We had a quick chat with Ebiem Joy ‘J’Dess’ Chioma after meeting the brilliant and talented actress who played ‘Gafuma’, the lead character in the MTN Foundation-sponsored, OMG the Musical, where she spent almost two hours fighting the patriarchy in an outstanding interpretation of her role.
J’Dess is a triple-threat: she sings, acts and dances. Her musical abilities are evident in her song covers, her Headies nomination and role as music coordinator at The Voice Season 3.
She is best known for her role as “Jola” in African Magic hit show, Tinsel.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is J’Dess. I’m a singer, songwriter and the actor playing the role of “Gafuma” on this project.
Kindly tell us about your role and how you think it defines the present day African?
I played the role of Gafuma, a young vibrant woman who tries to find herself, role and place in society. She has a lot of people she looks up to to become the best version of herself but such is cut short due to the depression and gender favouritism faced. She overcomes these and discovers her true self. She also learns that true leadership is not in the position or rank but in the heart. With this discovery, she found herself in the position of the supreme commander.
Did you have any challenge with this role and working with other actors?
The challenges…..!! Yes, definitely. There were lots of challenges like my mood swings and facial expressions because I find myself in almost all the scenes so there is this transition that flows from being happy to being sad and back to the odds. Also, before now I had played OMG and somebody else played Margaret Ekpo and someone else Gambo Sawaba, so it wasn’t so easy getting used to these new faces, but we got along and as you can see, here we are, killing the show.
Can you tell us what your experience has been like working on this production?
It was exciting for me because it’s been a while after the pandemic. You see actors coming from diverse areas and walks of life coming together working on this. It’s an exciting and a learning course as well.
One of the major themes in this story is on the suppression of women. Can you talk to us a bit
about that?
I think this is the season for women. Women are doing well in all ramifications as you can see. We need to move past the long term ideology and mindset that a woman belongs to the kitchen only and become something in life.
Lastly, what would you like to say to MTN for sponsoring the production?
MTN! I mean they are the best, the best connection (laughs). All this happened because of MTN. We
love them and I use MTN so… they are the best.
