She won many hearts at a hilarious Igbo beauty cum cultural event that attracted bigwigs, language and culture conscious advocates like the legendary actor, Pete Edochie, Prof. Pita Ejiofor, highlife giant Mike and a host of others.
Venue was The Dome, one of the sprawling event centers in the heart of Enugu, the coal city. That was about four years ago. And history was made on that day.
In-between a well-organized and tastefully-choreographed cultural displays, drama and dances, young Igbo girls dressed in
different and matching traditional attires, lined up for the august occasion. At the end of the day, beautiful and charming Choice Amajuoyi, a Mass Communications graduate, fresh from school then, emerged the overall winner and was crowned as the queen (Loloigbo) to oversee Igbo culturally-related activities and promotion for one year.
Few years after successfully completing the arduous task, she bounced to her first love of acting, modeling and cultural designing. Here she opens up on life after an Igbo queenship, the movie industry and other challenges.
Against all odds, you won the Loloigbo [Igbo Beauty Queen] contest a few years ago. How’s the experience while your reign lasted?
I must state that I gained a lot serving as the Loloigbo. I thank God for everything. It broadened my knowledge of the complete Igbo heritage. It gave me an opportunity to meet and work with many Igbos rich and poor. It also gave me the chance to serve humanity in its true perspective. I gave back to society
creditably well.
What have you been doing since your reign ended?
I went back to my movie career and modeling. However, my modeling has to do with fashion and products mainly. I also produce creative materials for traditional attires for marriages,
musicals, birthdays and movies under my outfit, Ama-tuama.
How are you doing in the movie industry, do you also produce or just acting?
I have not started producing but acting for now. I give God all the glory for the breakthroughs so far. And I feature mostly in Igbo films for obvious reasons. As an ambassador of the language and culture, producers feel I am cool and deliver more here. All the same, I still do Igbo movies. I have done more than ten movies since I came back fully and from the little experience I have garnered, I can say that Nollywood is quite challenging and needs seriousness, determination, discipline and focus, I have not been negatively treated in the arena say by way of sexual harassment or any other form of assault. This is because I don’t show desperation but take things gradually, knowing pretty well that I will get to the top one day. A lot of producers admire my self-confidence too and show respect.
You seem to operate more in the Eastern zone of the country than say, Lagos. Why?
This my answer may sound funny but it’s true. I used to dread Lagos because of its traffic. But I can no longer avoid the hub of entertainment especially with the deluge of movie making that goes on there. In fact, I’m waiting to get my first movie invitation to Lagos now and I will hit the city.
What is your target in the industry and what impact do you wish to create?
I want to make the difference both as an actress and a producer. I want to change the orientation and culture too. Something that is obtainable to world standard. All I need now
is the support, financially and morally.
You were said to be making plans to host a programme, ‘Ngala Igbo’, what’s it all about and how far have you gone with the arrangements?
It is simply a programme where I promote our cultural values, with Igbo creative outfits in costumes on parade. This year’s edition holding in December will truly define our culture in its presentation and we are bringing in the best schools to participate for the first time.
Any plans for marriage soon?
Yes, there are plans for marriage. I would alert the world when the time comes. One thing is to have someone that understands you and the nature of your job. I know I will have someone that will not be a distraction to the things I am doing.
