NSE-IKPE ETIM...... NOLLYWOOD'S NEXT BIG THING

There’s a silent invasion taking place in Nollywood. It is slowly but surely coming from the south eastern state of Akwa Ibom in the form of actresses, filling up the ranks in Nollywood. First it was Susan Patrick, the gap-toothed actress made famous for her role in ‘Sakobi’ then it was Ini Edo, Carol Ekanem, Mbong Amata nee Odungide of ‘Amazing Grace’ fame. Now the latest addition to the fold is Nse Ikpe-Etim, Nollywood’s Next Big Thing. ‘The Silent Tsunami’ I like to call her. The ingenuity of Nse is that you really don’t know she’s there. She tries so hard to unassumingly blend into the woodwork…. until her performance hits you… just like a tsunami and then you realize she has been there all along. You just weren’t observant enough to notice. ‘Who is that girl?’ has been the question on the lips of so many recently. Well, the answer may be found in the latest offering from Emem Isong’s award-winning film, ‘Reloaded’. She acted the role of Ramsey Nouah’s characters fiery wife, Omoze. Her performance was simply stunning. She certainly blew the competition out of the water. So much so, she has been nominated jointly with Stephanie Okereke (who equally put up a stellar performance in the ‘Reloaded’) for the role of Best Actress at the up-coming AMAA Awards taking place in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State; an unprecedented decision in the history of AMAA. Two actresses tied for the Award for Best Actress. This is no small feat since this is her first major role in a movie. Has she acted anywhere before, I ask? ‘Yes, in a soap about 10 years ago’. After that, I was more behind the scenes than anything’. What made you decide to go in front of camera this time? ‘The time was right. This was God’s time for me’. God’s time indeed! So much so that her awesome performance had journalists scrambling to interview her at the just concluded BOBTV Film and Television Film Market, that took place in Abuja.

Nse Ikpe-Etim was discovered by none other than the ace producer, Emem Isong. Emem has over the years, proven that she has the uncanny knack of spotting a winner as she has to her credit, discovered great actresses like Stella Damasus, Dakore Egbuson and Kalu Ikeagwu to name a few. She has also boosted the careers of Mike Ezuruonye, Stephanie Okereke and Uche Jombo because it was through her films (Critical Decision, Emotional Crack and Games Men Play respectively) that they had their break out roles.

Nse Ikpe-Etim seems to be the latest in the stable. So what next for Nollywood’s Next Big Thing? Well, fans of hers can catch her in the soon-to-be-released sassy, risqué ‘Guilty Pleasures’starring Ramsey Nouah and Ghanaian actor, Majid Michel. ‘Ramsey again? I exclaim.’ ‘Any romantic entanglement between you two? You know what they say about acting opposite attractive co-stars? Just ask Angelina Jolie and Penelope Cruz!’ She laughs and says, ‘Ramsey is an old friend. I’ve known him practically forever! He’s like a brother to me besides he’s happily married’. ‘And if he wasn’t married?’ I cannot resist adding that mischievous quip. She smiles with her dimpled grin. ‘He would still be a brother to me’. She arches her brow, reminiscent of Omoze, her character in ‘Reloaded’ and I know not to pursue that line of questioning, after all who wants to be shoved in a car and given the beating of her life?! Big things are indeed in the offing for this rising Star and if she starts her first film on this footing, who knows to say what’s in store? Nollywood needs to look out for this silent tsunami. Meanwhile, watch this space!