If there’s one budding actress that people should watch out for, it’s definitely Stacy Chima. In her 20s and from Nkanu West local government area of Enugu State, the ebony-skinned role interpreter shared some of her dreams and desires with YES INTERNATIONAL! Enjoy…
Let’s start by way of introduction. Can we meet you?
Okay, my name is Stacy Chima. The second of seven children, I’m from Enugu State (Nkanu West local government area), I grew up in Delta State; my family is there, I’m in Lagos, I’m an actress and just trying to get out there.
How long have you been into acting?
Professionally, I will say a year or so. But over time, since I was young, I’ve always had that interest.
What got you interested in acting?
The ability to be able to switch into different characters and bring them to life, interest the viewers, keep people entertained, happy. It’s magical for me.
How many movies have you done so far?
Not much, but let’s say about seven, and still counting.
Can you tell us some of them?
I just finished one, a big one with Zeb Ejiro Productions and it’s yet to be out…
What’s the title?
Em…I wouldn’t know the title yet. You know they always have a working title…
Okay, have you done any movie that is out already?
Yes! I did one with Mr. Ibu. That was Yori Yori. It was a comedy. And then I also did Evil Forest and Jungle Mission and then there’s Last September and a couple of others like that.
Who are the actresses you look up to and why?
I like hard working ladies; people who are pretty serious about their business and I think Genevieve Nnaji falls into that category. For me, I’ve been able to follow her closely with the way she brings herself into her character and she’s able to deliver every time she does her job. So, I think she’s one of those women I look up to in the industry.
What distinguishes you as an actress? What are you bringing to the table?
I’m bringing a new breed of entertainment to the table. Something different from what it’s been. I’m bringing myself; me, just the way God has created me and with my talent; I’m bringing it to the table with the sole purpose of entertaining people and keeping the screen totally interesting.
So far, what do you like most about being an actress?
It’s the challenge of being an actress and switching into different roles. You can be a girlfriend, you can be a mother, you can be a young girl, you can just be different things at different times and you live out those roles, really.
What don’t you like about acting?
I think what I don’t like about acting will be the exploitation some of the young ones suffer in the industry. But like some people say, it’s part of the prices we pay.
What exactly do you mean by this exploitation? Is it sexual or what?
Both sexual, both financial. You know, some of us are taken advantage of. We are being told some things; some of us are misled. But in the long run, those who are supposed to stay would be here, those who aren’t would still leave.
Have you had any personal experience?
Not deep experience. I’ve heard stories. I’m somebody who likes to listen and then I like to use people’s experience. I don’t like being the victim. So, most times, I come prepared or I come expecting this and I already prepare myself for it. I tell myself when this comes up, I know what to say, I know what to do. I already set my standards. Like I won’t go beyond this, I won’t go above this, this is where I’m going to stop this so I can contain this; this is what I can hold. So, I already cut those standards for me and I’m living by it.
What is the greatest advise that anybody has given to you about this industry?
I think the greatest advise that I’ve gotten so far would be that you should never forget where you are coming from.
So, where are you coming from?
I’m coming from somewhere you can’t imagine. If I start to say it today, we won’t end this interview. So, I’m just glad that I got that advice at the ample time.
Of all the movies you have done so far, which one titillates you the most?
I will say it’s the one with Zeb Ejiro. It was wonderful; so challenging. I had to play a village girl. It was beautiful! It was magical, I would say and I love the role. I had to deliver my lines as a young village girl. You know, it’s a life I’ve never lived before, but I went on practicing. I tried to live out that particular character. So far, I’m glad with the comments I’ve got.
What would you want people to say about you each time your name crops up?
I want people to not just be carried away with the character, but also look out for something to learn from whatever role I’m given and I want to keep a positive personality. So that people, the young ones, old ones can identify with me on a positive note.