CHIOMA OKAFOR: I Like Making Money, Receiving Credit Alerts; Anything Money Matter Makes Me Happy

SUPER SATURDAY

Actor and model, Chioma Okafor made the cast of OMG the Musical, staged last weekend at Shell Hall of the Muson Centre, Lagos. A historical, educative masterpiece and proudly Nigerian Broadway style Musical in honour of the lives of great women making an impact in society. It follows the story of a woman (Gafuma) marginalized by patriarchy in her society. To discover her potential, she revisits the past where she meets with three legendary Nigerian women namely Olufunmilayo Ramsome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and Gambo Sawaba who helped her identify her strength. In the role of Margaret Ekpo is Chioma, whose act cuts across stage and screen acting, and with profound interest, as her co-lead women. The fast-rising actress, shortly after the performance, talks about her craft, career and creative space in this chat with Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Margaret Ekpo and the other two Nigerian women depicted in the show, OMG, are prominent historical figures. What was it like taking up their characters?
It was quite an experience because Margret Ekpo was a Nigerian women’s right activist in her time yet so calm, graceful, and full of poise. She also established a sewing institute in Aba. And she was a powerhouse and I had to incorporate all of that into becoming her on stage.

Was it much of a task preparing for the role and how long did it take you?
I absolutely loved her and becoming her was a beautiful ride, so which was about three weeks of intense rehearsals as soon as the research was done. And working with the team, from the dancers, to the actors to the singers, the drummers, to the keyboardists, the music director, the drama director and the choreographer, all that synergy that we all shared made OMG the Musical look beautiful on stage.

Tell us a bit of your journey into acting; what attracted you… What was the first movie you featured in?
My journey into this creative world has been very challenging I must say but I’m grateful. My first movie was “Getting Over Him”. It was in the cinemas in January 2018 thereabout. Aunty Koko (Closer Pictures Production), gave me that big break after she saw me perform on stage (Man Talk Woman Talk). I think wanting to be in the arts has always been a part of me. To think that in primary school, I was in the cultural and drama group. Even in secondary school, when it is time for extracurricular activities, I was always in the drama group and I love it and they loved me. How come I didn’t study Theatre Arts but I can perform on stage and on screen? The only reason why I didn’t study Theatre Arts back then was because my mum told me I would pay my school fees by myself so I studied Business Administration (at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka). But I never knew I was going to be a professional actress per se. I knew I liked the arts but back then it felt like an extracurricular activity looking back now it all makes sense.

What has the experience been like since venturing into acting?
‘Omo the experience oporrrr’ . . . there has been good and bad days. The ‘nos’ hit the heart the most. But the ‘yes’ has been encouraging to say. There have been good days. Some even want something else in order to give me the job which is not moral regardless.

You also have a career in modeling. Which came first, modeling or acting?
Modeling came first. In University I had contracts with brands, makeup artists and photographers. At one time, I was on the largest billboard at a central junction in the east. Then I ventured into commercial modeling for television, adverts, in print and all.

Between stage and screen acting, which would you prefer?
I can’t say I prefer screen to stage. The experience is totally different but is still story telling.

What challenges you as an actress and is there any role you can’t play?
As actors, we tell stories and hope to make an impact. So, we have to tell it as authentic as it can be. So, we have to have real experience/connection with others or sometimes from ourselves . . . of course No nudity.

What excites you most as an artiste and what inspires you?
The process of acting excites me because that is where the lessons and the evolution lie.

What do you keep up with when you are not on set?
Doing things that make me feel like myself; my Forex business (money matters anytime), spending time with my family. Giving me some self-care/love it’s always in the little things.

What are the things that you treasure most in life?
My family, the fact that they have my back, unconditionally, regardless of the ups and down. At first, they were not supportive to my acting move. It was more of ‘I don’t understand what you are doing’ or ‘why you want to do this’. Or ‘Do you really have to do this? I don’t get it’. . . Now it’s more like ‘I get it now, you really love what you are doing. And you really want to do it, okay!’

Tell us about your background, growing up as a child and what fond memory do you hold?
Growing up was pretty traditional I would say. I grew up in Lagos. It was just normal basically. I am the only girl in a family of four.

Who is Chioma Okafor? Tell us your likes and dislikes; your hobbies; turn on, turn offs; phobia, your favourtie food, favourite colour, and things like that…
I like making money, I love receiving credit alerts, anything money matter makes me happy. My favourite colour is black. You can sell me with spaghetti and stew not Jollof o! I love new adventures, watching movies, and traveling new places.