Currently serenading the motion picture industry is fast rising act, Ovo’ Daniels Gabriels. The Jesse-born thespian from Delta State who studied Nursing Education at UCH, University of Ibadan is also a model and presenter.

Her unique voice and delivery of the English language flawlessly and effortlessly aside her plausible interpretation of roles has endeared her to movie directors and producers alike.

In this interview, Gabriels who also did other certificate courses in acting, presentation and broadcasting speaks on her adventure in Nollywood and other issues.

By SAM ANOKAM

Acting to me is divine. I grew up acting. It is passion and a gospel to me. It is a way of affecting my generation positively.

I started acting from primary school, doing dance drama. I was always playing lead roles. I took it serious in Secondary school. I was in the literary and debate society, got involved in poem recitation and drama sketches as well as represented my school both at state and national competitions.

I was amongst the best. I also joined a theatre group called ‘Irawo Owuro’ (Morning Star) Theatre Group, it was a stage drama thing, visiting schools in churches to showcase our acts.

I was writing drama script and directing the youth drama group of my church before I left for higher institution. All these informed my packaging today by God’s grace.

Infact, when I told my pastor and spiritual father then that I was going to study Nursing, he was shocked and wondered why I didn’t want to study theatre arts. God has been good to me.

I registered with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in 2004. I was also at a time, State Secretary, AGN, Delta Chapter before I left for school again to add some colourful feathers to my cap. I’m done with my first degree and I fully back into the business of acting.

God has given me a great personality and knowledge of the art.God also gave me a unique voice.

Men shiver hearing my voice and somehow, some people get intimidated by my voice. Some call me ‘radio voice,’ ‘man’s voice.

Whatever it is, it is God’s gift and I thank Him for it. My most recent movies include,  ’Xmas Package’ directed by Chris Obirapu produced by Chief Zebrudaya alias 4:30,  ‘Dangerous Mission’ and ‘Impossible Mission’. I played the female lead character alongside top actors like Kenneth Okonkwo, Clem Ohameze, Ugezu J. Ugezu, directed by Ugezu J. Ugezu produced by Ariscole Investment.

I just finished two movies shot at Asaba, staring alongside Mercy Johnson and Nuella Njubigho, directed by Vincent D Anointed produced by Ariscole Investment Nig Ltd. The other movie ‘Night Nurse’ is directed by Chima Okoroji, I stared alongside Mike Ezeruonye and Nuella. God has been faithful since i returned from school.

Without mincing words, I have a crush on John Dumelo and like others like Genevieve Nnaji and Majid Michael

The issue of sexual harassment is everywhere. Why all these pretenses? It’s a ‘man’s world’ so we all say, lots of women, ladies, the girl child are being sexually harassed daily just because they need help or job to survive. Tell me, does it mean we can’t help each other survive without harassing? We need to grow up. Whatever position we find ourselves is God’s grace, we should fear God.

My love life is personal. But why can’t I marry an actor, are they not human beings? Yes, I can marry an actor if I find true love in him. But the man I want must be God-fearing . One who will respect me as a lady, support my acting career and aspirations.

My friend, soulmate, someone we connect on same frequency, a great dresser with good sense of fashion, fun to be with, a guy who knows when he’s wrong and knows how to say, I’m sorry. He must also be averagely comfortable.

I will not allow any man to break my heart. Before he plans to do that, I would have seen it coming and move on. I don’t deceive myself. I know when to draw the line and count my losses and save my heart from being broken beyond repair.

It happened once but affliction shall not rise the second time.

I’m just the girl next door, down-to-earth, loving, caring, understanding, fun to be with, respectful, honest, focused, positive and intelligent. I have a good heart, I mind my own business, I love my privacy, I get angry like a normal human but I don’t keep things to heart. I know how to say I’m sorry when I’m wrong, I look out for people a lot and I love myself.

I love kids and would love to have a dozen. I love and enjoy cooking and baking. I’m an African woman brought up in an African culture, I got no time for pretense. I’m comfortable in my skin.

My favourites actors are Genevieve Nnaji, Mercy Johnson, Omotola Ekehinde, of course aunty Joke Silva, Julia Robert and Jennifer Ganna.