"I would love the opportunity to put Nigeria and the UK on the map"

Adesua Etomi speaks on acting, why she moved back to Nigeria, winning an Oscar, putting Nigeria on the map and most rewarding part of her job.

Adesua Etomi

Recently, award winning actress, Adesua Etomi, granted an interview to her alumna, University of Wolverhampton.

In the interview, Etomi spoke on interesting topics such as why she moved back to Nigeria, winning an Oscar, putting Nigeria and the UK on the map and the most rewarding part of her job.

You can read the full interview below;

Best actress at AMVCA 2016 - Adesua Etomi  (Africa Magic)

WLV Life - What are your memories of studying at Wolverhampton?

Adesua - My experience at the University of Wolverhampton was literally life-changing. I think of the foundation of a house; it's the foundation upon which my house has been built. I finished college with 360 UCAS points so quite a lot of universities wanted me to come to them, but nothing ever felt true until I attended an Open Day at the University of Wolverhampton.

I knew it was my university and once I started my course, I was overjoyed. The lecturers were helpful and very patient. One lecturer, in particular, Royona Mitra, I can never forget - I still apply a lot of what she taught us. So much of what I know now, I learnt while I was studying at the University and I'm very grateful for everyone that helped shape me into the performer that I am today.

WLV Life - what made you decide to study your chosen course, BA (Hons) Drama and Performance?

Adesua - I'd known for the longest time that I wanted to go into arts.  I wanted to be an actor, but I also wanted a course that not only focused on the practical aspects of the arts but on the theoretical too, and that is what my course offered.

Adesua Etomi covers Guardian Life  (Instagram)

WLV Life - How did your course prepare you for your career?

Adesua Etomi - I think training and discipline are the most important skills to do my job, which is exactly what I got at the University of Wolverhampton. My writing improved, my performance skills improved and I was so much more confident in myself and in my ability as a performer. When I enrolled in my course in 2006, I was not confident at all. There is a silent confidence that comes as a result of being informed and being knowledgeable.

I was taught to believe in my natural abilities but also put those abilities to good use. I was taught to hone, build and improve what I already had. I was taught that talent is great, but you need to be hardworking to succeed. I was constantly being taught and luckily, I was open to learning all that was brought my way.

WLV Life - What inspired you, following your degree to make the move back to Nigeria?

Adesua - I never planned to move back permanently. My initial plan in 2012 was to go to Nigeria and return to the  UK after three months, but now it will be five years in October. My reason for remaining in Nigeria is pretty simple. I love the budding film industry and I want to be remembered as one of the people who helped to shape it. It also became very important to me to use what I learnt to make the industry better. Everything boils down to love; love for the arts, love for Nollywood and love for Nigeria.

Adeusa Etomi is getting married to her "The Wedding Party" co-star, Banky W  (Instagram)

WLV Life - Over the last few years, you have shot to fame as one of Nollywood's brightest stars. What is your proudest achievement so far?

Adesua - My proudest achievement so far would have to be winning Best  Actress in a Drama for the movie "Falling" at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards. It was totally unexpected and completely overwhelming. It was and still is more than an award. It's a symbol of triumph for me and I think it's really imperative for me to tell everyone out there that if I can get here and achieve all that I have achieved, they can too.

WLV Life -  What does a typical day look for you?

Adesua - A typical day on set includes hair, make-up, lines, filming, etc. When I'm not on set,  I am reading scripts to figure out what projects to be a part of next or I might be on a press junket promoting a new project.

Adesua Etomi and Richard Mofe Damijo in "10 Days in Sun City"

WLV Life -  What projects do you have in the pipeline

Adesua - I just completed a movie called "The Wedding Party 2." The Wedding Party is the highest grossing movie of all time in the history of Nigeria. I play the lead female role and the film was selected as one of the eight films taken to the Toronto International Film Festival as part of the City to City spotlight programme. It was such an amazing experience.

I am off to America this summer to shoot a movie that will definitely be the most physically challenging projects I have done to date. I am very excited, to say the least. I also had the privilege to be part of a film called '10 Days in Sun City," a collaboration between the Nigerian and South African film industry, which will be released in Nigeria and several other countries in the summer.

Adesua Etomi as titular character in upcoming Kevin Nkem Nwankwor movie "Muna"  (Instagram/MunaTheMovie)

WLV Life -  What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Adesua - The most rewarding part of my job is undoubtedly waking up to a job that I love every single day. It is a blessing because not many people get the privilege to do what they are passionate about every day and get paid for it. I also get the opportunity to live many lives through the characters I play in the movies and theatre productions.

WLV Life -  What are your goals? Is there a particular type of role or film, in Nollywood or beyond, that you would like to pursue?

Adesua - I'd love to win an Oscar in the near future. I would love the opportunity to put Nigeria and the UK on the map. I want to leave a legacy; being a successful actor isn't good enough for me, I have to be an impactful actor.

Adesua Etomi  (Peekaboo Global)

WLV Life - Finally, if you were to star in a feature film telling the story of your time at the University of Wolverhampton, what genre would it be?

Adesua - This is an interesting question. It would definitely be an inspiring biopic with a happy ending. It may sound cliche but I went through so much while I was studying at the University of Wolverhampton. It was such an inexplicable feeling when I finished with a First Class Honours degree and won the Foresight Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Devised Piece of Work.

I pushed against all odds, gave it my best shot and I was and still am so glad that the best I had was good enough. The joy that my mum felt was the reason I did it all - she's my hero and seeing her that happy made it all worth it.