other?
It is two years now and he knows I love him so much.
Sexual harassment is no longer news in the
industry, have you ever been a victim?
For me, sexual harassment can only take place when
you as an actress encourages it. As an actress who
wants to get to the top very fast, you must pay the
price. I want it slow and steady. Nobody has ever
harassed me sexually, but I have had people in the
industry legally asking me out without any strings
attached or any form of intimidation.
And how many of these your colleagues have you
dated?
As a matter of policy and principle, I don’t date
my colleagues, so I have never dated any body in
Nollywood.
As a rising actress, what are your future plans?
First, I want to go far with my career and become a
household name here and even beyond. I also dream of
producing my own movie someday.
As a starlet, what would you say are some of the
major problems confronting Nollywood, in your own
views?
We need more investors in Nollywood, we should
improve on our stories and stop the repetition of
stories. Again, wrong casting is another thing that is
gradually killing Nollywood and lastly,
professionalism should be etched permanently in the
industry. With all these in place, we will go very
far.
Do you have role models in the industry?
I don’t think I have any for now, except my mum.
Why?
Because I don’t want to have any, it’s my life and
choice. But I respect a lot of people in Nollywood.
Tell us more about yourself, and background,
starting with your age?
I’m 24, from a family of six, and the last child of
the family. We are from Aguleri in Oyi LGA of Anambra
state; my parents are residing in the North.
Let’s assume you are not into acting today, what
else would have been doing?
I would have gone into a talk show programme
since, and thank God, we are also working towards that
direction.
With the right artiste fee, can you bare-it-all in
a movie?
I would have loved to, but Nigeria is not a good
place to do that. If I’m outside, I would have given
it a trial coupled with the right money. But in a
Nigerian movie, I might try and expose a bit of my
body, that’s all I can go.
You sound so daring, are you?
Well, if you say so, I only see myself as being
adventurous and fun loving.
Can you marry an actor?
Very well, and I will feel very comfortable doing
that.
What is your main plan for the remaining part of
this year?
If I don’t get married, I would definitely have a
child out of wedlock. Marriage is on my mind.
All together, like how many flicks have you
featured in since your arrival in Nollywood?
I have done more than ten movies, and among them
“Nothing Spoil” stands out, it was an Igbo comedy film
and I spoke the language very well.
What weighs you down as a young lady?
Death, especially when it involves a loved one. I
nearly died when I lost a good actress friend of mine
Suzzy Williams a.k.a. Sharon Stone. A Ghanaian, her
death was very painful and shocking.
As an adventurous girl, how many times have you
experienced heartbreak?
Severally o! As a pretty girl, you are bound to
experience such things. I have experienced it thrice;
the second one really weighed me down.
Do you believe in love?
In the past yes, but not now again.
Why?
I’m very, very romantic and my smiles stand me out
a great deal among my colleagues and pals.
Between romance and love making, which do you
prefer?
Aah! That was too personal, but if you insist, I
prefer romancing to love making.
First published, April 2007.
Culled from Azuh Amatus’ best selling books, FAMOUS FACES…
