Nazareth Jesse Bako is a relatively new face in Nollywood, but she has already featured in a number of flicks. In this interview, she debunks claims that men are solely behind sexual harassment in the industry You have acted with a lot of people in the industry, what are the challenges you encountered during the period?
I have worked with a lot of people in the industry having come from the field of Business Administration and Management because I didn’t study Theatre Arts. Because of this, initially, I had a little problem because I couldn’t catch up. I learnt a lot from my colleagues on positioning, character description because acting is my passion. By the way, I am from Kuje area council of the FCT born and bred in Niger State. As an actress, it’s not been easy because you have a lot of competitors and the accessibility to meet up with some jobs because I reside in the FCT. Although we shoot movies once in a while, Abuja is not much of an entertainment place. For example, if 20 movies are produced in other places, in Abuja, only five would be produced. But I have been going around the country shooting movies, so it’s not been easy.
How would you rate the growth in the movie industry today especially in terms of grooming young talents?
The Nigerian movie industry is doing great. At least, we are in the second position now. We have grown from shooting movies with low quality cameras to high tech camera now. Our videos are crisps and the quality is getting better and better everyday. On the scripting, I think we are telling a lot about our culture and the happenings in the country. And a lot of talents have emerged. Today, the industry gives many people the opportunity to showcase themselves. It’s great and it should be appreciated.
As someone coming from this side of the country, what have you learnt so far in the industry?
I have gained a lot. I have been opportuned to read about lots of stories, and about things that happen in the world in general. I have met different kinds of people. I don’t have to keep malice with anyone. I have known more about what it takes to be an actress and how to make it real in the industry.
Which has been your most challenging role as an actress?
The most challenging role I have ever played in a movie was being a Catholic Reverend Sister. It was challenging because I don’t know the doctrine. I had to learn how to recite the rosary and also how to say some prayers. I spent days trying to catch-up. It wasn’t smooth though, but I was able to meet up.
What’s has been your most satisfactory role in a movie?
Really, I can’t point at any because I have had the opportunity of playing various roles. Like the role of a house wife, a rich man’s daughter, the role of a prostitute, a lawyer and others. They are all different roles and it’s your ability to deliver that matters and that is what makes you an actor.
Have you ever been harassed by a fan before?
Yes, I have (laughs)
Let’s get the gist.
It was this fateful day when someone accosted me and said, ‘This was the girl I saw fighting on the screen with only bra calling names’. I had to enlighten her that I am just an actor maintaining that it was a role I had to play in the movie which doesn’t depict what I do in real life. She’s even a woman. Even with my explanation, she said, ‘No, don’t play that kind of role’. I then told her that if I don’t play that kind of role, how will she and others know about the disadvantage of being a prostitute or a good or bad person?
This takes us to the issue of sexual harassment in the industry. Have you ever been tried to get a role?
I have never been harassed before. If you look at it critically, this things happen in every sector and not just in the movie industry. Go to the ministries and their parastatals, even in all these private organisations, they practice exists. Sometimes, your boss will walk up to you and start touching you. In the movie industry, there is nothing like that because there is no way, a producer, director or a marketer infringe in your privacy or hold you in an uncomfortable way. The fault is always from the women. You come to location and you don’t dress properly and you don’t expect the men to look at you? (laughs); there is freedom of looking, you know! I believe it is the ladies that has most of the problems. There’s nothing like harassment in the industry. Sometimes, you find out that most girls walk up to their rooms, chatting and even end up sleeping there. So, I don’t think the men are to be blamed.
Has any of your male fans ever approached you for a relationship before?
Yes…lots of them. Some of them called me and I don’t even know how they got my contacts. I have many that come down from Europe. Some text while others call.
So how do you cope with them?
Ehmm…(laughs) I just give attention to the one I can and leave the ones I can’t mingle with because I study you from the first moment I get in contact with you. I get to know the kind of person you are, your intentions. It doesn’t mean that I have to date them all. We can be friends.
As a script writer, when should we be expecting a movie produced by you?
I’m working on something now but I can’t reveal it until it’s ripe.
You can give a scoop
Its confidential for now but I tell you it’s a good story that when it comes out, it’s going to blow your mind. I have Majid Michael, Ramsey Nouah, Frank Athus, Ngozi Ezeonu and my humble self on set but I wont release the details for now.
Where do you see yourself in the next two years as a movie producer, director and actor?
I think I have to leave that to God but honestly, in two years time, I want to see myself at the summit of the world in the clouds.
What are the message to your fans?Be focussed on whatever goal you want to achieve . Shun every side gossips. If you are coming for the money, fine. If you are coming for the exposure, it’s also great because the industry has to do fun and work.
So who is your best actor in Nollywood ?
My best actor in Nollywood so far has been Ramsey Nouah because he is versatile. He can interpret any kind of role. He is still very relevant.
