Jennifer Eliogu is in a cross-continental marriage. Her husband lives in faraway Switzerland, while she lives with their children in Nigeria. She won’t talk about that, even in this interview with Assistant Editor, TERH AGBEDEH, where she dwells on her music and other businesses
You sing well, far better than some in Nollywood who ventured into singing; what prepared you for music?
Jennifer ElioguThanks for the compliment. My Anglican background helped a lot. I was in the choir and drama society back in my secondary school days. My parents both love music and I grew up listening to a lot of music of yesteryear. I did a lot of karaoke too. I knew I was going to do music eventually.
You do love songs. Is any of them inspired by a broken heart?
Yes, I do love songs. I am inspired by everything around me. I am inspired by God. I am inspired by nature. I am inspired by experiences. I am grateful for the gift.
While abroad in Switzerland, did you try for movie roles?
No, I did not. I was contented with taking care of my little angel.
Are you working on a movie project at the moment?
Not at the moment. But as you know, I just released the video of my third single, ‘Fantasy’; so, I am busy with the promotions and I have been doing a lot of live performances at dinners, weddings, birthdays and so on. I still have a few gigs lined up.
It would seem that apart from the movies and music, you are also into business.
I have bought and sold stuff, most times on demand: cars, clothing, accessories and phones.
Would you say that getting married and travelling out affected your acting career?
Getting married and relocating slowed down my career. But looking at my priceless jewels, my children, I have no regrets.
How did the deal for the distribution of your movie, From Within, with Executive Image go?
It went well. Executive Image said the movie did well and that a lot of parents appreciated the movie because it was both entertaining and educative.
For someone who has been on both sides of the camera, which would you say is more challenging: acting or directing?
I have not directed any movie yet.
Upon your return, you chose not to act. Apart from the state of the industry then, could it also be because you were no longer the darling of Nollywood you had been before and therefore was no longer getting roles?
I produced a movie as my contribution to the growth of the industry. On my return, I found that a lot had changed; so many movies were being churned out and standards were compromised. I figured it was not enough to just sit and criticise someone else’s work. It would be great to also do something with the script I already wrote while abroad. From Within is a family story with moral lessons for the girl child. It won the award for best child actress at the Zulu African Film Academy Awards (ZAFAA) in the United Kingdom and got a review at the Nollywood and African Film Critics Awards (NAFCA) and Legend Awards, both in the United States of America.
Are you still sorely funding your non-governmental organisation (NGO), Initiatives Development Empowerment and Absolute Stability (IDEAS)?
Yes, I am still funding my NGO with support from my family and very few friends. So far, we are doing the best we can, touching lives in our own small way.
Do you still compere functions and get paid?
I make a living from compering events.
Amaka Igwe passed on recently, how do you remember her?
Aunty Amaka’s death is a huge loss to her family and to the entire movie industry. Our story is incomplete without mentioning her enormous creative contributions to the growth of the seeming amorphous industry to what is today globally known and appreciated as Nollywood. I empathise with her family. May her gentle soul continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.
How does living apart from your husband work out; for instance, is there a plan in place that says when he comes around, when you go visiting, or who the children stay with?
Much as I am in the public glare by virtue of my profession, I have a right to my privacy. My family is my private life and I try to protect my loved ones from public scrutiny. I will appreciate that you respect that.