She emerged on the Ghanaian film industry like a “volcano” and was the toast of many movie enthusiasts when she played the role of Nina, the stubborn but affable young girl, in the television hit series, Home Sweet Home almost a decade ago.
Then all of a sudden, she went “missing” on the screens making her fans yearn for her come back. Now, her admirers can heave a sigh of relief as she is returning on the screens on a new television programme called Cocoa Brown.
When this reporter caught up with her in her hostel on Monday, the talented Nina, real name, Evelyn Adobea Addo, who is currently pursuing her tertiary education at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) was all smiles when she answered the question on the reason for her long absence on the screens.
“I’ve been in school studying most of the time. Education is the key to a better future so I had to invest my time into that as well,” she confidently said.
She was the confident young girl whose impeccable usage of the English language and acting skills in ‘Home Sweet Home’ undoubtedly won her many admirers. But Nina says, despite making a good impression with her acting back then, she joined the “make believe” industry by coincidence.
“Emmanuel Apea, the producer of the series was a friend to my cousin. He saw the potential in me when he first saw me when he visited and told my cousin about his upcoming TV series which he wanted to feature me. I went for an audition and that was how the journey started,” she stated.
“It was not really hectic shooting it because my scenes were always scheduled for weekend so it didn’t affect my academic life. I was still getting my good grades in school,” she said.
In 2008, the then 13 year old Evelyn was adjudged the Best Child Actor for her role in ‘Run Baby Run’ at the 2008 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) held in Nigeria. Reminiscing about the joyous moment, the beautiful Nina said, “To say I was on cloud nine is just the obvious feeling. To speak the truth, I felt heaven within me.
“I was very happy and surprised that I could win such a prestigious award within that short time. I felt really blessed and that was when I decided to pursue a career in acting because I realised that’s a talent God gave me and I needed to professionally nurture it,” she said with a wide grin.
Born on November 2 in the mid 90’s, Evelyn is the only child of her parents. She started her education at the Little Flower Montessori in Dzorwulu and had her Junior High School and Senior High School education at the Galaxy International School at East Legon and Akosombo International School (AIS) respectively.
The Love Desire actress is currently a final year Marketing student of the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA). Aside featuring in Run Baby Run produced by Revele Films, Evelyn Addo also featured in the popular movie, Sex Tape.
For Evelyn, the quest for fame has mostly shrouded the need for some actors to pursue their education but the trend, she believes, shouldn’t be encouraged in an era where education is the “key to unlocking many doors”.
“I would advise the young actors coming up to go to school and get a professional career. Then you can do your entertainment stuffs alongside. Education can never be ignored,” she added.
Hinting on her come back on the screens on Deloris Frimpong Manso’s Cocoa Brown series, she had this message for her fans, “I know all of you have missed me and I miss you all. I’ll be hitting the screen very soon so you guys should watch out”.
Source: Eugene Selorm Owusu/G-Showbiz