Encomium
DELICIOUSLY pretty actress, Shirley Ogechi Igwe has returned to Nollywood. Breaking the news to ENCOMIUM Weekly in an exclusive interview on Friday, March 27, 2015, the Faze Book star said she’s resuming with an own production.
Shirley who just returned from Paris, France for a business trip also addressed the controversy arising from the dress she wore to the last Africa Magic Movie Choice Awards (AMVCA). We equally engaged Governor Anayo Rochas Okorocha’s Principal Protocol on many other issues…
You just returned from Paris, France. Was it a business or ‘pleasure’ trip?
I travelled for business.
How long did you spend in France?
I spent a couple of days. I returned last week.
You were also in the UK before your trip to France?
That was my vacation. And it was fun. I visited places of interest.
You usually make out time to go on vacation?
Yes, I do that all the time. Don’t forget that life is too short and if there is any opportunity to enjoy it, you do. That’s my style.
How do you combine your job as Governor Rochas Okorocha’s Principal Protocol and business?
I have a way of managing my schedules. I also prioritise. Though it has not been easy, I’m coping fine and taking care of all ‘departments’, so to speak. Above all, I would say God has been there for me.
We understand you are about to shoot your own movie?
That’s true. All is now set for my first production.
So, what should we expect?
Nothing less than a standard production. You know I have been around for a while. You are also aware that Nollywood has largely evolved with producers sticking to world’s best practice.
Have you done your casting?
Not yet, but I would definitely work with the best. It is difficult to determine whom to work with at this stage because you don’t even know who would be available when you commence production. That notwithstanding, I would love to work with Yul Edochie, Majid Michel and other colleagues of mine.
Is your script done?
You wait for it, please.
You recently featured in a movie called The Sassy One. How did it go?
It went well. It’s a great movie featuring the likes of Kenneth Okoli, Dubby Chimere who produced the movie. The Sassy One is a love story.
What was your character in The Sassy One?
I played Amber.
So, you are back to Nollywood?
Yes, I’m back full time.
Let’s go personal, what’s your love life like right now?
I don’t have a love life (laughs).
So, you are not in a relationship?
No, I’m not.
You lost your dad not long ago…
Yes, it was a very difficult time for me and my family. But God took charge of it all.
How old was your late dad?
He was 65.
We are sure you don’t have any premonition of his demise?
Not at all. I never expected he would pass on without any sign. I don’t really want to talk about it because of the sad memories it evokes. All the same, we give God all the glory.
Is there any particular advice your late dad gave you that’s working for you?
I can’t single out any particular one. But I will sorely miss him. He was the best dad in the world.
A lot of celebrities spend millions to look good, but it seems you look good effortlessly?
Thanks for the compliment. I will also add that God has endowed me naturally. And I say this with all sense of modesty.
What do you look out for when choosing what you wear?
I like to be trendy but being comfortable in whatever I put on comes first. Your style is you. You are defined by your style. So, that should be your business, so to speak. For me, I dress to suit my body. I don’t really care what people wear. If you choose to go skimpy, it’s your life but don’t forget whom you are.
For me, I do a lot of online research and shopping for exclusive designs.
What is your favourite attire?
I dress for a particular occasion. The way I dress is purely determined by the function I’m attending.
The dress you wore to Africa Movie Viewers Choice Award is still raising dust. What inspired it?
I just wanted to wear something that is not really my identity. I just wanted to dare to wear something different. To achieve this look, I contacted celebrity stylist, Toyin Lawani, Tiannah’s Styling and I love what she designed for me. It was a different feel for me.
At any other time, the usual me would go for the traditional red carpet wear, the long, flowing covered stuff.
For some of your fans and critics who raise the alarm over the attire, what do you say to them?
That’s what I have explained. I just wanted to look different. That’s it.
Sometime last year, it was rumoured you were to run for an elective office in Imo, what happened to your ambition?
I have to wait till 2019. And I think it was a smart decision.
What office would you have loved to contest?
House of Representatives.
What are your aspirations in life?
I aspire to touch lives, to make an impact on everyone I come across.
-UCHE OLEHI
