In Conversation with Bayray McNwizu – #WWTSTake2

[dropcap]Q[/dropcap]: Most of us remember Bhaira McNwizu from the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) days. However, post your success in AMBO we saw less and less of you in movies. Then a few years ago Bhaira became Bayray McNwizu and along with that came a transformation in your on screen presence and role types. Can you explain to us the reason for the change from Bhaira to Bayray? And since then what has also changed in your career?

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]: I wouldn’t exactly say post AMBO I did less work as an Actor. As soon as I won the competition, I got to work  chasing my dreams and working with the best filmmakers. This is something I still do and that is evident from my body of work.

However in 2010, after 3 years of consistent hardwork post AMBO 3, I took a two and a half year  break from acting. That was quite a challenge for me, but I love challenges. It was quite refreshing to see the Nigerian film industry blossom during that period of my hiatus.

I’m very passionate about acting.  I drink, eat, breathe, and live FILM and I have a feeling that it shows to everyone. I’ve never been one to shy off any projects. I love making films. Its that simple.

[pullquote_left]I love my birthname Eberechukwu and I am PROUD of it[/pullquote_left]

In regards to her perceived absence from the industry
I guess it would be more refreshing for film producers to submit their works for screening and awards locally and internationally. They’ve worked hard to make these films but it would also give them and actors like myself the deserved visibility so it doesn’t seem like we’re not a part of this exciting industry.

I love the characters I play these days and they range from femme fatale roles to depicting emancipation, beauty, narcissism, truth, power and many other things. The roles have depth and are very refreshing. Now I can truly say I have found job satisfaction and the best part is that I feel like I only just scraped the surface. Bless God!

[pullquote_left]I didnt think the former would be that difficult to pronounce considering that most people can pronounce Schwarzenegger.[/pullquote_left]

In regards to the reason for her name change
I love my birthname Eberechukwu and I am PROUD of it. If anyone feels otherwise, it wasn’t my intention. Bhaira to Bayray was an essential development. I didnt think the former would be that difficult to pronounce considering that most people can pronounce Schwarzenegger.

In regards to changes in her career since then
I recently started the girl child project #Girlsroc. It is an initiative for the renewing and building of the mind-set of the Nigerian girl child, both the less and well-privileged pre-teens. For those who have been programmed to believe they are liabilities instead of assests to the society.