Interview: Genevieve Nnaji & Oris Erhuero

Like a confluence where two rivers meet, the newly released movie, “Road to Yesterday”, brought together first time producer, Genevieve Nnaji (MFR) and first time Nollywood actor, British-born Oris Erhuero. For the widely travelled native of Delta State, working on this movie as male lead actor, was his first trip to Nigeria in 30 years. In this encounter, they share their experiences working on the new movie and dreams for the future.

GENEVIEVE NNAJI

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Although she is the darling of Nollywood fans, getting an interview with Genevieve Nnaji, was like getting the proverbial biblical camel to pass through the eye of a needle. It seemed she lives guarded and shielded from prying eyes especially curious reporters like moi.

The award-winning actress, now turned producer, recently released her first production feature, “Road to Yesterday”. 

In this encounter, the beautiful mother of one, talks about her new film, her fashion sense and the future.

You starred in an epic love film that was the closing Night film at this year’s Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). What was it like working on that project?

It was exciting, challenging and nerve-wrecking because, I had been away for a while, and didn’t know how rusty I was before I got back on set, not just as an actress, but as a producer for the movie, “Road to Yesterday”.

In what ways would you say that Ishaya Bako is different from other directors that you have worked with?

I haven’t worked with many new generation directors, so it won’t be a fair judgement, but Ishaya just gets me.

You recently veered into producing, is this always the next challenge for successful actors and actresses like yourself?

Quite frankly, it seems to be in Nollywood. It’s not a necessary transition but in Nollywood, it seems to be because there isn’t a wide pool of producers and directors to fill the void in Nigerian Cinema.

When it comes to acting, you’ve been quiet for a while. Was it on purpose?

It hasn’t been exactly on purpose, I’ve only turned down scripts because I believe an industry will only grow and be as good as it can be based on products put out there. And so, I feel a sense of duty to creating artistry.

The Nigeria Movie Industry has witnessed such an influx of young actors into the industry. What do you do to stay relevant?

I really don’t consciously do anything for relevance. I work hard on my craft, and I am undeniably blessed with a strong following of fans that appreciate it.

You launched a fashion line called St. Genevieve at some point in your career, how is the brand doing?

St. Genevieve’s first collection did amazing, I really am grateful and blessed for the love people show me, and grateful to God for this gift. I am already looking forward to the next collection.

What is the style focus of your label?

Easy. Comfortable. Classic.

As a celebrity, what style do you subscribe to?

Comfortable, feminine and classic with a bit of edge.

You came under fire with your fans for wearing a white dress with plunging neckline to the 2013 AMVCA. How did you deal with that?

(Laughs) It’s natural for people to react to something they are not used to.

Would you do anything for fashion or do you think there should be a limit?

I focus on style; style is a depiction of one’s true personality. I like my personality shown on what I wear. Fashion can’t dictate that for me.

Besides your label, what other labels do you enjoy wearing?

I wear whatever is beautiful and well made; from Hermes, H&M, Tiffany Amber to Lanvin.

What fashion item would you splurge on?

A Handbag.

What was growing up like?

I think normal, or so it seemed at the time: large family – eight children, mummy and daddy. I did get my occasional spanking, as I was quite the tyrant.

Has fame changed the way you used to live? If yes, how?

Fame hasn’t changed me as a person, instead, has changed how others look at me. It has made me more aware and guarded, naturally so.  Now, I am more cautious about whom I surround myself with,

What price are you paying for fame?

There are pros and cons, so I believe and I think the pros outweigh the cons. I won’t say I’m paying the price really. I am who I am.

What aspect of your work do you hate?

Compromising!

If you were to have an alternative career path, what other profession would you be in?

Growing up, I wanted to study Law. As a child, it was between fashion and writing.

Who and what inspires you?

Growing up, I was greatly influenced by my older sister but now, strong, hardworking, unapologetically, successful women inspire me; women like Gloria, the popular Lagos Traffic warden in Ikoyi, Beyonce, Shonda Rhimes and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to name a few.

What regrets do you have about being an actress?

None.

What do you look forward to now?

Doing a lot more great work within the components of T.E.N (The Entertainment Network) and beyond.

What challenging role do you look forward to playing?

I’d love to play a Super Hero!

 

ORIS ERHUERO

Oris Erhuero is a British Actor, Director, Producer, Writer, Designer, Father and former fashion model. The native of Delta State of the Urhobo extraction, has worked with renowned award-winning actors and directors including the late Dennis Hopper, Raoul Peck, R Benjamin Bratt, Christopher Lambert, Donnie Yen, Guy Ritchie, Cedric the Entertainer and academy-award nominee, Debra Winger, to name a few. He is widely traveled and thoroughly enjoys and believes in “giving back” to the world’s community through  numerous local and global humanitarian organizations.

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“Other Film Industries Could Learn From Nollywood” – Oris Erhuero

Can you share your experience as a cast in the movie, “Road to Yesterday”?

My Experience, as a cast in the movie “Road to Yesterday” is something I will forever treasure, thanks to the very young, bright, and talented director, Ishaya Bako and one of the finest and most powerful screen goddess of this century, Genevieve  Nnaji, whom I believe is just getting started in making the transition to producing.

Earlier this year, I got a call from Ishaya, he mentioned Genevieve’s interest in me to play the lead male role in “Road to Yesterday”. I landed in Nigeria a few days later, my first visit in 30 years. You could call it a special homecoming. I was received with open arms by The Entertainment Network (T.E.N), the production company that trusted me with this special role. I will admit that I felt a huge sense of responsibility – this being Genevieve’s first movie in two years, T.E.N’s production debut, Ishaya’s directorial feature film debut, etc.

It was also significant because, this was my first official Nollywood movie and a major introduction to a whole new world that I have never ventured into before.

Based on your experience of the British film industry as well as the Hollywood film industry, what are the suggestions for Nollywood?

Well, I have been in the game for a very long time and this is my first Nollywood film. Personally, I have learnt a lot from the process – it was educational from the beginning to the end of filming. I don’t feel the need to give the industry any suggestions, as a matter of fact, other Film industries could learn a thing or two from Nollywood. Nigeria is leading the rest of Africa in the film and music sector. Our diverse cultures, have a stronghold and influence over the stories  we tell  which makes Nollywood very unique, and different from the rest of the other film franchises around the world including, Bollywood and Hollywood.

If you were to have an alternative career path, what other profession would you be in?

I have always loved acting as far back as I can remember and as I grow in this profession, the passion grows relentlessly. If I were to have an alternative career path, I would love to be a diplomat and/or work for the United Nations, simply because of the incredible people around the world I have met and dialogued with through my endless travels.

Who and what inspires you?

The late Nelson Mandela will forever inspire me, the fact that he was locked up for 27 years for what he believed and stood for, the fact that he held his ground and core values till the very end of his life. That ‘never give up’ spirit, inspires me and reminds me that we can accomplish and achieve whatever it is we put our minds to.


What challenging role do you look forward to playing?

Africa has so many great stories that haven’t been told and I have a list of roles which I keep close to my heart. The next challenging role the audience can expect from me, is a major biopic out of Nigeria. I’m currently in talks with some incredible writers.

By Jemi Ekunkunbor

 

Glamsquad

Glamsquad magazine is an independently operated online fashion, beauty, style, entertainment, and health blog. Its features are both inspirational and accessible, giving our followers a scoop on what's trending now in the fashion, beauty, style, and entertainment industry.

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