Since her bold arrival in 1998, Nollywood queen of movies and the new face of Lux Beauty Soap, Genevieve Nnaji, has continued to command overwhelming respect and attention within and outside the movie industry. The 26 year-old screen dazzler, who veered into music with a debut album early this year, is unarguably the most sought after personality in Nollywood today.
The immensely cerebral and celebrated actress from Mbaise, Imo State, in this explosive 2005 encounter, answered questions ranging from drugs to sex, lesbianism, love life, the controversial ban, mystery surrounding the Lux contract, among many other things you have been dying to know about her. Although, she was a bit evasive on some questions thrown at her, while this encounter lasted, she was however very candid in her views and perspectives.
Enjoy the interaction!
How has been an actress impacted on your life?
In so many ways, first of all, I’m popular because I’m an actress. I believe in the arts and the works that I do and give it my all, that is why I’m here today. If I wasn’t an actress in the first place Lux wouldn’t have discovered me. I also thank the press they helped in my popularity a lot.
What has been your experience with the stories being bandied around that actresses sleep with producers/directors before getting movie roles?
Well, that is the same thing we hear about bankers, but it wasn’t a case for me, and I can’t speak for anybody. Acting is all about talents and you have to have what it takes. It doesn’t matter how many people you sleep with. If you don’t have what it takes, you can’t make it to the top. And the people who make you are your fans, look up to them and God. I’m a Christian, a Catholic and want to believe I’m religious.
As an up and coming actress then, were you ever harassed sexually in place of movie roles?
No!
Does it exist in the industry?
I wouldn’t know. In fact, I will say no. If you have what it takes, you will stick to your ground except when you don’t have what it takes. Just believe in yourself.
What if a producer insists you sleep with him before casting you for a lead role, what would you do?
I think they should leave that to the models; I’m an actress, so I don’t think my beauty counts. Acting is all about talent; it goes beyond beauty. Sexual harassments have never happened to me in Nollywood.
How did you feel when you acted in your first Nollywood movie and how did it affect your life?
Most Wanted was my first movie; I did it some seven years ago. And I will tell you I felt like a star, because I played the biggest Wakapass (minor) role at that time. Really, it was an honour to be given that role by merit; it was also a big deal for me. I had to play the role of a journalist who was asked to interview Regina Askia at the time, it was a big deal for me, at least, I was not lost in the crowd in that movie.
If you were not an actress, what else would you have delved into?
I would have been a lawyer; I wanted to read Law but ended up reading nothing. At a point I went in for Creative Arts, but did not conclude the programme.
Are you not scared of losing your stardom in the nearest future? Also are you not going to diversify?
Am I not going through that phase right now? We have lots of rising stars coming up and doing very well. Remember I’m on ban. I’ve been forced to retire even when I don’t want to retire. The so-called ban, but let me use the word blacklist. My management and I are working on things. Let’s just say I like to surprise people, I wouldn’t want to talk about the things I have up my sleeves. I don’t want to give people false hopes till I’m ready. I have a lot of things to unveil; you people will be the first to know when I’m ready.
They said you were banned for being cocky, arrogant and very unprofessional on set. How true are these allegations?
Sincerely speaking, I don’t know why I was banned. For me, I think my fault was unavailability. I was hardly available to work on sets then, I was busy with a lot of things then and the marketers and producers were very aware. Long before the ban, I wasn’t working I was in Ghana recording my debut album.
Hollywood is known to be a haven for drugs, sex, sodomy and the rest of them, if you are to compare, how would you rate Nollywood?
I will only tell you the honest truth based on Genevieve’s own point of view, especially the way I see things plainly. An actor needs a clear mind to perform on stage. I don’t see drugs as a rampant issue in the movie industry. You can’t be on drugs and work. The minute you are on it, you are down so it doesn’t work and I don’t see that applying in Nollywood. It’s not in our tradition and not in us. We were all brought up with strong family values. As I’m sitting down here, I’m still answerable to my parents; I think that is one thing we have to our advantage.
Are you saying actors in Nollywood don’t take performance-enhancing drugs?
Sometimes, people don’t understand how these things work, in making a movie, you cut in between scenes. A 30 seconds scene may be, shot for two hours. You can’t do all these when you are on drugs. You need a clear mind to be able to remember your continuity. As for music, stage and live performances is a one-time thing, nothing like repetition. I don’t see drugs applying in Nollywood movies.
We are also aware that some artistes draw inspirations from drugs, where does yours come from?
Okay! Those who have sex or drugs as sources of inspiration are very lucky (general laughter). For me, because I’m a writer, I derive pleasure in directing myself and being able to get into the mind of the writers and knowing what he has planned for a particular character. I also take it upon myself to see that this character comes to live, for me; it is fun and challenging seeing a character coming to life.
The analysis you gave about drugs that it lowers the morale, is it from experience?
How can it be from experience? I use common sense and also think based on reality. Do things the right way and it will work for you. Don’t try going the extra mile if it is not necessary. From my own point of view, an actor can’t be on drugs and perform unless you are on stage. It just doesn’t flow.
How about the rampant issue of lesbians and lesbianism, have you ever been approached?
Thank God, I don’t have girls chasing me (another bout of laughter).
Can you still remember your first kiss on set and in real life?
(Laughs and switches off her phone). I can’t even remember my first kiss on set, because they come without a feeling. Because even when you are attracted to your co actor, there are 20 other people behind the camera all looking at you. I think that is why I can’t remember it.
How much can you be paid to strip or bare it all in a movie?
Everything I do has to be for a good reason, so I will leave that to the script. I can’t say for now, till that job comes around. In fact, I don’t know yet, but I can give so many reasons I would not want to do it. Remember I’m still answerable to my parents. Again, I would want to do it just to prove that I’m a professional to the core. Even then some things are not necessary in Hollywood the stars use body doubles.
But can you pose nude on the cover of a magazine?
I don’t think anybody will have the guts to come offer me such jobs. I’m not a model; I modeled for Lux because they have a reputation.
How has the additional exposure given you by Lux impacted on your life?
Lux has been an eye opener for me, being that among so many models and popular actresses both here and in Ghana, they picked me. For me, it is a huge honour and I see it as a blessing and I appreciate it with all my heart. I also feel I haven’t wasted my time. It is a personal joy and fulfillment.
How old are you?
I’m 26.
And how is your boyfriend or lover coping with all these?
Who? I’m asking you too.
Don’t you have a boyfriend or lover?
Maybe, maybe not. Right now, I’m not wearing anybody’s ring (shows her fingers).
So how soon will that be?
You are still asking same question. But I will go shopping soon for a man or husband.
But since you said lesbians are not chasing you, it then means men are chasing you?
Well, I want to see myself as a fine girl. My love life is dry and the most interesting part of my life right now is my work.
You once wrote in your rested column that Nigerian men were no longer forthcoming that you will be going to America to find one. Have you found any?
We all know the truth about that, so let’s not delve into that area.
When you are finally married, like how many kids would you have?
I love kids but can’t say how many I will have when I’m married.
Aren’t you scared that having kids will de-shape your lovely body?
We were all kids at one point, so why would I hate having kids because it will de-shape my body.
Has love been fair to you?
I think love means different things to different people. You don’t know what love means to me as a person. Love for me can be defined as inconvenience appreciated. It is not convenience. Love can’t be explained, but it is a feeling within you that only tells through your expressions. As you can see my T-shirt reads: “I Love Genevieveans”. I have die-hard fans. I don’t forget the people who put me where I am and I think that is love too.
What moves you to tears?
Well, emotional subjects, especially when I’m talking passionately about these things. Even lies move me to tears. Certain things I can’t comprehend move me to tears.
What would you consider as your worst decision in your entire life?
Considering the fact that I have not deteriorated from what I’m doing, I don’t regret any decision that I’ve taken in life. I also don’t brood over past mistakes.
And what is the best decision you have taken in life?
Being in the entertainment industry is my best decision in life.
What is your favorite dress style?
I’m a jean person anytime, any day. Because I like being comfortable and free, I wear jean a lot with T-shirts.
In the next 10 years, where do you want to be?
Ten years’ time, I would be 36 and would like to be a bigger success. I would want to also feel fulfilled, by having a family of my own. But I leave everything in the hands of God.
What is your typical day like?
My typical day is coming to The Sun, meeting people, chatting and going back home to watch movies and sleeping. I also work out in the morning. A typical day for me is very typical with whatever comes along. But generally, I like staying indoors and watching movies.
How much were you actually paid to model for Lux?
If I keep talking about that money, it will be painful, because it is gone. The money came out from Lux, so direct your questions to them. I was paid enough, especially for being a first time model.
And would you still want to retain the contract for more years?
If the deal gets better, yes.
What is the next level for Genevieve Nnaji?
The next level is full of surprises. I don’t want to talk about it now. But soon, you all will see the next level.
Paint a picture of your dream man for us?
Let’s wait till I find him.
What major impact does the Lux contract have on your life?
If acting hasn’t affected you then I don’t see what else would affect you. Acting can get into your head in so many ways. I mean having your name being screamed back at you on the streets, is enough to make you just go bunkers. So if I’ve been able to survive that, then I want to believe I’m able to do my best for Lux. Beyond all-these, I’m also able to keep a lovely heart and a calm head.
Are there restrictions to the things you do now as the face of Lux?
Yes there are the demands and requirements as the new face of Lux, but I’m lucky because everything revolves around Genevieve.
Who are your role models in Nollywood?
Aunty Joke Silva is a very good model that I always admire, I love Liz Benson for her beauty and poise and then my fellow colleagues and we have all been able to maintain the standards. We knew how hard it was when we started; each and every one of us deserves an award for how we have carried on so far.
-First published, November 2005.
Culled from Azuh Amatus’ best selling books, FAMOUS FACES…Interactions With Nollywood Stars And Stakeholders (1&2).
