Ngozi Thompson
Igwebuike (aka Ng or Gayle) is a wearer of many hats. A fashion model, actress
and TV presenter. I don’t know where she
finds the time to do all these, but trust me, somehow she does!
So it’s no surprise that
she’s been busy recently with the new Nollywood film, Oxford Gardens (directed by Obi Emelonye) bridal photo shoots and an advertisement for Tolly Boy
rice (Tollyboy rice advert)
Just over a week ago,
she won Best TV personality BEFFTA 2015 and has been nominated for three awards at the CA
awards put together by C-Hub Magazine.
Now- I know what you’re
probably thinking. “This girl has it all.” Well, it goes
without saying that success comes with its struggles.
However Ngozi is hardworking and d-e-d-i-c-a-t-e-d, pleasant, full of smiles
and has bucket loads of ideas (good ones). It’s no wonder she does all these
amazing stuff!
So one day, before I let Ngozi
scoot off to her busy life, she chatted about her role in the film, Oxford Gardens and other things she gets up to…
What role did you play in the movie Oxford Gardens?
I
played the role of 'Munachi' the female lead character.
Do you feel that you are much the character
you played? – maybe personality wise or physically?
I think I definitely embodied some of her personality while I was in character during filming. I think the doing of that in acting, is inevitable in order to make any character believable. Physically, I guess the answer is yes, only because I don't believe I would have been casted for the role if I did not fit the requirements in every way.
How did you connect to this character?
It
was a bit easy for me to connect to Munachi's character because I personally
know people who cancer have touched in their lives and also because I
completely understand the concept of trying to fulfil wishes and dreams when
time starts running out for us.
What was your favourite part in the making
of this movie? I really enjoyed doing this movie as a whole, but I would
say my best moments were my horse riding and the bungee jumping. I thoroughly
enjoyed those experiences, especially because I have always wanted to do them
but just never been courageous enough. So when Obi Emelonye, the film's director told me my
character would be doing these things as part of her bucket list, I was very
excited!
What was your most challenging part in the
making of this movie?
The most challenging part for me in the making of this movie was actually the 'looking ill' part. I know it sounds crazy but let me explain: Naturally, I'm a very bubbly, happy person. No matter what situation I find myself in, I am often upbeat and ok. It's not like I force it or pretend. It’s just me. So when I was playing this role, I realised I had to put extra effort into 'looking' and acting sick. I always got caught giggling or laughing loudly on set, even if it was to myself...! It was quite a feat. It always took me a moment or two to get into character every time, and so, whenever I did get into character, I don't come out of it until we're done for the day. It was also the reason I agreed to shave my head, to help make her whole situation more authentic. In the end though, I'm very pleased that I took up the challenge and played this role, because Munachi's happy/cheeky personality and her sad illness, offers a perfect opportunity to explore the juxtaposition of these two conflicting emotions at the same time.
 |
| Ngozi as Munachi in Oxford Gardens |
Is this your first film with UK/Nollywood movie director Obi Emelonye?
No.
This is my second film with Obi Emelonye. My first was, "Onyeozi" the messenger, an all Igbo film shot in London,
where I also played the lead female role, next to the great comedian, Okey Bakassi, as my husband, the lead
male.
What do you do in your spare time?
Will it sound cocky to say I hardly have spare time?
Lol. Seriously though, I keep busy. I like it that way. Keeps
me out of trouble…(smirk). Plus I don't think I know how not to be busy. To answer your question; I do a lot outside of film
acting. Before going into filming for this latest project with Obi, I had just
finished doing a theatre production of a classic Nigerian play, "The gods
Are Not To Blame (The Musical)" Written
by Ola Rotimi in 1968 and Directed by Olugbenga Ajayi. We put on six shows over
three days at the beautiful Kenneth Moore Theatre in Ilford, London. It was
thrilling but exhausting as we had to rehearse everyday for a whole month at
the Royal Festival Hall in Waterloo. But in the end, it was worth all the
effort and sweat we put into it.
Next,
I do TV presenting and currently, I co-present a show called 'The Buzz TV Show' showing every
Thursday and Saturdays. It's on NollywoodTV in London and many other TV channels in Africa.
It's becoming very popular actually and we are just about
to wrap up our second season. Before that, I was on BenTV presenting 'PolitrickswithKO' with Kayode
Ogundamisi and doing corresponding works for BenTV and the Nigerian High
Commission on events happening across London. Thirdly,
I model and as you know, summer time is always the craziest.
With Africa
Fashion Week, Africa On The Square, London Fashion Weeks and all other fashion
events happening, it can be very full on!
From there it was the theatre play,
then this film. It was a packed calendar. At the moment, I'm busy doing a few shoots that have been
pushed back to accommodate my recent filming, for which I am ever so grateful for
because it means a lot to me that, out of the many other options out there,
people are willing to wait just so they can have my services instead. It gives
one a very cool and humbling feeling really.
I also write, mostly 'ghost writing' for blogs and magazines. It's something I find I can do very easily. It pays and again, keeps my mind busy. Finally, I work (part time) in a law firm in London. I studied law and couldn't decide if I wanted to practice or leave it alone, but I figured, there is nothing wrong with a back up plan right? So I just keep my fingers dipped in, albeit very slightly. (LOL.)You just never know....So you see? I'm not being cocky when I say I hardly have a spare time am I?
Are there any actors/actresses (Nigeria and beyond)
who’s work/success excites you?
I love Ireti Doyle,
she's got a thing about her. I don't know what, but there it is! I positively adore Joke
Silva, classic woman that she is & her beau, Olu Jacobs. Abroad, I love Angelina
Jolie. She is a powerhouse of strength and beauty, and I'm not just talking
physical beauty. She gives, gives, gives and still does her thing in the movie
world. One of my many ambitions is to work with them all one day! Others I like include; Genevieve Nnaji, she's calm & level headed. Cate Blanchett, because she NEVER
disappoints in any role she plays (ok, maybe she mystifies me, Lol) Ruth Kadiri, because she can laugh at herself and a person with a
good sense of humour is always a plus. And of course, Joseph Benjamin. His work inspires me to do and be better. Makes me
realise that there is a place in our industry, for people who only want to do great
things....always!!
If you could star in a re-make of a classic film, who would you want to play?
Easy!
Elizabeth Taylor's role in the historical epic, "Cleopatra!" I love everything about that film. The colours, the
acting, the tragedy....Everything! I think Nollywood can do a Nigerian version of it! Can
you imagine it?! It would be so much fun.
If
today was your last day on earth, name two things you would like to do!
Hahahaha.....I love this question and it seems like that's a question I get asked often now, especially by my friends, after they hear about this film. I can only say that I'm glad this film is beginning to inspire people to go beyond the norm and think of these things. Offering hope and encouragement to people, to live their lives like it's about to end. It's the only way to fight a boring life I think. Having said that, if today was my last day on earth, I would; 1. Love to be able to change somebody's life for the better. How? I don't know, but I would like to have made a positive and lasting impact on somebody. Even if it's just one person, that'll be enough. 2. Let my loved ones know how much they mean to me and what makes them special to me individually. Just because I think that how you leave people feeling before you go, matters a great deal. In fact, I believe it matters more than the leaving itself. But that's just me, I guess.
Ngozi, wishing you the very best now and always. Thanks for your time!
Oh, did I say she is a busy lady? We may
need a part 2 of this!
Connect
with Ng Thompson-Igwebike on:
Twitter & Instagram: GayleNgozee
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