Genevieve Nnaji is the first of a new cadre of personalities Nigeria is producing. Nnaji has probably inspired more people to consider a career in acting than all the other popular Nigerian actors put together. At 24, she’s barely just become a woman and now has this huge responsibility thrust upon her, to be the vanguard of a new class of celebrities created solely by a larger than life screen presence. She will not talk about her daughter, aside of accepting that she has one. She believes she is protecting the girl from unnecessary media attention and speculation. She says it as it is, not one to pull punches.
Naijarules: Let’s talk about your fame. Sometimes, we ask for something, and then when we get it, we’re not sure we want it anymore. Did you ask for this fame? And now that you have it, do you still want it?
GN: I didn’t want the popularity. That wasn’t what I set out for. I set out to act because it’s something I enjoy doing. But the fame came with it. It’s there, the benefits are there, but that’s not what I set out for and that’s not what I’m doing here. I’m not here for the fame. I really do love my work.
Naijarules: Does it ever get difficult, tiring, having to smile and say hello and greet everybody you meet on the street?
GN: No. No. Because people come up to me with different approaches and one way or the other, you just laugh at their excitement, the different expressions. But I don’t fake it when I smile. It comes naturally. If you make me smile, I smile. If I don’t find you funny, I don’t.
Naijarules: Do you miss your privacy at all?
GN: Yes. Of course I have to, because sometimes you just want to be normal. You just want to do what every other person is doing around you, especially when you’re in a gathering, you’re in a party and you just want to let loose. You just want to boogie the way every other person is doing, but you can’t do it. You just have to act like the star, all eyes on me kind of person. So, it’s hard.
Naijarules: Talking about your true self, what kind of person are you really?
GN: I’m very reserved. Quite principled. I have my own view of life. I’m simple. I believe I was well trained. I’m resourceful. I can be nice to those who are nice to me. Generally, I’m a very normal girl, just like the next-door neighbour. Nothing different.
Naijarules: Do you still live with your parents?
GN: Sort of. Yes, my family is very much around. And even though I have a place of my own, I still stay with my brothers and sisters. The family house is in Lagos as well and I’m always there.
Naijarules: Is there any difference between the Genevieve we see in public and the one at home?
GN: Yes, definitely. I am myself when I’m at home. I’m very playful. I’m a very playful person. I can be funny, naughty. I can be a clown, according to my friends. But I can’t be all that in front of people because people won’t understand. They’re like “you know, she doesn’t do comedy”. I believe I’m a different person at home.
Naijarules: I read on your website that you like singing. In what way do you like singing? In the bathroom or…?
GN: I sing in public.
Naijarules: Oh yeah? What kind of songs do you sing?
GN: I like R’n’B.
Naijarules: Is there a CD in the future somewhere?
GN: Anything can happen.
Naijarules: Okay. This question is for the benefit of all the single men out there. Is there a guy somewhere?
GN: Yes, I have.
Naijarules: Is it serious?
GN: Oh well, you know how it is. We have this boyfriend/girlfriend thing. I’m not engaged. I’m not married. I don’t know what the future has for me.
Naijarules: We all pay a price for everything we have. The problem with being popular, being famous, is that people write all kinds of things about you. Now, are there rumours out there that you would like to correct?
GN: People say I should go and get education. I actually have a very good education. I was in school before I decided to take acting seriously. It has opened up doors. It has opened up my mind and made me more determined to leave the country, further my education abroad. And that will also open up windows and doors for me to further my career in acting.
Okay, they say that I’m dating Ramsey (Nouah), I’m dating (name lost in telephone static)… These are all married people. They’re all married men. It’s all professional. They should forget what they read. So, we’re all being professional here.
They say I’m a snob. I’m not a snob. But you do have some people who approach you with an attitude because they’re trying not to sound too excited. They try to burst your bubble and ask you if you are who they know you are. You know? I’m like…it will show. I am a nice person. I’m a warm person. I’m friendly. Be honest and I will be honest with you. I hate pretenders. I’m open-minded. I like sincerity. That’s me.
Some of her numerous movies include: Battle Line, Critical Decision, Deadly Mistake, Emergency Wedding, Keeping Faith, Last Weekend, Power Or Love, Secret Evil, Stand By Me, Two Together and Women Affair (Naijarules.com adapted)
