Why I am called sexy choco —Bunmi Nelson
Bunmi Nelson, popularly known as Sexy Choco, is an actress, producer, presenter and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of House of Euphoria, a fashion outfit based in Lagos. In this interview with our source, the graduate of Theatre Arts from Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, speaks on why she took a break from acting, her fashion preferences, among other sundry issues. Excerpts:
Why I have been out of circulation
Sexy choco has been rebranding, besides I have been away on vacation. I also used the opportunity to do a sandwich course on bead-making. Since I came back from vacation, I have been acting and producing movies as well as working on my talk show. Now that I am back, they should be expecting to see a brand new me because a lot has changed. Bunmi Nelson is back with a bang! So they should just watch out.
My senior colleague, Bimbo Akintola once joked on the set of a location that I should drop the ‘sexy’ in front of my nickname because I had gained so much weight but now I thank God all that is in the past. My vacation was indeed a blessing and the perfect time to cut down all that excess fat so my fans should watch out for my new job that will soon be released. It was shot both within and outside Nigeria.
Also, I have expanded my fashion business as I have been able to acquire more skills on beads, wire-works, accessories of all sorts with embellishments, pearls, gemstones, corals and so on. House of Euphoria is bigger and better now. So, that is what I have been busy working on and my excuse for being out of circulation. Unfortunately, my holiday was cut short due to some health issues because I had to undergo a surgery which wasn’t initially planned for.
On whether my absence would have adverse effect on my acting career
It can’t and won’t affect my career because I’m a professional actress and my space is there anytime I want to act.
Besides, artistes need time off to relax, unwind and if possible, go for short courses in order to enhance our skills. I will always be on top of my game because I’m a professional and I know my onions. No one can take that away from me because it is God- given.
Coping with competition
Yes, we have talented actors out there but as you know already, shoe get different sizes. Just like the adage that says the sky is wide enough for all the birds in the sky to fly. I am not competing with anyone because I’m a brand of my own.
Assessment of the movie industry
I’m proud to say that we have done very well for ourselves and that is why Nollywood is the second best and very soon, it will be the best as we are almost catching up with Hollywood. The only problem we have is piracy. It is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into our industry and we have been praying to God to intervene on our behalf. I wish to commend President Ibinabo Fiberesima for the good works she has done and is still doing, especially in the area of unity in the industry and also the health and welfare of the members. Nollywood is far better, bigger and stronger now than before. We have new producers, young directors and wonderful editors. Go abroad, our movies are all over the place and are widely watched.
On the qualities of movies produced in recent times
If anybody complains about the quality of our movies, it is because such a person has not seen the newest and latest trend of movies being shot and released of recent. Trust me, we have gone beyond those low budget movies or movies having similar story lines. We now have new story lines and fresh faces as people are tired of seeing the same faces over and over again. The younger generation has taken over and they are making a mark on the industry.
Most challenging role
That was in Fragile Pain Parts 1 & 2. The movie also featured the likes of Justus Esiri, Monalisa Chinda, Fred Amata, Michael Okon,among others
First experience on set
It was wonderful and also fun, though it was a bit new to me and that was because it was a different ball game for me as a presenter who was just joining the movie industry. I was simply excited about migrating from being a television presenter to an actress.
Foray into acting
I joined the movie industry on December 16, 2000. I was called for the reading of a rested soap entitled. Silver Lining. Although I already knew a lot of artistes because I was fortunate to have interviewed many of them on my show. It was some of them who invited me for roles in movies and gave me tips on jobs that were about to be shot. I’ll call it luck because I only went for two auditions and I never played a waka pass because my first role was a sub-lead. It could only have been God.
How I came about the name Sexy Choco
I have been answering that name since high school, Sexy Choco simply means ‘Sexy + Chocolate’ because I’m dark in complexion. So, Sexy Choco is a combination of chocolate and also Sexy.
Mind you, sexy doesn’t mean ‘sex’! It simply means brains on two legs. Most eloquent ladies are seen as sexy.
Coping with sexual harassment in the industry
Sexual harassment is a norm! From the movie industry to music, banking, modelling and so on. What is most important is to know where you are coming from and where you are going. Do you want to succumb to pressure throughout your career or would you rather take your stand and rather get invited to locations based on merit, recommendation or by fast becoming a producer and shoot your own self into limelight?
Role models in the industry
Well, my first role model is God Almighty. On the international scene, they are; Kate Winslet, Whoopi Goldberg, Vivica.A. Fox and Kimberly Elias. On the local scene, they are Edith Jane Azu, Eucharia Anunobi, Bimbo Akintola, Taiwo Ajayi Lycett, Ethel Ekpe, Ego Boyo, amongst others.
Role restriction
Nudity. That is the only role I can’t act .Except it is a body double and the ‘pay’ is an offer I can’t refuse.
On the allegations that there are many lesbians in Nollywood
Lesbians are every where. Just like there are many lesbians in Hollywood and other industries around the world. It is an act that has been there from time immemorial, even the days of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible. So, it didn’t start in Nollywood and definitely won’t end here, we simply plead for God’s divine intervention, c’est fini.
My kind of man
I have a career that is blossoming both in the movies and fashion industries so I can only be with a man who supports my dreams. Of course, I’m not worried about intimidating men because the kind of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in.
Cost of looking good
Anything it costs in this world to dare to be different.
Why I did liposuction
It was for health reasons. I did it on my tummy. I was scared to go under the knife but I had to do it. The most important thing is that I went under the knife and came out alive. I thank God, my family and friends who showed concern. I also thank God that the healing was fast.
How I have been able to carve a niche in the fashion industry
My style, my fabrics, accessories and pattern has stood me out for years, on my clients, on the run way and also my several fashion shows!!!
Description of self
I’m Baba God’s pikin.
Strengths and weaknesses
My strength is in God and my weakness is in me.
Fashion fetish
Shoes and accessories.
Most expensive item in my wardrobe
My sexy lingerie. People who are fashion conscious know that Victoria Secret underwear will cost you an arm and a leg.
Definition of style
Style is a norm; but it varies with each individual. I will describe my style as a cocktail. It is a blend of glamorous, simple, classy and chic. My fashion watchword is “simply blend the trend.”
Beauty regimen
I drink lots of water, I work out and I don’t skip breakfast. I also take lots of fruits; chewing and smoothies. I do my facials quarterly when I visit the spa. I don’t miss my ‘power’ naps, I unwind and I don’t miss my vacation.
Greatest physical asset
My complexion and dentition.
On the issue of marriage
I am not scared of marriage because I love and respect the institution called marriage. I am in a relationship and will get married when the time is ripe.
Coping with advances from male fans
I simply appreciate all my male fans and admirers. The persistent and daring ones are politely turned down.
Advice to upcoming artistes
Keep your eyes fixed on the goals.
Bunmi Nelson, popularly known as Sexy Choco, is an actress, producer, presenter and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of House of Euphoria, a fashion outfit based in Lagos. In this interview with our source, the graduate of Theatre Arts from Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, speaks on why she took a break from acting, her fashion preferences, among other sundry issues. Excerpts:
Why I have been out of circulation
Sexy choco has been rebranding, besides I have been away on vacation. I also used the opportunity to do a sandwich course on bead-making. Since I came back from vacation, I have been acting and producing movies as well as working on my talk show. Now that I am back, they should be expecting to see a brand new me because a lot has changed. Bunmi Nelson is back with a bang! So they should just watch out.
My senior colleague, Bimbo Akintola once joked on the set of a location that I should drop the ‘sexy’ in front of my nickname because I had gained so much weight but now I thank God all that is in the past. My vacation was indeed a blessing and the perfect time to cut down all that excess fat so my fans should watch out for my new job that will soon be released. It was shot both within and outside Nigeria.
Also, I have expanded my fashion business as I have been able to acquire more skills on beads, wire-works, accessories of all sorts with embellishments, pearls, gemstones, corals and so on. House of Euphoria is bigger and better now. So, that is what I have been busy working on and my excuse for being out of circulation. Unfortunately, my holiday was cut short due to some health issues because I had to undergo a surgery which wasn’t initially planned for.
On whether my absence would have adverse effect on my acting career
It can’t and won’t affect my career because I’m a professional actress and my space is there anytime I want to act.
Besides, artistes need time off to relax, unwind and if possible, go for short courses in order to enhance our skills. I will always be on top of my game because I’m a professional and I know my onions. No one can take that away from me because it is God- given.
Coping with competition
Yes, we have talented actors out there but as you know already, shoe get different sizes. Just like the adage that says the sky is wide enough for all the birds in the sky to fly. I am not competing with anyone because I’m a brand of my own.
Assessment of the movie industry
I’m proud to say that we have done very well for ourselves and that is why Nollywood is the second best and very soon, it will be the best as we are almost catching up with Hollywood. The only problem we have is piracy. It is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into our industry and we have been praying to God to intervene on our behalf. I wish to commend President Ibinabo Fiberesima for the good works she has done and is still doing, especially in the area of unity in the industry and also the health and welfare of the members. Nollywood is far better, bigger and stronger now than before. We have new producers, young directors and wonderful editors. Go abroad, our movies are all over the place and are widely watched.
On the qualities of movies produced in recent times
If anybody complains about the quality of our movies, it is because such a person has not seen the newest and latest trend of movies being shot and released of recent. Trust me, we have gone beyond those low budget movies or movies having similar story lines. We now have new story lines and fresh faces as people are tired of seeing the same faces over and over again. The younger generation has taken over and they are making a mark on the industry.
Most challenging role
That was in Fragile Pain Parts 1 & 2. The movie also featured the likes of Justus Esiri, Monalisa Chinda, Fred Amata, Michael Okon,among others
First experience on set
It was wonderful and also fun, though it was a bit new to me and that was because it was a different ball game for me as a presenter who was just joining the movie industry. I was simply excited about migrating from being a television presenter to an actress.
Foray into acting
I joined the movie industry on December 16, 2000. I was called for the reading of a rested soap entitled. Silver Lining. Although I already knew a lot of artistes because I was fortunate to have interviewed many of them on my show. It was some of them who invited me for roles in movies and gave me tips on jobs that were about to be shot. I’ll call it luck because I only went for two auditions and I never played a waka pass because my first role was a sub-lead. It could only have been God.
How I came about the name Sexy Choco
I have been answering that name since high school, Sexy Choco simply means ‘Sexy + Chocolate’ because I’m dark in complexion. So, Sexy Choco is a combination of chocolate and also Sexy.
Mind you, sexy doesn’t mean ‘sex’! It simply means brains on two legs. Most eloquent ladies are seen as sexy.
Coping with sexual harassment in the industry
Sexual harassment is a norm! From the movie industry to music, banking, modelling and so on. What is most important is to know where you are coming from and where you are going. Do you want to succumb to pressure throughout your career or would you rather take your stand and rather get invited to locations based on merit, recommendation or by fast becoming a producer and shoot your own self into limelight?
Role models in the industry
Well, my first role model is God Almighty. On the international scene, they are; Kate Winslet, Whoopi Goldberg, Vivica.A. Fox and Kimberly Elias. On the local scene, they are Edith Jane Azu, Eucharia Anunobi, Bimbo Akintola, Taiwo Ajayi Lycett, Ethel Ekpe, Ego Boyo, amongst others.
Role restriction
Nudity. That is the only role I can’t act .Except it is a body double and the ‘pay’ is an offer I can’t refuse.
On the allegations that there are many lesbians in Nollywood
Lesbians are every where. Just like there are many lesbians in Hollywood and other industries around the world. It is an act that has been there from time immemorial, even the days of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible. So, it didn’t start in Nollywood and definitely won’t end here, we simply plead for God’s divine intervention, c’est fini.
My kind of man
I have a career that is blossoming both in the movies and fashion industries so I can only be with a man who supports my dreams. Of course, I’m not worried about intimidating men because the kind of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in.
Cost of looking good
Anything it costs in this world to dare to be different.
Why I did liposuction
It was for health reasons. I did it on my tummy. I was scared to go under the knife but I had to do it. The most important thing is that I went under the knife and came out alive. I thank God, my family and friends who showed concern. I also thank God that the healing was fast.
How I have been able to carve a niche in the fashion industry
My style, my fabrics, accessories and pattern has stood me out for years, on my clients, on the run way and also my several fashion shows!!!
Description of self
I’m Baba God’s pikin.
Strengths and weaknesses
My strength is in God and my weakness is in me.
Fashion fetish
Shoes and accessories.
Most expensive item in my wardrobe
My sexy lingerie. People who are fashion conscious know that Victoria Secret underwear will cost you an arm and a leg.
Definition of style
Style is a norm; but it varies with each individual. I will describe my style as a cocktail. It is a blend of glamorous, simple, classy and chic. My fashion watchword is “simply blend the trend.”
Beauty regimen
I drink lots of water, I work out and I don’t skip breakfast. I also take lots of fruits; chewing and smoothies. I do my facials quarterly when I visit the spa. I don’t miss my ‘power’ naps, I unwind and I don’t miss my vacation.
Greatest physical asset
My complexion and dentition.
On the issue of marriage
I am not scared of marriage because I love and respect the institution called marriage. I am in a relationship and will get married when the time is ripe.
Coping with advances from male fans
I simply appreciate all my male fans and admirers. The persistent and daring ones are politely turned down.
Advice to upcoming artistes
Keep your eyes fixed on the goals.
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