By Rita Okoye
Sylvia Ukaatu started out as a face model and then became a known face in the Nigerian movie industry. In this interview with Sunday Sun, she shares her challenges finding true love, life as a single mum and other issues bordering on her career.
How has this 2024 been treating you?
My dear, this year has been a blessing despite the ups and downs surrounding our country. However, I have dived into other businesses to survive. Such business activities like clothing and real estate.
What are the major challenges you have encountered due to the economic downturn?
It has affected all. Nobody is an exception to this. Is it hunger? Or Should I talk about the inflationary prices of goods and human services or the decrease in film production? Because nobody wants to produce and have it not viewed due to the high cost of data. I will say it has done more harm than good.
These days, young ladies are looking for all means to survive, agreeing to sex-for-money and all, what’s your take on this?
I will say you are not far from the truth. Even the people you think are not capable of such, you will later discover they are into hookups as it is now called. Well, even if they have a business idea, where is the capital to start it? That’s why I don’t judge anyone.
How are you coping as a single mum?
I am doing just fine. I wish to just have another child, and then close the chapter for husband for now.
Can’t you marry within your industry?
No, I can’t marry a colleague because we won’t have time for the kids. At least my husband should be home after work when I am not around.
Should we start preparing to buy Asoebi? Any marriage plans?
Haha, I wish there was but now my goal is building myself while I wait for the right man. Yes, you see I have never had it smooth in a relationship but it hurts me more that I am yet to find the right man.
How do you deal with heartbreak? Can you share your last heartbreak experience?
Do we have a way to deal with heartbreak? For me I just move on, my heart is too fragile to let anything trouble me. There is no last relationship, so there is no experience.
When was your last relationship?
I can›t say…
How do you cope during these cold and lonely nights?
Hahahah! When I will be ‘kabashing’ in tongues? How can I experience a cold night? No, my dear, there are no lonely nor cold nights because I am with my partner “The Holy Spirit” all the time until I get tired then he lets me sleep. That’s the new me.
So, prayers now soothe sexual feelings?
You only feel that way when you are not in Christ.
When the right man comes how would you know?
My eyes are open by mercy to know when the right man comes. I am not a kid not to know. I should know who is intentional with me.
Looking back, what lessons did 2023 teach you, that you will try to avoid this year?
I am thankful that my family and I made it to 2024. I am also happy because levels will be changing, and the limitations experienced last year will no longer surface.
I have learnt to keep friends at length in the line of business because I have tried to please friends and got myself shot in the leg. I have also learnt to speak less and achieve success quietly.
What are those movie roles you would not play, even if the money is enticing?
Lesbian roles, I will never do it because it might trigger what has been buried. Back in my university days, I got into it through a friend and it took a whole lot to get myself out from such a devilish act. Like I said, I have aligned my life according to God’s plan and I am not ready to ruin it because mercy might not be available again.
How do you prepare yourself to take on a role, especially those tedious types?
If you have it, you have it. You don’t need extra preparation to get into any character except there is no character description.
Are you as petty as not posting your friend’s birthday on Instagram, because she didn’t post your birthday on her page?
Hmmm nooo, I am not into this birthday thing, so if I don’t post you, it’s not a big deal because sometimes I even forget to post myself. If I am in the know of the birthday, sure I will post you. Sadly, most of the time, my colleagues only reply to those with the blue barge like it’s an achievement. So, I stopped posting anybody, don’t post me too.
Do you still keep old friends despite hitting fame?
Where is the fame? ‘Na only for Naija fame dey sweet because outside here nobody cares who you are’. So, I still talk to my old friends because they are part of my story.
Who were those you looked up to before you joined Nollywood?
Genevieve Nnaji remains my icon, she is the reason most of us joined Nollywood.
What would make you more fulfilled in your career?
Until I don’t have to introduce myself to the public, then I will know I am fulfilled.
Lastly, looking back at your life and career, what do you think you did wrong that you would like to make right given the rare opportunity?
Hmmm… Not having that courage, in the beginning, killed many opportunities because I thought I wasn’t good at it. It made me bottle up so many skills not until I started believing in myself that I was good and that I could do it. The rest is history!