*Remarks on Nigerian Ambassador to Canada: “Ambassador Ojo Maduekwe is new in Canada. He is doing really well. He is touring Canada to meet with different Nigerian Associations and student groups. He is very excited and will make a big difference for Nigerians in Canada.”
UBA Onwudiwe is a celebrated Nigerian showbiz stopper and impresario in North America. Her music has become a ‘national anthem’ of some sort among Africans, especially the Nigerian community in the whole of Canada. She is a familiar face in most homes when it comes to music and movies. This award winning musician takes our hardworking EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU down memory lane to recount all her successes, humanitarian services and her continue plans to help re-branding Nigeria’s image as a ‘Cultural Goodwill Music Ambassador’ having played her music severally on world stage.
As a humanitarian advocate for African children, what has life taught you?
Life has thought me that we are equal in the eyes of our creator and tremendously divinely loved. It is also important to note however, that this divine love encapsulates some serious trying challenges for life and living. Simply put, life presents us with tremendous challenges we must face in order to enjoy life’s blessings. I have learned through my life’s journey, and often teach this principle to young people that the greatest life foundation is built on love and existential freedom for all. It simply means we must love, care and be our brothers and sisters keepers, making sure no one is left behind, because when we do, we are all behind. That is how we must set an example of leadership. That is how we must teach and empower our youth to be good leaders of their own generation.
How will you describe the acceptance of Nigerian cultural heritage in Canada?
My work in music and acting, as well as my cultural outreach in Canada has paved way to wide popularity and acceptance of Nigerian culture in Canada. This cultural outreach and exchanges brought many visibilities to Nigerian Cultural heritage displays by so many Nigerian associations in Canada. Nigerian community in Canada is well integrated in the larger culture. A large population of Nigerians in Canada is very well accomplished. We are proud of our individual and collective accomplishments. We take pride in our cultural heritage very seriously.
As a proudly Nigerian representative overseas, do you wear Nigerian attires for your official outings over there?
Yes, everything about my music is a showcase of my traditional and cultural heritage. I perform in core epic attires and tribal marks.
As a Victim advocate abroad, had there been any time you ‘fight’ for Nigerians against injustice meted out to them in Canada?
This is a relatively new role for me in addition to many public charity work portfolios I currently carry in the community especially, in the areas of tragedy and losses. With the help of the community however, we are strengthening victim right advocacy through volunteers training, public awareness, and victim rights education. The most important progress in this front is that citizens of our community are aware of this service available to them and can utilize it in time of needs.
How will you appraise the performance of Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada to Nigerians living there?
Ambassador Ojo Maduekwe is new in Canada, he is doing really well. He is touring Canada to meet with different Nigerian Associations and student groups. He is very excited and will make a big difference for Nigerians in Canada.
How did you win the massive acceptance of Nigerians and Africans in North America/Canada to have become ‘Nigeria’s Goodwill Ambassador’?
I was appointed by NASELS Nigeria (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STUDENTS OF ENGLISH AND LITERARY STUDIES), through my work in showcasing African culture across all corners of North America with dignity and pride. The authenticity of my work, my message of pride and love in our culture, as well as who we are as people, and the projection of our cultural creativity to the World gained me the public respect of my work, not just among Nigerians but also Africa people at large. NASELS was impressed with my collective body of work. That earned me the honor of “A role model Ambassador to Nigerian Universities and Colleges.”
What successes have you recorded in Canada as a Nigerian Culture and Heritage musician?
My greatest success is having the honor and privileges as an award-winning artist, of sharing and performing with pride on the world stage the richness of my heritage. It gives me tremendous amount of joy to see this generation of Canadians from youth to senior citizens dance and sing to my songs in our native dialect. That spirit of trans-cultural sharing through my work is the pride of my success. That is truly fulfilling to me, as well as an embodiment of who I am as an artist.
Tell us about your two African High-life albums
My style of music is an authentic fusion, funk and folk African Hi-life. My first Album ‘Ojorima’ (Celebration of Life) is a showcase of the epic of my heritage. It was recorded in Nigeria. The work captures my life growing up in Nigeria as a celebration of my life, culture, tradition, and heritage. The second album ‘Ube Nwanne’ (Reach Out) is a thanksgiving to support, encouragement, and a difference we can make in another person’s life by reaching out with love and kindness.
How did the Canadian community accept your two albums after release?
Canadians amazingly widely accepted and liked both albums. Nollywood has made history in Canada and I am very proud to be a part of this history. Canada is a very well culturally diverse country and supports multiculturalism. That diversity has allowed me and many other artists to thrive in Canada. .
Can you compare and contrast the Nigeria and Canadian entertainment scenes?
There is a wide disparity between the two. Canadian entertainment industry is an extension of Hollywood. The North American entertainment industrial complex is far more advanced than any other in the world. We have to remember this industrial complex Canada is part of has been in existence for over two hundred years. Nigeria entertainment industry is making very good progress. I see this progress taking us to the pinnacle of success in the very near future. From a personal perspective and gratitude, I will not trade for anything, the joy of having the Nigeria entertainment industry as a platform for taking off in Canada. Very few opportunity compares to this joy and gratitude. I am very grateful.
Tell us about your journey into the Nollywood (Nigerian movie Industry)?
I was discovered in Canada by Phina Brooks CEO Phinchic Productions with my first lead role as ‘Nneka’ in ‘Missing Link’. My journey into Nollywood started with Missing Link and the mentorship of former Nigeria High Commissioner to Canada Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher and Dr. Victor Olatoye CEO African Oscar Award USA. I am very grateful to the unshakable support of my husband Dr. Herbert Odi Onwudiwe.
Can you recall your challenges in maintaining and standing-out in Canada as a foremost actress of repute?
I live in a country where I am a minority, an African with an accent. My voice is my talent and my gift to humanity. It is very challenging for an international artist to find acceptance and professional footings in a foreign land. Projecting my culture, paving ways of my heritage so woven in the fabric of my culture with such high epic values, as I integrate the beauty and authenticity of my work to the Western World is like holding the bull by the horns and wrestling it down. Perseverance, dedication to excellence, respect for others who came before me and may not have made it, motivated me working harder for those who will come after me. My Integrated Mind, Body, Spirit healing Life Coach Dr. Chris O’Banye recently engraved in my consciousness that “Life rewards those who challenge it.” Challenging life has rewarded me immensely.
There are allegations in some quarters that Nollywood directors, producers ‘sleep’ with them to give them roles. What is your view?
Entertainment Industry comes with some degree of negative stigma. I am pursuing my career according to God’s calling and direction. I pay minimal attention to such rumors and negativity. I have had the privilege of working with few of the reputable Nollywood directors and producers who put perfection to test at all time in their work.
Will you say your entry into movie in Africa is a blessing?
To be a part of history making for Africa in North America is a big blessing, nothing can measure my fulfillment. My goal and dream is to unleash African talents to the World.
Say in five years down the lane, how would you take African music beyond African continent’s expectation?
I truly believe I have the talent, hard work, dedication, creativity and the intangible package to bring in the nearest future, African music to the highest height ever reached before. My doors are open to all producers in the industry who are willing to be part of this new and exciting height. It takes two to tango.
What is your philosophy of life?
Believe in yourself.
What are the highpoints of your music and movie career?
Wow…the highpoint of my music career was being the opening performing artist at NAFCA 2011. It was an honor beyond any award being the face of the unveiling of Nollywood Canada by the Nigeria High Commissioner on July 3, 2011 at the ‘Missing Link’ movie premier in Canada was the highpoint of my career as an actress.
Kindly tell us how you manage your time at home as a wife, music personality, cultural ambassador and movie actress?
My family is my number one priority. A healthy compromise fits my career scheduled into my principal role as a mother and wife. I am so thankful to my family, extended family, and friends. Without their support, it would have been extremely difficult to share myself and work with the world.
How did you meet your husband and what are the main futures you see in him which attracted you and you follow?
I met my husband through my late uncle Dr. Fred Okparacha. They were old boys from Priscilla Memorial Grammer School Oguta. It was love at first sight; I am still mesmerized by his voice and his awesome soul. Our marriage is blessed with three wonderful children Obiora, Adaeze and Amaka.
Where and when did you make your first millions either in music or movie?
One of my greatest life achievements is immortalization of my late father’s name through my music. From a position of personal gratitude and fulfillment, that work is worth zillions and more from the moment of recording the songs.
Are there music or movie projects you are currently working on?
Yes, I will be releasing my first ‘Singles’ in Canada before the end of this year. I also have few movie projects on the pipeline.
What are your regrets in life?
I have no regrets. Life is only but a journey. Everything that God allows to come our way has a purpose. He uses even the greatest error and deepest pain to mold us into a better and stronger person.
Finally, what is your message to your fans globally?
I am so thankful to all my fans, for all their support and encouragements. When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life you have a thousand reasons to smile. My career is built on sharing with all of you a piece of me we all have in common, with messages carrying true life principles that light uplifting fire in you. I am where I am because of you and your support. I have not taken it for granted, and will not. I ask all of you to continue to support me as we grow to a higher level of amazing love for all. KEEP PUSHING ME!
Really fantastic to see this great Nigerian making Africa very proud. I wish you success all the way to the top, congratulations!