In a career that spans over two decades, star actress Rachael Oniga has indeed come a long way. The indigene of Eku, Delta State is one of Nigeria’s top actresses with numerous awards and over a hundred movies under her belt. Ever since she debuted in the movie, Memorial Hospital, Oniga has continued to grow from strength to strength.
In this chat with The Entertainer, Oniga opens up on her life, career, and family among other interesting issues. Excerpts:
What project are you working on right now?
It’s Somewhere Down The Line produced by Tamara Eteimo.
Has it always been your dream to be an actress?
My dream as a kid was to be a singer and dancer (Laughter).
So, how did a singer and dancer wannabe end up an actress?
I started in 1993 after I got separated from my husband; he’s late now. I was a fulltime housewife and before then a computer programmer. After the separation I just said I was not going back into the labour market. So, I went into business trading, traveling and buying things and all of that. Fortunately, I met Uncle ‘Layi Ashadele and he said to me, ‘why don’t you try acting?’ So, I gave it a try and I was invited to the set of Memorial Hospital. That was how the journey started.
As a green horn, what were the challenges you faced?
Those days, if you had the talent, you’re given the opportunity to excel. If you’re good and hard working, producers and directors appreciated you a lot. There was this producer/director with NTA back then, Bourdilion Bordeaux; if you went through his auditions and got a role and then you go on to do two or three jobs with him then you could stand anywhere. I was lucky I had the opportunity of doing so many jobs he produced and directed. He’s very difficult to please. He’s the kind of person who respects talent. He drills you and as you’re on set he’s teaching and you’re learning. For each job you did, you learned something new.
You came into Nollywood accidentally in 1993. How long did you have to jump from set to set before you had a break?
I was fortunate. Maybe I was destined to be in this profession. It was so quick. In less than two years I’d had my first awards. They were THEMA Awards for Best English Actress and Best Yoruba Actress. The following year I won two awards again.
Tell us about your growing up?
We were five by my mother. It’s a polygamous family. We lost two. My late sister, Elizabeth, we lost three years ago and it was so painful. We also lost a brother about 10 years before then. I have half brothers and sisters. I’m the second of five kids.
What was it like growing up in a polygamous home?
From where I come from, it was the order of the day. I don’t know if it’s the tradition. It’s normally not very easy but kids will always be kids and go wherever the wind blows them. Mothers take care of only their kids; meanwhile, daddy wants you to be the best in everything.
How close were you to your dad?
We weren’t close until he died. He was too much of a disciplinarian. When I look back, I think there is nothing as good as having a close-knit family where your interests are not divided, and you actually bring up your children the way that you should.
The late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti said he got over 300, 000 strokes of the cane from his father. How many did you get from your dad?
He never used the cane but we all feared him. You know sometimes it’s better you get trashed than receive harsh words. If he’s around and you did something contrary to what he wanted you’d just be swallowed up.
Don’t you think he did all these to make sure you and your siblings grew up to become responsible?
That was good but it all boils down to the fact that growing up in a polygamous home is not the best.
So why didn’t you remarry?
I believe so much in myself, and when I got over the shock of the separation and all that, I made up my mind that I was going to make a statement without a man. I wanted to prove that a hardworking woman could make an impact and with God’s grace I have come a long way.
There’s been no scandal around you. How were you able to handle that?
The truth is that when you’re focused and you know where you’re going to, you’re likely to succeed. I made up my mind then that I wasn’t going to remarry. I was determined to make it and make all men including my late husband know that with God by her side, a woman can make it in life without a man’s support.
That means he hurt you real bad?
Yes. During our years of courtship and marriage, I never suspected that we would just break up like that or anything could ever come between us. Back then he told me everything. I could tell you where he was at every moment; I trusted him so much.
Did you ever get to meet the other woman?
It was later, much later and when I did I was like ‘did he leave me because of this thing?’ I don’t know how to put it but men don’t really appreciate what they have until they lose it.
What advice do you have for women in similar situations?
Just believe in yourself and with hard work you will get there. God is always faithful. I killed my emotions and I said to myself ‘Rachael, your kids must go to the best schools.’ It was just work and my children.
Today, you’re an icon in Nollywood and a lot of youngsters are looking up to you. Are you giving back?
Yes, in my own way. Probably you’d expect me to have an NGO and all that stuff. It does not only go by having an NGO. You can give back by serving your state. Like in Lagos State, I’m a Traffic Mayor and Health Ambassador. I do a lot of volunteer work and selfless service. I also advocate for young people. If I had my way and I had money, I’d be looking at doing something special for young women.
What’s been your happiest moment so far?
It was when I had my awards within such a short period.
What’s your saddest moment?
When legends are not given their due respect in the industry, I am sad. We are doing them wrong by giving honour to those who don’t merit it at all. Why must things like this happen?
We understand you’re also into movie production. Could you shed more light?
I have done a couple of films in Yoruba and English. I did not go into production because I just wanted to make money. Rather, I went into production because I wanted to teach. First and foremost, I’m an actor.
What’s the secret to your success?
It’s God’s grace and a little bit of hard work.
Any regrets?
I have none.
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