Nigerian Movie Star Profile
Nkiru
Sylvanus
She took the movie industry by storm with
her ‘crying’ examplary performance in A Cry for Help directed by Andy
Amenechi and was catapulted to fame. Ever since, Nkiru Sylvanus Nwuzor has
been playing the high stakes featuring in more movies after another in the
lead category.
Her story is that of humility and dogged determination propelled by her
belief in the Almighty God whom, according to her, is responsible for her
successes.
She is guest to Home Video People. "I am the second child and the first
daughter of Mr and Mrs Sylvanus Nwuzor from Osisioma, Aba. My father is a
policeman serving in Owerri while my mother is a midwife, we are five
children in the family", she informs.
Growing up
I went to Ohabiam Primary School and also to Ohabiam Secondary School, all
in Aba. So, in that sense, someone should see me as a complete Ngwa girl. My
father is a strict disciplinarian, if you wish to know. He is a no non-sense
man, maybe because of his profession. It was when I was in primary five that
he called us and made us know that our names would change to his direct
name. He made us change to his first name of Sylvanus. He loves all his
children, but is somehow over protective. I don’t blame him because you
never can tell.
Medical desire
I had earlier toyed with the idea of being a medical doctor, maybe because
my mum was a midwife. I left Ohabiam Girls Secondary School in 1998 and
entered University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, to study Medicine. As time went
on, I found out I couldn’t cope with it. I had always been a serious
student, but I found out I had talent for the arts, such that I dropped the
idea and settled for Mass Communication in the Enugu State University. I am
currently in my second year.
Out of cage
I came into the movie industry in 2000. I came in on my own after telling
myself the honest truth that that is the place I belong. I met a producer,
Felix Okoro, who was producing Out of Cage. He talked me into playing
Ngozi Ezeonu’s
daughter in the movie. It was my first movie and I didn’t have any
experience except being a member of the dramatic society of my school. I
thank the Almighty God for being very kind to me because I found favour
where other very erudite graduates have not succeeded. He has been
continually faithful to me . I can’t really point it out. I see his
handiwork on daily basis. I see it that when it comes to God being there for
you, he doesn’t mince words, he doesn’t act in a small way. He works for you
through and through. I say this because I am a beneficiary of God’s favour,
I see his handiwork in my life daily. I see his love and favour, in my daily
successes, and I am very happy.
Cry for help
I did A Cry for Help after a couple of jobs. But that brought me into the
lime light. I had done the Out of Cage (Christian Dior) and did Evil Forest
by Sonny Collins Nwatu of Great Movies. When A Cry for Help came, it was not
really for me. Two other people were already on the bill. That is why I tell
you that when God’s favour is on you, you never miss out. They had somebody
in mind whom they eventually decided was too fat for the role. Then they
toyed with the idea of
Genevieve
Nnaji but I don’t know why they didn’t reach her after all. Then the
guesses went to
Chiege Alisigwe who also was busy with her exams and the producer
couldn’t wait. The producer then said why don’t we try this girl, Nkiru and
it fell on me. I see it as one of the most challenging roles for me because
I had to cry from the beginning to the end. You know it is not easy to cry.
I really was made to cry. Andy Amenechi, the director, handled me the way
professionals do. He did a lot for me to cry and enter the character. That
man is really a great director, it was after the film that a flood gate of
movies opened for me and I can’t but thank God. God had a special interest
in me. He lifted me up through that movie which was not even for me in the
first place; it was like a dream. I have realised, but I’m still working on.
Humility
I think what keeps me going on and waxing strong in an area where otherwise
I couldn’t have had any chance is my very strong belief in God. This is
instilled through my faith. I am an Adventist and that is the basic tenets
of my faith. Be humble and all other things will be added to you. I am very
humble and I respect constituted authority.
Challenging
I can tell you that the most challenging movies in my career are the first
ones. I see Out of Cage as very very challenging because I just came into
the industry as a fresher. I wanted to do it well. The next one for me was
Cry for Help. It was tasking because I had to cry from the beginning to the
end. But I must say, I have not done my most challenging movie in the
through sense of the word.
I can’t even tell you my most challanging character in any movie because
each character is good in their own ways.
Nkiru
In Egg of Life
Most memorable
My most memorable event didn’t happen in the movie industry. I recall in
December 2003 I was driving to Enugu from Aba when suddenly I saw a man at
the middle of the road. I tried to avoid him but he hit himself on my car
and fell. I had to quickly report myself to the police. I had never been so
apprehensive in my life. Thank God the man survived.
Over use of faces
I don’t believe the saying that faces are ever used in the industry. I also
do not consider myself being over used because I cannot feature in every
movie. But let me tell you, the so called over use of faces is a worldwide
phenomenon. There are people whom the fans want to see when their films
come, fans rush for them, it seems more of a matter of demand and supply. If
it is not so, then you won’t see these stars and know them. I don’t see this
as over use but as what the market wants.
Marketers
I see them as the people holding the industry even when the government is
not showing interest. I have a cordial relationship with them and I thank
God for that. I don’t even have any problem with anyone in the industry, be
it marketer, producer and director or even my fellow artistes. God is in
control.
School
I try as much as possible to combine my academics with my interest in the
movies. So, any day I am not shooting, I am in the classroom because I value
my education. In class, it is a different ball game. You are meant to
contend with people of diverse feeling. Some people are so happy with your
achievements while some are envious. Some feel you feel too big while some
others wish to be your friend.
Fashion
I am not a fashion freak, maybe because of the religious home I come from. I
try to wear anything that fits me well. There is no special interest. But I
love wears I can just ship on. I am not crazy about fashion. You are likely
to see me wearing jeans because they are so easy to find and easy to wear. I
also love short skirts. Some people say I love to show my legs but it is
just what I like. I don’t know what they mean by that.
Marriage
Every woman looks forward to manage. I look forward to it because I am an
adult. Even though my daddy loves me as a daddy should love a daughter, I
look forward to eventually settling down with my own husband. However, I am
not under pressure for marriage because I haven’t finished my studies. I am
yet in year 2. But that notwithstanding, marrige is not about personality
but about love. My fingers are still crossed because marriage is an
institution and not friendship. It is someone you have to live with for
better for worse or for better for best. I am waiting patiently for ‘Mr
Right’. But I am not under pressure. God will help me decide and I leave
everything to Him.
Some of Nkiru's movies
Tel:571-247-2679 email:contact@nigeriamovies.net
