AMBO girl, Bhaira Mcwizu reveals what keeps her warm at night

AMBO 2007 winner, Bhaira Mcwizu confesses:

I need more than a guy's height and looks to keep me warm @ night

By Opeyemi Ajayi

It is arguably true that Nollywood is gradually evolving as the most celebrated industry across the country and even beyond. Just as the industry is putting the country on a big stage positively, there are some stars that have really raised the bar in the industry and further cemented the country’s presence on the global map of recognition.

One of the stars that have done brilliantly well is Bhaira Mcwizu. This smooth talking and success-famished actress, who had been consumed with entertainment right from her secondary school days, got into movie buffs’ consciousness when she won the ‘Amstel Box Office (AMBO) reality TV show in 2007.

The graduate of philosophy showed her class in the AMBO movie, ‘Cindy’s Note’. The sexy actress also proved to be among the very best as she delivered so well in Wale Adenuga’s epic series, ‘Evil Genius.’ From 2007, she lost count of movies she has graced with her acting prowess and her recent performance in ‘Kiss and Tell,’ produced by Monalisa Chinda largely remains a topic of discussion among cinema lovers today, due to her awesome interpretation of the role she played.

More interesting is the fact that Bhaira Mcwizu is also a talented singer. A good number of music aficionados have been impressed by a single she released sometime ago, titled, ‘Sexilicious,’ which featured Trybson (The artiste who was cast as DaGrin in ‘Ghetto Dreamz’). There might not be much in the pipeline at the moment as far as music is concerned but singing remains an art she hopes to commit more time to in the near future. In this interview, the gifted actress spoke about her humble background, the road to fame, deep kissing in movies, her kind of guy and what lies ahead for her.

Excerpts:

Could you share your journey into acting with us?

I guess it was back in secondary school in a drama club. Back then, I used to dance. It happened that the girl that was supposed to act in a role didn’t show up and I was asked to fill up because of the urgency of the drama. In fact, I had to play two characters; I played the mother and daughter and everybody was startled and were clapping, laughing and shouting. At the end of the day, I really enjoyed it because it wasn’t stressful. It actually came naturally for me and I guess that sparked the drama ‘craze’ in my life.

What did you study in school?

I studied Philosophy. I actually applied for Law but I guess the faculty was too full and asked me to come back the second year to apply. I just decided to start with what was on ground - Philosophy and enjoy it.

Someone would have thought you would follow in the footsteps of Socrates, Aristotle and the likes. Why the special bias for movies?

(Laughs) No, apparently, if you check the background of Aristotle, Socrates and those foremost philosophers; you’ll find out that they were also very much into the arts. Philosophy embraces all things-Medicine, Arts, Technology and Pythagoras; I mean all those things are combined. Well, someone would have thought maybe politics but…what can I say, here I am. As for special bias for acting or movies, I think it’s just like asking you what you would like to do. It’s a thing that I can just do without much stress. Of course, hard work is necessary but for me it’s natural and I guess it’s a gift from God to me and I’m supposed to do something wonderful with it.

While you were growing up career wise, who were those you started looking up to generally?

The usual suspects; I wanted to be like Oprah Winfrey because I liked her a lot. I liked Taiwo Ajayi Lycett as an actor. She always enthralled me and I just wanted to be like her. I loved the lifestyle of these people and the fact they were in control and also added a lot of values to their communities.

How many movies have you done till date?

I can’t really count. From series, movies to the one that just premiered last week Sunday, ‘Kiss and Tell.’ Let me say probably ten movies and six series- ‘Tinsel,’ ‘Echoes,’ which is done by Galaxy television and Ghanaian government. There’s a film I’m about to do which I can’t talk about because it’s a high profile movie and I’m really excited about it. In fact, it’s so annoying because I’ve signed confidentiality agreement with these people that I can’t talk about the movies and these are the best I’ve done. But sooner or later, you’ll get to know about them.

You had an inspiring performance in Cindy’s Note, how did you achieve that?

Wow! I would like to thank Stella Damasus because she was called upon to tutor me on various techniques of acting. Thanks to Stella, Amstel Malta and of course, Uzo Ojukwu, the director. He was very pleasant and accommodating. I mean, he showed me what I was to do and things I did wrongly or otherwise. I really enjoyed myself and it was a fantastic period of my life.

You starred in this new movie that was just premiered last week, ‘Kiss and Tell.’ What’s up with the movie?

(Laughs) I would say it’s a comedy drama. There is a lot of drama for the girls and loads of laughs for the people. It’s not something like ‘Evil Genius’ where you would cry and wonder; it’s not something like Cindy’s Note either. It’s just funny because I haven’t done a work like that before and my character was not really major. I was a friend to Monalisa and a married woman who is established. I and Nse Ekpe Etim want Monalisa who has a child and alone to get to date and marry; and that’s pretty much how the drama begins.

The word ‘kiss’ in ‘Kiss and Tell’ reminds me of ‘deep kissing’ in movies. Do you subscribe to this; and if the script demands it, would you do it?

I don’t think it’s only because the script is there; I won’t agree with you that it is a must that you must kiss in movies because the Indians have given us movies and they’ve got us so emotionally attached in their movies without kissing. So I don’t think it’s necessary. People must understand that kissing is an art. You don’t have to exchange tongues or saliva because there’s a way it is done. I was actually taught that in Amstel Box Office reality show. You could actually lip lock without contact. So, I don’t think it’s necessary to overdo things. My goodness! The topic of hygiene needs to be raised here because you don’t know what I’ve been doing and I don’t know what you’ve been up to either. I think if we can get away with it by doing it artfully or not even doing it at all but still expressing the desired emotion; why not?

I saw you in a movie titled ‘Rebound’ which was produced by Desmond Elliot. Uche Jombo alongside other prominent actors of the Royal Art Academy also featured. Is it that you are romancing Royal Art Academy without our knowledge?

(Laughs) ‘Una don start oh!’ My Lord Jesus! Am I romancing Royal Art Academy? Okay, let me put it this way. I and Emem Isong are very good friends and she’s my boss. Before I won AMBO, I went for her audition and I won. So, I was given a ticket to go to Ireland with them because I was the winner of the audition but some things happened, like I won Amstel Malta and wasn’t able to go. So, our relationship was before Amstel Malta. She wanted to use me for her film and she did use me. I did a film with Stephanie Okereke but apparently she said something happened and never got into the market. So, that’s how I guess our ‘love affair’ began. If you like, use that as your caption: My love affair with Emem Isong (Laughs) (Reporter: I will use it now) Oh my God! What did I say? (Laughs) Anyways, that’s how it began. In Hollywood, it’s the same thing; you’ll see a Stacey with Leonardo Caprio or you’ll see a Johnny Depp with Angelina Jolie. This is made possible because they have chemistry. If I don’t have chemistry with you, there’s no way we can work. There are some journalists I don’t laugh this much with because they are sort of strict with questions and everything. I guess chemistry is important in business relationship.

Let’s come to your person; the first of July of every year is always your special day and another one just passed recently, what’s that special gift you received from that special someone?

I was working that day, so I’ve not even had the celebration yet. I’m hoping to do it this weekend. So, the special gift from a special person is yet to arrive but it will come.

Okay, are you in a love relationship?

If I was, I don’t think I would tell you.

Why not? I’m thinking by telling me would make the lucky guy in question to be so proud of you?

I’m very proud of him and he’s quite proud of me too. I don’t need to shout it on the roof.

But Tiwa Savage sounded a warning in her new wave making single, ‘Kele kele love;’ that one needs to shout it on the roof?

I’m so happy for Tiwa Savage. (Laughs)

So, what are the qualities a guy must possess to arrest your attention?

(Laughs) Tall, dark and handsome. But come to think of it, I don’t think these qualities are what would make me warm at night. A guy has to have confidence and he doesn’t have to be insecure. We heard what happened to the girl that was killed by her husband. So, one needs a man, who, whether he has a job or not, would still be able to say, ‘this is not the end of my life; I can still pick up myself and move on’. So, guys like that, I find them really attractive.

So, what would make your perfect date?

I guess a lovely and cozy restaurant that is not too public because I won’t be able to enjoy myself as a result of stares from people. The guy I’m with has to be funny and just a nice ending to a date that has everything that’s romantic.

What’s your take on Nollywood?

Nollywood is evolving and it’s getting bigger and bigger but we should not just relax because it can even get bigger and better. I mean we’re in competition with Ghana, South Africa, Congo and the rest of Africa. I would say we shouldn’t relax. Fine, we’re using the best cameras in the world but our stories need to make sense from the beginning till the end so that they can screen it and take it to the film festivals and be proud of it. It can get to Oscars and win awards. South Africa has been doing that and I believe Nigeria can do that too. Nollywood has got challenges but I’m sure we can overcome them if we are focused on the solutions.

What’s your sense of style?

I like dresses a lot and I’m known for that. I like short and decent dresses. Because of my small stature, anything that packages me well, I go for it. And at the same time, it has to be glamorous and comfortable.

What turns you on and off?

Someone who is not disciplined and responsible turns me totally off. Confidence, whether in a man or woman; fashion and music are what turns me on. I have a thing for creativity. I like to create things like jewelry designs and stuffs. I find a person who knows what he’s doing and very confident quite attractive.

The name Bhaira Mcwizu, it sounds foreign to me. Please where are you from?

(Laughs) I’m very Nigerian. In fact, I’m so Nigerian and that’s my name. I’ve over flogged this question you just asked. My name is Bhaira Mcwizu and I love to be called that anytime. I’m from the eastern part of Nigeria; Anambra state to be precise.

What do you have to say to your big fans?

I want to say a big thank you to all my fans, family friends who keep supporting me. I’ll keep doing my best and my best will surely be good enough by the grace of God.