I can be silly sometimes –– Uru Eke

Uru Eke

Uru Eke is gradually carving a niche for herself in Nollywood. The UK returnee explains how acting lured her home

You were on CNN to talk about Nollywood. Reliving the experience, how did you feel especially being a newcomer in the industry?

 It was one of the best calls I got last year and it is an experience that will stay with me for a long time to come. I was and I’m still excited about it so much that I have archived my interview and will always reference it.  Vladimir Duthier, the CNN correspondent who interviewed me, is a very good friend of mine and I am honoured to be picked to feature on ‘Inside Africa’.

Did you relocate because you felt you were not doing well enough in the UK and not getting great opportunities to display your talent?

I was doing exceedingly well in London and had a fantastic job and a fantastic life. My job was very demanding and high-pressured and I was unable to do anything else but work. I did do some acting but not as much as I liked. During the course of my career in IT, a lot of acting opportunities came up here in Nigeria; so when I decided to make that transition, it was only logical I headed home. Besides, I did a few stage plays in London and belonged to an acting group called ‘Association of Multi-National Performing Artistes’ where we produced a few in-house films.

Was there any stiff opposition from family or friends when you decided to relocate?

Not at all, everyone was very supportive. I had people put in good words so I did not have to entertain any fears whatsoever.

Was it difficult making up your mind to relocate and what gave you the push to take the bull by the horn?

  For a long time I was not mentally ready, because I knew I would have to make a few adjustments in terms of making new friends, finding a nice place to live, embarking on a new career etc.  However, when I decided it was time to take the leap, I did.

Last year was a particularly inspiring year for you, what things did you have to put in place to make it so?

 To be honest, I did not do a lot. I had a publicist who I was working with and I simply came to Nigeria with lots of faith and hoping that I can only succeed.

What did you expect when you got to Nigeria?

I did not know what to expect but in my usual nature, I was prepared for anything.  I am a go-getter, an enterprising person and I walk up to whatever it is I want to do. So mentally, I was ready for the challenges and armoured to take them on.

In what areas have your expectations not been met since joining Nollywood?

 I am relatively new and working my way up into various projects so there is enough time and room for my expectations to be met.

What are the highs and lows you have experienced so far in your career?

 Just the normal getting around in Lagos with its mad traffic and how it affects scheduling/planning. The highs would definitely be doing what I am extremely happy doing.

I learnt that you are a twin. Are you identical?

No, we are not identical. My sister is an introvert and she is married with no affiliation to the entertainment world in anyway. She is my biggest fan and calls me everyday to know how I am and what I am up to.

How did the journey to acting start?

It is something I have always wanted to do. I have always had a burning desire to be an actress ever since I was a child. As little as I was then, I practised being other people and aped things that I watched on TV.

Which has been your most challenging role?

 I am yet to be challenged but I know its coming.

To what would you attribute your fast breakthrough in the industry?

 I am a praying woman. I lay everything down before the feet of God because I feel you need a lot of grace and favour in life to achieve your dreams. Therefore, everything I have achieved so far has been as a result of God’s love, grace, and favour.

What do you love and detest most about your career?

 I am too positive a person to detest anything, when I come across anything that rubs me up the wrong way I zone out. I hate complaining because it gives me a headache so the love I have for what I am doing right now keeps me going.

What kind of upbringing did you have?

My parents were very strict and upright in their dealings. Everything about them was clear-cut and straightforward and that was how I grew up. Our household was about waking up in the morning, gathering to have morning devotion, school, and travelling. We travelled quite a bit and in my early years, I schooled in different countries before settling back in the UK.

How do you like to relax?

Anyone who is close to me knows that I am such a child at heart, I love hanging with friends. I can be really silly sometimes. I love going to the cinema, travelling and shopping.

Are you seeing someone and is marriage on the cards?

I am weighing my options at the moment.

I do not like hard, stoned-faced men. I am too playful for that kind. I prefer fun-loving happy- go- lucky guys who are total goofballs like me.

What is your long-term plan for the brand, Uru Eke?

 Do more amazing projects, produce my own films and work with lots of amazing people in entertainment and across various platforms

How many films have you featured in so far?

I have acted in quite a number of movies including ‘Ebony, Lucky Joe, Forgive Me Father, Timeless Passion and Last Flight to Abuja. My best is yet to come.

You are an ambassador for a fashion house. What determines what you wear?

The fashion outfit designs a lot of the dresses I wear and sometimes what informs the style is the event and the style of my hair at the time. If I am wearing my hair down, I know what will go with it and if I am wearing my hair up, I know what style of clothing will suit that look.