Nigerian Actress Ini Edo Reveals Shocking Details About Herself

After the popular movie, ‘Shanty Town’ that had featured popular actress In Edo, she gets interviewed by Faith Ajayi and shares details of her life.

The Netflix series, ‘Shanty Town’, which you co-produced, has been enjoying positive reviews. How does that make you feel?

I feel humbled, although it is not my first production. I have actually had quite a few. But on this level, you can say it is the first. It feels like a dream come true. I knew that we had produced something good but the speed with which it spread and the acceptance it has enjoyed has been unbelievable. I feel overwhelmed, grateful, excited and inspired.

You also played a co-lead role in the series. How would you describe the experience?

I would give that credit to my partner (and co-producer), Chichi Nworah. She actually made it easy for me to focus on acting, and not get distracted by the production angle. She was very deliberate about that. I also had to do part of the casting, aside from the financial struggles, because the budget kept getting bigger, and that was really challenging. I had an amazing cast that became like family. I did not have any problem with any actor. We also did not have location issues, because we created the whole set. Of course, there were some hitches here and there, such as the cost of production, the bus that was blown up (in the series) and other issues. We actually ended up buying three vehicles for just that scene. Those are issues that come with most productions; but overall, it was a great outing.

Are we going to be seeing more of you as a producer, or is this just a one-off thing?

You will absolutely see more of me wearing that production hat, because I am enjoying it.

What were some of the challenges you faced on set?

I played a dual character as a twin, though much of that was not seen.

However, one of the first challenges I encountered was the physical fitness training. I had to go through the training for about six weeks to be able to do the film. Personally, I wanted my fighting scenes to look as real as possible, although we still used a stunt double. But, I did 90 per cent of the stunts myself.

Also, it was not easy speaking my language, staying true to the character, not giving anything away, and still delivering a fantastic job.

The series featured a lot of nudity, and some people have said it is alien to our culture. What do you have to say to such people?

Some Nigerians can be hypocritical when they want to be. We are trying to shine the light on a societal ill going on in the country, by letting people know that there are many children who are trained to become armed robbers from a very young age. Most of them are taken away from their parents; and some women are lured into such a lifestyle. It is a fundamental problem that is happening, and some people are bothered about nudity? How does one talk about prostitution rings and not show nudity? It makes no sense. It is like they want it and they don’t want it. However, more people can understand; and the few who don’t will eventually come around.

In what ways did your role in Shanty Town stretch you artistically?

It really stretched me. I had to do kick boxing, martial arts and taekwondo. I was blessed to work with some professional guys who were really good. They had the patience to take me through from working out to the art itself, because I had to be precise with my punches. The director kept saying that the punches had to be accurate. It was fun and I actually miss it already. I think it is something I would take out time to do for myself at some point. I have always been a fighter.

You once stated that the Nigerian film industry is a doorway to the country’s developmental problem. How so?

Yes; because it is one of the highest revenue generating industries in the country. It provides employment for millions of youths, not to mention the number of people taken off the street, and the huge investments. If only the people (in leadership positions) understand what the movie industry can be to Nigeria’s economy, I think the government will see to it that the right structures are put in place, so that the sector can thrive. It is one thing to see (potential); it is a different ball game to do something about it. Imagine me having a production like Shanty Town, and I had to fund it myself. There was no support from anyone. The poor electricity supply is a problem, and the cost of production is very high. There is no way that it favours one.

You are also the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Culture and Tourism. How are you able to balance both jobs?

I am just a special assistant to the government, so it gives me time (to do other things). Most of what I do is from outside, and I bring it back home. That way, I can afford to go back and forth. And, if I have a project at hand, I would visit from time to time. I always make sure that whatever I am doing in Lagos, I still go back home (Akwa Ibom State) to the assignment given to me. It is interesting because they are two different ‘lives’. However, there is a synergy between acting and tourism.

Throughout your acting career, what is the most challenging role you have ever played?

I actually look out for challenging roles. Some people say they haven’t seen me in a while. The truth is if I don’t get a script that challenges me, I would not be happy. Such scripts don’t allow me to blossom as an actor. Neither does it allow people to see what I can really do. The more challenging a role is, the better it is for an actor, because one will feel stretched. And, when one is stretched, people will see one’s range and appreciate it. I am still looking for that challenging role. I have no idea what it might be like, but I want it to be something that will make me go away for like a month. I want a character that will stretch me to the limit.

You have been in the industry for many years. What are some of the challenges you have had to face and how were you able to mount them?

I mentioned the government part of it. Another aspect is funding. Funding seems to be a big challenge in the industry but I think things are changing because people can actually work up to one and say they want to invest (in the industry). A couple of people have said that to me in recent times since Shanty Town was released. What that means is that if we keep improving and growing as an industry, funding would become less of a challenge.

What inspires and motivates you, especially when you are going through tough times in your career?

What motivates me is the need to change certain narratives and bring about some sort of solution to societal ills through the medium of film. I like to tell stories that have some sort of social relevance. Basically, I am motivated by a good story that has a message. Another thing that motivates me is the need to keep getting better. I feel like I have not got to where I want to be. I am inspired to keep going, and to keep thinking of new things to do. I want to be able to have a production outfit that can employ as many people as possible, especially females.

In 2014, you got a scholarship to study Law. Did you conclude the course?

I deferred the admission. Law is not something one can do without giving 100 per cent attention to it. That was the reason I did not study it in school initially, because at that time, I had started acting already. However, it is something I am very passionate about. My plan is that when I retire, I would settle down to practise law. I know that I will definitely end up getting a law degree.

How has your motherhood experience been?

It has been amazing.

You recently spoke about how motherhood has changed you. What effect has it had on your career?

We get by. She (daughter) is planned into everything I do. I schedule all my activities. I know what I have to do, and when I have to do them. I also know when to step out. I am the kind of person that can stay at home for a week without stepping out.

Was it intentional for you to speak your native dialect in ‘Shanty Town’?

Yes, it was my idea. I have learnt how to speak Yoruba and Igbo; people should also learn how to speak Akwa Ibom language. I cannot produce a movie of that magnitude, and I don’t use it to project my culture. So, I told the director what I wanted. Thankfully, Nse Ikpe-Etim was already a cast member and she acted as someone from the same town with my character; so it all made sense.

What are your other areas of interest?

I am an entrepreneur. I own a skincare line and make-up line.

What is your favourite meal?

My best dish is Ekpang Nkukwo (which originates from Cross River and Akwa Ibom states).