Diiche: Uzoamaka Onuoha shares her experience playing lead in latest Showmax Nigeria Original
For Uzoamaka Onuoha, the lead character in Showmax’s Nigerian Original limited series Diiche, playing the title role took blood, sweat, and tears.
However, although the process was challenging for her, the rising star describes her process as “beautiful” and something she is “thankful for”.
“Reading the script, you could see a particular vision, but then having to embody the character Diiche, I could summarise it to blood, sweat, and actual tears. But it was beautiful. I’m thankful for it. It made me cross a particular level than what I’m used to, and now I’m there” she shared.
Uzoamaka Onuoha, a theatre and film studies graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, made her Nollywood debut in 2018 with the movie If I Am President. She has since featured in multiple films, theatre, and television productions.
Watch Uzoamaka’s full interview
In the crime thriller Diiche, an A-list actress becomes a prime suspect in a high-profile murder investigation over the death of Nnamdi, her fiancé (played by Daniel K Daniel). The story unfolds to uncover a mystery 30 years in the making, known to her mother, Kessandu (played by Chinyere Wilfred), that delivers an unexpected outcome.
Co-produced with Feemo Vision with James Omokwe (Ajoche, Riona) in the executive producer and director seat, Diiche is the first Showmax Nigerian Original limited series and premiered on the streaming service on Thursday, 29 September 2022.
The series is also co-directed by Tolu Ajayi, Fiyin Gambo, and Ifeoma Chukwuogo, and features a mix of emerging and established Nollywood acts, including Daniel K Daniel, Efa Iwara, Uzoamaka Onuoha, Frank Konwea, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Kalu Ikeagwu, Chinyere Wilfred and Gloria Anozie-Young.
Working with a range of established Nollywood artists was not only a blessing for Uzoamaka but also a chance to study the veterans and their work ethic.
“Honestly, it was such a blessing. I think Gloria Young and Chinyere Wilfred have been acting for around 30 years. You can only learn, like steal what you can. Most times on set, when they’re filming and I’m just in the background, I just study how they do things and comport themselves, displaying on set. They are so disciplined! Emphasis on discipline. I just watch, and I’m like, ‘this is a bag of knowledge, and I’m getting this for free.’ It was really cool, great, awesome.”
Commenting on the series, Director Tolu Ajayi said, “Diiche is a very layered world you’ll dive into and then becomes this thrilling discovery of these amazing characters. Expect a lot of powerful yet affecting performances and unexpected outcomes. In short, a terrific heart-pounding blend of the modern, mythical and mysterious.”
