Veteran Nollywood actress Obey Etok-Chima has opened up about coping with the loss of her husband and father in the same year, saying her work in the film industry has helped her manage the grief.
Etok-Chima, who turned 50 on June 30, spoke about her experience in an emotional interview, where she discussed grief, motherhood, loneliness, her acting career and the changing nature of Nollywood.
The Theatre Arts graduate said losing her husband and father within a short period created a difficult period in her life.
She explained that working on movie sets gives her something to focus on and temporarily takes her mind away from the losses.
According to her, when she is on set, she concentrates on her acting, costume and getting into character. However, she said being alone often brings back memories of her late loved ones.
She also said birthdays have become particularly emotional because her children celebrate their birthdays in May, June and July.
Etok-Chima recalled that her late husband paid particular attention to their children’s birthdays and that she has had to take over that responsibility since his death.
She said seeing one of her children who resembles his father often reminds her of what her husband would have done for the family.
Acting as a calling
The actress described acting as more than a career, saying she believes it is the path God has chosen for her.
Etok-Chima said she has remained committed to the profession because she considers it part of her purpose.
She started acting while in primary school and attributed her more than two decades in the industry to God’s grace, talent, humility and the relationships she has built within the industry.
According to her, many of her jobs come through crew members who recommend her to producers and directors.
She said maintaining good relationships and treating people well has helped her career because colleagues are willing to recommend her for roles.
Etok-Chima added that making people happy is part of her calling and that her love for people has contributed to her longevity in Nollywood.
Roles and changes in Nollywood
The actress said she is comfortable playing different types of characters and does not want to be restricted to one particular role.
She cited her appearance in The Yard on Africa Magic as an example of her ability to handle different characters.
Etok-Chima recently completed a comedy project for actor and filmmaker Nosa Rex but said dramatic roles remain one of her strongest areas.
She also identified the emergence of cliques as one of the changes she has observed in Nollywood.
According to her, the industry did not previously operate around such groups, but actors are now sometimes associated with particular circles.
She said she does not belong to any clique and remains available whenever she is called for a job.
Etok-Chima described her work on The Yard as an important moment in her career and credited streaming platforms, especially YouTube, with helping to sustain Nollywood.
She said she hopes to secure more opportunities with Netflix and in cinema productions.
Protecting her peace
As a single mother and actress, Etok-Chima said she tries to avoid unnecessary pressure and materialism.
She explained that she lives according to her means and does not allow material possessions to dictate her life.
On attention from men, the actress said she accepts it as part of being considered attractive and views compliments about her appearance as something to appreciate.
Etok-Chima is also an enthusiastic football fan and openly identifies with football superstar Lionel Messi.
Source: VANGUARD
