By Damilola Fatunmise
Despite studying Agriculture at the University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, beautiful actress Sonia Uche possesses a natural talent for acting.
The daughter of renowned filmmaker Nancy Uche, Sonia is also a successful producer and entrepreneur.
In this interview, she discusses her humble beginning, the challenges she’s faced, and other fascinating aspects of her life and career.
Can you tell us about your family and your growing up days?
I grew up in Igbuzo, a small town in Oshimili North in Delta State, but I am partially from Abia State. I am the firstborn in a family of four girls, and growing up wasn’t too bad because my parents were always there for us at every point we needed their support. I started my education at Anioboshi Demonstration Primary School and St Augustine’s College. Then, I proceeded to start living with my grandma in Abia State. I went to the University of Agriculture in Umudike, Abia State. My mum is Uche Nancy, a producer who used to be a costumier.
What was your parents’ take on your chosen career?
I would say my mum played a major role in my career. Acting is not something one can just wake up one night and jump into and do well, no matter how much one loves it. If not for my mum’s experience and mentorship, I could have given up on this career since.
How did Nollywood start for you?
I had moments when I could not stand in front of the camera without shivering. However, my mum was not happy about it, and she kept encouraging me. Sometimes, she would tell me I was not doing well, which made me to put in more efforts. I remember that playing my first lead role was difficult because I could not cry on cue. My mum’s words, even though harsh, pushed me to cry, and that got me where I am today.
As they say, family is everything. The support of my family members made things easy for me because they understood everything.
What would you say are your inspirations in life?
I have always loved acting since I was a kid, even though I did not study acting in school. I wanted to be an actor since I was a kid. While growing up, I was a member of the church’s drama club. As a teenager, I usually acted in short dramas and watched a lot of movies. While I was in the university, I went for my first audition in Abuja with a production company called Mira Entertainment. I saw the notice on Facebook for an actress between the ages of 18 to 35, and I went for it. It was not easy but it was my first attempt. I was in school in Abia State at the time, and I did not tell anyone about the audition. So, I went to Abuja; a place I had never been to and didn’t know anyone. I got stranded until a girl offered to help me charge my phone. After charging it, I tried reaching the person I was supposed to stay with but couldn’t. I ended up sleeping in that girl’s house. I did not know her, but she took me in. I went for the audition, and that changed everything.
While studying Agriculture in school, I knew I wanted acting more than I wanted school. But I knew my dad was not going to allow that. I had to finish school. So, I took a break from acting, but once in a while, I would leave school, go meet my mum, and feature in a few movies. After school, I went back to acting full-time in 2018.
Which movie would you say brought you to the limelight?
The film, ‘France Wife’ was my big break. At the time I was doing it, I did not envision it to be a movie that would push me that far. That was a life-changing movie for me. It gave me the platform I have today. My mum played a major role in that film because she and the director were old-school pals. The director said to me, “I don’t want to see you; I want to see the character.” I lived in the village for some time with my grandma, which helped me interpret the character. My mum also tried to bring that out in me.
What characters are your best?
Honestly, I enjoy playing naïve characters. I don’t like applying too much make-up or trying to look all flashy. I just enjoy being in my natural state. Whenever I get a role where I don’t have to wear make-up, I am okay with that, because it allows me to be myself. However, I also love roles that challenge me and allow me to do different things. I don’t like being stuck with a particular type of role.
What are the major challenges you faced in being an actor?
As an actor, I didn’t face many challenges, because of my mum and her big brother, Uchenna Mbunabor. Now, as a producer, the challenge is getting the right actors and securing locations. Many people don’t want to give up their houses for filming, or they ask for high fees. But overall, my family support has made things easier.
How are you enjoying the fame that came with your acting career; would you say it has changed your personality, or are you still who you are?
I don’t think fame has affected me in any way. I am not an egoistic person. I still go to the markets when I want to. The most that can happen is that people might recognise me and want to take pictures. Meanwhile, those are people who enjoy what I’m doing, so meeting them is a privilege. Fame has not changed me in any way. I don’t even know if I’m famous. I just live my life and do my thing. If people want to take pictures, I am willing to oblige them, and say “hello”. It’s not that hard. I am still work in progress and maybe someday, I’ll get more recognition.
Who are the people you admire and look up to in the movie industry?
I admire people like Genevieve Nnaji and Patience Ozokwor, aka Mama G.
Can you recall your worst and good moments as an actor?
The worst moment was when I lost someone in May 2012. It felt like my life had come to an end, but I am glad I got through it. As for good moments, I have had a lot, especially the ones with my family. I don’t have specific expectations, but I want to expand my production work, maybe even outside Nigeria. I want to help people with my platform, similar to how my mum has helped many in the industry. I’m still working on getting there and doing my part, with God’s help.
To what extent would you say social media has helped your career?
There are both good and bad content on the Internet. It depends on what one is watching. You can’t say that everything shown on the Internet is bad. Sometimes, I come across meaningful content, and sometimes, I see the ones that are toxic to society, but I just ignore the ones that are not for me. It has helped the industry in a way because we tend to push out our craft to our audience more easily than before its existence.
I think social media is very toxic to our children but parents can censor it by paying attention to what children watch. On my part, I can start being cautious of the things I put out there for the young ones to see, but that doesn’t mean the next person will do the same. The onus is more on the parents because you can’t control everything that is on social media. Most times, I make videos or take pictures for my Instagram page, but I’m not always able to post them. I manage somehow though, but I don’t have a physical space for my business; it’s mostly online.
Would you like to share your love life with us?
I would love to keep my personal life private, but I have never dated any actor. On the kind of man I would like, he has to be God-fearing and a family-oriented person. If a man does not love God, I don’t see a future with him. Providing is important, but being God-fearing and family-oriented are my main criteria. I want a man who adores me, can afford the basic things of life, and respects me. He needs to have a good heart and be a kind person. Looks don’t count, because I don’t believe anybody is ugly.
How do you deal with controversies?
Being in the public eye means people will talk about one. I don’t think too much about it though. Sometimes, when I see stuff, I just smile. It is normal for people to talk about one, and I honestly don’t mind it.
