Five minutes with Muka Nwokedi
Princess Muka Nwokedi is one half of the pretty, stylish and eclectic brains behind the Cosmetic brand CHARISMA, an indigenous skin care line meeting the varying needs of the women all over Nigeria and beyond for over 30 years. Muka is known as an entrepreneur and a good writer. But what we didn’t know until now, is that she is also an actress and very in touch with her spiritual life as she recently revealed us in the play, Extravagant Love which was performed last week at The Muson Centre to mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Style Correspondent, RUKY SALAKO caught up with her for a
brief interview on her Life as an entrepreneur, writer and all things new.
Tell us a bit about yourself...
I am an Entrepreneur; I manufacture, market and distribute cosmetics – a skin care line called Charisma Cosmetics, which I co- manage with my twin sister Princess Nina Agwuna.
We have managed/run the brand for years now and we have spas around Nigeria along with outlets and a cosmetology Academy.
Your brand has been around for so long, what kept you?
What has kept me is vision and purpose-basically with these in view, I am driven, I am also very much driven by my inspirations and with all things being equal, I focus and move. (Laughter)
What makes you different?
Being able to do many things at the same time, believing in myself, and a little bit of eccentricity.
What are the challenges you face in the industry generally?
The challenges of the industry are diverse, managing people, having them understand your needs – stage management; the industry has pretty grown in Nigeria, though it’s quite expensive in terms of getting good hands, booking artist and equipments together and technical team. Given the economic situation in the country, we had to do lots of negotiations and bargaining, which my twin sister Nina is so good at - but we pulled through.
What advice do you have for people who want to go into this business?
It is passion for me and you have to make sure you have passion for anything you want to, so that when you have adversities you can remain competitive. It is not everything that has to be based on financial gain but one must focus on changing and impacting on people’s life positively.
Tell me about In the spirit of Easter Extravagant Love
The spirit of Easter-Extravagant Love, is a theatrical experience that brings to light, the life, Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection of an unfathomable love. This Event was packed with music – solos – classical, Acapela, trumpeters, opera and dramatic recitals etc. It was an event of spiritual inspiration and elevation that resounded in our lives the real purpose of Easter, as He was humiliated, mocked and beaten beyond recognition and hung on the cross to die for us to be reconciled to God forever. This is the mystery and it is marvelous.
It is also about God, God Who is love, this celebration of extravagant love, in the spirit of Easter, re-enacted the genesis or the beginning; that is, God’s creation activities within the six days of work that culminated into the creation of man in the very image and likeness of God, to take charge of His creations. At some point man, lost the friendship with God in the disobedience actions/narrative of the Garden of Eden. Consequently, man was destined to die, but Christ changed it all.
What did you achieve from the play?
That this was a re/echo of God’s love who gave us His only begotten son Jesus Christ to die in our place and for our sins. This has brought about the grace we all enjoy.
You’re a businesswoman, you write columns – now theater?
Well yes (laughs) when I was in high school I used to write poetry and recite them on stage. Later, I started in the church for the past eight years where I have been doing stage recitals.
How receptive were the audience?
They were ecstatic; they found it interesting to see the Bible in a recital form and music of diverse talents.
Way forward, does it end here or will you continue next season?
My team and I have had this in view and plan to do this church program next year.
Did you feature in it purely for God or you wanted to explore the entertainment industry?
It is purely for God and it emanates from the time spent in church.
Would you consider a Nollywood film; putting recitals on film?
(Laughter) I have not considered that yet, it is purely Christian and spiritual at the moment.
Who are your spiritual mentors?
There are none others than General Overseer of (TREM) Dr. Bishop Mike Okonkwo (MFR) and Dr. Bishop Peace Okonkwo whom I have been under their mentorship and nurturing for the past 18 years.
What inspired you to do this show?
My background is connected with strong spiritual foundation; I have held several leadership roles in the church as a result. Thus church has basically given me a platform to express what I now do.