Celebrated Nollywood actress, Uche Jombo, the Mathematics graduate-turned actress is undoubtedly gifted in being flexible. This special gift may have helped her in no small measure in her successful transformation into an actress who have since made a name for herself. This hidden dual disposition which may have turned out quietly to be her propelling factor, actually pushed Contributing Editor, IFECHI OKOH, to close up on the no-nonsense actress who opened up boldly on all questions. Enjoy the chat!

May we have an insight on how the journey to Nollywood started for you?

I know it’s like a cliché to start telling this story which may have been asked and answered by many of your colleagues in their own way. However, I will start by simply telling you that I came into Nollywood by accident. Naturally, I was a restless child and this fetched me the attention of the head of the children’s section in our church. She then tried me out for acting and I did well in her estimation. That was how she pulled me into the church’s drama group. It is in good source that the church gave me scholarship for three years as a result of my acting prowess. But all this changed when I left the secondary school and became a behind-the-scene person. It was then I did a lot of radio jingles. It was during this period, I met Fidelis Duker who gave me a script to read and I did it well to his expectation and delight. That was how I got my first role in Nollywood and the rest in now story.

Can you kindly let us into the magic that has kept you going strong till today?

It’s simply hard work, God’s grace and blessings. I must confess here that I put in my best on any movie set I find myself and leave the rest to God. Honestly, when I began, I never expected that I would arrive at this level. But due to God’s grace, I am here. Imagine! My philosophy is that hard work pays always. This belief has been giving me all the necessary kicks to aim at the height in Nollywood. Apart from that, I have always believed that hard work would always be rewarded. The ever standing inspirations I draw from God is another factor which actually pulled me up. Hence, I would ever be grateful to God till eternity. I strongly believe that once it’s God’s time in your life, no man, no woman or anybody can hold you down. No way!

How many movies so far, please?

I don’t really know for now. However, I remember “Girls in the hood”, “Shankara”, “Endless Life”, “My Sister, My Love”, “Black Bra”, “Catastrophe”, “Total Crises”, “Corporate Runs”, “Super Women”, “Divided Hearts” and others which I can’t remember anymore.

Who are your role models in Nollywood?

Be informed that I tap from three wonderful actresses like Bababra Soky, Joke Silva and Liz Benson. Hence they remain my models till date.

What of the men?

Late Justus Esiri, Ramson Noah and Mike Ezuruonye, who’s actually my brother.

You have been perceived as a tomboy. Are you really a tomboy?

There’s no doubt that such perception has to do with my childhood years when I was initially a tomboy, but later started to be girly, even till now. But sadly, that tomboy disposition is yet to leave me totally till date. When I was younger, I played football right on the streets. Can you imagine that? Can you believe that if you raise an issue in foot balling today, I will beat the boys involved, hands down. Although I have been trying hard to be very girly nowadays by wearing skirts, evening gowns and also trying to apply more feminine appeal; but sadly, I can’t separate successfully, my tomboy past from the present. That’s simply the problem!

Any advice for upcoming actresses?

Firstly, they should believe in themselves, show it when and where necessary because producers, directors and marketers always look out for such quality. It may even encourage them to give them jobs, honestly!

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