Felicia Henderson confesses being in Love with Nigeria Nollywood

Felicia Henderson

Though an American, Felicia Henderson is not only married to a Nigerian but has also chosen the country as her home. And now she’s determined to establish herself as a force to reckon with in the nation’s film industry, Nollywood.
In this chat with The Entertainer, she shares her love for Nigeria and Nigerians as well as her experience in the industry among other interesting issues. Excerpts:

Who is Felicia Henderson?
Felicia Henderson is an American. I studied Allied Health & Business Management. I’m a widowed mother. I love singing, reading, traveling, and helping the less privileged. Aside being an actress, my passion is developing, inspiring and motivating the youths in the country. I believe that our youths are the key to Nigeria’s development and thus we must prepare them for the huge task ahead.
There’s so much potential here and I believe if we key into the development of our small and medium enterprises that so much could be accomplished. There’s vast potential within out hospitality and tourism sectors if properly focused and packaged as well as our sports as Nigerians are naturally endowed as sportsmen and women. I believe Nigeria will regain her crown and glory with the proper support. It may take a bit of time, but it will surely come. Look out for my project coming out this year.

Why did you relocate to Nigeria?
I believe Nigeria is the place God has ordained as my home. I didn’t choose it. It was a part of me, maybe even before I was born. I recall as a child telling my mom that when I grow up I will live in Africa. At that time, I never even knew there was such a place called Nigeria. All we were exposed to was Africa as a continent so I assumed that countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania were all a part of one place. But the first time I came here I fell in love with the country. I guess it’s the people; I’m touched by their resilience, drive, and faith. I’ve since adopted Nigeria as my home.

How did you get into Nollywood?
I came into Nollywood through friends. I have many friends who encouraged me and believed in my talent. It turns out that they are correct. The camera likes me and l love it. I was also into the industry somewhat in America in the sense that I modelled and did some vocal jobs and so forth.

Did you face any sexual harassment from producers?
No, because I’m no nonsense person so I don’t leave room for such. I know it exists but because of the people I’ve worked with I have been fortunate enough to have by passed such.

Tell us about the jobs you’ve done?
My virgin performance that served as my baptism into the Nigerian film industry was a production with Apreel Ventures called, News For Nokia. I co-starred alongside Bimbo Manuel. It was like a travelogue with presenting and acting mixed together. I was Omobowale. I’m also on Tinsel where I play Myra. I am on Spider where I’m married to Femi Branch and play Sasha with my real life son, Tevon, who plays Alex. I am in Troubled Waters where I stepped outside my normal character and played a housemaid, Aunty Violet. And now, I am working on my current production, Two Sides of a Coin where I play Theresa.

Which of your roles did you find most challenging and why?
Well, this season on Two Sides of the Coin, my character is a bit difficult, as I have to explore emotions I don’t normally encounter. She’s a bit troublesome this season. I am normally very cool and rational. I don’t get angry easily so it’s hard to key into that emotion. Her name’s Theresa by the way.


Which part of your body do you cherish the most?
I love my lips and eyes the most. The eyes are the windows to the soul while the lips guard so much.