₦airaland Forum

Nigerian actress, producer, and director Regina Chukwu has opened up about her experiences within the entertainment industry, she noted that the English industry was strictly sex for roles.

The actress made this known in a recent interview, recalling her early days trying to break into the movie industry.

Regina stated, “There’s a place we normally go for auditions at Surulere, Winnings Hotel. That was where those actors used to be, including Genevieve and co. We were all sitting at Winnings Hotel and I tried auditioning several times but they are not as accommodating as Yorubas.”

Despite her heritage, she highlighted how easily she integrated into the Yoruba film sector due to her upbringing.

She explained, “Despite the fact that I’m Igbo by tribe. You will have to start sleeping with them before getting to the top, starting from their generator guys. Lots of fake scripts to lure you into sexual intimacy. They are not accommodating. It is easier for me to relate with the Yorubas; maybe it’s because I was born and grew among the Yorubas all my life.”

“For the English industry, it was strictly sex for role. They won’t hide it from you. I’m well known in Lagos and other South West States, but they don’t know me in my state as an actor. Enugu is a place that if I enter today, nobody will say hi I know you”. She added.

Born on March 23, 1980, in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, though originally from Enugu State, Regina Chukwu grew up in Alimosho where she attended primary and grammar schools before proceeding to Lagos State Polytechnic. Although she initially aspired to feature in English-language films, the warm and welcoming nature of the Yoruba-speaking sector drew her in, prompting her to build a flourishing career there.

Her journey into professional acting involved understudying industry figures like Kunle Afod and working as a set makeup artist to network and secure minor parts. Her breakthrough arrived when she established her production outfit, Triple R Production, and produced her self-starting hit movie, Ogunso.

Over the years, Regina has built an impressive filmography boasting numerous home videos and feature films. Some of her most notable projects include Ogunso, Idaro, Akun, Ewatomi, Bridal Shower, Encounter, Two Mothers, Family Ties, Ifedolapo, Couple’s Award, Agbede Meji, Wetin Women Want, Alase, and Funke Akindele’s box-office hit Battle on Buka Street.

Her stellar performances have earned her multiple accolades and nominations, including a Best Supporting Actress win (Yoruba) at the Best of Nollywood Awards. Beyond her on-screen presence and production endeavors, she remains a prominent cultural figure in the Nigerian entertainment space, admired for her resilience and business ventures.

duduade:
Aunty no be your type them dey look for English Nollywood

Lithiumite:
Regina chukwu!! Its been a minute, where has she been,she deserves her flowers.....her ability to blend seamlessly into the yoruba movie sector tells a lot about her ability.........there are many non yoruba actors in that space doing very well you can hardly tell......fathia Williams,mercy aigbe,toyin Abraham,kelvin ikeduba,Ricardo agbor,doris Simon,nkechi blessing,rose Odika,clarion chukwura,Tina mbah to mention but a few.

MrPresident1:
Dem see beautiful oyinbo woman dem want to taste am

duduade:
Aunty no be your type them dey look for English Nollywood

duduade:
Aunty no be your type them dey look for English Nollywood

Axis313:
Yet, the South Westerners are always accused of tribalism.

xristos:
God Almighty please take me out of this country to a better place

Axis313:
Yet, the South Westerners are always accused of tribalism.

Waylex21:
But you didn't address what she said. Tribalism no allow you see front.

Axis313:
Yet, the South Westerners are always accused of tribalism.

duduade:
Aunty no be your type them dey look for English Nollywood

muyico:
So Yoruba film producers and directors
No dey request for sex??

Waylex21:
But you didn't address what she said. Tribalism no allow you see front.

Jeezuzpick:
The South West is the only part of Nigeria where you see people from the other 2 major tribes in their millions.

If there is tribalism in the SW (and there is), it's the least in Nigeria. It's also mostly a reaction to the tribalism expressed by other tribes.

Even so, we accommodate other tribes more than any other.

obembet:
As far as I know, Yoruba movies seem to dominate Nigeria’s box office and global recognition more than Igbo or English-language films. I’m open to learning though can anyone point out an Igbo or English Nollywood movie that has outperformed films by Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, or Femi Adebayo since the industry began? In case you didn’t know, Yoruba movies have been around for over 20 years before Igbo or English-language Nollywood films you can fact-check that. So comparing them is a bit like comparing Chelsea to Manchester United; they’re simply not on the same level in many aspects.

Jeezuzpick:
The South West is the only part of Nigeria where you see people from the other 2 major tribes in their millions.

If there is tribalism in the SW (and there is), it's the least in Nigeria. It's also mostly a reaction to the tribalism expressed by other tribes.

Even so, we accommodate other tribes more than any other.