Kelechi ‘KC’ Ejelonu is not only a United Kingdom-returnee; she also left her lucrative job at Barclays Bank to prospect the uncertain waters of the Nigerian movie industry called Nollywood. She tells Assistant Life Editor, TERH AGBEDEH, the story of her foray into Nollywood.
Your journey to Nollywood could be described as going through a wide open door. Are you leaving open a window through which you may find your way back to banking?
Hmmmm, Yes there is a window I have left open; but I don’t know if I am going back into banking. Growing up, my parents taught me to not just have a plan, but always make them two: Plan A and Plan B, just in case Plan A doesn’t work out. But I don’t think acting won’t work. It will, but at some point, acting won’t be at the top of my priority list.
Does coming to Nollywood meet the expectations you had when you made the decision to make the trip?
Yes, I wasn’t expecting everything to be right in Nigeria; for example, traffic and electricity issues. But with Nollywood, I just had a conviction that I would be okay and also go through some experiences I had never gone through before. But I knew it was going to make me a better person.
What brings you the greatest joy?
Knowing my family is happy. Also, helping those around me and putting a smile on their faces bring me the greatest joy.
What would you consider the best advice you have been given?
Always putting God first and following my instincts.
Does being in showbiz in Nigeria give you more fulfilment than your former job at Barclays Bank in the UK?
Absolutely.
What roles would you not be caught interpreting?
When I was younger and had no experience in acting, and just the passion, there are some things I would have said I wouldn’t do. But I am experienced to some level now and I can’t say I won’t do a certain thing. For example, when I was younger my OCD (Obsessive Cleaning Disorder) was really bad and I would say no kissing when I start acting. But hey! I have done that already.
Is there a television show you would not miss?
Scandal.
What film would you say has had the greatest impact on you?
Igodo.
Who are your heroes?
My family.
Do you have a beauty secret that you would like to share with the world?
I am a yo-yo dieter. So when I start a regime and I start seeing results, I always chill out. But for my skin, I just make sure I don’t go to bed with make-up and I make sure I have a shower two to three times a day when I am in Nigeria because the weather is crazy.
Are you involved with any charity work?
Yes I am. It i’s called The Precious Diamond project. And what I do is to sponsor one child every year to school. It is not something I talk about because God just directed me to do that. Though right now, I know God wants me to involve other people around me, which I will do.
What book are you reading at the moment?
The Bible. I read the book of Revelation when I was in university. But now, I am reading it all over again for inspiration and answers.
What makes you nervous?
When I lose someone close to me.
What do you wish someone would have told you early in your career?
Oh, easy. Someone can claim to be your friend in your face but behind you, it’s a different game.
How have you changed since you moved from the banking hall to movies locations?
Funny enough, I am still the same person. You would think I love the red carpet and attention, but I am the opposite; still very reserved and love my privacy.
What won’t you give away in your wardrobe?
My Nivea lip care (laughs). I would have said my earrings, but since the beginning of the year, I have not cared about material things. This year already, twice I gave away things from my wardrobe. It’s just funny and weird, but I get this feeling to do something and when I don’t do it, I am not happy and I could just start crying for no reason. I am just a different but blessed child.
Would you say that growing up in the UK and going to school there made you better prepared for life?
Definitely. Growing up in the UK definitely made me very independent, but having that mentality here in Nigeria is different. Some folks see me as too independent.
What do you love about you?
That I love myself now and God loves me more.
What movie project are you working on right now?
I just finished filming a series called Middlemen with Femi Jacobs, and preparing for my next project which I can’t talk about just yet.
Now that you have etched your name on Nollywood, would you accept an acting role in the UK, even if it means having to lose weight?
Yes, I believe I was younger when I was told to lose weight then, and I had no experience about the business. But now, I am comfortable with changing my body and looks for a role.
Acting, presenting and writing: which do you like best?
Hmmm, this is hard. I don’t want to pick…but I am in love with acting, and writing is therapeutic.
Will you eventually do the Ph.D to please your daddy?
I think time is no more on my side; never say never.
Was it your dad who insisted you study Business Administration and International Marketing?
No, I did.
How easy was it switching from your UK accent to a Nigerian one?
It was hard. I remember the year I moved back. I would go to places with Sharon Ojong and she would not hear what I was saying. Then I had a meeting with Vivan Ejike and she suggested I try to tone it down. Believe it or not, I turned to Africa Magic Yoruba and that helped me.