The Wives: Tuke Morgan Shares Her Journey from Music to Acting Debut

The Story⚡

We sat down with Tuke Morgan, a multifaceted Nigerian creative, to discuss her acting debut in The Wives. From music and content creation to her new role on screen, Morgan shares how she brought authenticity to her character and embraced the vibrant chaos of filmmaking.

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How do you juggle your creative pursuits, such as music, content creation, and now acting?

Honestly, it can be overwhelming at times, especially when a quiet season is followed by a flood of opportunities I’ve been longing for, but the dates often clash. I have to make the difficult choice about which one to accept. As a very hands-on mom to my 6-year-old son, being a present parent requires a lot of dedication, time, commitment, and sacrifice.

As a multifaceted creative, I understand that there are seasons when I need to prioritize one thing over another. I also pray for guidance. A planner helps me stay organized, and I’m actively looking for a competent, reliable assistant to whom I can delegate certain tasks.

As a newcomer to Nollywood, how did you prepare for your role in The Wives, and what was the most challenging aspect of stepping into this new creative space?

I read and studied the script multiple times to ensure I understood my character and what made her unique. I paid attention to the subtext and visited the set before my first filming day to observe and meet some of the cast and crew. Since I’ve been a full-time creative since 2016, it was really interesting to enter this new space. I thrive on challenges and love the opportunity to learn. Plus, my curiosity made it fulfilling to be on set and see the script come to life.

Can you share a bit about your character in The Wives and how you connected with her story or personality?

My character’s name is Ugo, and she’s one of the lead female’s best friends. She is sweet, caring, and attentive, but can be fierce if anyone messes with her loved ones, which resonates with me. I’m calm and kind, but I can be feisty when needed.

Having a background in music and content creation, how did those skills influence your approach to acting in this film?

I studied Economics at the University of Nottingham, and Maths was my favorite subject in school, so I tend to think in a very methodical way. As a musician, I am quite diverse; I am classically trained, have taken music exams up to ABRSM Grade 6, and have played in church and jazz bands. I can also play by ear, so my creative muscles are always active. I have hundreds of songs from different genres in my memory. My ability to remember is quite sharp, and I’m accustomed to rehearsing pieces repeatedly until I can perform them perfectly.

As a performing musician, I adapt to the audience’s demographics and influence the mood of an event through sound. I am thorough and meticulous in all my work, and I’m very observant. Although I didn’t attend acting school, I’ve learned a lot through masterclasses, studying films, and attending various film festivals.

In my creative career, I’ve learned that hard work is necessary, no matter how monotonous or intense it may be. Often, one scene must be filmed multiple times for different angles and close-ups, which requires patience and the ability to give your best shot with each take. It also demands a level of openness and vulnerability to be authentic and believable in your performance.

What was it like working with the cast and crew of The Wives, and were there any standout moments from the set that shaped your experience?

It was a really pleasant experience overall. Everyone was kind and welcoming. I enjoyed bonding with and learning from the cast during downtime. Interestingly, I was on set on my 31st birthday, and one of the producers, Goodness Emmanuel, surprised me with a box of cupcakes, which was very thoughtful. My family also surprised me with balloons and a cake as we filmed quite late that day.

Nollywood is known for its vibrant storytelling. How has being part of The Wives deepened your appreciation for the industry’s unique style?

Being part of The Wives was enlightening and eye-opening. The experience made me appreciate the immense amount of work that goes into producing something meaningful. Numerous moving parts must come together, from location scouting to managing welfare, continuity, distribution, and much more.

Our industry is still developing, but people are dedicated to their craft, so it can only get better. Many individuals accomplish a lot with limited resources, and I’ve seen how powerful collaborations can be. No one can succeed alone; teamwork truly makes the dream work!

As someone with a strong online presence, how do you think your debut in The Wives will resonate with your audience, especially those who have followed your journey on platforms like Instagram?

I believe my audience will be very excited to see me in The Wives. I’ve been creating content online since February 2014, so many people have followed my journey from my time as a Corper to starting my band, getting married, and having my first child. They have witnessed my growth in real time, and I know they’re eager to see me step out of my comfort zone once again. My creative journey has been unique, with no blueprint or roadmap, but I’ve learned to adapt along the way.

Were there any specific lessons or skills you learned while filming The Wives that you plan to carry forward into future acting projects?

I learned the importance of being flexible and adapting to changes that occur on set, such as lines being tweaked or completely removed. There are many factors beyond our control during filming, like weather conditions or aircraft flying overhead. Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial, and it’s also essential to have snacks and drinks that provide a boost. For me, it’s Ribena, Chivita, or Greek yogurt; I’m not a soda person.

The Wives explores complex relationships. What themes in the film resonated with you, and how do you hope audiences will connect with them?

Having been married for over seven years, I find The Wives to be relatable and authentic. The series contains many lessons, emphasizing the importance of keeping Christ at the center of your relationship. It’s vital to avoid unnecessary third parties and not make excuses for those who reveal their true colors.

If you notice red flags while dating, it’s okay to end things. Premarital counseling is essential. Don’t rush into marriage or feel pressured to settle simply because someone is saying the right things. Evaluate whether their actions align with their words! Look beyond the surface and seek God’s guidance. It’s important to marry someone who respects, loves, and supports you in thriving and blooming. I’m excited to see the conversations sparked by the show and eager for all the comments and feedback.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your acting career in Nollywood, and are there any dream roles or genres you’d love to explore next?

I’m just getting started; this is only the beginning, and I’m thrilled about what the future holds. My goal is to build a global acting career, and I’m working intentionally towards that. There are countless characters I would love to portray: a teacher, a therapist, an agbero (street hustler), a student, a doctor, a nurse, a detective, an immigrant, a newscaster, a podcast host, a tennis player, a meddling receptionist, a soldier, a nanny, a narcissist, a musician—the possibilities are truly endless. I’m like a blank canvas, ready to be molded.

I would love to feature in a period piece, romantic comedies, musicals, futuristic stories, epic narratives, animations, and much more. I want to challenge myself with roles that are different from who I am. I’m ready to do meaningful work and leave a lasting legacy!

In Summary

The Wives, produced by Conceptified Media, offers a raw and relatable look at love, trust, and the complexities of marriage, with Tuke Morgan’s debut as Ugo bringing a fresh spark to the series. Watch the series on Elevation Church NG YouTube Channel.