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| BLOSSOM CHUKWUJEKWU |
BLOSSOM,YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING NAME. WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?
Yeah I get that a lot. It came in secondary school when it seemed pretty cool to have an English name. I didn't have one at the time so I search for. Mum's pet name for my dad is Blossom, I liked it and picked it. I thought it was cool. Never knew it was gonna stick as much as it did. I must state that as a true son of Nnewi from Anambra state, I'm very proud of my native name, Chukwujekwu. The richness is unmatched.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW ACTING WILL BE YOUR PROFESSION?
2006! I was in my 3rd year in the university and playing the lead in a major school play titled, Godless. Of course before then I had decided I wanted to act. But the effect of that performance on not just me but the audience and the aftermath, sunk it in that I was born for this. I still can't describe the feeling, it's inexplicable and came with a weight of responsibility.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT ACTING IN NOLLYWOOD?
The industry! Especially in this phase. There are lots of exciting things happening. Young, new and real film makers are trying to create magic though faced with daunting challenges. People who refuse to allow the environment shape their thoughts. I think that's remarkable. It's inspiring to see such drive. There's hope!
The rush! The fact that due to financial constrains productions are cramped into a very tight schedule to accommodate cost. Especially given the fact that there's never really enough time given to actors to prepare for a role. If you're not a strong and disciplined actor you'll constantly have poor performances. You almost always don't have the privilege of building up the necessary emotions for a scene. But we dey try.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS?
WHAT WERE YOUR FAMILY’S INITIAL REACTION WHEN YOU TOLD THEM YOU WERE GOING INTO ACTING?
Ah!! My mum flipped at first o. It took a lot of courage for me to tell her I had changed my mind from the "prestigious" Law to Theatre Arts. Of course there was the "acting is for drop-outs" speech. Especially coming from a family of lots of doctors and engineers. So it was a No! But something funny happened, later that same day in church, the preacher, as though speaking to her, admonished parents to let their kids follow their dreams and passion. She came home and gave me her support. My dad shockingly didn't object. He only asked if I was certain about my choice and I had his blessings. Although every now and then they tried to sway me to seemingly "more professional" courses which is why I ended up studying Mass Communication but I have had their support all the way.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Sleep! (LOL) I like to read, to improve on myself and invest in my personality. I do a lot of thinking. My friends say I think for the world. I think it's important to think, even Bill Gates has a "Think Week". I hardly go out except I'm dragged. I love to stay home and do lots of TV and movies
WHAT'S THE SIDE OF YOU THAT THE PUBLIC NEVER SEES?
Hmmm...am I supposed to tell? The local village boy. We just try to tooch up, you know.
DO YOU SOMETIMES FEEL THAT THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT BLOSSOMS?
Oh well it's easy to get drawn to that line of thought, especially if you constantly put up a front. I don't. Not saying I don't get tempted to but you have to stay real and true to your self. I just said people don't get to see the local village boy in me, doesn't mean I make an effort to hide it. You just know what's right to let out and what's for keeps for the right people or the right time. A lot of people call it a vain industry where you have to project a certain type of image. But really, how long can you front for? I think it's draining in every sense of the word to be fake. Just be yourself and do you. The right and well-meaning people are gonna like you no matter what. Amidst all the paparazzi let your originality, convictions, ideals and faith shine through.
AFTER TINSELS OR GENERALLY, DO YOU THINK THE PUBLIC AND CRITICS EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM YOU?
First of all I expect way too much from myself, than anyone ever could 'cos nobody rises to low expectations. I give attention and respect to their views 'cos I know it's important to listen. But at the end of the day I know where I'm coming from, where I am and want to be. I refuse to be under pressure. I give myself the right kind of pressure by competing with me. You're easier to see when you're in flight, so keep your game tight and do your thing right. I feel like a rapper right now...lol
WHEN ARE YOU COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH YOUR WORK?
NEVER! You die the day you are
DO YOU WORRY ABOUT WHETHER PEOPLE LIKE YOU FOR THE REAL YOU, OR BECAUSE YOU'RE A CELEBRITY?
There's definitely that concern not just for them but you as a person 'cos in good times your 'friends' get to know who you are and in bad times you get to know who your 'friends' are. It's about who stays true behind your back. Quality beats quantity; a few good friends and I'm fine. Thank God for the wisdom and accuracy of the Holy Spirit. If a man is guided by the spirit of. God he'll live an error-free life.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE SPORTS TEAM?
ARE YOU MARRIED OR INVOLVED WITH ANYONE?
ARE THERE ANY ACTORS/ACTRESSES (NIGERIA AND BEYOND) WHOSE SUCCESS MYSTIFIES YOU?
Oh! There are a couple of people for different reasons. Each time I see Daniel Dey-Lewis I'm rooted! Literally speechless! Tyler Perry also got me trying to think. See him on stage and you'll know. He's such a hard worker. Why does Merryl always have to win? I respect how Genevieve has built her brand and Omotola's staying power. It's beautiful to see how sunk in Rita gets with all her characters even now. Oh and somebody please ask Ramsey why he still looks that young...lol
IF YOU COULD STAR IN A RE-MAKE OF A CLASSIC FILM, WHO WOULD YOU WANT TO PLAY?
Okonkwo, Things fall apart. Tony Montana, Scarface
WHICH OF YOUR WORKS (MOVIES) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Hmmm...you grow with every project and at the time have certain attachments it but if must, It would be Flower Girl and Finding Mercy.
IF AWARDS WERE FOR SALE, HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY FOR ONE?
Lol...I won't because the day I do it means I have agreed to the lie that I have arrived and that kills growth. I never want to be satisfied with a certain quality of craft even if the whole world is screaming "you're the best". As long as you're alive, there's more. For every finish line there's a new race. One day someone who knows I deserve an award would probably pay for me to have one. Blessed to have 3 nominations already this year.
WHEN A SCENE CALLS FOR YOU TO DISPLAY HATRED, WHAT DO YOU THINK
I just hate because by then I have characterised and internalised that I already live the character. So the hate will come naturally with the right thoughts based on what the script gave you to work with.
WHEN A SCENE CALLS FOR YOU TO CRY, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT?
It's the same thing. You let your self get so absorbed that the event itself breaks you, the character.
ARE YOU OFTEN COMPARED TO OTHER ACTORS IN NOLLYWOOD?
Oh well I've heard a few things about being like Ramsey. Those are big shoes to fill you know. I feel honoured and humbled 'cos he's a legend and one I still look up to. He's my favourite actor. But with all due respect I also wanna build my own brand through the uniqueness of my craft and personality. It's important that the audience see 'you'
ARE THE NOLLYWOOD MOVIES BETTER THAN EVER, OR ARE THEY WORSE?
There's no doubt we are getting better. This is one of the most exciting times to be in the industry, we are evolving. This is a reference point in the history of Nollywood. Lot's of talents are being showcased as young blood and fresh thinking are changing things. Check out Kunle Afolayan, Izu Ojukwu, Michelle Bello, Niyi Akinmolayan, Aunty Mildred Okwo and host of others. I have been so blessed to be involved in a couple of projects and I can confidently say there is hope! There's so much more to be done on all fronts no doubt. I'd like to see us tell our own stories, more cinemas, more new faces, better research, daring funding and so on but we are growing.
ABOUT YOUR NEW MOVIE FLOWER GIRL, WHICH WOULD BE PREMIERED ON THE 26TH OF SEPTEMBER AT THE ODEON CINEMA IN GREENWICH, LONDON.
HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT?
I got a broadcast about the audition from a producer friend of mine. I sent my details to the email provided, I got invited, I prayed, went and did my thing. To God's glory they liked the material I represented and that's it. I feel blessed knowing the calibre of people that read for that role.
WHAT CHARACTER DO YOU PLAY?
Tunde Kulani, a Nollywood superstar who thinks he's God's gift to the world, women especially. But haven been there done that, he's searching for 'something'. You'll see.
WHO ARE THE OTHER ACTORS INVOLVED?
The ever beautiful Damilola Adegbite, Ghana's heartthrob, Chris Attoh, sexy Eku Edewor, sweet hearted Bikiya Graham-Douglas, ever engaging Uncle Patrick Doyle, lovely aunty Tosan Edremoda-Ugbeye, super talented Ijeoma Grace Agu and a lot more.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEEN ON SET AGAIN WITH DAMILOLA ADEGBITE (TELEMA DUKE) STAR OF TINSELS.
Dami's amazing! We didn't have a lot to do together on Tinsel. Always wanted to work with her. Her professionalism is humbling. It's inspiring to see how very prepared she was for every scene, giving it her all. Always ready to have as many takes that were needed to get it right. She's a sweet heart.
IS FLOWER GIRL A FAMILY MOVIE?
Off course it is. I dare say the best right now. Lots of great moments for all to enjoy and learn from. It's such a beautifully well told story that'll have you laughing, sobbing and falling in love over again. I heard a guy proposed to his girl friend in the cinemas after seeing Flower Girl. Go see it, It's worth it!
Thank you for your time, Blossom!
Wishing you the very best in the future and hopefully we'll be seeing more of you on our screens.
Kate Iffy
September 2013
REMEMBER: FLOWER GIRL MOVIE. LONDON PREMIERE. SEPTEMBER 26TH. ODEON CINEMA GREENWICH. COME AND MINGLE WITH THE STARS AND BE PART OF THIS SPECIAL OCCASION.
© Kate Iffy Chukwu and kateiffy@blogspot.co.uk 2013.
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