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… Says, “If alive, dad wouldn’t have supported my acting career”
By Christian Agadibe
Amid the spotlight that comes from being a movie star, Ngozi Ezeh is one of the most talented actors who have featured in several movies dating back to the ‘90s.
With her flourishing acting career, Ezeh has become the toast of movie producers while still maintaining her gentle poise, despite being in the public eye for a long time now.
In this rare interview, the fair-complexioned actress opened up on what it takes to be a Nollywood celebrity. Excerpt:
Give us an insight into your background and growing up?
I came from a very unforgettable background. My parents moved to the North because of my dad’s work as an engineer/contractor. We lived in Bauchi State for close to 10 years and I can sell you in the Hausa Language because I speak it so fluently. I had a very cordial relationship with my dad who is late now. God bless his soul. My parents don’t joke with education. I am the first of nine children and I am like a mother to my siblings. I am from a Catholic background and growing up was fun. I can speak Hausa, Igbo and English as well as Pidgin English fluently, because my parents made us travel, and I enjoyed it so much.
How would you describe your rise to stardom and the sacrifices that came with it?
Stardom is a relative of consistency and success. So, I won’t call it stardom but God’s glory. The sacrifices I made were prudent, so I’m prayerful and contented with what I have.
What were your initial challenges when you started and how did you overcome them?
I have been in the movie industry for more than two decades now; family and my private business were really top gear for me. That’s why I had to take a break in 2004 and came back when I was a bit organized, because family is everything. God helped me overcome.
What lessons did you learn from your days of humble beginning?
I learnt to be super patient, and I am patient up till now. Patience is a virtue. When he was alive, my dad made sure that we imbibed the virtue of patience. I miss him so much.
How did your parents find out about your choice of career and what were their initial reactions?
My dad is late, but I know he wouldn’t have approved of my acting career. However, as a married woman, my mum loves it and always prayed for me to shine.
Did you see yourself becoming this popular from the onset?
I saw myself doing what gives me joy, I didn’t see myself becoming the fan’s favourite. I am just doing what I have passion for.
What do you think you did right to get to where you are today?
I stayed on the lane of truth and commitment to what I believe, nothing more.
Do you still keep your old friends?
At a point, when life became difficult, friends both in and out of the industry, old and new, neglected the bond of friendship. But now, I just want to be me. Sometimes, minding your business is really a big business.
Who were those you looked up to while growing up?
I looked up to God. But women I looked up to were Onyeka Onwenu, my namesake, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Stella Obasanjo. I love them all.
Some celebrities are popular but not rich, where do you belong?
I don’t know if I am popular, but I am a civil servant. I get paid and live my life as a public servant, and you know public servants don’t have money. So, I am not rich. But God is good. Nollywood is like a government job because you are always in the public space.
What has fame deprived you of?
Like I said, I don’t know if I am popular, but I know I can’t go to the market again. Let me tell you a story. One day, my manager and I drove to the market and he advised I wear facemask, but I refused because of heat. Mine oh mine, when we got to the market, I became confused. The crowd became something else; people left their shops to stare at me. They were selling items for me twice the price and I couldn’t price downward because I was so uncomfortable. My manager was just laughing at me. The next thing I saw was phones everywhere. ‘Ma, let’s snap, let’s snap’. I took pictures until my battery strength went down to five per cent. From that day, I told myself I will never go to the market again. Also, I don’t go to big churches; I don’t go to places with too much crowd. But then, I thank God for my management team.
What are you currently working on?
I am working on a project with Crystal Touch Production. It’s a very touching story.
How do you think the society perceives you as an artiste?
I am not in the mind of the public, but in all honesty, I know I am a good woman with a genuine heart. So, I hope people think well of me.
Can you still eat freely at a buka or buy roasted corn on the road?
Buka? Yes and no, because I don’t want social media wahala. As for buying roasted corn on the road, even my dad would flog me for it when he was alive. He would say eating on the road is bad habit.
Has fame opened doors for you or shut doors in your face?
My job as an actor has opened doors for me. People love my craft. I thank God for my pure talent.
Have you ever been sexually harassed by anyone in the industry?
Sexual harassment is relatively a topic on its own. As a beautiful lady, men would want to say ‘hi’ to you, but if you don’t say ‘hello’ in return and they get angry, it’s not sexual harassment. I always mind my business, so men generally respect themselves when you respect yourself.
Do you consider yourself a role model?
Yes, I am a role model. I know I am a super role model even to my kids.
Now, everyone wants to be seen on TV, what’s your advice to young, aspiring artiste who wants to be famous like you?
My advice to young, aspiring artiste is to be patient, prayerful, delightful, committed and always minding their business.
What would give you more fulfillments in your career?
It’s service to humanity through my job as an actor.
Looking back at your life and career, what do you think you did wrong that you would like to make right given the opportunity?
It’s making a wrong choice of friends, but at least, I know better now.
