What stands her out among her equals is her charisma, dexterity and down-to-earth personality. Charming and stunning emerging Nollywood actress, Alice Ayegba is fast becoming a household name in the Nigeria’s movie sector otherwise known as Nollywood, subsequent on her debut in a soap opera, Out of Control some years back in Jos.
The fast-rising weeping actress has equally warmed her ways into the heart of many movie pundits ever since she stormed the movie platform few years ago. Interestingly, with over 20 movies to her credit, the Orokam-born Benue state ebony actress has continue to dazzle movie lovers in both English and indigenous trail-blazing flicks which have earned her nomination as Best Idoma Actress nominee in the Idoma Artistes Award Nite (IDAAN).
In this interview, she’s always ready to handle stardom. She equally spoke on her passion for movies, love life, future plans, current jobs and role models and among other issues affecting the movie industry.
My new movie
It is entitled Agaba Konya (Female Warrior). It’s a film directed by Moses James Okpe of His Stripe Media. I played the role of a female warrior in that very movie. The epic movie was shot in my hometown. I was forced to climb some big trees, which ordinarily I don’t know how to climb. As a girl you know it is difficult to play man’s role. It was quite challenging though interesting. All the same, I thank God for the success of that production.
How I started
It all started some years back in the city of Jos when I went for audition to feature in Akume Akume’s musical video. A director saw me and asked if I know how to act and all that. From there I played a minor role in Snake Girl. I had my debut in a soap opera tagged, Out of Control in 2007, in which I played a major role.
First day I faced the camera
I wasn’t afraid the day I first appeared before the camera because before then I had this flair for broadcasting. I was able to cope up as quickly as possible.
Losing out in the Miss Idoma Beauty Pageant
Actually losing the crown was painful and sad. Miss Idoma Beauty Pageant was not my first beauty experience, I contested in the Miss Independent, which I also lost, but I won’t give up because I know my time would still come. All my co-contestants were beautiful on stage; we were about 12 young women contesting for just one crown and it’s only one person that would eventually emerge winner. Though I received the news with shock but I have no choice than to accept it like that.
My parents and my career
Even up till now my father is not in support of my acting career because he says some of the actresses are wayward. I tried as much as possible to make him understand that everybody is not the same but he seems not to believe. But I don’t think anybody can stop me from acting except my husband.
Most challenging movie
I have featured in over 20 movies but the most challenging is the just concluded one. As I said earlier, I played the major role, in fact the role of a female warrior and it was directed by veteran Nollywood director, Moses Okpe. I even sustained some injuries in the course of shooting the film in order to interpret my role effectively
Though I’d also featured in Johnson Agada’s directed Imla Kole (Envy), Ugboka K’ole, Oyigebe, directed by Dan Akpa, Oundu Aje by Godwin Ochola and among others but I think the most challenging so far is that of Agaba K’onya which is yet to hit the market.
My success story
I must say everybody contributed immensely to the success of my acting career but one person I would forever remember and respect is director Moses Okpe. He equally brought me to where I am today, he was the one who introduced me to Johnson Agada, a Lagos based director and particularly the Idoma movie industry. I also respect my friend and colleague, Pamela Peters.
Marriage
I’m still single and still searching for the right man. The man must be trustworthy and God-fearing. A man who will accept and tolerate me.
Role model
I always look up to Chioma Chukwuka as my role model because of the way she handles her fame and her sense of decency.
How I handle popularity
I’ve always prepared to be a star. Becoming a television artiste has been my dream right from childhood. I am fully prepared to hit stardom. If I should get to the peak of my career by the grace of God, I would say it’s a dream come true because that is what I have been praying for. My popularity in my hometown is a stepping-stone for me. And I would always pay my dues to those ahead of me especially the people who introduced me into the industry.
What I learnt from acting
I’ve learnt that it pays to stick to one’s dream. When I started acting it was hectic and challenging but I did not give up. I have also learnt that it is good to be confident and honest.
My background
My name is Alice Ayegba, I hail from Orokam in Ogbadibo Local Governemnt Area of Benue State. I am from a family of six, first child to be precise. I am an upcoming actress, dancer and a writer. I’m also my admission to study Mass Communication at the University of Jos.
Acting nude
No. I can play every other role except nude scene. I am from an humble background and a tribe whose culture doesn’t tolerate nudity and indecency.
My dream
I want to see myself becoming a household name in the movie industry. I want to reach the peak of my career, which I’ve been praying for. I also want to impact on the society positively with my chosen career in the shortest possible time.
Idoma movie industry and Nollywood
I must confess that we are growing steadily and gradually with the hope to take over the movie sector. We are seriously carving a niche for ourselves just as we’ve done in the music industry. With what the moviemakers in Idomaland are putting together, I know we would soon be a force to be reckoned with.
Making Nollywood better
One thing I observe in Nollywood is that producers don’t always give upcoming actors the chance to play lead roles in most of their movies. The stars of today would not be there forever, they should at least give us the chance to exhibit our talents as emerging stars.
