WHERE has Ngozi Nwosu not proved her worth? As an English, Yoruba and Igbo actress, the gifted thespian has never been found wanting. Little wonder, awards and accolades have been pouring into her home from left, right and centre. The actress who is of Igbo origin but speaks Yoruba language more than some Yorubas let AZUH ARINZE into her world…
It’s a new era, what are your plans?
First of all, I have to thank God that I survived a major operation. That’s number one.
(Interruption) – What kind of major operation?
My brother, the thing heavy o! We just thank that I am alive. It is not easy to tear person into two and for that person to be alive to recount the story.
I’m not getting your drift. Be specific, what kind of operation did you undergo?
They said my intestine was swollen. I thank God that I’m alive to see the new year. I entered the theatre on the 24th of December, 1999 and…
When were you discharged?
30th December, 1999.
How was it like spending your Xmas on a hospital bed?
Do I know anything like Xmas? I just thank God I survived the operation.
How do you feel now?
You’ve seen me. How do I feel? I feel better… just that I cannot walk properly, I cannot go out, play…I’m in the house (the lady that comes to bath her every evening arrives; she excuses herself and after about 20 minutes, returns, looking refreshed)… ‘My brother, let’s continue’, she urges.
How was it like inside the theatre?
What it was like? (Laughs) I wouldn’t know because I was “dead”… All I know is that when I woke up, I found myself in a ward.
And what was your reaction?
I prayed, because while going in, I knew I stood a 50-50 chance. It was a major operation and… Days before the D-day, doctors checked my blood pressure to make sure I was okay… I just said God, I know it is not my portion to die and after that, I didn’t know what happened next.
So, what have you learnt from this?
It has strengthened my faith… You won’t know what I’m saying unless you go through that… But I’m lucky.
A lot of people are wondering why you are still single?
What am I supposed to do? One-day sha, they will stop wondering or what do you want me to say?
Is this going to be the magic year?
What do you mean by the magic year?
The year of marriage?
(Laughing) Maybe… Everything depends on God or haven’t you heard that God’s time is the best? If God says right now, this is your man, it will just go pa, pa, pa… I think for everybody, God has destined a time. Maybe, mine hasn’t come.
How do you see the marriage institution; do you believe in it?
Of course. Marriage is a good thing. It is something that every woman looks forward to. Especially, when you find the right man or there will be problems. Me, I don’t pray for somebody’s husband because whoever that marries somebody’s husband will have too many problems to contend with.
Doesn’t it bother you that marriages contracted between actors hit the rocks before they start?
It doesn’t, because life is what you make out of it. Those that theirs flop, that’s their problem. After all, we have actors whose marriages are intact, whose marriages have been going on and on.
You used to stay with Jennifer Emeka – Ossai (nee Okere)?
Yes. She was staying with me.
So, how did you feel when she got married ahead of you?
Her getting married is every good friend’s wish for her friend. Her luck is different from mine. I was happy for her when she married because that was when God said was her time. I know that my own time will come. Very soon!
There was this guy, Henry Omereonye that you were once dating. Most people had expected that you were both going to end up in the altar. What happened, why did you part ways?
My dear, abeg, I don’t want to discuss that. It’s an old story and gone with the winds. I’m opening a new chapter.
With who?
I don’t know yet.
Is there any man in your life at present?
Maybe you… Abi e no good? Okay, Azuh Arinze is the new man in my life…
Be serious now?
At present. (Thinks) I no see any love jare, hapum aka (leave mc alone)… I’m in love with myself, biko (abeg).
What kind of man can blow your mind or make your heart to beat faster?
(Laughs) Of course, an intelligent man, an okay guy. He doesn’t have to be too rich. Just God-fearing, because it is only when you have that, that both of you can make it. All I want is a God-fearing man that knows what love is all about… You know, most Nigerian men don’t know what love is all about.
Are you talking from experience?
Not really.
What’s your definition of love?
Kai… kai… Dat one definition of love is beingtogether in spirit and you don’t lie, no matter the crime; you resolve your problems without having to call a third party. That’s what I call love.
Have you tasted love before?
Oh yes! If at my age I haven’t, won’t you say that I’m not normal or that something is wrong with me?
When was the first time you fell in love?
That was a long time ago. That should be 1990.
With who did it happen?
I don’t want to disclose that… The person sabi himself?
What would you like changed about your person?
My being too soft. It’s true. I like helping people to solve their problems, but when it is my turn, everybody turns their back on me. I wish I could change that, but I can’t.
How do you feel being versatile; being able to act in Igbo, Yoruba and English movies?
It feels great. It’s a talent that God has given me. If I’m called for Igbo, I’m there; Yoruba, I’m there; English, I’m there. It shows that I’m good. If I’m not good, I cannot fit into the three areas.
Any difference between those three?
No difference, just the language, because in terms of location, welfare, etc, they are the same. The Yorubas have improved. I took part in two or three Yoruba movies last year and I must say they have improved. They were like behind before, but now they are coming up.
Do you have any regret?
None at the moment.
Happiest moment?
When I survived the operation.
Your saddest moment?
When I lost my uncle (Johnson Nwosu) in 1997.
Any phobia?
Height. I’m afraid of height…
NB: This interview had earlier been published