Popular Nollywood actress, Jennifer Eliogu, tells Ademola Olonilua about her music career, fashion and love life
You have a blonde low cut currently. Why?
I feel more comfortable with my low cut. It is a way of re-inventing myself because when I got into the industry about 17 years ago, I was on low cut and my hair was blonde. I just noticed that years after being in the industry, I was always on weave and looked e like everybody else; so I cut my hair. It is a wonderful feeling when you are in the shower and water can touch all your body from your head to your toe.
You recently delved into music. Are you quitting movies for your music career?
No. I can never quit acting. An actor can act all his life except he decides to take a break or the scripts stop coming in. I would never quit acting for singing. Singing is actually my first love. I stumbled on acting because I just went for an audition years back and was chosen. I guess I got carried away by acting. Close friends know how much I love singing and I always do karaoke. Currently, I have two songs and I have videos for both of them already.
But we have so many talented musicians. How do you plan to compete with established brands?
The sky is wide enough for everyone to fly; it is just for them to find their niche. I did not go into music to compete; I am living my dreams. It is a mission for me and not a competition. My kind of songs is not to impress people, I sing about the things that make meaning to me. Most of my songs are love songs. I do revolutionary and inspirational songs too.
Why are you just rediscovering your love for music having spent 17 years in the acting industry?
I would say this is just the right time because I have no reason not to have done music all these years if I really wanted to. When I first got into the industry, I was quite young and naïve, so for me it was a big deal being an actor and featuring in a lot of movies. But as one grows older, it becomes visible that part of one’s life is lacking. If there is anything, I have always been a music lover.
Has motherhood changed your fashion sense in any way?
I would say that I have not changed much; I have always been true to myself. There comes a point in time when one has to let go of youthful exuberance. People look up to you without you even knowing it. People see us as role models but we also want to be ourselves, do what we like and wear what we please. If I am to be honest with myself, then there comes a time when I have to tell myself that I have a little girl. She has to learn from me and I have to help hand down to her good things that would help shape her future. Yes I would say that to a large extent, motherhood has changed my fashion sense.
How often do you change your wardrobe?
I am sure every woman likes to shop. I cannot say the specific number of times that I shop, but I pick up something often. There is always something beautiful out there calling but I am not a shopaholic.
When shopping what are the things you look out for?
I am a shoe freak. I love shoes. I also look out for hand-bags and accessories. Things that women are all about, looking good and wearing good shoes. I love nice hand-bags.
You say you are a shoe freak; which do you prefer, flats or heels?
I wear a lot of heels. My height is part of it actually. It makes me taller and I also like the confidence it gives me. I love heels, very long ones.
How many shoes do you have in your possession?
I have quite a lot. I know I have more than 50 pairs of shoes.
What are your favourite colours?
I love purple, gold, orange and black. I like black because it is one colour that enhances everything about you. It has a way of hiding some parts of your body especially when you are on the big side.
Often times, plus sized ladies complain about getting clothes in Nigeria. Do you face such problems?
Not exactly. I always find something good for my shape. Besides, I travel and most times, I buy clothes that last me for a while.
Is your daughter taking after your fashion sense?
Yes, she is. I told her that I want her to grow and be independent. I know it is difficult but she has to. Already, when I ask her what she wants to be, she says she wants to be an actress. But I tell her she needs to be her own person. I have noticed that she has a flare for singing as well. Whatever she is going to be, I would encourage her but I would want her to get a Master’s degree from school. I know she likes fashion because she wears my heels and keeps reminding me that she would soon be as tall as I am. She also wears my make-up, I did that too while I was growing up.
What type of attire do you feel most comfortable in; traditional, English or casuals?
I am a casual dresser. I make sure I look good in whatever I wear because I wear things that suit me. Although most of the time I wear English attire. While growing up, I used to dress corporately so I am used to looking corporate. Anytime I wear traditional attire, I get lots of compliments that it suits me.
When you dress, what are the things you like people to notice on you?
It depends on what I am wearing at that time. As I said, I love shoes. I am not a designer freak, I wear anything that is beautiful, classy and suits me. It depends.
There has been a craze for ladies who are dark-skinned to change their skin colour. What is your thought on this trend?
I cannot speak for others because it depends on the reason why they want to be light-skinned. For some people, it is because they have skin pigmentation or the skin colour is not uniform and they want to change it. I don’t know what their reasons are but I feel that for a dark-skinned person to want to tone here skin colour to be completely fair, it has to do with low self esteem. If you are comfortable with the way you are, then you would not want to change your skin colour. If God wanted you to be fair, he would have made either of your parents fair. He would have made you come from that background but when you are not like that and you want to recreate yourself, then it has to do with self esteem. It is a different thing to want to tone up a little bit and enhance the beauty of your skin but bleaching, changing from dark to fair, I think it has to do with low self esteem. People have the impression that fair people are noticed more. For me, it is not about the colour of your skin but what you have in your head. It is about your behaviour and character.
A lot has been said about your love life…
I don’t discuss my family; it is my privacy. So much has been said that are very untrue like the story that I was chased out of my husband’s house because I was promiscuous. It is not true and it never happened. I have been holding on for the right time, I cannot keep answering every reporter that comes to ask me. I don’t owe people explanation because it is my life. Also, even if I want to talk about it, I will at my time and for the real reason. Not because I want to give people something to talk about or quench their thirst.
How has long distance relationship been for you?
I would not say it is the best but sometimes, it gives you room to re-evaluate your relationship and appreciate each other more.
It is often said that it affects relationships, out of sight is out of mind. Did it affect yours?
No, it did not. It did not happen; in my case, the distance sometimes helps. Sometimes you need to be together because of the children. But for relationship, staying apart makes you appreciate each other because when you come back together, it is renewed and beautiful. It has its good and bad sides.
It is believed that your marriage has crashed. Is it true or false?
I would not say anything, it is good to keep them wondering. Let them keep wondering, I am not going to say anything.
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