–Okawa Shaznay, award-winning Nollywood actress
By Christy Anyanwu
Okawa Shaznay is a Nollywood actress from Bamenda, Cameroon and the first from her country to break into Nollywood with her role in Iyore. The lead role she played in the hit TV series Delila earned her more prominence in 2016. Later that year, she won the Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) award in the TV actresses category.
She spoke with Sunday Sun recently about her favourites. Excerpts:
What’s your favourite life quote?
“Someday, everything will make perfect sense. So, for now laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason.”
Favourite colour?
The different shades of green like mint, teal, turquoise and olive.
Favourite dish?
Afang soup or eru (a Cameroonian dish). They are made with the same leaves but prepared differently.
Favourite book?
I enjoy reading my bible daily but another favourite book of mine is titled, The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, which I find quite witty.
Favourite song?
I have lots of favourite songs but for a long time I have always loved ‘Time to say goodbye’, by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman.
Favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere there’s a beautiful coastal region. My dream destinations are Bora Bora Island and the Caribbean Islands. I will also love to visit Zanzibar in Tanzania. My long-term travel goal is to try and visit various cities across Africa.
Favourite car?
2016 Range Rover Evoque.
Favourite movie star?
Internationally, Sarah Paulson and Viola Davis and in Africa, Rita Dominic and Nse Ikpe Etim.
Favourite fashion accessories?
Retro glasses and rings.
Favourite perfume?
Dahlia Noir by Givenchy and Calvin Klein’s Eternity moment.
Favourite weather?
While in Nigeria or Africa in general, I usually prefer the early weeks into the rainy season. I also enjoy the Fall weather in the U.S and especially because of trendy Fall attire which are always amazing.
Favourite fashion outfit?
It varies with my mood; I don’t have a specific favourite outfit. I usually just go with the spur of the moment. Sometimes, it could be blazer inspired look or a kimono. Whatever the case, I love well-structured clothes.
Favourite designer?
In Nigeria, Deola Sagoe, Iconic Invanity and Lanre Dasilva. Internationally at the moment, I love Ramikadi, Carolina Herrera and Zuhair Murad.
Favourite subject?
My favourite subjects when I was in secondary school were Literature and Economics.
Favourite foreign language?
My favourite foreign languages are French and Italian.