Power Book II: Ghost is back on Starz for its fourth and final season, after becoming the first spinoff in the Power franchise since the original series ended in 2020. We are so ready for this season, and make no mistake about it, Noma will play a major part.
We were introduced to Noma, played by Caroline Chikezie, in Season 3 with an opening moment that brought about one of Ghost‘s most ruthless scenes: the chopping off of a woman’s hand in Central Park, New York. As we’ve learned, Noma is not one to mess with.
BGN had the opportunity to speak with Chikezie via phone to discuss how she followed her passion for acting, who she gained inspiration from for this role, and her thoughts on how roles for Black women in Hollywood are evolving.
Your background is so interesting as you went from studying medicinal chemistry to being an actress. How did this trajectory happen?
I am of Nigerian heritage born and raised in London, England. As a Nigerian, you are pretty much given a couple of options — you can be a doctor or a lawyer. My father was a doctor, so I pursued medicine out of obedience. But I wanted to be an actor. I’ve always known this. I was advised not to go into that profession, so I pursued medicine.
While I was studying medicinal chemistry at Brunel University in London, I confided in my tutor that my heart was really set on becoming an actress. He said, “Well then, you must absolutely pursue it.” So, I applied to drama school secretly. Not only did I get in, they also gave me a full scholarship. From then on, my parents could see that something was happening, and they supported me. But it wasn’t an easy journey at all. I lost my dad in 2017, but before he passed, he was fully on board. Thank God. I got to make him proud. I also got to play doctors and lawyers, so I went about it in a round-about way.
On television, we don’t get to see many bad-ass, boss women like your character Noma. Where did you pull your inspiration from? Do you have a lot of creative freedom to form Noma the way you see her?
Great question. You are right that we don’t get to see a lot of bad-ass women on screen, so shout out to 50 Cent, Courtney Kemp and Brett Mahoney. They have done a great job in changing that in the industry. Not only do we have Noma, we have Monet. So, props to them for creating this lane for us.
For me, I tend to lean towards masculinity. So, in terms of inspiration for the role, I looked to someone like Denzel Washington in Training Day. I had to forget gender and think of bad-asses across cinema and television and step into those shoes. I feel what that energy feels like and bring that into my portrayal of Noma. We are beginning to see more and more roles for women being bad-asses, bosses, and leaders, and not just your typical subservient woman.
In terms of creative input, I’m excited Brett Mahoney wrote the heck out of Noma. Pretty much, it was on the page. When I got the material, I instantly knew what was required; the energy this person would have to have in order for it to be convincing. Once I decided this was a role I’d like to take on, it was plain sailing from there. Playing such a strong character and someone who is venomous and quite gangster is a lot. I’m an introvert and sensitive. I have played with the side of myself that is more outspoken and an extrovert. Now, I am bringing it into my daily life.
You touched on this a little bit but can you share your thoughts on how roles for Black women in Hollywood are evolving — whether good or bad?
One thing I’ve noticed about roles in Hollywood for Black women is representation. I’m seeing a lot more of us across the board in mainstream, productions, and obviously our own stuff that we make. That is beautiful to see. If you span over the last fifteen years, it’s normalized to see us represented on screen. That is so important, especially for the actors who are coming up who need to see that it’s possible.
I will say after 2020 there was a big explosion of our shows, but I’m noticing a decline. Now, things have died down. I can see things going back to the way it was, before we had the realization that we need to be included. Especially after the last strike, they are not making as many shows. As a result, unfortunately, the first thing that will go are people of color and our stories. I’m hoping that’s not the case but it’s still unfolding.
Do you have any upcoming projects you can share with us?
I have a very exciting project called A Beauty Supply in Queens. It’s the true story of an immigrant from Nigeria that moves to Queens, New York, and sets up a beauty supply store. If you’re familiar with the Black beauty supply industry, we don’t have a lot of control in that space. Even though we’re the customers, we are not owners in that space. So, this maiden moves to Queens with her children and sets up a beauty supply store. Unfortunately, she immediately gets blocked and blacklisted by [some Asian beauty store owners who] are running things.
We shot the short for this and we’re hoping to make the feature in the coming year. It’s so exciting to jump into such a role, because it’s a very important topic that needs to be addressed in our community. I think it’s only fair that we get to partake in the profits of the industry, as we’re the ones who are keeping it afloat.
After 10 years, the Power Universe has us locked in with the various shows. Can you give us a glimpse of Noma’s agenda for this season and what we can expect to see from her?
Absolutely. In Season 4, you’re going to get to see a more vulnerable, softer side of Noma. You may see her falling for someone, or some people. You’ll get to see a more rounded view of Noma, and not just her being a boss but being a mom. I can’t say too much! You’ll see her fighting to establish her business in the States. Also, she will struggle to keep her daughter in line and how she’ll find her way on Tariq and Brayden’s radar. It’s so hard to talk but she’ll always be a bad-ass.
The final season of Power Book II: Ghost is streaming now on Starz.
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