Nollywood luminary and talk show host, Monalisa Chinda, in the course of her multifaceted career has traversed character roles, different from her distinct personality which is influenced by the things she believes in and philanthropy. A household name, Monalisa shares her passion with Ferdinand Ekechukwu on how she has dedicated time to inspire, promote creativity, develop opportunities for the less privileged and more. Excerpts:
Japa seems to be a means of escape among Nigerians from the socio-economic issues facing the country and recently you were mentioned along that line following a comment you posted. Are you really planning to Japa?
I only put up that post to get people’s view on ‘Japa’ using myself as an example. And I got the desired reactions (laughs). I love my country and I’m going nowhere.
What’s your view of the current economic situation?
The recent economy has shown the rate of a poor system of development, ranging from poor education, unemployment, poor infrastructural development and bad leadership. This is getting worse and our government needs to be held accountable because they have misplaced their priorities and they need to remember their primary objectives are to serve the people.
What are practitioners like you in the industry doing to draw the attention of government to these economic issues using your voice and platforms?
What I have been doing in the past couple of years, is firstly to stop complaining. I and my team have dedicated time to inspire, promote creativity and develop opportunities for the less privileged and vulnerable communities across the continent through the Arise Monalisa Foundation which I run.
Let’s talk about you in comparison to the character roles you play in films. Can you draw a distinction between both?
When it comes to acting I am driven by the character and there is a distinct difference between the characters I play and my personal life which is influenced by the things I believe in.
You are mostly known as an actor, and also a producer. Is there any other designation one can add to these?
Yes of course, I have a plethora of other professions such as philanthropy, advocacy, and talk show host just to name a few.
Not many people know you are a TV talk show host. How much do you think this has taken off your status?
The thing is I am heavily focused on offering value such that I am not really bothered about how I am perceived.
A lot more attention has been focused on your works in films and television, giving less attention to stage acting where you actually started off in school. Why so?
Yes, I totally agree but there’s a reason for that. Stage plays at some point were going extinct because of its capital intensive nature. Without sponsors, it wouldn’t get its desired audience and mileage. Most of the actors today (veterans) were all offshoot of the performing theater. I read theater; that is my background and my first love. All theater practitioners and enthusiasts are looking forward to seeing more live performances on stage whereas films have taken over from theater simply because of the climes and people’s interest.
Theater Arts is your background and first love, is there a ‘second love’ or other course you would have studied?
Growing up, my parents wanted me to go into legal practice, but due to my interest in theater arts, I gravitated towards my passion in the field.
How do you see parents making choice of what their child should study in school?
Firstly, it borders on the age of the parents. Secondly, I consider it as self-centeredness and self-gratification. Thirdly, parents tend to want to impose their own beliefs and expectations on their children, living the lives they thought they lost on their children. I vehemently disagree with this type of parenting and their views. Times have changed and parents must learn to accept that their children must be given the chance to grow and learn, make mistakes, learn from their mistakes. As long as they are not being misled and being drawn to harm’s way, attention must be directed to making sure children are well grounded in values, being the best version of themselves without negative inhibitions.
What would you like to share with budding talents who have interest in acting and looking up to you?
To work hard, have focus and patience. Continue to persevere in the industry. It is also important to have mentors and people who inspire you. Do not settle for less and carry yourself well, be confident but remember to stay humble
How much would you say Nollywood industry has evolved since you started acting and what excites you about the industry?
In my opinion the industry has really evolved over the years in every aspect possible. From production to film quality and acting skills and what really excites me will be seeing this evolution happen from where we started to where we are now.
Having played different roles acting, which one easily comes to mind and why?
That’ll be “Heaven’s Gate” because of its peculiarities. It’s an entertaining Soap Opera centered on the convoluted life of an ambitious man and the methods he employs to attain his objectives. This political melodrama offers a rich variety of sub-plots. Centered around family values, politics, betrayals, romance etc it’s a Redeemed Christian Church of God production in collaboration with Zulu Films (owned by Zik Zulu Okafor). The cast is quite robust.
How do you balance acting with family and being a mother?
Just by finding a balance between work and personal life and being able to know how to set priorities is very important.
What’s a typical day like for Monalisa Chinda?
Starting my day with a little work out, attending family needs. Set up my team to achieve the day’s goal and end the day with family.
How do you unwind?
I unwind by relaxing, hanging out with friends and listening to good music.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about women empowerment and the girl child and make sure their needs are met.
Aside acting and television, can you speak about your philanthropy?
Yes, I am working on purpose. That’s what I have been engaged in since I turned eight. That’s my back story… human compassion. Creating opportunities for young girls through the scholarship initiatives in different parts of the country and empowering young women in entrepreneurship through the Arise Monalisa Foundation.
Can you take us through some of the charity projects you have been involved with in recent times?
The Foundation has had a lot of charity projects and philanthropic activities embarked on. All documented on the Foundation website www.arisemonalisafoundation.org
Are you currently on any projects, or planning at the moment?
The Arise Monalisa Foundation is working in collaboration with ‘One Percent International’ to organise a conference titled “Count her in: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”, which is in line with the United Nations themes for the International Women’s Day 2024. The event stands to identify struggling women entrepreneurs and female student-entrepreneurs, helping them with grants that can elevate their businesses.
