Sonia Nwankwo, better known as Sonifoxy, is a fast-rising actress and singer whose melodic voice and knack for creative role interpretation have given her an edge to excel in the fiercely competitive Nigerian entertainment industry. In this interview, the Anambra State indigene discusses her recent marriage, the challenges of navigating the music industry as an independent artist, and more
What inspired the track Obimo? Is Sonifoxy in love?
Obimo is a song inspired by my true love. A lover God sent to me, to love me like no one ever has done.
How do you manage to combine music and acting?
It’s not easy but I can do it comfortably because of the grace of enjoying my artistic work and also the happiness it brings people around me, who genuinely care about what makes me happy.
How has the turnout been for Obimo?
First of all, I am very proud and happy that the person who inspired the song, Obimo, loves it like crazy, and also, people who understand the lyrics and sound are very supportive of it. Obimo is a song dear to my heart, and I am happy it’s dear to the heart of most people who have listened to it, too.
What do you like most about this lover of yours?
I love the fact that he loves me the way I am, inspires me to be better and also allows me to be my true self without suppressing me or my ideas. It’s hard to find someone like that in today’s world.
When are you guys tying the nuptial knot?
The knot has been tightly tied. No loose ends at all.
Why the choice of a private marriage? Are you scared of anything?
It wasn’t that private at all because friends and family were invited to celebrate with us, but we purposely decided to keep our family affairs off social media, given the fact that social media isn’t absolutely a safe space for lovers any more, these days. They say when you love something, you protect it with all your might. I think our love life is more important to protect than to broadcast on social media. Until we both agree to be very public, I think for now, we still want to enjoy our life privately with no stress.
Is he fully in support of your career as an entertainer?
Oh, my Lord! You won’t believe he loves my art more than anyone. He’s my No 1 fan. We share ideas and he’s my biggest supporter ever. Sometimes, I feel like I tied the knot with my blood brother. We are that close; he’s my real G. I am so blessed, 100 per cent, and I appreciate God for it all; it’s been a love story every day of my life.
Will your new marital status limit the kind of roles you accept?
Sure, it has to; I wouldn’t want to be too out there abusing my given freedom. I believe respect is meant to be reciprocated. I can’t be doing too much anymore knowing I have a king by my side. When it comes to my work, I will be professional and considerate at the same time. I can’t afford to treat someone the way I don’t like being treated in any situation whatsoever.
And what if at some point, he asks you to quit acting to face family, would you?
I will always choose family before work, anytime, any day. Thank God for my kind of work. It is something you can also mix up with taking good care of your family.
Is he also in the entertainment industry?
No, my husband is not. He is into other ventures.
Are you currently under any record label?
For now, I am not. I am just here independently promoting my work.
Are you considering pitching your tent with any label at the moment?
They should be the ones seeking me, not the other way round. I have my craft whoever has a good deal and can afford to manage a star like me should step forward. Then, I’ll see what they are offering and consider if I can work with them or not. I have turned down a handful of labels in the past because they want my craft but aren’t willing to accept my input as regards the way I want it to be. I know I need help from a label but not just any struggling one. I have a reputation to either maintain or supersede.
What would make you reject a script?
I will reject a script if it comes with conditions that cross my boundaries.
Do you still get sexual advances from male admirers? How do you respond to them, especially your male fans?
Even old ladies still get sexual advances, not to talk about a pretty chick like me. I do but I also know how to handle them well. Like I said earlier, I have my boundaries.
Acting and music, which do you enjoy the most and why?
Truth be told, music is something I create from my soul. I can’t escape it. Acting is where I exercise my alter ego and get to pretend to be someone else, and I enjoy it too. Frankly speaking, I love anything artistic, I can’t choose any.