Beautiful Sylvya Oluchy is one of the faces that have made remarkable progress in the short period she has been in the Nollywood industry. She won the Most Promising Act of the Year award at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards and has gone ahead to win several others. In this phone interview with DGossip247, she opens up on how her mother influenced her acting career and the desire to get married soon
Brief background
My parents are both from Aguata LGA in Anambra State. I was born and raised in Abuja. I am the youngest of six children. However, I attended nursery and half of primary school in Finchley, London. My Secondary school was at the School for the Gifted in Gwagwalada, Abuja. I am a Theatre Arts graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and I attended film school at the Art Institute of Dallas.
What was growing up like?
Have you always wanted to be an actress?
As a little girl, I never wanted to be an actor. I was science inclined and nerdy while growing up. However, w h e n we returned to Nigeria and the bullying started, I didn’t have a lot of friends because I didn’t fit in. So when I got home, I would demonstrate and imitate all my teachers and classmates to my mother and she would say continuously, ‘You’ll make a great actor someday’.
I grew up hearing this and it slowly seeped into my subconscious. When the time to enroll into the university came, my mother said, ‘Try Theatre Arts if you don’t like it, you can switch’. I entered the university and from my first day on stage, I fell in love with art and the rest is history as they say.
When did you make the big decision to join Nollywood? And which year did you officially debut?
I decided to join Nollywood when I entered the university. During the holidays, I would go to Enugu and audition for movie roles; I got a few small roles then too. However, I moved to Lagos after my NYSC in 2011 and took up acting full time since then.
Were both parents in support of your chosen career?
I lost my m o t h e r in 2006. My dad wa s n ’ t overly e x – cited about my choice of study in the university but after he watched my first movie, he became sold on the idea and has been my biggest supporter ever since.
Mention some of the movies you’ve acted.
Bent Arrows, On Bended Knees, Lekki Wives, Being Mrs. Elliot, Losing Control, Duplicity and so many others.
As an actress, would you be involved in scenes that have to do with heavy romance -like kissing and bedroom scenes?
It all depends on the script and the director, the relevance of the scene to the overall story telling; how tasteful the director will be in the execution of such a scene.
What of acting nude? Would you do it and what can make you accept such roles?
Same rule applies. It depends on the script in question and the director.
Since joining the industry, have you had issues of sexual harassment from producer/ director in the industry?
It happens in every sector of the economy not just entertainment. It requires you not being desperate and able to walk away. You must weigh the pros and cons and make the best decision that satisfies your selfinterest. However, it’s something I hope as a people we can sanitize and purge society of the ailment.
As a young girl growing up, can you recall when you had your first kiss? Do you still keep in touch with the guy?
Some things are better left unsaid. However, I maintain a healthy and friendly relationship with most of my exs.
Do you believe in love at first sight and have you ever experienced it?
Yes I do. Perhaps, not at first sight per se but I believe you can feel so strongly about a person and have a deep connection after just one date or a few hours of knowing someone. Yes, I’ve experienced it but don’t ask me with whom.
Who is your celebrity man crush, both in Nigeria and abroad?
My celebrity crush is not a celebrity in the sense of the word I think you mean. I’ve always been attracted to nerdy guys and I like Elon Musk and the Google guys, Brin Sergey and Larry Page. Dangote is my Nigerian celebrity crush.
You were once quoted to have said that you are yet to fall in love. Has that changed in recent times?
No. Nothing has changed. I’m still looking for my other half. I am not in a relationship at the moment. I would love to get married soon however.
What are the qualities you expect from your man?
I adore men with high IQ, sense of humour and most importantly, a man who is slow to judge others but tries to see the good in everyone. Physically, I like men who work out and take good care of their bodies and hygiene.
Describe your fashion style.
My fashion style keeps evolving and changing. I am not a creature of habit and routine. I like different styles at different moments in time. However, I am and will always be a team natural when it comes to my hair because my hair is my crown and I’m proud of the way God made it. I like a touch of Ankara here and there for that Afrocentric vibe and I love bright bold colours.
What kind of clothes make up your wardrobe?
I wear more dresses than anything else. They say if you want to be dressed, buy a dress! I love dresses and skirts over trousers. I’m kind of girly like that. I own lots of heels, handbags and accessories.
What’s your beauty routine?
I work out a lot. I love to keep fit. I switch my workouts between yoga, boxing, swimming, jogging and going to the gym. I drink lots of water, eat fruits and vegetables daily. For my hair and skin, I swear by coconut oil. Beauty I believe shines best from the inside out. You are what you eat.
Your favourite accessories?
Earrings are my least favourite accessory ironically. Rings and neck pieces are my best.
What is your passion?
I have a couple of things I’m very passionate about. The first is acting. I’m also passionate about technology because science was my first love. I love the way technology has shaped and changed the world today.
Mention some of the awards you’ve won.
They are: Most Promising Actress at Best of Nollywood Awards, 2013; Best Rising Star at Nollywood Movies Awards, 2012 and Best New Actress at City People Entertainment Awards, 2012.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I see myself married with a child. I would have produced my own movie by then and risen to great heights in my career.
Describe Sylvia in three words.
Kind, creative and ambitious.
