Steph Nora Okere is multi-talented. She acts, produces, sings and also presents. Currently putting finishing touches to her TV programme, Lounging with Steph Nora, she granted audience to YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine…
What is your definition of a good actress?
Coming from where I am standing, a good actress or a good actor, let me put it that way, is one that can interpret a role and you start to wonder if they really went through such role they are playing. You can’t really distinguish them from the role they are playing.
What are the ingredients needed to succeed as an actress?
First and foremost, the raw material – talent. You need to have the talent. But most people make a lot of mistake by thinking that once you have the talent, you have everything. Then, they just dash out like that. No! If you discover you have the talent, you need to go and improve on what you have. You need to get a little bit of training on what you have. It might be while you are practicing or before you start practicing. When you are rooted in what you are doing, it would be easier for you to excel, and when little situations come up, where you need to do certain things professionally, you wouldn’t be thrown off.
What is the greatest mistake that most actors make?
Most times, the mistake comes from putting the business before the show. I have this belief that no matter what the situation may be, the show must continue. So, you need to have the show. If you don’t have the show, you can’t have anything. Most people dash into the movie industry because of the money and that’s the big mistake they make because as soon as the money stops coming, they leave the industry, and get frustrated. But, if you are doing the show for the love of it, that is act for acting sake, then you would succeed.
Why do most people have bad perception of actresses?
I really don’t know because I’m not in their minds. I feel they are just being biased. Some people are not mature enough to understand that what an actor does while acting ends on set. Just like a doctor, whatever he does in theatre ends right there. Most people prefer what an actor does on set to his normal life.
You have been away from the acting scene for a while now, why is this so?
Yes, that’s true. I have been working on so many things. I have been working on rebranding myself. Having done the same type of movies over and over in 17 years, I had to take a break and be sure of what I’m doing. But now, I am back big time. And I’m doing it in a whole different and better way.
During the period you were away, what exactly were you doing?
I have been working on my album, and I’m still working on it. I released one of my songs “Jeje” last year, and it was on air. I have also been working on my T.V talk show, which is presently on my table.
What’s the name of your talk show?
The Lounge With Steph Nora.
What is it all about?
The Lounge With Steph Nora is built towards celebrating Africans who are helping the growth of Africa, and Africans at home and abroad.
You said something about an album which you are still working on, how many singles have you dropped?
I have four singles so far: “Eternity, “Had it All”, “Jeje”, “Ready”.
What has been your most remarkable moment in 2012?
A lot of remarkable things happened. The one I can remember that gave me a full piece of fulfillment was when I saw the first episode of The Lounge and the day my songs “Jeje” and “Ready” went on air.
What plans do you have for the remaining months of 2012?
One of my major plans is to start to air my talk show on African Magic and STV and also to drop my album before the year runs out.
What would you never do in a movie even if you are paid millions?
Strip. You can get my body doubled, I don’t mind; as long as it’s not my body that is being viewed. But I can’t strip.
What is your definition of love?
Love is having to stay when you have all the reasons to go away.
Are you presently in a relationship?
Yes.
Can we know him?
I am in a very peaceful and beautiful relationship with Jesus (laughs) and it’s working out really fine.
You were once in a marriage, what led to your marriage break up?
I was never married. All I had was a marriage process, and it was terminated due to irreconcilable differences. I am not a divorcee.
What would you spend heavily on?
I don’t really spend much money on material things. So, I would invest in my business. And help the less privileged so I would also make an impact in their lives.
What do you think is wrong with Nollywood? Most people say it dying gradually?
Nothing is wrong with Nollywood. I see things getting better than it ever was.
What advice do you have for upcoming actresses and those who see you as a role model?
Put God first, believe in yourself, and never say never.
NB: First published December 2013