Madra Ihegborow, otherwise known as Ezinne, has been working professionally in the United Kingdom since she was 14. The British-Nigerian actress has been in films like Teachers (2001), Planespotting (2005) and Dead Set (2008). She has also been on television in The Bill (1984), Casualty (1986), Holby City (1999), Doctors (2000) and Judge John Deed (2001). In this interview with Assistant Life Editor, TERH AGBEDEH, she talks about her journey to the Nigerian movie industry and her future here.
You have done your first film since returning to Nigeria. Is there going to be another?
EzinneYes. There is another with Mr. Ibu (John Okafor) called Reverend Sister that is coming out soon. I have also done a few television series here and there; so watch out.
When you mention Mr. Ibu, what came to mind was comedy.
Yes, I played a funny sister called Sister Immaculate. The movie is extremely funny, and you see Mr. Ibu in his elements. I have learned so much from him being on that set.
You said that you are back in Nigeria to stay. Why did you make that decision?
In a nutshell, it was God. When you try to think why something has happened, you can think of all the reasons. But, initially, my mum came here to retire, and I thought: let me come and see where my mum is coming to (laughter), and make sure she is safe and okay. And then acting came my way here, and work has kept me here. So, I am here to stay.
You must have heard a lot of terrible things about Nigeria all the years you were away. Does what you have seen on the ground correlate with what you heard?
To be honest, no; I mean, I believe Nigeria is a beautiful country. Don’t get me wrong, it is not perfect. We have got our flaws, but I believe that we have definitely got a lot of potential, unlike abroad. We have a lot of organic food, a lot of vegetation, beautiful weather and beautiful people. So, you know, I am happy that I am here.
You must have seen some Nollywood films, perhaps on the Nollywood channels on Sky in the UK…
I actually grew up watching Nollywood movies. The first movie I watched was Living in Bondage. I think I was probably about knee high, but I fell in love with Nollywood movies from then. Circle of Doom, you know, with Kenneth Okonkwo, Kanayo (KOK), Liz Benson, Genevieve (Nnaji).
The consensus out there is that the quality of production back then was far better than what obtains today. Do you agree?
I do miss the old Nollywood, but I believe that the new Nollywood is coming up and I believe that we can overtake the quality, story lines and acting ability. I am really impressed with the acting ability that you see now. I do respect the people that started Nollywood and I will continue to respect the work that they did.
How did you get on the film project with Omoni Oboli?
I auditioned for her.
How did you get information about the project?
It was while I was here last December.
Omoni Oboli has moved from acting to directing; is this how you see yourself: act, produce, direct?
Oh yes. That is who I definitely look up to and aspire to be like. I love writing as well. I do write. I obviously want to learn how to walk before I run and then fly. That would come in another few years. But definitely, that is what I aspire to be.
Has any of the scripts you have written been produced?
Not yet.
What is wrong; are you hiding them?
(Laughter) I am not necessarily hiding them, but I just want to get a bit more experience. I wouldn’t mind maybe collaborate with someone who has experience. I would love to work with Omoni as well. I need somebody that has experience.
If you go to the embassies, particularly those of the UK and America, there is a rush to get out of the country. You have been out there and want to come back. Why?
You know the saying that the grass looks greener on the other side. I think that people that are used to a particular environment want to get out. I think that is the same with me. A lot of Nigerian people have said, are you crazy? The first time I came here was when I was 27, Christmas time…
Last year?
Yeah, 2013.
They ask me: are you absolutely insane?
Girls here don’t say their ages.
You see, that is how you know I am not a proper Nigerian, but I am getting there slowly (laughter). That is how we are over there; we are, maybe, a bit too transparent.
So were you running back here.
Running? Do you know what? For a while, I have seen myself outside of the UK, (I discovered that) my future wasn’t there (UK). I thank God that I have a privilege of being born there. I had my education there and enjoyed the British culture. I appreciate all of that, but I do believe that it was time for me to move on, and God said ‘Nigeria’. I wanted America or Australia or Canada but God pointed here specifically. So, you can’t say no to God’s guidance. I believe I am meant to be here for many reasons, not just acting.
What are the other reasons? Do you act on part-time basis?
I also own a health business. I am a specialist nurse as well as a health consultant. I own a natural remedies company.
How different is it to work in the UK and here in Nigeria?
In a nutshell, I would say I believe they just have a general sense of structure abroad; so when they say we are starting to shoot 7am, it is 7am on the dot. I think the most shocking thing I discovered working here is, that is not the case at all. It could be that they call you up to come at 7am, but you won’t start shooting till 7pm and maybe work till the next morning. I think that was a bit of a challenge for me, just because I am so used to the time over there.
Then here, there is a bit of flexibility. Over there, it is very hard to say that I have got this to do, can we reschedule for tomorrow? So there are good sides and bad sides to both. Abroad, there is a general sense of professionalism in terms of money (laughter). And a general work ethic and things like that. We have come a long way and I believe that we can strive to be better.