I Look up to Myself
By
Anthony Akaeze
Monday, January 09, 2006
Caroline Ekanem is a relatively new but popular face in Nigeria's home video industry. Newswatch caught up with her at a location somewhere in Surulere area of Lagos recently. She spoke with Anthony Akaeze, staff writer on her life and career. Excerpts:
Newswatch: How did you get into the home movie industry?
Ekanem: I would say that acting has always been a part of me. I had always nursed the desire to be part of the Nigerian home video but I still thought I should not be desperate about it. In effect, I wanted to start my acting career in a big way. And I thank God that he gave me a major role in my first movie. I acted alongside Jim Iyke and Eucharia Anunobi Ekwu. The title of the film is Deadly Kids. I got into acting through the help of Rita Dominic who introduced me to Chico Ejiro who gave me that first role. Before meeting her, I was in contact with Emeka Ike. He tried getting me a role but it didn't work out. But he had been of help in some other ways. He often gives me useful advice.
Newswatch: You seem to be the most preferred face now. What's the secret?
Ekanem: Really? I didn't know that. But I'm happy to hear that. That shows I'm making progress. I'm grateful to God, to my fans, the marketers, for giving me the opportunity, to the media and my parents. If not for my parents, I don't think my dream would have come true. My grandparents and mum especially have been most supportive.
Newswatch: Do you think you benefited from the ban on some of your colleagues?
Ekanem: Well, I think there's an advantage and also a disadvantage. Let me talk of the advantage first. It gave room for people to evaluate my talent without much hassle on my part. But the disadvantage is that there is somewhat the absence of keen, robust competition which could be really challenging and exciting.
Newswatch: Apart from acting, what else do you do?
Ekanem: I am a model. I sing too. I also love to write poems. I am into fashion, arts and entertainment. I love to indulge in all these. I am by nature a restless person. I am studying environmental protection management at the University of Calabar.
Newswatch: You are no doubt a beautiful woman. How do you handle advances from men.?
Ekanem: Am I? Well, all I can say is that I appreciate the love people show me. Of course, you know men. Some are not easy to ward off. It is normal and understandable.
Newswatch: Who is your role model?
Ekanem: Apart from God, I look up to myself, mostly.
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