By Rita Okoye
Ekene Onochie is a fast-rising Nollywood actress from Aguleri in Anambra State, steadily carving a niche for herself with her talent and dedication to the craft.
In this interview with Saturday Sun, she opens up about her journey into acting, her experiences navigating the spotlight, and her candid thoughts on love, including her openness to marrying a colleague within the movie industry.
Enjoy!
H
ow long have you been in the movie industry?
I work as a professional actor, I’ve been in the Nollywood industry for two years and have featured in over 12 movies now.
You are also a computer scientist, so why Nollywood?
I get this question a lot, I’ve always been handy right from my teenage years, so I picked up an interest in tech. I was initially going to study engineering, but for some reasons, I switched to computer science, and on the side, acting was my hobby. It’s a mixture of passion and talent.
Do you plan to use your certificate anytime soon?
Not soon but eventually.
While growing up, can you mention the names of some stars you admired?
Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, and Tonto Dikeh.
Can you recall your first time on set; any embarrassing moments?
My first time on set was for the movie “Bake Me A Heart”. I had a few challenges but there were no embarrassing moments, the producer, director, and the crew members were very patient with me.
Have you ever had to turn down a role, and what informed that decision?
No, I haven’t.
What was your breakthrough role, and how did it change your career trajectory?
My breakthrough role was Chika for the movie “Monica”, where I played an antagonist. It really helped me get noticed.
What type of roles are you most passionate about portraying?
I’m most passionate about roles that have depth and meaning because they allow me to explore complex emotions and human experiences, as these roles help me grow as an actor and connect with the audience.
What sets you apart from other emerging actresses in Nollywood?
Understanding each character’s background and emotions, which helps me bring a level of authenticity that the audience can feel. I’m not just acting, I’m living the role, and that makes my performances stand out. Additionally, I’m very versatile and open to exploring different kinds of roles, which shows my range as an actor.
What were your parents’ reactions to your decision to become an actress?
To be honest, my mummy doesn’t like the idea but she tries to be supportive, if that’s what would make me happy.
…and your dad?
He doesn’t have a problem, whatever makes me happy.
Since you became famous, what are some of the things you used to do that you no longer do?
Nothing actually, forever going to live life on my terms.
You founded Game Boss. Can you tell us more about your fashion brand?
Yes, I started it back in university,
Game Boss is more than just a clothing brand, it’s my personal canvas where I bring my authenticity to life. Every design reflects who I truly am, allowing me to share my confidence with the world. Through Game Boss, I create clothes that inspire others to embrace their own uniqueness. This brand is a celebration of individuality, self-expression, and the power of being unapologetically yourself.
Who are your target customers?
Individuals who value authenticity. Urban dwellers, creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and athletes who appreciate bold, high-quality clothing that helps them stand out in both social and professional settings.
Between entrepreneurship and Nollywood which pays the bill more?
Definitely entrepreneurship.
Do you think talent alone is enough to succeed in Nollywood today?
No, talent will take you far but grace will take you further.
Are there roles you feel Nollywood isn’t offering you yet but you’re ready to take on?
Yeah, I’m really interested in roles that show different sides of life, like traditional stories.
Is Ekene single and ready to mingle?
Lol, yes single but not ready to mingle.
What’s your kind of man?
Someone good-looking, confident but humble, who knows how to respect and support me, and has a good sense of humour.
Can you marry from the industry?
Yeah, I can! It would be thrilling to have a partner in the same field because that way, we’ll have a mutual understanding about work and personal life.
What’s your stance on this BBL trend?
The BBL trend is definitely a hot topic. I see it as a positive change. It’s about people wanting to feel good in their own body and boost their confidence but on the other hand the surgery comes with risks so it’s important to be careful and well-informed.
When you watch your performances, what do you critique first?
I usually first check how natural and confident I look. Then I notice little things like my expressions or if I stumbled on any lines. It’s all about getting it better next time.
How intentional are you about building your brand beyond acting?
I’m very deliberate about it. I see building my brand beyond acting as a way to showcase my versatility and personal values. It’s about creating a genuine connection with my audience and industry peers, while also exploring other creative avenues that complement my acting career.
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