Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe Gentry recently had a phone
chat with Encomium where she talked at length about her
plan for the year, her recent endorsement deal with Prestige
Cosmetics and her rumoured marriage problem.
See interview excerpts:
Enc- Whats the latest concerning your career?
Mercy- The latest about my career is that my new movie, Victims, is
going to the cinemas soon. It was directed by Lancelot Odua
Imaseun. The movie parades Nollywood super stars, including
Olu jacobs, Seun Akindele, Funsho Adeolu, Fathia Balogun,
Saidi Balogun, Jude Orhorha, Julliet Ibrahim and more.
Enc- What’s your assessment of the industry since the beginning of this year?
Mercy- My assessment of the industry since the beginning of this year
till date is that piracy has been on increase and it’s gradually
killing the industry. It has made things difficult for the
stakeholders. The nefarious activities of pirates have caused a
lot of damage. It has not been easy at all coping with the
phenomenal menace. As a result of piracy , artiste fee has
dropped, producers are scared of investing so much in movies
because of fear that they may not recoup their money at the
end of it all, let alone making any gain. Piracy has really
affected us. I am using this medium to appeal to the federal
Government to help address the issue because of the
enormous contribution of the entertainment industry to the
economy of this country.
Enc- Most people out there are of the belief that actresses have turned themselves to prostitutes due to the dwindling nature of the industry. What’s your view about this?
Mercy- Sincerely, i don’t believe that because i dont know of any
actress turning herself into a prostitute. So, i can categorically
tell you that it’s not a belief but an ordinary impression which
is very wrong.
Enc- Apart from you , a lot of your colleagues have also turned
shop and boutique owners. Is it because movies are not really
doing well again?
Mercy- Left to me, i went into fashion business because of my love for it. I have always been a business oriented person. Even
before i started acting, i had a business. I cant say for sure
why other colleagues of mine are going into business but all i
can say is that it’s very good for one to expand his or her
forte, have more than one source of income.
ENC- What do you want the present administration of President
Muhammadu Buhari to do to make the industry better than
what it is now?
Mercy- I will be happy if the present administration can come to our
rescue in the industry by coming up with strong anti-piracy
law and making sure it’s enforced. I believe if that’s done and
with sincerity of pùrpose, piracy will be curbed and the
entertainment industry generally will move forward.
Enc- With the situation of things in the industry right now, do you
regret being an actress?
Mercy- I dont have any regret as an actress. Acting is my passion
and my first love. I feel very fulfilled as an actress.
Enc- Your marriage to popular hotelier, Larry Gentry has spanned
about seven years, has there been any moment of regret being
in the marriage?
Mercy- There is nothing like that. I thank God that my marriage is
going on strong. It has been very much intact. I married my
soul mate. So, i don’t have any regret at all. I give God the
glory.
Enc- When was the period of turbulence in the marriage and how
were you able to weather the storm?
Mercy- To be honest, we have never experienced any turbulence till
date. I bless God for that. And if at any point that comes up, i
am confident that God will intervene and keep us together
forever.
Enc- Would you now say marrying Larry Gentry is the best thing
that has happened to you?
Mercy- Yes! Marrying Lanre is the best thing that has happened to
me. He has been so supportive.
Enc-You have just been made the face of Prestige Cosmetics, how
does that feel?
Mercy- Wonderful! I am happy, i feel very blessed being the face of an
international brand like Prestige Cosmetics. Infact, i am really
humbled.
Enc- How much exactly is the cash benefit of the endorsement
deal?
Mercy- I am sure you won’t expect me to disclose that. All i can say
is that it’s really rewarding. I bless God for that.
Enc- How long will the contract last?
It’s just for a year. Additional contract ends next year june.
What are the other benefits of being the face of Prestige
Cosmetics?
Mercy- Apart from the monetary reward, i get to travel often to
represent the brand within and outside the country, and that
creates avenues for networking. I also get free supply of the
products, free makeovers and product placement in my
movies, and my production company gets paid and much
more.
Enc- What’s your duty as ambassador of the company?
Mercy- My duty as the brand ambassador of Prestige Cosmetics is
living and breathing Prestige Cosmetics for a year (laughs). I
will be representing the company at events, shows within and
outside the country. My role also includes giving out
giveaways to customers at events, creating strong presence
for the brand on social media and more.
Enc- In what way has that changed your life?
Mercy- Being a brand ambassador of Prestige Cosmetics has opened
more doors for me just within the few days i was unveiled and
i know it can only get better. I thank God for everything.