This interview features a talented Nollywood actress, UZOAMAKA ONUOHA, who shared about her journey in the entertainment industry, what her nominations and wins meant for her, and the importance/role of Nollywood in promoting African culture globally.
The actress, through her impressive performance, took home the award for Best Female Performance in a Feature at the 2024 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) for her captivating role in the movie "Agemo". Her talent and role in the same movie also earned her a nomination at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), showcasing her versatility and talent. EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA brings excerpts.
Congratulations on your nomination for Best Lead Actress in the 11th edition of AMVCA 2025! How did you feel to be recognized, even though you didn't take home the award?
It feels great. I feel good; I feel seen. I feel the pat on my shoulders for my contribution to the art through my work. It’s been almost nine years in the industry already, this acknowledgment truly says, "We see you." I thank God.
In 2024, you emerged as the best female performer at AFRIFF 2024 for your role in the movie 'Agemo'. How did you feel about winning, and do you think this recognition brought a sense of fulfillment to you as a creative?
There is an ideology I have, that as creatives, for our contributions to the arts through our work, we are owed a bouquet of flowers. Now, during the course of our journey, we are offered sticks of roses from that bouquet as a pat on our shoulders, telling us, "Well done," and that we are seen and appreciated. That is exactly how I felt with my recognition at AFRIFF - that I am seen through my work and that I am highly appreciated. I thank God for it and for the journey so far.
Can you share with us what triggered your interest in studying theater and film studies, and how you got started in the industry after your studies? And do you feel that your studies were helpful in your career?
Absolutely, my studies were incredibly helpful, as is everything I have had to learn, unlearn, and relearn as a performer during the course of my journey as a creative. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, I have always had a performer's spirit. I've been performing as a child, although unbeknownst to me, the term for what I did was called performance. When I got into secondary school, it took on a new height; now my audience was more vast. I could have burst into tears when I found out about the university course - the joy and excitement of knowing I could pursue this hobby as a career path made me really emotional. I came back to Lagos and started auditioning after completing my studies. I think a significant breakthrough came during COVID; there were lots of monologue auditions and competitions via social media. I emerged as a winner or finalist in almost every monologue competition online during that time.
What role do you think the Nollywood film industry plays in shaping cultural narratives in Africa or globally?
I believe the Nollywood film industry is a major key player when it comes to shaping cultural narratives in Africa and globally. The consumption of visual storytelling is at an all-time high, as people from different continents are stepping out of their comfort zones and learning about cultures different from their own. Film holds so much power in shaping world views, and Nollywood plays a quite important role. We should tell African stories truthfully and tell them well.
How do you see your career evolving, and what should your fans expect?
Fans? (Chuckles) I don't know about that. But I do know I have people rooting for me and looking forward to my work. I've always taken this blessing God has given me seriously; it's truly important to me that I interpret life more truthfully through my art. I have goals; I have objectives; I have dreams and aspirations - all of which I have had since I was performing as a child. My goal is to take African stories to the global stage through major collaborations with like-minded creatives and do a phenomenal job while at it.
NB: This interview was originally published on Independent Newspaper on 4th July, 2025.
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