By Christian Agadibe
In a generation when family values are being eroded by negative influence of westernisation, star actress Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman is a refreshing breathe of fresh air, who has stayed scandal-free in the movie industry. Imbued with a sense of family values, and having a firm hand of control on social media, together constitute the secret that helped her manage her career as she powered herself to success.
In this interview, the beautiful actress parts the curtain to give her fans a glimpse of what to expect from the new movie, Ijele by Winifred Mena Ajakpovi and other issues.
What should your fans expect from the new movie?
Fans should expect a lot of action, lots of surprises and lots of lots of culture – the language, design, fashion and the food.
Being an Igbo lady, how do you feel partaking?
This is actually my first Igbo-speaking role, so I am very proud. I hope that the audience enjoys it and they’re kind to me when they watch it.
You missed some words. You forgot your lines so soon.
We do, we all do. And one thing about this production that I admire and applaud them for is that they got an Igbo coach. So he was there, by our side, to help us with some words that were difficult to pronounce or get right.
So, was the film more in Igbo Igbo?
At first, it wasn’t. Then later, they said 50 percent Igbo and 50 percent English but if I should say, my opinion is that it is 90 percent Igbo.
Yoruba people have more Yoruba movies and we’re lagging behind. What does that mean to you?
I think Winifred and the producers of this movie did an amazing job thinking out of the box and saying, ‘You know what, let’s make it 70 percent Igbo’ because most people believe, especially my dad, and he says it all the time that the Igbo language is dying because much of the current generation of young people do not speak Igbo. And it’s something we should start doing intentionally because we used to do it in old Nollywood. We used to sit down and watch Igbo Nollywood films and I don’t see why we can still do that now.
Coming from Old Nollywood to New Nollywood, can you give comparisons?
I’m not from old Nollywood.
Okay, then what do you think about today’s Nollywood as when you started?
I like it. I love it. Everything is different from what it was then. The story, then, was authentic and that’s something you can relate to today because it is the same authenticity of the old Nollywood movies. The only thing that has changed between both times are cameras and equipment.
Do you reject some roles because it’s an Asaba movie?
No. Why would I? When the right script comes to me, I take it. I’ve not been fortunate enough to get any Asaba movie but if I do and I like the script, why not?
Looking at the industry at the moment, is there something you dislike?
No. I think the industry is where it’s supposed to be at the moment. It takes time to get to where we want to be. Hollywood in America took years.
The movie, Ijele, has just come out. Have you been in a production with masquerades like this?
No. This is my first movie where I get to see all the traditions of the Igbo community and people. And I’m super proud that I’m part of it. I can boast and beat my chest that I was part of Ijele movie
You have been such a scandal free personality in the industry. How have you managed that? What’s your secret?
My secret? Well, family values. I remember the family I come from, I remember that from the beginning I wanted to make my parents proud. So having negative publicity doesn’t do that.
In addition to that you seem to not be like other celebrities who are always on social media. You seem to detach yourself from social media. How did you achieve that?
With respect to social media, I feel that it is what you want people to know about you that is put on social media. And that’s it for me. My husband and I decided that whatever we want the world to see, that’s what we put on social media but what we don’t want, we won’t put it on social media.
Sounds good; is there any other thing you’re working on currently, privately?
Ah! I am the lead on Ijele. I cannot do any other thing than Ijele right now. I cannot detach myself and go and shoot something else, and then come back so it has to be this project for now.
You have some endorsements. So which of the endorsement awards do you cherish most?
I cherish every brand I’m representing because that means they saw something in me. Knorr, Cowbellpedia, Nivea, they saw something in and they were like ‘I love her in our brand, I think she represents the family along with her husband.
What are your success tips for younger actors?
If they have good family values, they should keep to that. Remember where you’re coming from. Mind your business. Not everything should be on social media.
What’s the craziest thing a fan has done to you?
I don’t have crazy fans.
Okay, what about your favourite movie? Which one is it?
I don’t have a favourite movie. Every one of them comes with a unique thing they brought into my life. Either they were the first to give me a chance, or the first to make me play a role. So every movie I’ve acted in or featured in are all precious to me. So I don’t have a favourite.