Background
I am the third child and I have three siblings. I was born and bred in Lagos. My father was an engineer and owned a power generating retail and service company before he died 17 years ago. My mother has run the company since then and that is what has sustained us through the years. We are a close-knit family.
Education
I attended Chrisland and Grange schools. I moved to Lifeforte School in grade 10 and I completed grade 12 at Columbia International College, Canada. I studied Biochemistry at McMaster University, Canada.
Acting
My drama teacher in primary school, Mrs. Abe, ignited that spark. She never took no for an answer and once she saw that you could deliver, she would get it out of you. I loved the fact that she also taught drama with a Christian influence. The first time I heard of Kirk Franklin, she brought it to us in class and that was it.
Support
Sadly, my father didn’t live long enough for me to tell him acting was what I wanted to do. He was such a lively spirit and the most supportive man I know till date so, I’m almost certain he would have given his complete blessing. My mother has always been supportive. All she wanted were the basics covered in terms of education and character. When she felt they were fulfilled, she gave her blessing too. She didn’t understand my passion for acting at first but she never turned it down either.
First role
The first movie I took part in was Dream Walker. It was a very small part but I didn’t mind because I was eager to prove myself. It was my first shot at confirming my decision to embrace acting. I recently took part in The Wedding Party where I played the role of Yemisi. It was so much fun and I loved the character.
Challenges
There are challenges when your job requires you to be someone else all of the time. The technicalities and emotional investment cannot be necessarily quantified but they are certainly significant. The balancing act of your life versus playing the life of another is the most challenging part of my job. There is also the fame part of it which makes you susceptible to public opinion, regardless of what the truth may be. However, I am quite the private person and I take time to just be aware and take in the good, deal with the bad and embrace the future.
Role models
My mother is my role model. Her strength is admirable and enviable. Her tenacity to keep going on against all odds is also very commendable.
Nollywood
Nollywood is evolving and growing. I think it is morphing into a new phase and it’s exciting. We aren’t nearly there yet in terms of where we’d like to be, but we have come a long way and I’m proud to be a part of it. As an artiste, your tenacity will sustain you in this industry but longevity comes with humility and constant self-assessment. Do what you can to stay human because it is the purpose of your job since you are constantly portraying someone else. Experience is the best teacher and devotion to God will take you much farther than anyone will ever do. Don’t fall for anyone’s hype. Be honest with yourself and keep working. All you need is one day at a time so, run with it. The future is very bright for Nollywood as long as we keep putting in good work.
Winning AMVCA
Winning the award was truly a surprise. I am truly honoured to say the least. I’d just like to encourage everyone who is on their path to whatever they believe in to be steadfast, keep learning, be comfortable with the possibility of failing at it. That’s the only way you’ll dare to pursue anything.
Fashion
I’m a fashion and health enthusiast and I manage the brand, Andrea Iyamah. Fashion is a form of self-expression for me and a huge turn-off are visible underwear lines.
Relaxation
I work out, cook and fill my mind with the philosophies of my world in reference to the Bible.
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