Nkem Ike is not an everyday actress. She is a taekwondo fighter who has done so much for herself in the short time she has being in the industry. She has dropped from a size 20 to a size 12 and has acted in more than thirty movies .

Recently, she won the best supporting actress of the year in the City People Entertainment Award.

In this interview with FLORENCE AMAGIYA the stunt- throwing diva shares the story of how she came to be in the industry and her life…

Excerpts

Acting happened to me like a fairy tale. My journey started three years ago. I was going somewhere with Josaj Ajali. We had to pass through National theatre for him to be auditioned. I was startled when I saw the crowd. The director was choosing people that suit the characters in this particular movie.

He called me out and I started sweating. He asked me to read a line, I was shy and I told him immediately that I didn’t come to act. He encouraged me, told me I had the features of what he wanted for that role. Honestly, it was not easy because l wasn’t prepared.

I read the lines and they invited me for casting. After casting, I was invited for a negotiation. My dear, I thought getting into acting was a smooth sail. I believe I was destined to be in this field, so God made it quite easy for me. I learnt later from my friends that it was so easy for them.

For me, creativity is being able to define what works for you. I bring out the uniqueness in me and I put it into action. I always use my strongest assets as an individual. I learnt to discover my strong point as an individual. When I get a script, I read to understand the story, and then read again to internalize it.

Acting is an innate thing, I create images in my head. Sometimes, I stand in front of my mirror to practice my lines and gesticulations. Creativity and originality are the major keys to employ to get good effects in acting.

While I was growing up, I had a desire to be a lawyer, then a medical doctor. Some producers even came to give me script while I was still in school. Modeling agents even approached me. I was even approached for pageantry. Back at school, my lecturers and friends encouraged me to give it a trial but I was reluctant about it.

Honestly, I used to count when I started acting but I have done more than thirty movies and still counting.

I have played the character of a lawyer, prostitute, NDLEA Officer, Princess, Army Commander, Born-again Christian, Wife, Maid, Mistress, etc

Some were lead roles, others were supporting roles. It depends on what you can interpret well.

I don’t really choose roles but it’s not every script I will bother to read. Some directors allow for improvisation while some don’t. I am still going through some challenges. I am gradually losing my privacy! Seriously, I am learning how to smile even when I am angry. I am still myself because I hate living a life of lies.

I am neutral about the Emeka Ike/ Segun Arinze AGN tussle because l am pretty new in Nollywood. I am not so informed as to know what is happening in the industry, I don’t have all the facts.

I laugh when journalists ask about sexual harassment in the industry. Everything in life is a choice. No actress can claim a producer forced her to sleep with him. Some of my friends call me on phone to ask the same question.

I don’t really have a major challenge .I am still growing; soon everything will be put in place. I had challenges when I started; challenges like sitting under the sun at auditions and not knowing your fate. Gosh! It was hectic and frustrating.

Nkem Ike is a free -spirited young Lady, full of energy, loves God and she has a desire to please Him. I am humble, honest and caring. I love helping and encouraging people but I hate it when people take advantage of my kindness.

I am from Inyi in Oji-River L.G.A in Enugu state.

Nudity does not depict Nigerian culture. Good name is better than wealth. I can’t act nude.

Personally, I don’t decide who to date on face value or physical appearance. I place importance on real friendship and relationship. I am not in any relationship now. I cannot stand a cheating man because l cannot cheat on my man.

I want to be remembered as a role model, the one that can reach out to the lost, the less privilege, orphans, the widows and the sick that are discouraged. Young actresses should not be desperate. Patience and hard work should be their guiding principle.