Encomium
Happy days are here for gorgeous actress, Alexa Ehi who has just landed a multimillion naira contract with two entertainment firms. The young actress prefers to keep the details under wraps for now.
However, Ehi disclosed that aside her new deals, she is currently being cast for movies in Kenya and South Africa.
Alexa, presently a prominent face on AfricaMagic, came into the industry with her role in Dear Mother, and has gone on to play a lead role in Dilemma by Mnet, among others.
In a chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the Edo born actress revealed that the job is challenging and interesting but she gets into her character simply to give viewers the best thrills. She is a hot favourite of movie directors and script vendors because of her niche and ingenuous interpretation of roles.
Alexa has starred in various TV soaps and movies alongside A-list acts like Jide Kosoko, Keppy Ekpeyong, Oge Okoye, Funsho Adeolu, Femi Brainard, etc. She cut her acting tooth in acting schools home and abroad showing her appetite for excellence and resilience.
Why entertainment?
Entertainment gives me inner joy. When I am on location or acting, that is when I feel complete. Basically, it’s for the passion and it’s what I have always wanted to do from childhood.
What encouraged you to go into acting?
The zeal to make a difference in the industry pushed me into entertainment and my family has been very supportive.
How is life as an actress?
It has not been easy, it’s been really tough and interesting and the grace of God has been sufficient.
What are the challenges peculiar in the industry?
The challenge is basically the clash between producers and actors. The industry has gotten really big but some people who came into the industry without the passion just want to pull down or kill the names and reputation of other actors. They should not be allowed to ride roughshod over others. They don’t have any tangible thing to offer. They are just there like robots. It’s been a crazy world. Nollywood is supposed to be puritanical to curb excesses.
The industry is big enough for every bird to fly. I can’t say its extremely competitive because if you have what it takes to be here, if you are skilled and know what you are doing, there is space for you up here.
How would you access the entertainment industry in Nigeria?
It’s still growing but we have a long way to go. I try so hard not to compare what we have here to what we have abroad because what we have here, compared to what we had like 10-15 years back in Nigeria, I think we have really come far.
What makes a movie first class?
For me, the storyline has to be on point. It has to be catchy, the directorate skills have to be good, the sound tracts and most important, the actors that tell me story have to be really believable.
How long have you been in the movie industry?
Professionally, three years.
How many movies have you featured?
I have been more on TV but in terms of movies, I have been in quite a number of them, King of Shelter, Trading Places, Dilemma which is Mnet production, Dear Mother, The Return of Blackberry Babes. I can’t really put them all to a number.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself in Hollywood. I see myself producing movies because I have a lot of stories but first I need to understand how it feels to be an actor here. I need to grow into a producer. For now, I need to keep my acting real.
What movie brought you to limelight?
That was when I did a King of Shelter, a ghetto movie. I had to smoke extremely and took alcohol. It was really crazy. That was not easy for me because I lost a whole of 12 kg on that job.
What is your driving force or what keeps you going?
Just God and the determination to excel.
– CHINELO EMESIOBI
