Popular actress, Juliet Ibrahim, speaks with IVORY UKONU about her career and some of the things that have shaped her into who she is today. Excerpts:
How did you get into acting?
Since I was a little girl, I had always dreamt of being in the spotlight at some point in my life. My dream was to be a star. I believed I could achieve it as either a model, a singer, or an actress. I used to act, dance and sing when I was about three years-old. It just so happened that I gravitated towards activities that were able to put me in the spotlight, despite my shyness. I joined a drama and singing group and I was always a part of talent groups. Therefore, as a teenager, I already had an idea of what my future would look like and what I wanted to make of it.
At 17, I auditioned for modeling agencies and was signed to one in Accra in 2003. A television commercial I did resulted in my face appearing on billboards in Ghana. I walked runways, and I became a professional model for many years. My parents were supportive. I received a great deal of support from my mother, who used to record us when we practiced at home or during talent shows. All the tapes were lost in Ivory Coast when we fled the war, and this gives me a tinge of sadness. I have a passion for other things but acting in its entirety is an ‘end’ for me.
Was it difficult getting accepted in the Ghanaian movie industry?
Venturing into acting was not a walk in the park. Because of my skin colour, I was at a disadvantage. Mixed-race actors were nearly impossible to find. So I was relegated to the role of girlfriend or husband snatcher due to the difficulty of finding people to play my parents.
A beauty pageant I won contributed to me being called up for an audition in 2004. I showed up for the audition. Over 50 candidates were competing for the role, and I was selected as the lead. The first movie I appeared in was Crime to Christ, in which I played the girlfriend of a notorious armed robber. I was offered a role in another film on that set, and that is how I got into acting. It wasn’t an easy journey, as I mentioned earlier because of my skin colour, and a lot of people believed I got roles because I had a pretty face and shape, as well as my own shade of brown. Thankfully, I was welcomed wholeheartedly by many amazing people who saw beyond my appearance. Growing a thick skin and closing your eyes and ears to distractions can lead to success in life.
What about Nollywood?
The Nollywood industry welcomed me with open arms. Having the opportunity to work in Nigeria is as enjoyable as having the opportunity to work in Ghana. I consider Nigeria my second home.
When did you get your big break?
My big break has been from the very beginning. I played a lead role in the first movie, Crime to Christ and that was my launch pad. It announced me to the world. I acted alongside talented actors like Majid Michel and Nana Hayford in this movie which was produced by Venus Films Productions. Majid played the lead character, a hardened criminal, and I played Naomi, his girlfriend. The movie was a big hit, and I would say it launched me into the spotlight. In Nollywood, I made my debut with the film Yankee Boys in which I played yet another bad girl role. Following that, I appeared in another Nollywood film entitled Cash Adventure. From there, life took its course.
What determines the kind of roles you take on in movies?
Despite being daring and versatile, I know when to draw the line. My intuition guides me. In other words, if it isn’t the right thing for me, then I will not consider it, even if it pays well. Whenever a director or producer invites me to be a part of one of their films, I first read the script as well as understand the character portrayed in that film and decide whether or not I want to take part in it.
Do you sometimes input the roles that you play in movies?
There is a process involved in this that should not be tampered with in any way. The only time I improvise is when it comes to the lines that are written in the script and that is if I have received the director’s approval before doing so.
Which role and in which movie would you say challenged your craft as an actress?
As an actor each role challenges you. It is not easy becoming someone else on the screen. It takes a whole lot of work both mentally and physically.
Did you ever imagine that you would become as big and recognised as you are today?
In spite of my desire to become a superstar all my life, I would not attribute this success to only my personal drive. Instead, I would attribute it to God, followed by an incredible amount of effort, hard work, integrity, commitment and persistence. In fact, the Holy Bible even confirms that in Proverbs 22 verse 29: ‘Have you seen a man who is diligent in his work? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.’
Do you have a dream role in your bucket list and what is it?
Every role is a dream role. But I am looking forward to acting in an action flick and a horror film.
Like most of your colleagues, you are fully into movie production. What is the catch?
To do my own thing I guess. But I am not leaving acting to concentrate on producing full time. That is not something that I want to do at the moment. The idea of venturing into film production on a large scale is something I am interested in, but I am not ready to retire from acting just yet.
How many movies have you produced so far?
My first film, Number One Fan, was produced in 2014. In this film, I portray an actress who is being crushed on and stalked by a fan. The second film I produced was Shattered Romance, which featured Nigerian and Ghanaian actors, such as Bryan Okwara, Gbenro Ajibade, James Gardiner, Sonia Ibrahim, Pascaline Edwards, Eddie Nartey, Gbenro Ajibade, Charlotte Derban, Sammi B, and myself. Next, I debuted my directorial skills with the TV series, Every Woman Has A Story, which was broadcast on Showmax in Ghana. The Perfect Assistant was also born out of my venture into reality television.
Having acted in both the Nigerian and Ghanaian movie industry, how would you rate both?
Brotherly love unites us. We need to stop needless comparisons. Together, we are promoting African films internationally. Currently, both industries are experiencing growth. Our journey is not yet over, but every day we learn something new, which means we will eventually reach our goal. There is a high demand for movies in Nigeria because of its large population. You can always count on that. I have appeared in more Nollywood movies than in Ghanaian films and There is more money to be made in Nigeria than in Ghana, because in Nigeria, producers will give you what you are worth. In Ghana, producers are seldom given investments or sponsorships, so they are unable to pay you much.
What is that factor that you believe can take the movie industries in Ghana and Nigeria to a new and different level?
Support. Support from government and corporate organisations are in place for Nollywood, although not evenly distributed. Every producer, at least, has a glimmer of hope. Consequently, the Ghanaian government should support the movie industry in Ghana in order to level up with their international counterparts.
Who are some of the people you look up to in the movie industry and why?
As far as my role models are concerned, they are made up of all the great actors and actresses we have in Ghana and Nigeria. Beyond our shores, I consider Catherine Zeta Jones, Vivica Fox, Tyler Perry, Celine Dion and Beyonce to be my role models when it comes to movie stars and singers.
Did you at any time think of quitting acting?
I cannot recall a time when such a thing happened. Although one may burn out from time to time, I do not think you can quit your passion.
What was growing up like for someone with ancestry from three different countries (Ghana, Lebanon and Liberia) and how has it shaped you to be who you are today?
I remember that my childhood was not typical, it was an eventful one. My family and I travelled a lot when I was growing up, not due to love of travel, but due to the fact that we were caught in the middle of three civil wars, which resulted in us losing our home and moving to another country and becoming refugees.
My upbringing in different countries and the constant vicissitudes, changes, and do-overs caused me to grow up very quickly. I speak French, Spanish and English. I have had a wide range of experiences: the good, the bad, and everything in between. These experiences have given me a unique set of skills and qualities that make me who I am.
As a result, I can easily adapt to a role and get into it quickly. This is because I have resisted emotions and adjusted in order to fit into any role that I have to assume in order to survive. I am a woman whose diverse experiences have shaped who I am today.
My childhood experiences made me strong and resolute. Therefore, it is always easy for me to start all over again from the beginning. Moving from one country to another during wartime inspired my love of traveling and experiencing new environments. My experiences as a teenager battling discrimination, self-esteem issues, betrayals, as well as being a young adult experiencing love and learning how to embrace her body have enabled me to become tough and determined to succeed.
You are also an author. Why did you get into writing?
Yes, I wrote a book entitled, A Toast to Life, which is available on Amazon. It chronicles all of my life’s experiences. Like I said earlier, my diverse experiences, all of which shaped who I am today are reflected in the book.
My life is filled with many experiences, and what I share with my fans is those experiences. Most people do not realise their strength until the only option they have is to be strong. It often seems to me that my strength is sometimes just supernatural. This is because I have no idea how I have survived all this without giving up or giving up on life, especially when it comes to surviving tragedy and war.
A Toast to Life is an account of my triumph over adversity at different stages in my life. My intention is to uplift women and remind them that despite the many challenges they face, there is always hope.
Do you hope to write more books?
That is something I hope to accomplish. People need inspiration from time to time, so I am interested in writing relatable inspirational and self-help books that will help women get back on their feet or regain their sense of order in their lives, or simply let them know they are enough, valued, and not alone.
You also run a for nonprofit foundation. What is it all about?
The Juliet Ibrahim Foundation is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization with the intention of raising awareness on kidney cancer, malaria, HIV/AIDS, Ebola and other diseases in Ghana and throughout Africa and providing necessary interventions to address these issues. By offering awareness/education, treatment, and other social services for those who suffer from these diseases, we are able to assist individuals in coping with the disease. Through representation in Ghana and the United States, we hope to develop a network of resources to assist those suffering from these diseases and others in Africa.
What other things do you do beyond acting?
I am an entrepreneur, I have a cosmetics line, Shades by Juliet Ibrahim. I sing, although it is on the back burner for the moment.
You were previously married and the marriage produced a child while it lasted. Do you plan to remarry?
If the opportunity arises, why not? My experience in the past has made it pretty evident that I am a hopeless romantic. I maintain a strong belief in love, no matter the pain, struggle and betrayal I may have experienced in the past.
What would you be looking out for in your ideal man?
I have looked out for what needs to be looked out for, but what have I missed? There is a good chance that telling you what I would be looking for publicly would backfire. Someone with ulterior motives might tailor their approach to fit the bill. Instead of going with my heart and the innocent butterflies in my stomach this time around, I think I’m going to go with my guts, my head and not just with my heart.
Your last relationship was well publicised. Are you one of those who believe that keeping a relationship off social media will make it last?
It is true that keeping your relationship off social media may not necessarily guarantee a happy ending, but I believe it will save you a whole lot of headaches, which I would honestly prefer to avoid in the future.
Publicising it doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t last; it’s just that it doesn’t work in that way and it’s not as easy as it seems. First, it depends on the individuals involved in the relationship. Have they been honest with each other? Do they truly have an exclusive relationship? There are times when it is the erring partner who wishes to go public with the relationship to assure you that there are no skeletons in their closet, but we all know how that situation turns out.
How would you describe yourself?
A survivor, a fearless and tough woman, down-to-earth, friendly, but not afraid to tell you the truth kind of person and above all a goal-getter
What has been your greatest challenge in life?
Despite my best efforts, I have always been misunderstood. People sometimes deliberately misconstrue my posts and comments, it is always exhausting trying to explain myself.
How do you let off steam when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading a book, traveling, dinner, night out with friends, time at the beach or watching a movie.
What are you working on at the moment?
Presently, I am enrolled at Berkeley College in New York City to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Communications.
What do you think about your colleagues flaunting their material acquisitions on social media?
As you pointed out, it is their acquisition, so everyone is free to live their lives as they please. You cannot dictate what an adult does in their own life. If it floats their boat, all is well and good. Even though I do not engage in such activity, that does not grant me the right to judge anyone. What if that’s what makes them feel fulfilled or happy? What if it’s how they take inventory of their successes and achievements? What if that’s what keeps them motivated?
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