Diamond Adaeze Igwe: The Real Me
She first came into the scene in the Nollywood stellar movie, Vanity Upon Vanity, then became famous after starring a role on the Anekes' twin glam movie, National Service. Now, the screen diva and celebrity, Diamond Adaeze Igwe, is currently and consistently taking on the central roles of Nollywood movies as the most preferred act. She is one actress that is peak with patience and talent.
Diamond Adaeze Igwe is one actress who many think is because of her beauty, oomph and model-like physique that make producers skulk to her for major roles. But her determination and total commitment to what she knows how to do best, acting, has positioned her in the minds of movie-buffs. In this fascinating chat with, the Ebonyi-born thespian opened up on her career and real self.
Taking the central role
Perfectly, she is not sleeping and does not also seem to be compromising fame for anything. Basically, she is taking the principal role as Nollywood female most wanted. What is the secret? Just because the wheel of life swiveled in, the pendulum of events oscillated between rise and fall. In other words, while some known faces in the Nigerian movie industry globally known as Nollywood gradually faded into oblivion, new names and faces also surfaced. Duly for Diamond, her name came on the list, and consistently enough she has kept to its expectations.
In 2004, when activities in government was a guarded secret, a Nollywood crew decided to shed light on the day-to-day affairs of the chief executives at typical Nigerian state houses. That movie was titled, Government House. Though fraught with some obvious shortcomings, typical of every work of art, the effort proved that the home video audience was eager to know the goings-on in Government Houses. That movie eventually spelt success for most members of the cast and crew including actress, Diamond Adaeze Igwe who made her acting debut on that set.
Perhaps, that is why the Ebonyi State born actress calls it one of her most challenging roles. “I have done a lot of roles since then, but I will not forget the experience I got from the location of Government House. It was what launched my career in Nollywood. I did my best and it was not surprising that it opened a lot of other doors when the movie was released”.
Since then, Diamond has gone ahead to feature in at least 50 home videos like Kingdom of Darkness, Vanity Upon Vanity, Mothers in Law, Love of My Life and My Only Daughter, amongst others. Although, she trained as an engineer, it was passion that led her to the movie business.
“Of course, I did not formally train as an actress. It started with passion. I grew up to love entertainment. As I grew up and watched others, I knew I had it in me and needed a medium to express that. I did my best and I thank God it worked out for me. Left to my formal qualification, I would not be an actress. I trained as a computer engineer at the Enugu State University. But the industry is unique in that it avails you the opportunity to express yourself. Once you can do it, you can rise from there. I am one of those who took advantage of the fact that I knew what I wanted”.
A caprice to most producers and movie-buffs
Since her early emergence on the movie scene in 2004, the Ebonyi State-born Computer Engineering graduate of Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) has always been a fantasy to most producers and movie-buffs. “That's the truth. But I know that I like being the best I could be in anything I'm doing, maybe that is the magic. It's through that it marvels some people, but in or behind the scene I have nothing but my best which I offer on screen.”
The real me
Indeed, not all that glitter is gold, for Diamond Adaeze Igwe, internally and externally she is really made of gold. She is just the real deal. If you describe her as a lady with a large heart, you are definitely right. “I wouldn't admit that I'm different thing to different people, because I get feedbacks from people who usually tell me that “you are a crazy type,” but I don't see anything crazy or funky about myself. Well, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but all I know is that I am who I am”. Those who have come across Diamond would declare assuredly that she has what it takes to be prided as the real African woman; and unarguably she is more than glitterati.
While growing up
Perhaps, Diamond Igwe's upbringing also availed her a lot for the career she has found herself in. As a child, her father was curious to see her take education seriously. “For him, education is the key. He is the type that will always drum it into you that whatever you need in life can come through education. I grew up in Enugu. I did my primary education at Ekulu Primary School Enugu, and my secondary school at Holy Ghost Secondary School, Abakaliki. After that, I proceeded to the Enugu State University.”
At the storm of scandal
One thing that marvels all is Diamond's ability to manage and unravel scandals. Do not enlist her as a controversial actress, as she is always on the news for the right and positive reasons. However, if you must know, she has her goals firmly established: setting her eyes decidedly on the international horizon. She sees background thoughts as locally made, whereby excelling in a local environment with a global mindset. The products of rumour mills are never her problem, as being real to her fans would not be compromised or over emphasized by hearsays or gossip toward her success.
Her reservation for the Nollywood industry
While some actors have their reservations about the movie industry in Nigeria, Diamond says it is making very profound progress, but not yet comparable to Hollywood. “It is unreasonable to compare Nollywood to Hollywood. People who always do this are being unpatriotic. Some have this habit of jumping to Hollywood whenever they see our work, but it does not follow. This is because the two industries are years apart in terms of experience and technical knowhow. We all know that. In spite of this, we have been trying. The recognition out there is enough to make us proud, but that does not mean that we should relent and bask in the euphoria that we are there. We will get there, with the support of Nigerians. I am happy that the government is talking about the industry as an income earner; which is a very feasible alternative if the potential of the industry is well-harnessed”.
The love for twins
Maybe being a twin has a lot to do with this, which is why she always speaks fondly of her twin brother, Peter whom she opted to pick the bills for his recent wedding. “Not that my twin brother doesn't have what it takes to host such an event; personally I told him to keep whatever thing he has that I would foot the bill. And to the glory of God, it held and that doesn't mean I have arrived or got much to lavish. I only saw that as an opportunity to show my twin brother some love. Besides, such an event holds lifetime memories”.
Recalling regrets
“Absolutely no! What every human should have in mind is anything that would cause regret also has its challenges. On that note, challenges are what pave way for corrections and amendment. It brings you back to the drawing board, whereby offering you a lift for a better position,” she said.
Inspiration through acting
Diamond is nothing but an inspiration to her ardent fans, and beyond. Her outspokenness and uncanny knack for roles interpretation says it all as she retorts, “many at times people meet me they always appreciate me. Some people who surmount courage enough would come to me and say, “Ah, your roles on movie should be commended, indeed you are an inspiration”. If I must tell you, it encourages me to put more effort. Personally, I could also recall my role on National Service, in fact its one movie you need to watch, and believe me it has a story to tell.”
Simplicity and fame management
Consequently, if you know Diamond, you would certainly put a nod to her realness, sincerity and outstanding personality. Of course, she also confirms it, “I like being real and simple, no matter most at times people see you as somebody who is thick and hard being closed to. The point remains that I earlier discovered who I am on time, and that is why I have been able to manage fame with it,” she concluded.
Her advice for the up and coming?
What is her special advice for people hoping to be part of Nollywood? “If one has the talent, my honest advice is that the person should be herself. Never try to be anyone else. Then pray to God and have patience”
