Chioma Okoye

Chioma Okoye

Talk of being big, busty, bold and daring, Nollywood actress, Chioma Okoye, has them all in large quantity. Chioma carved a niche for herself in the Nigerian movie industry with her very daring roles, which often make her admirers ask for more. In an industry reputed for behind the curtains sexual activities, Okoye revealed that she was once a victim of sexual harassment.

The last of six children, Chioma, who was born in Kaduna debuted as an actress about seven years ago when she starred in the movie, ‘Evil Genius.’ Her journey to stardom however received a big boost after she featured in another movie, ‘Slow Poison,’ which was produced by Emmalex. For her, however, the most challenging roles include, but not limited to two box office hit movies, ‘War in the Church’ and ‘the Desperate Girl.’ The actress is presently involved in a talent-hunt project which she hope to turn into a movie in future. The project, she told OLU OMOTOSHO, was conceived to discover young talents and nurture them into becoming mega stars especially in the movie-making, music and comedy industry in Nigeria.

You are heavily endowed. How do they make you feel?

Yeah! I like my boobs and hips because without the boobs and hips, I don’t know where I would have been. It is because of my endowment that whatever I put on fits me. I love my hips and my breasts and I call them, ‘The Koko.’

Why do you call them the Koko?

I call them ‘The Koko’ because they are a very vital part of me. I might decide to shed some weight if I ever want but I will never tamper with my boobs and my hips.

Tell us a little about your private life.

I have nothing much to say about my private life except that I am blessed. Everything is working well for me. I am not going to reveal anything about my private life.

So, who is lucky guy?

Very soon I will announce it to the whole world.

Sexual harassment is said to be rife in Nollywood. Does it really exist?

Sexual harassment in the industry is not a big deal in the entertainment industry where a lot of movie productions are going on.

Chioma Okye

Have you ever been a victim?

Yes, of course, especially being an actress.

So, how were you able to overcome it?

(Laugh) I just looked at it and laughed. I had to tell some of my friends about it and I granted an interview in respect to that.

How would you rate the standard of the Nigerian movie industry?

Though what I am doing now is just to add my own idea to lift the face of Nollywood because you have to contribute to whatever you have passion for. You can see that everybody is bringing in one idea or the other to make the industry more vibrant.

Can you beat your chest and say Nollywood has arrived?

Yea! We have arrived. I think we have tried.

In what way or ways are you different from other actresses?

We are all the same. We are still actresses from Nollywood, though I am trying to distinguished myself by opening an entertainment company.

What would you say inspired you?

My entry into the industry was by sheer coincidence. Peter Edochie is my uncle and I always go to locations with him. There was a girl who was supposed to play a role in the movie, ‘Evil Genius’ but the girl didn’t turn up that day. At the end of the day, I was called upon and asked if I could act. I was honest enough to say I can’t and then they asked me to give it a trial. I was told if they didn’t wrap up the shooting that week, they’d have to spend more money waiting for the right girl to turn up. So, I was given the script and as they say, the rest is history.

Is it true that movie producers refuse girls roles for refusing to sleep with them?

Ooh yes! It is possible; very very possible.

How supportive were your parents when you were venture into acting?

It wasn’t easy oh! It was a big war. You know we were all born in the North and the way they reason over there. You know what I am talking about but Uncle Pete Edochie had to intervene and today they are happy and proud of me; especially my mum.

Who is your role model?

Joke Sylva. She is a very intelligent woman and her marriage is working well. My male role model is my uncle; Pete Edochie.

Who would you say was instrumental to your success in the industry?

I think my parents because they love the industry and also love me as an actress. They have always wished me the best because they want me to go far and break new grounds and I am trying hard not to let them down. So, that is why I am using this medium to reach out to young people who are interested in becoming actors, actresses or models to grab this opportunity by going to First Bank to pick up the form.

Has stardom denied you of anything?

No. Nothing. Stardom has denied me nothing. I still have my freedom. I still move around

What is your favourite food?

Eba and Okro soup.