For two decades, Yvonne Jegede has been one of Nollywood’s most recognisable yet understated talents. From her breakout appearance in 2Face Idibia’s timeless African Queen music video to her roles in popular films, the Edo-born actress, producer, and model has built a career defined by persistence, versatility, and a deliberate avoidance of the limelight. However, her career journey, which began in 2004 with the film Missing Angels, is a testament to her tenacity and a desire for creative fulfillment that goes beyond a single spotlight moment.
In a candid interview with The Nation's Entertainment Editor, Gbenga Bada, Jegede peels back the curtain on her career, her personal struggles with public scrutiny, and the delicate balance between fame and her fiercely guarded private life.
A Chance Encounter and the Birth of an Acting Career
Jegede's foray into acting wasn't a meticulously planned move but a series of fortunate events. As a young woman, she spent time shadowing her late uncle, Ignis Ekwe, on film sets, initially as a personal assistant. While she didn't act at the time, the environment sparked a curiosity. The real turning point, however, came unexpectedly.
"I saw a Nollywood movie, and my cousin was emphasizing, 'You don’t know this actor?' I’m like, 'No,'" she recalls. The very next day, on a street in Surulere, Lagos, she spotted the same actor, Charles Novia. Mustering an unusual amount of courage for her "timid, smallish" self, she yelled his name. Her audacity paid off. Novia, intrigued, asked if she wanted to act. Her immediate "yes," though uncertain at the time, opened the door to a series of "waka pass" roles before landing a significant part in Missing Angel. It was on the set of that film that she received the call that would forever change her public image.
Jegede initially turned down the offer to appear as a video vixen in 2Face's "African Queen" video. At the time, she was working hard to convince her family that a career in acting was a respectable path, and a dancing role felt like a step in the wrong direction. "You want to kill me?" she remembers thinking.
However, a friend's enthusiastic reaction to the song swayed her. She was late for the shoot but still made it, encountering the legendary 2Baba for the first time. Though the music video role catapulted her into the limelight, Jegede was firm in her ambition. "I didn’t want to be a diva; I just wanted to act," she states. She would go on to appear in a few more music videos, like Djinee's "Ego," but her focus always remained on acting.
Fame, Scrutiny, and the Price of a Public Life
Despite her initial reluctance, Jegede's career has been fulfilling. She's "blossomed, learned, and seen 'shege'," using the popular Nigerian slang for hardship. The primary source of this hardship is the constant public scrutiny that comes with being a star.
"Being in the public eye is not easy. It’s like being in a pot of hot beans," she says. Jegede, a self-proclaimed introvert who values her solitude, finds the attention a difficult aspect of her job. She gives an example of a recent incident where a simple hug was blown out of proportion on social media. She admits she would "rather not have that kind of attention."
Public scrutiny extends to her physical appearance as well. Rumors and accusations about her body, particularly having a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), have circulated widely. Jegede, however, is quick to correct the record. She openly admits to having had liposuction after the birth of her son. She felt it was important to be honest, as her body transformation was not a result of "a gym."
"I was the one who came out to say that I went under the knife," she explains. She clarifies that she never had fat transferred, but the public jumped to conclusions. For Jegede, her body is a tool for her craft. She prefers a "fit" physique that allows her to play a wider range of roles, from a police officer to a romantic comedy lead, without being restricted by a "big trunk of junk."
The Business of Nollywood
In today's Nollywood, an actor's job doesn't end when the cameras stop rolling. Actors are now expected to be social media influencers, promoting their films and engaging with fans to drive viewership. For a private person like Jegede, this shift has been a challenge.
The conversation also touches on the importance of management companies for actors. Jegede believes they are "very vital," acting as crucial liaisons who can secure opportunities and navigate industry politics that an actor might miss on their own.
With her first YouTube film, Chef of My Heart, and a role in Mercy Johnson's new movie, The Firstborn, Yvonne Jegede continues to evolve, proving that her career is far more than a single moment in an iconic music video. She is a dedicated artist who is navigating the complexities of fame with honesty, resilience, and a clear vision for her craft.