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By Rita Okoye
For Nollywood veteran actress, Jenifer Eliogu, creativity has never been confined to one form of expression. While she has earned recognition for her memorable on-screen performances, she is now taking centre stage with music, which she describes as her first love, and opening a new chapter in her artistic journey.
In this interview with Saturday Sun, Eliogu talks about balancing two creative passions, the lessons that have shaped her journey, and her gratitude for the chance to live her dreams.
You have been treating your fans to impressive musical performances lately. How long has this musical talent been within you, waiting to find expression?
I have always said that music was my first love. I come from a family of music lovers. My dad played a lot of jazz, highlife and reggae, while my mum loved blues, country music and gospel. Growing up, I went to karaoke sessions regularly, and my dad often took us to see live bands. All these experiences shaped my musical style and influenced the genres I embrace today. After years of acting, my music has finally found its voice.
When did you first take the bold step into a music studio to record a song?
I made my first studio recording in 2008, when my elder brother, Bright, popularly known as Young Chief, featured me on his single, Kulie Dike.
How did you feel the first time you heard your voice coming through a loudspeaker?
It was a beautiful experience. It felt surreal.
Your music passionately celebrates Igbo culture. Do you think the Igbo people are lagging in certain areas, and what role do you hope your music will play in addressing this?
I am Igbo, and I love my people and our culture. My songs introduce people to Ndi Igbo, extol our virtues, encourage us, remind us who we are, and promote unity. No tribe has it all, so we must keep encouraging one another to do better, both as a people and as a nation.
What will happen to your acting career as your music takes you beyond Nigeria’s borders, especially as your performance schedule likely gets busier as December approaches?
I am passionate about my career, and I make time for both acting and music. I plan my schedule carefully so neither suffers. However, demand also plays a role.
Between acting and music, which gives you greater joy and fulfillment?
They both give me pleasure. Each comes with its own challenges and blessings, and I am grateful for both.
Some fans believe your musical talent is raw and authentic, and that it may be earning you more than acting has over the years. How true is this?
The truth is, the remuneration in both fields differs considerably. However, they have both contributed immensely to the goodwill I enjoy today, both at home and in the diaspora.
You have built a remarkable career as an actress. How did you land your first role in Nollywood?
Thank you; those are kind words. I went to a rehearsal with a good friend after she secured a role in a film. When I got there, I became fascinated by the script and the reading process, so I offered to audition. They asked me to return the following day for a reading. I went back, read for the role and got it, but unfortunately, the movie never saw the light of day. I attended another audition, secured a role, and the rest, as they say, is history. House on Fire was my first movie.
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Were auditions in those days as tedious as many people claim they were?
Auditions were quite tedious. Back then, you needed to be exceptional and highly talented. You had to possess the ability to interpret characters convincingly, have a retentive memory, be articulate and demonstrate several other qualities. After auditions, you had rehearsals to prepare for filming.
Some people had to attend several auditions before securing a role, whether major or minor.
Social media wasn’t available then, so your popularity depended largely on how visible your work was and how well you interpreted your roles.
As an established actress, do you still attend auditions to secure major movie roles?
Yes, I still attend readings sometimes.
If you could live this life over again, would you choose to start your career in acting or music?
Whichever finds the expression first, I will go with the flow.
What are you most grateful to God for when you consider these two gifts?
I am most grateful for the ability to live my dreams.
There have been claims in Nollywood that light-skinned actors receive more favourable treatment than their dark-skinned counterparts. How true is this?
Naturally, light-skinned people tend to attract more attention. However, regardless of your skin colour, you must be exceptionally good at what you do and genuinely talented. Otherwise, you may eventually fade away.
Have you ever considered undergoing cosmetic surgery or other body-enhancement procedures, as many women are doing these days?
The thought is one thing; the act is another. Many people believe there are significant differences between actors who began their careers before the social media era and younger Gen Z actors.
What are the strengths of both generations, and where do you think the younger actors need to improve on?
Different eras come with different circumstances. The passion, discipline, decorum, respect, unity, and tenacity we had before social media have gradually dwindled. Back then, you had to work your way up to stardom. With social media, however, someone can become an instant celebrity based on their follower count. As a result, some young actors don’t fully appreciate the processes and sacrifices older-generation actors made to build the industry we all share now.
Nevertheless, staying relevant in the industry takes hard work, no matter your generation.
What areas of Nollywood still require improvement and greater support?
Nollywood has evolved, and we are making progress in several areas. However, we still need to improve funding, royalty payments, distribution and international collaborations. We must also change the narrative by telling more of our original, authentic stories.
We have seen several actors fall ill, and some people attribute this to the demands of filming, including working late into the night, eating at odd hours and other lifestyle habits. What measures do you think could help address these concerns?
Those factors could contribute to health problems, but they may not necessarily be the cause in every case. People fall ill for different reasons, and being in the limelight often takes away some of our privacy. We all need to be more conscious of our health by getting regular medical check-ups, eating well, and exercising. Having health insurance is also important.
