Actress Pearl Darkey Advises Young Readers To ‘Keep The Faith, But Lose The Ego’ For Success
Movies, movies and more movies, we like them and are entertained by them. Sometimes we may relate to these movie characters in real life. African movies — they are dramatic and they make us laugh and sometimes we catch ourselves behaving in similar ways.
One day, I wanted to watch something that would make me laugh and just relax. I logged unto YouTube and I found this series titled XOXO and I was just intrigued, I could not stop laughing. The show was about young people and relationships, trying to figure out their place at work and in their personal lives — something all young adults go through especially after college or after a day at work.
There was a particular character that I could relate to the most. Her name on the show is Akua (which means ‘Wednesday born’ in Twi). Her friends and family know her as Pearl. Akua is a strong-willed girl, who does not let anyone push her around. She is very business-savvy and highly intelligent.
I reached out to the actress for a conversation on Young Africans On The Move. As I was interviewing Pearl, I realized she’s no different from Akua, the character she portrays in XOXO.
Here is an insight on the beautiful Ghanaian actress Pearl Darkey.
Name: Pearl Darkey
Occupation: Actress
Age: 30
Educational background: Graduate degree – University of Ghana in Theatre Arts/Choreography
Origin: Accra, Ghana
1) What is your story?
Grew up in Accra, I attended some good schools in my days growing up. My parents had dreams for their kids to become lawyers, engineers and doctors, never imagining that one of us would end up in the arts. I started in dancing and as I got older, toured with top Ghanaian artists. Then it just transitioned from dancing to modeling. I joined a group of four girls and we were contracted to be in music videos. I went on to attend university — I applied for the Humanities and did not get in. My dad advised that I re-apply, this time for the arts, which is what I did.
2) 3 words to describe yourself.
Fierce. Determined. Workaholic.
3) Who inspired you to get into acting?
No one really inspired me to go into acting. I always loved everything on TV; I watched lots of television, movies, screen plays. I would watch a character and try to act like them.
4) What is the process that you experienced when doing your first movie?
The first major movie that I was in was Forbidden Powder with Jackie Appiah and Roselyn Ngissah, for which I did not particularly audition — I read my lines, acted, and they wanted me in the movie after that. We were not paid for the job. I realized then how the industry for beginners looked like. We were told about the location, some got in late and finally when the major characters arrived we had to get ready for make-up. I realized that the make-up artist and the costumier concentrated more on the well-known actors and actresses. It was an experience for me, so I just looked on unperturbed. When it was time for shooting, I did my part and they loved it. The director created new scenes and made me ad lib. After the shoot, Jackie offered to give me a ride since she knew me, but I just wanted to remain with my minor characters and the category the production crew had put us in. I got home and became more determined to show Ghana that I was naturally blessed and good in acting.
5) Who is your favorite character that you played?
Akua from XOXO. Akua is much like myself, it was a very easy role. Akua is not in a relationship, and I am naturally bossy especially around my friends and cast mates. However I am very friendly, fun and my relationships mean a lot to me.
6) Favorite actress/actor?
Geneviene Nnaji, she never ceases to amaze me. Also I am my favorite actress as well (chuckles). On the set I do some directing and people look up to me. I also respect other people on the set and their time. So I show up on time, which is very important.
7) XOXO Series. What is it about?
XOXO focuses on the youth, during and after national service. It concentrates on challenges they face and explains why some people do what they do and for what reasons. It raises concerns about how we’re neglected when starting up on our own without any monitoring and mentoring. We shoot based on viewers’ response and feedback, which makes the acting quite challenging especially if your character is used to behaving in a certain way. It shifts the characters, we usually don’t know what to expect until we receive our scripts during the week for Sunday shooting.
8) How did you get involved with XOXO series?
The writer is a friend of my brother’s. My brother had tried to convince him to use me on several occasions but he was not really keen on it since most friends had tried to get him to try their siblings one way or the other. Finally in 2011, he called me up and took a look at my personal profile, invited me over for a shoot they were coordinating, it was the promo video for XOXO and he loved how I did with the video, and he asked me to be on the show. He was impressed with my skill and talent.
9) What is your favorite thing about being Ghanaian?
When it comes to humanity, we love everyone regardless. We learn to appreciate them. Passion is in everything we do.
10) Advise for our readers and young people.
We all have a passion, go for your passion. Listen to criticism good and bad, it will help you in your growth. Pray about it. Have a side plan, because nothing happens when you want it to. Also do not lose faith, and lose the pride [ego] – it is not something good to possess.
SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS
Twitter: @pearlpkd
Watch XOXO series on YouTube
Samandu Tshimanga, who goes by Samy, is a college graduate from Indiana University South Bend with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Sociology. She loves the study of people. She is a freelance analyst and talks about politics, human rights and whatever else floats her boat. Her column Young Africans On The Move with Samy showcases exceptional young people making a difference in the community and in their countries back in Africa. Originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Samy currently resides in Indianapolis. Twitter: @chic_cocobelle
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