Netflix Blood sisters: “My hardest day was between ‘the club scene’ and ‘bathroom scene’” Meet Timeyin, played by Genoveva Umeh

Genoveva Umeh who played Timeyin, the ’Blood Sisters’ breakout star has now opened up on how she got the movie role, the difficult parts she had to play and more.

On how she got the role, Genoveva Umeh said “I had to audition for the character ‘Timeyin’ in 2 days. I remember reading Timeyin’s part and being drawn to her. After my audition, I received the offer letter for the character of Timeyin. It was my dream come true because I grew up watching Nollywood films in my house in Enugu State, and as a young adult in university, I started actively working to be a part of telling authentic African stories. This was my biggest opportunity yet and I couldn’t believe I was working on a Netflix deal with EbonyLife Studios which are renowned for their superb production value. God is Great.”

I had the time of my life working on the set of Blood Sisters. I remember sitting in our first table read and thinking how incredibly blessed I was to be working with acting legends & heavyweights that I’d either grown up watching or some that I had observed build their brand solely on the integrity of their craft. My Directors, Mr Biyi Bandele & Kenneth Gyang were open to my opinions before we shot each scene, I enjoyed the relationship of trust and flexibility that came with filming Blood Sisters. I loved getting in makeup, SFX and costume to help embody My character’s aura and personality. I looked forward to each day. I didn’t want the shoot to end.

I created a music playlist for Timeyin. I’d listen to it just before a scene, to get me into character. Then I’d show up on set, ready to trust my gut and play from my impulses, to ensure I truthfully engage with my scene partner. Unfortunately, acting isn’t free therapy, its imaginative engagement for the entertainment of others and Timeyin’s character was so intense, that it was essential I morphed her into something, I could step in and out of.

Opening up on the hardest day, Genoveva said “My hardest day was between ‘the club scene’ and ‘bathroom scene’, but I’d be giving away spoilers. You’ll have to wait and see.

Talking about growing up and family, she said “My parents are beautiful, Igbo people from Anambra State. My Dad is a computer engineer and my mum is a registered nurse.

We migrated permanently to London, the UK in 2006. I have a 13 year-old-brother. As a kid, my parents encouraged my creative personality from church contemporary dances, to winning dance competitions at children’s parties. As an adult, they trust me to work hard. They are my biggest fans and I feel protected by their prayers and countless facetime conversations of encouragement.

My friends think that I’m as free-spirited as my parents because my parents taught me to embrace being the best of African and Black British. My mum once said in Igbo that “Uukwa Ruo oge ya, o daa,” which means ‘When the breadfruit is ready, it falls.” This is a proverb that teaches you patience to trust the process.

My Igbo name is Kenechukwu, which means ‘To thank God’. My Dad calls me ‘Orginal K’. My Parents are my favourite people in the world and I want to reward them for the sacrifices they consistently make for us.