By Damiete Braide
For Abuja-based Nollywood diva, Linda Ekezie, acting started on stage when she was in secondary school.
From there, her talent blossomed, enabling her to play major roles in movies such as Untouchable Sacrifice, Cold Pure Water, Behind the Ring, Wedding Ring, Mama G Goes to School, and Mrs Ibu among others.
Ekezie is also a filmmaker, having produced movies like Daughters Love, After Work, My Wife and I, Evil Heart, and Mystic Child. She is currently the Director of Guild Services, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and Chief Executive Officer, Lichisoft Apparels.
The graduate of International Relations and Mass Communication, who speaks Hausa, French and Dutch fluently, opens up on her career, awards and kind of man. Here are excerpts:
What are the things that you love to do?
I love what I do. When I start something, I take it to a higher level.
What is the title of the first movie that featured you?
The first movie that I featured in was Untouchable Sacrifice in 2005 where I played the role of a princess. The role was not difficult for me because while I was in secondary school, I had featured in a couple of stage plays that helped me in acting.
What makes you unique from other Nollywood actresses?
It’s my acting prowess and dedication to my craft. I try to bring out the best in me while acting, and the positive responses I get from my fans make me to act better in subsequent roles.
How would you describe yourself?
I am a lady with beauty and brain. I am hardworking, intelligent, a jolly good fellow and above all I put creativity into whatever I do.
Tell us your experience when you featured with other Nollywood stars in movies?
It was so exciting playing the sub-lead roles with some of the renowned actors in Nollywood including the late Sam Loco. I am inspired by their humility, passion and skills that they have exhibited while on set.
As a producer, what was the first movie you produced?
The first movie that I produced was Daughter’s Love. With the support of some of my colleagues in the industry, I was able to produce the movie. Though, it wasn’t easy, I was able to overcome the challenges and the production was successful.
How did you get roles in the movies you have featured in?
When I started acting, I used to attend audition for roles. But as time went on, I began to get referrals to producers and directors to feature me in movies. I also got calls from producers and directors who have watched some of the movies that I featured in, and it has really helped me.
Tell us your experience acting on stage during your secondary days?
Acting on stage gave me the privilege to study and read in between the lines, and I used to get positive audience feedback after my performances. While acting, I never experienced stage fright and my attention was always on the audience in order to give them my best. Acting on stage was a steppingstone for me in Nollywood.
Which is more difficult, acting on stage or movies?
For me, acting on screen is preferable than acting on stage because of provision of improvisation on set. When acting on stage, there is no room for correction and if a mistake or error is made, the audience will see the lapses. That is why I usually put in my best when I was acting on stage.
What makes you stand out from other Nollywood actresses?
What makes me standout from other actresses is my dedication to hard work and strong devotion to work. I am committed to acting and I always put in my best while acting.
Who are your role models and why?
My role models in the movie industry are Liz Benson, Genevieve Nnaji and Regina Askiya among others because of the way they have conducted themselves. They are always ready to help and encourage up-and-coming actresses.
Are you single and searching?
I am single but not searching.
What’s your idea of a dream man?
My dream man should be dark, highly tolerant, intelligent and God-fearing.
What’s your advice to up and coming actors?
My advice to upcoming actors is that they should be slow and steady in whatever they do. They should not join other people who are in a hurry to make money. They should put their faith in God and he will help them achieve their goals.
How do you feel when you win awards?
It’s an overwhelming moment for me to be called out from a large audience to receive awards. The awards go to show that people and organizations appreciate what I do. The awards spur me to do greater things and I don not allow it get into my head. Some awards that I have won include Mount Moria’s Award in London, and Cultural Ambassador for Nelas Award among others.