Uche Chika Elumelu is a Nigerian actor, geographer and artistic marketing consultant.
She has appeared in a number of Nollywood function movies, together with Over The Bridge (2023), All The Colors Of The World Are Between Black And White (2023), The Wait (2021) and This Woman Referred to as Life (2020). She has additionally performed lead roles in Nigerian theatre productions like Who Tiff Mona Lisa, Anatomy Of A Lady, Child Bathe, Hear Phrase! And Saro: The Musical.
Elumelu’s newest appearing function is that of a supporting character in Tosin Igho’s Suspicion, a Nollywood crime drama imbued with supernatural undertones. She performs Onajite, the daughter of an Urhobo traditionalist torn between rage and grief on the dying of her lover.
The movie has obtained combined to optimistic critiques for its bold premise, thrilling motion scenes and its distinctive exploration of African mysticism. Elumelu specifically has been praised for her seamless function interpretation and her command of the Urhobo in addition to Pidgin intonations. She seems in solely two scenes, however her spirited efficiency sees Onajite stand out as one of many film’s memorable characters.
We spoke to Elumelu about her strategy to Suspicion, black and African storytelling, juggling movie and theatre, and emotional funding in particular film roles.
Introduce your self…
Uche Chika Elumelu, three distinct names and no hyphen wanted thanks very a lot.
I’ve been knowledgeable actor since 2016, and I’m a proud Enuani lady from Aniocha North Native Authorities Space of Delta State. Nevertheless, Lagos is my birthplace and has been my house for over 32 years. Just like the well-known beer, I flip 33 subsequent January, so, Aquarius child within the constructing.
Describe your life in a single phrase or a sentence.
You’ll by no means meet anybody as intense
Why are we right here?
Suspicion is the moniker, the film and as we hope, the motion. Everyone seems to be speaking about it and we couldn’t be extra grateful for the reception up to now. Within the phrases of our expensive WhatsApp celebrants, “The love is huge, guys.”
Inform us what this undertaking is about in your personal phrases.
“A younger man delves into the sinister world of black magic…”
Eleven phrases into our synopsis and you already know say Voke don purchase market. The shine and the shege of getting superpowers are explored in a means that’s unprecedented for Nollywood. This film asks maybe probably the most pertinent query but: How far are you prepared to go for these you’re keen on, particularly because it pertains to the stability between our human yearnings and ethical compass?
Introduce your character.
Onajite is a lover and a fighter. All the things about her is just about predicated upon these two ideas. Astral projection & gravity manipulation are her talents, as she comes from a strong juju household very similar to Voke’s. The fusion of softness and metal inside her being retains Onajite optimistic on this mortal world, irrespective of the circumstances. Beginning a household with the person of her desires, Rogba offers her a way of accomplishment. To cite Rihanna, they discovered love in a hopeless place.
Think about Onajite’s wrath when she finds Voke, the person who took all of this away from her. She is a daddy’s woman to the core, she will get coconut head o, however na why her papa like am. Na appropriate babe.
Why did you say sure to this function?
One take a look at the script for Onajite, and I used to be drawn to her depth. That’s a high quality I share with the character for positive. 2022 was the 12 months I turned 30 and so naturally, I had this important shift in perspective. Up till then, I’d draw back from posting my achievements or placing myself on the market, however I made a decision to interrupt that behavior…present extra persona on my socials and see what occurs. Actually, I felt really seen for the primary time in ages.
As tacky as this sounds, I consider ‘Jite discovered me worthy as a result of I broke the mould. Kelvinmary Ndukwe really helpful me for a closed studying with Nkeiru & Tosin in April or Might (I feel), and I knocked it out of the park. It was arms down one in every of my most memorable auditions but. How might it not be a large sure?
Your course of getting ready for this function?
Each time I’m requested this query, I strive my finest to not get all textbook-ey. My private secret is eager remark. It concerned, on this case, watching folks of their pure habitats. For example, my older cousin lived with us all through her first being pregnant and I remembered how agile she was. I had performed pregnant ladies up to now [I digress: Nollywood might be on a mission to impregnate me] however Onajite needed to be decidedly distinct. I began together with her physique; retaining the burden was the straightforward half. Somebody known as me a ripe tomato. An apt low reduce and spherical face served the fitting phantasm. Then I started to grasp the stroll: pregnancy-laden, however with a vengeance. It was refreshing that lots of people seen how her physicality elevated these scenes.
As for parlance, na that point I sabi say my pidgin no get degree o! That’s the place outdated tapes of Warri comedians got here in. I binged laborious to get my inflexions as straight as attainable. Evaezi Ogoro, my God will bless you and your sort uncle for aiding with these Urhobo strains. There have been so many transferring elements within the preparation course of, however in the end, having the assist of a stellar group topped all efforts. I’m grateful.
Was there any character flaw (one thing you discovered tough)?
What do you imply? Onajite is ideal…simply kidding.
I’d say the artwork of restraint was hardest to do. For some bits, it’s extra about her racing ideas than what she manages to say. Tough a lot. A few of my colleagues know that monologues aren’t precisely my favorite scene bits; I like a superb ping pong however this one? This one received me hooked.
Finest qualities of your character?
Her eyes. They drive her story and Tosin (Igho)’s excessive close-ups amplify them.
Favorite line your character says?
“Aunty JiJi, any higher for inside Okro soup?” I am going speak say, “You dey craze, who be your aunty?”
That was improv, by the way in which. Tosin stated he needed ranges and I advised a contented reminiscence of Rogba. He cherished it. Shout out to ThinTallTony for uplifting that line. I heard him reference Okro soup that means years in the past and by no means forgot.
Most vital scene?
It’s received to be the scene the place Voke asks his mom to activate his disappearing juju (teleportation) so he can save Chisom from the masked killer. The cry of a mom, the resignation of a father and the desperation of a lover all collide superbly in that scene.
What would you just like the viewers to most perceive about your character?
The truth that Onajite nonetheless has a gentle coronary heart beneath that rage. Generally, life drives us to the sting of a cliff and leaves us dangling. Onajite is dangling, with the added weight of grief.
Let’s get political. How does this undertaking contribute positively to Black storytelling?
Instantly, sure.
Black (and extra particularly, African) storytelling is on the verge of one thing nice. We will all really feel the tide change. Films corresponding to Suspicion are placing a neighborhood spin on universally accepted ideas just like the superheroes in world-renowned comics. Take as an illustration Voke’s choice to rework his giftings right into a commerce. That’s precisely how a median Nigerian with superpowers would suppose!
Do you suppose the bold mix of motion and mysticism in Suspicion might herald the inflow of extra numerous tales by filmmakers who usually are not scared to push the envelope?
By and enormous, it’s drawing consideration to how fashionable Africa appears to be like/feels in a non-pretentious means. Even in comparatively uncharted waters just like the futuristic style and sci-fi, there may be freedom of world-building upon the foundations of what we all know and love about Africa. The chances are infinite if we problem ourselves sufficient. There will certainly be extra of this fusion type in years to come back and I’m right here for it.
You glide between cinema, TV and theatre virtually seamlessly. What’s the factor most central to your work ethic, and the way do you strategy every medium in another way?
To begin with, the praise of this query just isn’t misplaced on me. Thanks.
Excellence is the phrase. Regardless of the medium, I do my finest to depart no stone unturned. The theatre moulded me and continues to construct my inventive muscle tissue in improv, comedian timing and motion. She is a jealous lover; so take her toll she should. TV (exhibits and commercials) has paid most of my payments through the years and endeared me to community followers. It could possibly really feel like theatre whenever you’re on lengthy exhibits like Africa Magic 260s. Movies (cinema and on-line) have dared me to dream.
The trick to navigating seamlessly throughout the mediums is staying truthful. Whether or not you’re on stage, in a recording sales space or in entrance of a digital camera, by no means lie, “absolute perception in imaginary circumstances” as Meisner says. You may must whisper the reality or belt it to the final row within the auditorium, however it stays the reality nonetheless.
What typically guides your choices to audition for a selected function? Are you motivated by the scale of the manufacturing, the complexity of the character, or the possibility to stretch your self within the technique of deciphering the function?
In truth, I don’t ask to audition as a lot as of late [thanks to referrals], so I’m usually a shoo-in for one thing. I’ll say this, although: I am going by way of phases on this profession. Generally, my consideration is stretching as a result of my head is obvious sufficient to face up to the strain. Different occasions, I simply should be on a undertaking that offers me a superb degree of visibility, and that’s legitimate. Remuneration is undoubtedly a consider many instances. As an actor, it’s crucial for me to classify tasks accordingly so I don’t put on myself out auditioning for each single name. I do know what I would like for myself at every given time, and I keep on with it.
What do you suppose (Nigerian) actors within the early levels of their movie or theatre profession can do to set themselves aside and stand out from the remainder of their friends, particularly in an ecosystem the place the competitors is fierce?
Shakespeare actually ate when he wrote, “To thine personal self be true.” This is usually a very robust factor to recollect on this age of social media. In my view, actors are getting means too uncovered for the sanctity of our artwork kind. Don’t fall for that lure, please. Keep seen, however keep in mind that a bit of little bit of thriller goes a good distance. Amplify what makes you distinctive and keep the course. It is perhaps lengthy and windy, however you’ll get there. When you’re at it, don’t overlook to community along with your fellow up-and-coming folks. You may be shocked at how far you’ll be able to go along with your friends whenever you leverage relationships. Lastly, a very powerful currencies on this enterprise are belief (in your self & the method) and curiosity.
Attending to know you
If not an actor, you’d be?
I’d undoubtedly have been a lecturer. That’s nonetheless a dream of mine sha. I already do teaching on the aspect.
What are you watching?
Princess On A Hill. Onyinye Odokoro is classy on this, as all the time.
What are you studying?
Apart from work scripts, A Liberated Thoughts by Steven C. Hayes.
The final movie you watched?
Moulin Rouge. Rewatch for physique & soul.
The final play you noticed?
Who Tiff Mona Lisa by Debola Santa. It felt refreshing to observe Maryann Ivy and Temi Fosudo spar.
The final stay music occasion?
A Dotti The Deity efficiency final 12 months. I do know, I do know, I ought to do higher.
What’s at present in your playlist?
My playlist is chaotic- Afrobeats, OST ballads and pop, however Fireboy DML takes the cake. He’s the one artist whose total life’s work is on my playlist.
What podcast are you listening to?
Love And All the things In Between by the Arimoros. You must completely test it out.
What’s in your bucket listing?
I’m shocked to announce that I’ve none. I kick it, I dey go niyen.
The place’s your joyful place?
My rest room. All my concepts come recent throughout a “white home” go to. It’s so loopy that transferring in, I selected the smallest room in my home simply because its rest room was probably the most comfy.
Have fun another person.
Teniola Aladese – each day of the week! She is a trailblazer and is deserving of all her flowers.
Have fun your self.
*inserts my EPK*
What’s subsequent?
A romcom! I can’t even wait.
The place can we discover you? (socials)
Instagram & Twitter: @uchechika_e
Fb: Uche Chika Elumelu
The place can we watch you at work?
I like to be in a play not less than twice a 12 months, so there’s that. Keep tuned for 2025 dates. Prime Video (clearly), Netflix and YouTube