Plus-sized Nollywood actress/writer, Amara Maduka, is gradually becoming one of the most sought-after stars in the movie industry, despite her chubbiness. In this interview with Tosin Clegg, the Anambra State-born thespian speaks on the challenges of an upcoming actor, love life and other issues concerning her career
Can you mention some big movies you have done?
Maduka Daughters, Village Flavour, Okirika, The Israelite, Good marriage, 3 Bad Girls, to mention but a few. I joined the industry after school. I knew I have the talent and I decided to pursue it.Â
What were the challenges you faced at the early stage?
My weight was a big challenge. I was very fat at the time and I didn’t get featured in characters I know I can deliver because all the producers saw was a fat, ugly girl. Not my talent.Â
How did you overcome it?
Oh well, when you get tired of being fed bullshit, you get to make a change at some point. All that matters is how you see yourself.Â
I knew I am more than they could see, and that image alone kept me going. I battled depression at some point. But like I said, if you know who you are, nothing can stop you. Not for too long.Â
Sexual harassment has also become a common trend in the entertainment industry, how did you scale through?
I haven’t been sexually harassed by any producer. I’m one of the lucky ones, I guess.Â
Did you hit the gym or work on your size to fit in?
I didn’t work on myself to “fit inâ€. I’m working on myself for me. I love to look good. And I’m only just getting started.Â
How supportive were your parents when you took the bold step to join Nollywood?
I have just my mum now. My dad wouldn’t have allowed it, but my mum is supportive.Â
Did your boyfriend, at that time, give you the go ahead?
I’ve never really dated, like dated anyone all my life. It’s funny but true. I’m just learning to truly give love a chance now. I’m too sensitive. I thought not dating at all was best to avoid heartbreaks and all.
So, you didn’t have an emotional attachment with your partners?
From me to them? No. From them, well people pretend a lot in this country. So I wouldn’t know.Â
So how long can you stay without sex?
Oh, I can stay for as long as I want to. I’m not a freak on sex. But when I get it, I get it good.Â
I have heard people say to sexually satisfy a plus-sized lady is a hard journey, how true?
That’s based on individual differences. It’s wrong to generalise stuff like that.Â
What’s your spec when it comes to Mr. Right for marriage?
I’m attracted to a person’s mind and rarely the body. If he’s got a good heart and a sound mind, that’s it for me. Physical appearances don’t really count. Doesn’t mean I’d marry a monster or a dwarf though.  But his pocket counts. I can’t help the world if I’m helpless, if you know what I mean. I need a rich man.Â
You mentioned aspiring producer, anyone in the pipeline?
Yes. I’m cooking up something good for my lovers, Alaba release though. I have to cut my coat according to my cloth for now.Â
Nollywood is indeed going places, but there are still some lapses, what’s the way forward?
The way forward is finance. Everything boils down to money. We don’t have investors. All we get is criticism and little support. Nigerians keep comparing us to Hollywood and it baffles me. We do what we do out of little or nothing and we are able to get a result.
 Not Hollywood standard perhaps, but if we have half of what those guys have, we’d shake the world.Â
What would Amara be doing for a living, if she’s not an actress?
I’d probably be into fashion. Which I’m still gonna visit eventually though.
What’s your best fashion accessory?
I really love my fancy rings and chains. I intend going into plus-size clothing. It’s difficult for a fat girl to find trendy clothes and I can help that. And I draw inspiration from everything around me.Â
Days ago a colleague of yours made a confession of the weirdest place she has had sex. What’s yours?
The weirdest place I’ve had sex was in the pool and it was a private pool. I love adventures, as adventures feed the soul.Â
Best moment as an actress?
When someone looked me up on Facebook, asked for my account details and sent me money from London for making him and his family laugh.
GISTS
‘Fantastic Numbers’ Hits Cinemas June 29
Fantastic Numbers, a movie from the stables of 2effect Pictures, distributed by Blue Pictures is set to hit the cinemas, June 29, this year.Â
The movie, which was produced by Uzee Usman, tells the story of a set of twins who were separated at birth, bump into each other in a seemingly dramatic circumstance and became sworn enemies instead of brothers that they are.
In a similar fashion, a set of triplets who were thrown away by their biological mother, led their separate lives until fate brought them together at a time they needed one another the most.
The movie, which was directed by Paul Apel Papel, features 2014 best actress in Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards  (AMVCA), Ivie Okujaye, award-winning actor and Globacom ambassador, Sani Danja, AMVCA 2017 best actor, Sambasa Nzeribe, actor and comedian Funny Mallam and Rahama Sadau.
According to the executive producer, Yakubu Mohammed, who doubles as an actor in the movie, the Fantastic Numbers addresses cases of children who are rejected and thrown away by their parents because they appear to be a burden or have some questionable circumstances surrounding their birth.Â
These children become orphans and are left to survive on their own.
“However, there are relationships that go wrong; we see women suffer in their relationships because the man in their lives is the only hope for survival and so they keep quiet and swallow their bitter pill.â€
The N35-million-budget movie also strongly kicks against impersonation, while attributing suspicion as a killer in relationships.Â
‘TAI.LORE’ Releases New Collection, R ESTRAIN TÂ
TAI.LORE is a minimalist, contemporary unisex bespoke and ready-to-wear African brand which have grown and expanded since inception into a reputable name for class, style and poise.Â
The brand recently released a new collection which was basically inspired by the society we live in.
It focuses on standards which are seeming restraints that try to impede you from expression and fighting all those and successfully being yourself is what the collection portrays.
This collection expresses the depths of freedom in various ways; from the colours, transcending from subtle to bold, all having their emotional significance and to the Free From Fits of the garments that show a tilt out of the Norm.
TAI.LORE’s brand is strong and is led by the best of hands in tailoring, finishing, and distinctive style, led by Tomini Tai – Osagbemi.Â
Emmanuel Somto to visit Federal Prisons
Winner of Mr. Teen Nigeria 2016, Emmanuel Somto, has grown to be more than just an average model but an economy of many depositions after emerging winner. As of now, he boasts of 42 awards to his name, including the Nigerian heritage icons award as the teenage personality of the year, The Now Awards humanitarian of the year Prize, Nigeria Inspire Awards Male model of the year and others.
He is also the CEO of TradzBySomto, a men’s wear brand he recently started, and Somto Laundry Place.
His recent project is known as Emmanuel Somto Foundation through which he plans to begin prison visitation to donate food, wears, provisions, toiletries, uniforms and other necessities to inmates. The Federal Prison in Owerri was the first that was visited and it has about 2,164 inmates.
His last project was project Feedthebeggars which they took to over six. Somto and his team are planning other major projects which they would unveil in a couple of weeks.
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My Story
Yannick Philippe
My Parents Are My Biggest Fans
Young, vibrant and talented Yannick Philippe is not ready to let this guard down and be swallowed by the struggles of a budding music act. The UK-based based Nigerian aspiring music star has got all it takes to turn Nigerian Snoop Dog in few years. In this chat with Tosin Clegg, the soft-spoken rapper bares it all on his challenges, inspirations, music label and lots moreÂ
Tell us about your career…
 I have been in the industry for about five years now, dropping singles and shooting videos. I do Hip-hop, Rap music, Afropop and anything that I can vibe to.
Are you currently under any label or management?
My record label is called Yannick Philippe Music Group and my management is run by my manager. Right now I have a collabo with Terry Tha Rapman and Pherow, but I’m already planning to work with Mode9 on a new single which I believe is going to be a big hit. I’m also currently working on an EP of six songs.Â
 Why the choice of music?
Because I grew up listening to rap music like Tupac, Snoop Dog, Mode9, Terry Tha Rapman and more. I got used to their music and started doing it. Asides music, I have a Higher Diploma in filmmaking and acting for TV/Film in Paris and London.Â
When do you intend to drop your next album?
Before the end of the year. Also, my parents are my biggest fans. My dad and mum have always been in full support.Â
What are the challenges you’ve faced as an upcoming act?
If you are not popular yet, no one wants to know you until you ‘blow’. Too many free shows to expose yourself and it’s not easy on me at all.Â
