From Jenifa’s Diary to YouTube Queen

super saturday

Jennifer Nnoruga

Jennifer Nnoruga is a versatile and talented actress who has featured in many Nollywood movies and series. She rose to fame with her role as Amina in Jenifa’s Diary and since then, she has been a notable face adorning Nollywood channels on YouTube, where she impresses her audience with her acting charisma and delectable poise. In this interview with Chinedu Ibeabuchi, she reveals how she got into acting, overcame her challenges and improved her skills and what exciting projects she is working on or looking forward to. She also throws a clue about her love life

What inspired you to pursue a career in acting?

The inspiration to pursue a career in acting was born from a delightful experience when I took on a movie role from a friend. Immersed in the shoot, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, leading me to make a personal commitment to explore acting further upon completing my university studies.

How did you land your breakthrough role in Jenifa’s Diary, and what was it like working with Funke Akindele and Nosa Rex?

The story of my acting breakthrough is amusing. During a movie audition in 2018, unknown to me, the film set was within the vicinity. It wasn’t until Mr Peter Momoh, the production manager, approached me and informed me about their casting needs that I became aware of the production. I, along with others approached by Mr. Momoh, jotted down our names and contact details on a sheet of paper. To my astonishment, I received a call from him sometime later, offering me a notable role in Jenifa’s Diary series. It was a fantastic experience working alongside the legendary Funke Akindele and Nosa Rex, from whom I learned a great deal.

How do you prepare for each role, and what are some of the challenges you face as an actress?

As an actress, my preparation involves thoroughly reading the script and conducting research, particularly for stories that deviate from the norm or pose challenges. I encountered challenges relating to self-esteem during the early stages of my acting career, struggling with frequent auditions and subsequent rejections, which took a toll on my confidence and morale. However, I have succeeded by staying committed through perseverance, patience, and time. Another challenge in the film industry is securing a breakthrough. You may have been featured in numerous movies, yet little recognition. But consistency is key, and it has worked for me.

Which of your roles has been the most rewarding and why?

If I were to choose one project, I would select Speechless Affection on YouTube. This film did not only garner a larger following on my Instagram but also received remarkable reviews from viewers on YouTube and various Instagram pages.

Nollywood movies are widely watched on YouTube. And your face seems to pop up in several Nollywood content on the streaming platform. What’s the most amazing feedback you have gotten from YouTube fans?

With movies like Speechless Affection, One Mistake, Forbidden Passion, As I am, Her lucky Day, The Secret, Milestone and others that I featured in and many of them gaining huge viewership on YouTube, I am glad I can entertain and make people happy. One feedback that keeps ringing is when an enthusiastic fan saw me one day and called me the ‘YouTube Queen of Nollywood.’ It’s amazing how entertainment has been a major driver in putting Nigeria in a positive light on the global stage.

How do you balance your professional and personal life?

I balance my personal and professional life by allocating specific time for each. After extended periods of intense work without breaks, I make it a point to take a few days off to recharge.

What are some of the values and principles that guide you as an actress and as a person?

The values and principles that serve as guiding beacons in both my acting career and personal life involve fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and embracing setbacks and failures as opportunities for growth.

How do you cope with the pressure and expectations of being a rising star in Nollywood?

Rather than competing with others, I focus on surpassing my previous accomplishments.

What are some of the skills or qualities that you have learned or improved on as an actress?

Learning how to evoke genuine emotions and shed tears on set has been a skill that I have continually developed and refined.

 What are some of the current or upcoming projects that you are working on or excited about?

Recently, I completed filming for a project titled Babington by Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP). I eagerly anticipate the series premiere on television, as it presents significant challenges and rewarding moments. This project deviated from my usual roles, making it more exciting. Before now, my usual roles were playing the girlfriend, fiancée, wife, or close friend roles in a movie.

Tell us about your love life. How would you describe that aspect of life?

I am single, not searching but open to meeting new people.

How would you rate Nollywood on a global stage?

I rate Nollywood 7 out of 10. This assessment is based on the industry’s position as the largest film industry in Africa, considering factors such as the sheer volume of movies produced annually and the industry’s value, revenue, and overall popularity.