Grace Ikechukwu is a young aspiring actress working through difficulties in making ends meet as a result of the pandemic. Despite the uncertainty, she has kept the dream of being a movie star someday. In this interview, Grace Ikechukwu shares her story with us.
THE INTERVIEW WITH GRACE IKECHUKWU
What led to you moving to the capital?
My movement here is more about my dreams to become an actress. I love acting, but I’m currently working in a sales and marketing department to make ends meet. Back in Abia, I wasn’t getting much where I was working. I think there’s a lot of opportunities here in the federal territory for me and I have been working to survive.
My heart lies in the movie industry. It had great expectations but it has been difficult looking for a brighter future here. I accept the reality for what it is for me now. But I want to really keep on pushing.
So far, how is work for you in the sales and marketing department?
A lot of disappointments of late. We’ve not been recording much returns. Sometimes you spend a whole day without converting time into money. We haven’t been getting customers as we used to. It’s been a weird year and we all know why.
Knowing that a lot of industries have been affected negatively by Covid-19, what future do you see in the movie industry?
Looking at the huge death rate in other parts of the world, I would say we’re fortunate here. I’ve been researching, the movie industry here is remodelling as well. I can’t wait for new ideas to be implemented so I can take advantage of new opportunities. I’m hopeful. I know there’s a promising future for me out there. I can act any role.
I can play countless characters. My favorite actress in Nollywood is Chacha Ike. Though previously my job has been holding me down and depriving me from entering auditions. But I believe henceforth is going to be a different story. I need to survive while chasing this dream. The job is full time. So I’m currently looking for part-time jobs in order to create time for my passion. My dreams mean a lot to me.
I usually play different characters in my apartment. It’s kinda crazy. I ask myself sometimes, if I’m okay. Trust me, I can really play any role. I mean I can perfect any role. I know if I keep on pushing I’ll definitely get to my destination.
What was your life experience back in Abia?
Abia was never a cool place for me. That’s where I hail from, and it might sound as if I’m speaking ill of my root but I’m just being honest. Abia wasn’t a cool place for me. Life was difficult. Life is still difficult I know, but childhood in Abia was a stressful one. I used to walk to school way far from my home.
My father was really there for me. When I lost him my whole world shifted. He used to tell me about his father, and how his father really wanted him to go to school. His father tried his possible best to make sure he went to school. He encouraged me to further my school even though he isn’t there for me.
It sounded as if he knew he was going to die. But I don’t think there’s only one way to succeed. I ask myself sometimes if I really need to further my education. I understand school might give a boost to heavy salaries and all but it doesn’t mean that other people don’t achieve as much or even more doing their businesses and going about their lives.
The labor market here focuses on employing those having degrees and not having one is bad for you. When I look at it, it’s kinda smart to get a degree at the end of the day. But if that isn’t realized, I believe I can still succeed in life.
What’s your hope for your country in this trying times?
When we were faced with Ebola a couple of years ago, we triumphed. I know Covid-19 will be brought to its knees too. A lot of lives have been claimed by the virus, but there’s hope. We can only be hopeful.
Thank you for speaking to us, Grace Ikechukwu.
By Elijah Christopher
Elijah Christopher is a journalist at A New Touch Of Africa, is also a creative writer, a poet, and an IT enthusiast. He contributed to the collaborative poem written in celebration of Edwin Morgan Centenary, the first Glasgow poet laureate and Scottish national poet from the University of Glasgow. He loves meeting people and learning about new places, cultures, events, and lifestyles.