Bofie Itombra, the Nollywood actress is certainly a delight to observe in films along with her versatility.
Regardless of being perceived as somebody who grew up overseas, the gorgeous display diva additionally speaks her native language together with Pidgin English fluently.
On this uncommon interview, the Bayelsa State-born Itombra talks about her journey to stardom. Please get pleasure from it.
Are you able to give us a short perception into your background?
I’m Bofie Itombra, an Ijaw by tribe, and I’m the final born of my household. I stay in Nairobi, Kenya the place I did my secondary college. I went to the USA to get a Bachelor’s diploma at Texas College, after which I went for my Grasp’s diploma at College of Manchester, England. Then I got here again dwelling for my Nationwide Youth Service from the place I started my performing profession.
How precisely did you get into the film business?
I began going for auditions throughout my Nationwide Youth Service. In 2018, I obtained my first function in a TV collection produced and directed by Mr Jones, and aired on Africa Magic. So, mainly, I joined the film business in my service 12 months.
Are you able to point out the highest 5 films you’ve acted in?
Let me begin with the latest one, Tiger’s Tail. I additionally I acted in Tremendous Wine, which was directed by Seun Babatope and aired on Africa Magic. I equally acted in another films. Nonetheless, the primary film I acted in was Uncomplicated, and John Njama directed it.
Which film would you say introduced you into the limelight?
I did a tv collection in 2020 that made individuals see and recognise me. It’s referred to as Riona, an Africa Magic collection about Itsekiri tradition. So, due to that TV collection, individuals acknowledged tagging me on Instagram and different social media platforms.
What would you say was your preliminary problem within the business?
The key problem within the business is getting paid for the job completed. The fee construction wants severe re-evaluation, as a result of an actor does not likely get sufficient for the work she or he does. We could be on set from 7am to 3am; typically we might be there until 5am the subsequent morning. We might have two meals in a day as a result of we’re all the time busy. So, the manufacturing price range appears not sufficient for the quantity of labor we put in.
Did you’ve any formal coaching in theater arts?
No, not likely. My first diploma was in Political Science and Grasp’s was in Worldwide Relations. However I’m within the socio-economic facet of coverage making. Additionally, I’m so passionate concerning the media and the artwork. So, mainly that’s the rationale I selected to enterprise into performing throughout my service 12 months.
Did you get the assist of your dad and mom as an actor?
Sure, my mom has all the time been a terrific supporter of the humanities; my brother although a lawyer, can also be a singer. So, all people in my household has a factor for the humanities. My mother drove me to my first model commercial job and she or he has all the time been supportive of my profession, and inspired me to make use of my God-given expertise to carve a distinct segment for myself.
What are among the classes discovered in the midst of your profession?
I’ve discovered to be hardworking and resilient, as a result of this business will take a look at your persistence and tenacity, nevertheless it’s higher not to surrender. As an illustration, for Tiger’s Tail, I went by means of a number of auditions earlier than I used to be lastly given the function of Amara. This taught me persistence, resilience, and the advantage of by no means to compromise my customary. I consider in case your craft is price N500,000 for instance, you shouldn’t shortchange your self in a determined must make it within the business.
What’s your expertise working with among the massive names within the business?
I had a tremendous alternative working with veteran actors like RMD, Aunty Tina Mba, Funke Akindele, Gloria Anozie-Younger, and Ego Boyo and so forth. I felt honoured working with these individuals; they had been very humble and affected person. You recognize some Nigerian actors grew up watching RMD, so for me working with him, I felt particular. I even forgot my strains someday and he was very encouraging, good, useful and supportive. In fact, I’ve had one or two dangerous experiences, however normally, good experiences.
What would you say has impressed your performing and who’re your function fashions?
It’s legendary American actor, Wesley Snipes who has the power to delve into totally different characters. Right here in Nigeria, I might say the likes of Joke Silva conjures up me.
What was your rising up like?
I grew up in a household of 5. I discovered that I may all the time mimic individuals; I may copy different individuals’s accents and communicate like them. The typical old style Nigerian dad and mom would all the time frown at your eager to be an actor; they don’t consider it’s a profession however only a passion or extra-curriculum exercise. They might need you to check legislation, sociology or medication. However as of late, now we have the likes of Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage and so forth. within the music business which have gone forward to win Grammy awards.
What has been your way of life change since being within the film business?
Nothing has actually modified. Within the first film I acted, I obtained paid N15,000. I used to be grateful for the chance, so I might say the change is within the pay, and it’s getting higher. Additionally, being an introvert actor, one must go for premiere and award ceremonies. You must be a little bit bit extra extroverted and friendlier, although I’m a shy particular person and an introvert on a traditional day.
Are you single or married?
I’m not married, and I’m not in any relationship in the intervening time.
Folks want to know the rationale a ravishing woman such as you will not be in any relationship.
For now, my precedence is constructing my profession and monetary capability. If love and marriage come, effectively, no drawback. However for now, my profession, monetary functionality and standing on my two toes are paramount.
How then do you deal with s*xual urge?
I’m effective (laughs). I’m a believer initially, so I’m undoubtedly on a non secular journey. I strive not to consider that an excessive amount of. Everyone has (s*xual) wishes, however literarily, I put my physique below suspension till it’s the fitting time and second with my husband.
You sound such as you’ve skilled some heartbreak up to now, may you share the expertise with us.
We’ve all had our personal fair proportion of ache in life. What’s life with out ache, happiness, good time and dangerous time, excessive and low time? Mainly, that’s how life is.
What sort of man would you need to have in your life?
My type of man shall be a born-again Christian, who’s stuffed with the Holy Spirit, with the proof of talking in tongue. I need a person who’s constant, type, loyal, and hardworking, a person with a plan and objective, and who’s from an excellent dwelling.
How would you describe your persona off-screen?
I’m pleasant and heat however introverted. So, it’s only the individuals from my interior circle that may have the ability to relate with me. I like touring; I grew up in a number of international locations, I’ve lived in India, Kenya and so forth. I’m only a heat, type and pleasant particular person.
Apart performing, do you’ve another enterprise you might be concerned in?
I additionally do voice-over. I’m a voice-over artiste.
Are you able to marry a person that’s a lot older than you?
The utmost I can do is 12 years. Something greater than that’s a lot, which implies there shall be a generational hole, and that’s not too good.
What are among the modifications you want to see in Nollywood?
Primary is the pay; actors don’t receives a commission sufficient. So, I would really like the fee construction to be reviewed. Additionally, the fee ought to be completed on time.
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