Profile JUDI SHEKONI
Judi’s distinctive looks and wide- ranging talent have given her internatioinal fame
About Judi
An exotic mix of Nigerian, British and Spanish, Judi rose to fame in the UK on the country’s leading TV soap ‘EastEnders’. A household name and fans’ favourite, she has starred on every major UK TV channel, in national staples such as ‘Casualty’, ‘Hollyoaks’ and ‘Fat Friends’ and even had a cameo role in the Bond film ‘The World is Not Enough’. Soon noticed by Hollywood, Judi relocated to Los Angeles for primetime shows such as ‘Navy NCIS’, ‘King of Queens’, ‘Brothers & Sisters’, and studio features such as Fox’s ‘Garfield 2’ opposite Jennifer Love Hewitt.
“I love to feel part of something, of a place, of a culture that is so special and that means I am connected to Nigerians wherever I go.”
rica that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Q Has your Nigerian background been a big influence in your life?
Somehow I find the Nigerian people wherever I go – Caroline Chikezie is a good friend of mine. I am constantly asking anyone around the world with a slight accent where they are from and what tribe. I love that – I love to feel part of something, of a place, of a cul- ture that is so special and that means I am connected to Nigerians wherever I go. My name is Nigerian and I am constantly having to explain it and my tribe, and living in America I realise how lucky I am to know that information about my heritage.
90 | NEW AFRICAN WOMAN | AUTUMN 2011 Q You’re in great shape. Care to share your beauty and workout
secrets? I work out quite a lot now – five times a week. A little cardio and weights and I eat a lot of protein. Te rule of eating protein straight aſter my workout has really helped me a lot. And substituting a chocolate bar for a chocolate protein bar has made a difference to my body as I eat chocolate every day!
Q How do you think the young African Diaspora relate to Africa
today? I think that as long as they stay connected by people they meet, the arts, the music – just some way that it helps to keep you in touch with a side of your heritage. And I
think travel broadens the mind and allows other people and cultures a chance they may not have had to know African people and have any misconceptions blown away. I believe in blood memory. If a place is in your blood, even if you have never been there but your parents or grandparents are from a place, a part of that place is running through your veins somehow affecting every thought or decision you make and no matter how far you travel from the place or people, your body, your blood will always have a memory of it and it will always be with you.
Q Where do you see yourself in the movie industry over the next few
years? And does Nollywood appeal to you, and if so, who is your Nollywood idol? I have done a few Nollywood movies and am always excited about doing more... I love Caroline’s latest one with Hakeem Kae-Kazim – ‘Inale’ – a beautiful film. I would love to be a part of something like that – beautiful and that raises the profile of Africa and our film industry.
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