By Christian Agadibe
Fast rising Nollywood star, Choice Uhunoma Edobor, who began acting in her childhood, has featured in many movies, including Domestic Staff and Blood of Enogie. Born and raised in a polygamous family in Benin, the Edo State capital. Based on that experience, she detests the thought of becoming a second wife. In this interview, she talks about her journey to stardom.
How did you get into the movie industry?
I started from a drama group in 2006, where we would go to different schools and local churches to act or minister, but I got into the industry fully in 2014, when I did my first YouTube movie titled, “Domestic Staff, directed by Cent Micah Imoyera. It was the film that brought me to limelight though I have done several movies before that one that didn’t see the light of day.
What was the first movie/ TV series you acted?
The first movie I did was Boomerang, in 2008. I have forgotten the name of the director. It has been a long time.
Did your parents support your movie career?
Not really, they believe I would have been better off in the medical field. So, I did not have much support from them. But its okay, I am doing well that’s the most important thing.
What were some of the challenges you faced when you first got into the industry?
I was a very skinny girl, and most times they (the producers ) felt I could not really handle strong roles because of my skinny nature, and because I started from Asaba/Onitsha, the tribalism was so much that I almost lost it.
What’s the biggest sacrifice you have ever made for your career?
I have sacrificed a lot for this career and I am still sacrificing. The greatest I have given is my “time” Nothing can be compared with the time and patience I have given to this career.
How many movies have you produced?
I have lost count of the movies I have acted in.
I haven’t produced yet, but I am in the process of setting up my own company “Kingsquarefilms” which will be a subsidiary of “Choice Edobor Company. The company will encompass all spheres of entertainment and humanitarian services, not just movie making.
How many movies have you acted in so far?
Over 60 movies, including the ones that have not yet been released.
What current projects are you working on?
I am currently on an African Magic series titled, ITALO, being shot in Benin, Edo State.
What was your first experience in front of camera? Were you nervous?
I was very nervous, I just wanted to get everything right, every line, mannerisms, facial expressions and I ended up making a lot of mistakes. I would say that the mistakes I made helped in making me a better person. It wasn’t easy, but I did it.
What were you doing before this and what was the experience like?
I have been “acting” since my secondary school days. After graduating with a degree in Mass Communication, I worked with some media houses, to gain some experience, but resolved to stick to acting. So there was no career before acting. There was only a profession after filmmaking.
Filmmaking is all I have got for now.
How was your growing up? Were you an entertainer during your childhood?
Growing up wasn’t fun as I was raised by my mother most times because my father was not always around. The few times he was around he would always want to instill discipline and good manners. It wasn’t fun but it was okay. None of my parents or siblings was into entertainment. It is safe to say I am the best thing that has happened to the family after sliced bread.
What are some of the challenges encountered?
I guess the major challenge has been my location – Benin city. Lagos has always been the hub of entertainment and anybody that wanted to explore or dive fully into filmmaking to carve a niche in the industry would relocate to Lagos, except for few people who stayed and laid the foundation in a place. But this is changing as Benin is gradually becoming a hub for movie making. And I am grateful to all the people who stood and fought to make this happen.
What was the turning point in your career?
I had almost given up, because there was no support. Nothing was happening in this part of the state where I live until 2020 when I did a series for ROK TV titled, Blood OF Enogie, produced by Oakfil Ezugwu and directed by Charles Uwagbai. It was the movie that changed my career totally. So, 2020 marked the turning point in my career.
Let’s compare when you started doing this and now. What has changed?
A lot has changed, my career in general, I am very conscious of where I go now, what I say, what I do because a lot of people are now looking up to me. I can’t afford to disappoint them.
In what way has being an actress changed your lifestyle?
I have always been an introvert, but it’s worse now, I don’t go out any more if it’s not for official outings. Given the reality of the world we live in, one has to be extra careful.
What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the sector?
I would love to see the Nigerian government support the filmmaking industry. There is so much resource that comes from filmmaking and so far, a lot of Individuals have single handedly made the difference in the sector that we see today. Just imagine what it woukd look like when the Government, financial institutions, and other sectors come together and fund projects. The industry would be better.
What is your definition of style? What are some of the things that you wouldn’t do in the name of fashion?
Style for me is how you are dressed, expressing what you are and how you feel each time.
I would never pierce my face, tongue, teeth all in the name of fashion or do Bbl.
How was your growing up?
It wasn’t fun. For a child raised in polygamy where everyone was fighting the other, love was very far. But I am grateful for the ones that I have got in my corner.
What quality or sexy part of yours earned you your first movie job/role?
For me it has always been quality over quantity, I have always been a hard worker. For every role I got, I have worked hard for it. I improve daily with my craft, that for me has been an icebreaker. And I have gotten a lot of referrals too.
Which of these movies gave you the big break?
Blood of Enogie series gave me my biggest break.
What kind of sexy endowment do you flaunt to prove you’re attractive?
I have the most beautiful eyes, set of teeth, dentition and smile; I don’t even have to flaunt it.
Most men can hardly get their eyes off you; how do you cope considering the fact that lots of them would want to get down with you?
I quickly brother zone them, (Laughing)
I know a lot about how to Brother Zone people. I don’t give room for any form of relationship when I am not interested. Some prices are too heavy to be paid when they could have been avoided.
What is the craziest thing a male fan or admirer has done to you?
A fan has placed me on a monthly allowance before. He did that for like six months. I think that’s the most amazingly beautiful thing a fan has done for me and I’m thankful.
The industry is highly competitive. How do you intend to break into the A-list?
I am consistently improving in my acting prowess. Trust me, I am not the same as I was three years ago. I got better just like a fine wine getting better with time while I am
Marriages, especially in Nollywood, keep breaking up. As a soon-to-be married actress, what is your stand on divorce?
For me divorce isn’t an option when it doesn’t involve life threatening issues, such as domestic violence. I just believe with small talks, a lot of things can be sorted out and fixed.
Is marriage still far or near?
I really can’t say. When it comes to marriage I am not rushing at all, forever is too long to make a mistake. I am handling that aspect of my life with my head, sense, and both eyes open and with prayers too.
Have you said no to marriage proposal and tell us why?
Yes I have, I saw a trait of crazy desperation to make money any which way, cutting corners, dishonesty, it really turned me off.
How would you safeguard your marriage?
Like I always say, what people don’t know, they can’t destroy. I will keep them away from the social space.
If you were to date anybody in the industry, who’ll that be?
John Tyler Ekanem. I like how gentle he is.
Are you in a relationship or married?
Single and my searchlight is on.
What is the quality trait you desire from a man?
Kindness, intelligence, smart worker, a gentle believer of God. I can’t deal with a person that smokes or a heavy drinker.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
During an audition, I wasn’t prepared for a monologue, I bumped into them and was called upon, and I went there smiled and took a bow. It was so embarrassing.
What has fame robbed you of?
Good relationship! No one ever believes you are single. They don’t know when to draw the line between my career and personal life. It’s sad.
How would you describe your personality off-screen?
I am a lover girl, a complete baby girl, I am wahala free. I love to love; I am a very kind and compassionate fellow. I mind my business a lot, I am very playful, and in fact I am playing it. But I know when to draw the curtain and say get lost.
Apart from acting, are you involved in any other business?
Yes, I write and plot stories too. I am into the transportation business.
Do you have some men asking you to be their second wife? Why did you decline?
Funnily enough, yes I have a lot of them asking me to be their second wife. I gently decline. No matter how African we are, polygamy isn’t healthy. I am very territorial and a jealous lover. I can’t deal with polygamy drama, especially because I grew up from one.