Photo Production -Prospr
Photographer - Robert Binda
Director/Stylist - Alexis Adjei
Assistant -Dara Olagbami
Hair Stylist - Jade Campbell
Make up - Tracy Grabs
Congratulations on the success of A Song From The Dark! Can you share what drew you to the role of Ashionye and what it was like preparing for such a complex character in a supernatural horror film?
Thank you! Ashionye is such a layered character—strong, determined, but also carrying a lot of emotional baggage. What drew me to her was the blend of supernatural horror and deeply rooted cultural themes. The film isn’t just about scares; it’s about exploring African spirituality and confronting generational trauma. Preparing for Ashionye meant diving into that cultural history and truly understanding the real life Nigerian mythologies driving the story.
I also had to connect with her vulnerability, which was key to balancing her fierce exterior. It was a challenging process, but that complexity is what makes her such a compelling character.
Winning Best Actress at the American Black Film Festival and the AMAA awards is a tremendous achievement. How has this recognition impacted you both personally and professionally?
It’s been surreal, honestly! Personally, it’s a validation of all the hard work and the leap of faith I took when I shifted careers. Professionally, it’s opened doors and given me the confidence to be more selective with the projects I take on. Awards like these shine a spotlight on not just my work, but the stories we’re telling as Black creatives. It’s been incredibly motivating and has fueled my desire to keep pushing boundaries with the roles I choose.
Your performance in A Song From The Dark has received widespread acclaim. What was the most challenging aspect of bringing Ashionye to life, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was balancing the supernatural elements with my faith and the real emotional stakes. Horror can be very physical—you’re reacting to things that aren’t really there—but for it to resonate, it has to be grounded in real emotions. Ashionye is fighting not just spirits, but also the guilt and unresolved pain within her family. I had to dig deep into that emotional core to make her journey feel authentic, even when things got intense.
For someone who does not know a word of Yoruba until working on this film, having an understanding of the Yoruba language, the prayers I spoke and all the little but significant moments was key. Working closely with the director and really immersing myself in the script helped me navigate those layers.
With your film screening at prestigious festivals like the Pan African Film Festival and the Vancouver Horror Show, how do you feel about the global reception of A Song From The Dark?
It’s been amazing to see the film resonate with audiences worldwide! Horror is such a universal genre, but what’s special about A Song From The Dark is how it brings African mythology to the forefront. Seeing it embraced not just within niche horror communities, but also by a wider global audience, has been incredibly rewarding. It shows that there’s a hunger for diverse stories and perspectives, and it’s exciting to be part of that wave.
How did you feel about taking over the key role of Arjana Pike (from Lashana Lynch) in Bulletproof? How did you bring your own touch to the character?
Taking on the role of Arjana was a big responsibility because Lashana Lynch had already made her mark, and I wanted to honor that while still making the character my own. I focused on Arjana’s resilience and warmth, making sure that side of her came through while also exploring the challenges she faces as a Black woman navigating this high-stakes world. It was about finding that balance between strength and vulnerability, and I hope I brought a fresh energy to her that fans appreciated.
In Bulletproof, you stepped into a significant role within a groundbreaking British series. How did the role compare to your previous work, and what were the most interesting aspects of playing that character?
Arjana is different from a lot of the roles I’ve played because she’s more grounded in everyday life, but with high stakes due to the world she’s involved in. What I loved was the chance to play someone who’s not directly in the action, but is still integral to the emotional heart of the story. It was refreshing to explore a character who’s dealing with the pressures of protecting her family and finding her own path, which brought a different kind of intensity compared to my work in horror or drama.
You’ve had success across various genres, from horror to comedy to drama. How do you approach preparing for different types of roles, and do you have a preferred genre?
For me, preparation starts with understanding the character’s core—what drives them, what they fear, what they love. Whether it’s horror, comedy, or drama, I build from that foundation and adapt my approach based on the genre’s demands. Horror requires intense emotional states, comedy is all about timing, and drama dives into nuance and depth. I enjoy exploring different genres because each one pushes me in unique ways. As for a favorite, it’s tough to pick! I would say for me, drama, action or psychological thrillers really allows for those deep transformative performances.
Your background in Criminal Justice is quite unique for an actress. How has your academic background influenced your acting career and your approach to your roles?
My criminal justice background has definitely influenced how I approach characters. It taught me how to analyze people’s motivations, which is key when you’re trying to get into the head of a character. Understanding human behavior, whether in a legal setting or through storytelling, is all about getting to the truth of a person’s actions and decisions. That analytical mindset has helped me break down scripts and really think about the layers that make up a character.
In Dreaming Whilst Black, you earned nominations for your performance. What was it about this series that resonated with you, and how did you prepare for your role?
Dreaming Whilst Black hit home for me because it’s such a relatable story about chasing your dreams while navigating the obstacles that come with being Black in a predominantly white industry. The humor, the truth, the struggles—it all felt very real. Preparing for my role meant tapping into those shared experiences and bringing authenticity to the performance. The series is both funny and poignant, so it was about finding that balance and delivering a character that felt grounded and relatable.
How has this experience shaped your perspective on your career and the roles you choose?
It’s made me more conscious of the kinds of stories I want to be part of. I’m drawn to projects that reflect real experiences and push conversations forward, whether through humor, drama, or horror. It’s also reinforced my belief in being selective and intentional about the roles I take on. I want to continue exploring characters that challenge me and add depth to the narratives we see on screen.
With your modeling career and drama school experience, how have these elements combined to shape your acting style and choices in your film and television work?
Modeling taught me a lot about body language and presence, which translates well into acting. Drama school gave me the technical skills and that visual awareness—how to express emotions subtly. However, both acting and modeling taught me how to command space. Together, they’ve shaped my style into one that’s both expressive and grounded. When choosing roles, I look for characters that allow me to combine that physicality with deep emotional work.
Looking ahead, are there any particular roles or projects you’re excited about exploring, and what goals do you have for your career in the coming years?
I’m really excited to continue exploring different genres and more international projects. I’d love to dive deeper into psychological thrillers or even period dramas such as Bridgerton, which would be a fun departure from what I’ve done so far. My main goal is to keep challenging myself and to be part of projects that spark important conversations while entertaining audiences. I’m excited about what’s next and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!
It was also very important for me to rock my natural hair. There is a lack of representation of afro textured hair on UK screens so I loved seeing the feedback from women of colour expressing their joy seeing a reflection of themselves on TV.