Fast-rising actress Monica Friday is one of the talented acts rocking the movie industry. Her role in the popular tv series Do Good where she stars alongside the likes of renowned acts Kate Henshaw, Basorge Tariah and a few others, shot her into the limelight. In an interview with City People Head of Movie Desk VIVIAN ONUORAH, she speaks on her journey into acting.
Can you Tell us about yourself including your state of origin?
Monica Friday hails from Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria. I am a graduate of mass communication from Olabisi Onabanjo University. I am an Award winning Nollywood Actress, dancer, TV commercial model, content provider, event host, fashion designer and a writer.
How did you get into acting?
I got into acting from attending auditions, and castings.
What was the inspiration?
My inspiration was God. Aside interest and passion i had a revelation and since then believed it’s either movie or nothing else.
How long have you been acting?
Professionally I have acting since 2010
How has the journey been so far?
The journey is not a smooth one i must confess. Its has been a very tough but interesting race but God is with me. From 2007 to 2009 I hopped from one production house to the other, at some point I had to work in different firms either as a secretary or personal assistant and also personal business. In 2009 I found Nollywood but was still busy working with a spa. Finally, I made up my mind and delved into acting professionally in 2010.
What are some of the movies you have featured in?
I have featured in countless movies as an extra, Hoodrush, A new song, Timeless passion, October 1st to mention a few. Through castings and auditions, i got other better offers and opportunities and some them are DEAR MOTHER(series) Murder at prime suites(movie), First lady (movie), Wives on strike (movie), Abducted (short film), Savior(short film), Unspoken (movie), Kidnapped (short film)
Dèrè (series)
How did you get your first role in a movie?
I could remember I followed a friend to see an actor who was on the set of Wale Adenuga, and they were shooting one of their stories “‘A NEW SONG ” and I was asked to join the studio casts.
Which movie would you say brought you Recognition?
DoGood” a popular Mnet series brought me to limelight in 2015 and since then has given me a new name KEVWE which is the character name from the series.
What are the movie projects you worked on in the last one year?
Since DoGood, the speed may not be pretty fast as I desire but with all sincerity, it has landed me on different amazing platforms for different opportunities till date.
The movie projects I worked the last one year are – Kidnapped, Serah’s epiphany, Dèrè, wives on strike, to mention a few.
How has acting experience been for you so far?
My experience has been sweet and bitter like every other field but by the grace of God, I am doing well.
What are some of the challenges you have encountered as an actor?
Challenges i have experience as an actor, mobility, fund, stress, criticism and guess what they are part of the process.
Why did you choose acting rather than any other profession?
I chose acting because it’s a calling, to fulfil a purpose, and to stay happy because doing what I love makes me happy.
What else do you do apart from acting?
Aside from acting, I host events, I create content, I advertise for brands, I make clothes and do business.
How financially rewarding has acting been for you?
Acting has been financially rewarding to me I must confess.
What kind of role appeals to you most and which has been most challenging?
So long as I am not stripping naked, every role is worth experimenting, every character is a unique being, but i love extremely tasking roles that will keep the viewers glued on their screens. The most challenging role was playing the role of a warri girl, it took me time to come on board with the perfect mannerism of a typical warri girl but it was amazing.
What’s your educational background?
I am a graduate of Olabisi onabanjo university
What was growing up like for you?
Growing up was interesting, I never got all I wanted but I got all I needed. It was bittersweet experience growing up in one of the popular communities in Lagos, “ajegunle ” well I have an amazing family and that makes it amazing.
What do you love most about yourself?
I love my beliefs, they have brought me this far. I am a stubborn believer, I trust God too much and I don’t ever give up on myself.
What has been your most embarrassing moment as an actor?
In a public transport, a fan engrossed in the deep excitement of my presence said i will pay for all passengers.
What do you enjoy most about being an entertainer?
What I enjoy most about being an entertainer is the fact that I am celebrated and rewarded for just doing what I love.
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