Onyeka Emechebe Joke Silva, my role model–Onyeka Emechebe

First runner-up, Next Movie Star (NMS) 2014, Onyeka Emechebe,  opens up on her journey so far.
Excerpts:
How did you come into acting?
I have been in drama right from my primary and secondary school days. I even registered with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) but wasn’t consistent until after my service year in 2012.
How do you feel emerging the first runner-up at Next Movie Star?
Amazing! It was a great surprise because it was a very tough competition. Lots of talent was on display so I thank God I made first runners-up.
Did you believe you could go that far?
I knew I was going to make the finals because I know my worth. And guess what, I feel like I am a winner even though I was the first runners- up. It was a very wonderful experience and I learnt a lot even though I didn’t take home the cash price and the SUV. I think it is God’s will that I didn’t and that doesn’t change the fact that I am a winner.
Did you feel bad not winning?
Of course I did; I am human.
Has the platform opened doors for you?
Yes, it has opened a lot of doors and I know it is still going to open a lot more because being the first runners-up at such a big reality show is a big deal. NMS has produced stars like Tonto Dikeh and Annie Macaulay. Here is saying a big thank you to Digital Interactive Media for providing the platform.
So, what are your challenges?
Having to go for numerous auditions with little results. You go for like 10 auditions and get called back for just two. So, it has been challenging for me. Also, there is sexual harassment in the industry though some claim it is not true. However, sexual harassment is not just in the movie industry but everywhere in the world. Thank God I am working with professionals who are very straight forward and open minded.
How are you coping with sexual harassment?
If you know your worth and the kind of person you are, you won’t give in to sexual harassment. If you are talented and very good at acting, people should give you roles based on your worth and what you can offer. I think it is only people who don’t know their worth and those that are bad actors that give in to sexual harassment. I have been able to handle that well; I don’t have issues with it. However, it is challenging but the grace of God is keeping me.
What are you working on presently?
I am working on a T.V series, Everyday People, for ONTV production and I am playing a lead role. We are shooting first week of March so I am working through the script right now.
Which movie shot you into the limelight?
I don’t know a particular one but I have done lots of good movies including Out of Hand, Adaobi & Adaeze, Dumebi in School, Husbands of Lagos, Evil Women and Barren Women among others.
Who do you consider your role models in Nollywood?
One is Joke Silva and the other is Omotola Jolade. These women are iconic; they have touched my life in a special way.
So, can you tell us about your love life?
It is supposed to be private but I am engaged and getting married soon.
Most guys shy away from marrying actresses because of stories that fly around. How is he warming up to your career?
He has been very supportive. I have never dated any man as supportive as he is and that is why I am so much in love with him. He saw my movies even before we started. He is my number one fan and he loves the way I act. He encourages me and even though he says I should be selective with the roles I play, I just like the way he supports me; he has been amazing!
Which would you say is the most attractive part of your body?
(Laughter) I think it is my hips, and of course, my beautiful smile; I love to smile a lot.
How do you unwind?
I love to watch movies a lot. Sometimes I love to go swimming or dancing.