Nollywood actress, Marie Ebuka, in this interview talks about how she started acting, her love for the industry and what initially put her off from the career she loves so much. Marie Ebuka in her own words. BackgroundI am the last child of my parents. I have two elder brothers and one sister. I was born in Lagos and I am from the Igbo speaking part of Delta State. I wanted to become a Petroleum Engineer, because I was a good science student but I later changed my mind. But Theatre Arts was the last thing on my mind. I never thought I could make a career out of acting. I later got admission in to the University of Lagos to study Philosophy.On actingI started acting when I was in the university. My acting career started in year 2001 when I was introduced to Zeb Ejiiro Zeb gave me my first break in ‘Gentle Solution’ and that was how my career in acting started. I have featured in several movies and soap operas But most especially I have been able to carve a niche for myself as an action movie actress. I just love to be where the action is.On sex for roleBefore my break into the industry. I have heard a lot of negative things about the industry. How you must know somebody that is well connected to get a role in a movie. And how some actresses had to sleep around to be able to feature in a movie. That was a put off for me. Although, I wanted to be an actress I did not want any part of that. I wasn’t that desperate to do whatever it takes to be seen on screen. I didn’t know anybody in the industry and really didn’t know where to start from. But I had hope and I was sure someday if I was destined to become an actress, I would meet someone who is in the industry that will spot my talent and give me the break I needed. And I did. What I heard about the industry initially was a put off for me. I was not ready to give my body in exchange for a role in a movie, so I lost interest in acting and concentrated on my studies. I remembered that my parents were initially against my having a career in acting. But I insisted, I let them know my love for acting and they later gave their blessings. A lot of actresses are so desperate. They hang around producers’ offices till late at night all for a role. And I think they are the ones that are actually throwing themselves at the producers and directors. Because if you don’t hang around after an audition for whatever reason(s) no one will make an indecent proposal to you. I don’t lobby for a part I have never. If I am right for a part I will surely get the part. On nude sceneI don’t think I can bare it all in a movie. I can’t play a nude scene. It has nothing to do with whether I have a perfect figure or not. Of course, I am a very beautiful woman with the right curves, but I just can’t bare it all in front of the camera. Yes, I have done semi-nude scene before. I did a scene like that in one of my movies ‘President Must Not Die’. I can back the camera and take off my clothes, if the role demands it. And that is as far as I would go.On datingI have always been an independent woman right from my university days. I have done odd jobs to be able to pay my bills. I never liked running back to my parents to help me out financially. Life has not been all that rosy for me at one point or the other, friends have helped out with my bills. If I need something I like to be able to get it by myself I don’t like asking another person for help. I have never dated a man that is in the same industry. I don’t see them as men that are really looking for a long lasting relationship. I see them as colleagues and that is it. The men just want to have their fun and go brag about it. I have been heartbroken before. And it hurts so bad that it affected my acting career. I had to stop acting for sometime. But I got over it. I learned my lesson. Love is a serious thing I like to get to know a man before I can start talking about love. Courtesy Sun news
From the slum of Meran, a suburb of Lagos, a film star has emerged. He is 24-year-old Adewole Ojo, winner of the just concluded Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality TV show.Basking in the euphoria of his new star status at the Planet One in Maryland, Lagos penultimate Friday, Ojo, who was visibly shocked but excited as he was named the winner, thumped his chest and declared that he’s the real superstar of the box office.“I feel so wonderful. It is my car. I am the winner of AMBO 4 and it is for real,” Ojo enthused.Just before then, keys to a brand new car and a cheque for N2.5 million had been presented to Ojo by the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Michiel Herkemij as star prizes for emerging winner of this year’s AMBO.The final 10 contestants included Ajibade Omisade, 26, from Osun State, Uche Nwokocha, 22, from Imo State, Adewole Ojo, 24, a native of Oyo State; Solafunmi Sosanya, 25, from Ogun State, Balyesa State-born Tiem Okori, Fatima Sheidu, 25, from Kaduna State, Chukwudi Obido, 20, from Delta State, Nnena Udeh, 23, from Imo State, Tope Alake, 26, from Osun State and Chioma Ezeani, 20, from Enugu State.Nevertheless, a mild drama had earlier ensued at the ceremony when Ajibade was named the first runner-up in the keenly contested grand finale. Anxious fans and family members in the audience erupted in wild jubilation while some hit the stage with victory song with the belief that he had won. But that was not to be as they were promptly brought back to reality with the announcement that Ajibade has indeed been named first runner-up in the competition but not the real winner. But then Tope was announced as the 2nd runner-up while ‘Daddy’s Pet’, Uche Nwokocha finished as the 3rd runner-up, the last woman standing.The AMBO 4 grand finale was indeed very tight, hot and keenly contested by the four finalists. The organizers no doubt had a hectic time collating the votes as they kept pouring in from all over the country. The ice was believed to have been broken to produce a clear leader during the on-the-spot voting by the distinguished audience that witnessed the final rounds of the contest. They included top entertainers like Kenny Saint Brown, Essence, Felix Duke and Koffi, the comedian among others. Every one present were issued a voter card each to vote their favourite finalist to emerge winner shortly after the four hot rivals made their last and final drama presentation on stage. They did a dress rehearsal from a scintillating scene in the multiple award-winning flick, Sitanda. The same scene was assigned to the three male finalists to perform while Uche, the only female finalist performed a separate scene.Clips from the selection of the four finalists and high points of their performances during the 21-day contest in the academy were earlier shown to the excitement of the audience for adequate assessments. Then came the hour of judgment, and Wole carried the day leaving his closest and hard fighting rival, Ajibade with a highly inspirational parting gift.He says: “I thought I was the winner but it was Wole. I think God has a better plan and that was why it happened that way. Don’t just worry; watch out for the stars because I will be among them, shining too much.”But Ojo could not help thanking God and everyone who voted to see him emerge winner. “To you all out there, I don’t only see you as my fans but as my friends and loved ones. To all the Man U fans out there, I say one blood. Big shout out to every single fella in Meran because that is where I hailed from in Lagos State and to my lovely girlfriend, Mosumola.”
