We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Etta JoMaria a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Etta, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
Just last week I lost a gig as a result of poor communication from the company hiring and it put me in a sort of “do I really want to keep doing this or should I just take my degree certificate and go job hunting in a new country” state. Not because I’m unhappy as a creative, but because as humans sometimes we get so fixated on reaching the finished line that we forget there are usually rough patches in the process.
I was in a rough patch. I played my part but still lost the job because of someone else’s mistake. It was debilitating to say the least. I began questioning myself, and even complained bitterly to a trusted friend.
My friend had to help me remind myself of my ‘why’. The reason I chose my career path knowing all the challenges that come with it. Then I was reminded that not every person’s level of understanding is adequate so I have to be prepared for certain situations even before they start, or at least respond to them in a more enlightened manner.
I am an actor because I love the power it gives me; to become. To let go of myself and fully live the life of another human at a given time. Most importantly, to decide with the director’s guidance how that life is lived and the impact they get to make on an audience.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Etta JoMaria. I am a Nigerian actor in my mid-twenties. I also wear other hats as a film producer, model, gender equality advocate, and content creator.
My work portfolio includes but is not limited to; 40 & Single and Gold Coast Lounge on Netflix, editorial works on Allure and Teen Vogue, showcases on Emirates and Kenyan Airways, partnerships with reputable organizations to highlight the issues women face in areas of menstrual health and s*x education.
Most notably, two of my short films have been used by the Embassy of France in Nigeria to highlight pertinent issues; one as a symposium tool to promote awareness on the role of women in civil society and the other, during the 16 days of activism against gender based violence last year.
For me, getting into acting and becoming a creative entrepreneur was not just about being seen, but being able to use my talent as an avenue to be a person of impact. I have used my voice and platform to promote inclusivity and shed light on issues that affect women and the girl child. To this effect, I have been an ambassador for SkyGirls GH; an organization that admonishes young girls to stay true to themselves and expounds on the dangers of vices like smoking. We were able to reach and bless more than a thousand young girls in Ghana.
Also, through my production company, JoMaria International, I made a film that highlights sexual harassment and the effect of therapy for victors (I don’t address them as victims,).
I am a force to be reckoned with, a formidable, spirited and dogged woman, a pacesetter, and definitely a woman to watch.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
It is beautiful to have control of resources such as time. It is usually said that time waits for no one but as an artist you can plan your time and how you navigate the most important things.
I am able to create a balance with being in constant touch with family and loved ones, meeting all my deadlines and creating. The rigidness and structure of a “9-5” would not afford me such luxury.
So, it is rewarding to be there for the things that matter most and still kick a$$ by excelling as an artist or creative which equals fulfillment.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The yearning to leave this world remembered, to make my mark and play my part to make the world what it should be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ettajomaria
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ettajomaria?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Linkedin: Etta JoMaria
- Twitter: ettajomaria
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ettajomaria
Image Credits
I have rights to all the images