By Rita Okoye
Ijeoma Thomas is a celebrated actress in Nollywood, Nigeria’s booming film industry. Known for her versatile acting skills and captivating screen presence, she has quickly risen to prominence, earning a place among the most admired and influential figures in contemporary African cinema.
In this interview with The Entertainer, Ms. Thomas takes us through her journey into Nollywood, challenges and dealing with sexual harassment in her career.
Enjoy!
How did your journey into the entertainment world begin?
It all began in 2004, since then I have featured in a lot of movies. It has been success all the way. I came to Enugu State for studies, but I found myself in the entertainment industry. I have always wanted it, so no regret at all.
How was your first time on set?
Honestly, I don’t just want to remember that fateful day. I don’t want to go back to the old memories. I was so scared then. Do you know what it means to be on the same set with A-List actors? It was not funny at all for a beginner. I was just breathing so heavily because I didn’t even know if what I was doing was right or wrong. All eyes were on me. Some of us started as teenagers and definitely we were so naive then. It is not always easy for a beginner.
What were your initial challenges when you started and how did you overcome them?
Why are you doing this to me? Why are you taking me back to things that I have forgotten? I’m just going to mention some of the challenges. Well, some of the producers after working for them the marketers will give them money to pay you, but they will pocket your money. As long as you’re still a nobody, they don’t care about your welfare. In order to be recognized; and in order to find favour, you need to be dating the producer or the owner of the film. A lot of us who were not ready to go through such were made to go through hell.
There are other major challenges, but anyone who is determined would not let such hiccups deter her from achieving her life goals. I was looking at the future and didn’t let those minor issues distract me.
What lessons did you learn from your days of humble beginning?
I learnt a lot. I come from a humble background. Every day I wake up to create and live the life I am most proud of. It is my choice. Looking back to where and how I started, I am so grateful for my humble beginnings. They taught me such precious life lessons no teacher or school could ever teach me. Without them, I just wouldn’t be the human being that I am today.
How did your parents find out about your choice of career?
How do I explain this? I didn’t even mention it to them. I was hiding it because I knew that my parents would never be in support of me acting. So, one day, they saw me on TV and they had to rewind and pause. They were like, is this not our daughter? Everyone started calling and asking me what I was doing in Enugu. It wasn’t easy for me, because it deprived me of a lot of things from my family but it’s okay. At the end of the day, I am happy about where I am of course.
Did you see yourself becoming this popular from the onset?
Of course! I am that lady that doesn’t give up easily. If I want something, I always go for it.
I mean, I go for it in a rightful way. I knew that I was going to get here someday even more than this. I took it step by step. I don’t rush, I take my time. God’s time is the best, I strongly believe in that saying.
What did you think you did right to get you to where you are today?
I have always believed in myself and never gave up after all the ups and down. When I first started exploring new opportunities to find the right direction in my life, I found myself overwhelmed by the competition. There were so many others just like me trying to do what I was doing. So, I am always following my inner voice. I took chances; I took small steps walking forward. I stumbled, fell, but got back up. As they say, the first step was the hardest, but I eventually found my way. Do I still keep my old friends? Of course, yes I still keep them, they are the best.
Who are those you looked up to while growing up?
People like Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Stephanie Okereke.
Some celebrities are popular but not rich, where do you belong?
I might not be known by the whole world, but I am popular and I am content with what I have currently, looking forward to better days.
What has fame deprived you?
Fame has really deprived me of a lot of my freedom, because I’m just this kind of person that likes to move freely on the street, eat in the street as a Lagos girl because I grew up in Lagos. I want to buy what I like, do my things, without someone knowing who I am. Has fame opened doors for me or shut doors in my face? Honestly, it’s been open doors all through, all thanks to God Almighty.
What would you describe as your most embarrassing moment as an actor?
That was the day someone from nowhere just grabbed and hugged me tightly. She was so excited. I asked who she was. She said she had watched my movies and thought she knew me in real life. I was so embarrassed.
Have you been sexually harassed by anyone in the industry?
Of course. Mostly when I started.
Do you consider yourself a role model?
Sure, I am.
Now everyone wants to be seen on TV, what is your advice to young aspiring actresses who want to be famous like you?
All I have to tell them is to be prayerful. Never give up; be creative, practice more; and to always believe in themselves.
What would make you more fulfilled in your career?
Honestly, I am most fulfilled seeing the smile on people’s faces. The people that watch my movies, that alone makes me happy. I know that I am fulfilled in what I do.