By David Ajiboye

“I’m a positive kind of playboy”, Chidiebere Geoffrey Azubuike Mokeme.

Actor cum model, Chidiebere Geoffrey Azubuike Mokeme, popularly known as Chidi Mokeme had the privilege of anchoring the first two editions of the popular Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) reality TV show sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc.

The 36 years old actor has by so doing dazzled millions of TV viewers in the country with his peculiar style as presenter of wave making reality show. In 2004, Mokeme led the GUS hopefuls to Snake Island in the outskirts of Lagos, and eventually made history as the first artist to supervise and present the show to millions of Nigerians who fell in love with the concept.

Anchorman for GUS 1&2

I guess it is basically for continuity purposes. My personal opinion to them is that it is good to have a steady anchor person that has also followed the show from from inception and at every point in time, have available history to rely on. There was also series of screen test again for the second time. And at the end of the day, they said to me, you got to keep the job. And I said okay, I’m ready to work.

Current Job

I just returned from a movie location by Andy Best Production in Abuja. The title of the movie is Pretty Angels. I played the lead role. I had another recording in Lagos with Lion-Base Productions. The movie was titled, Blood of an Armed Robber. And I will soon be going for other jobs. In fact, I’m basically back to what I know how to do best.

GUS and Nollywood

The two editions of GUS have helped in widening the scope of my fan base tremendously. But I’m still who I am in Nollywood. GUS can only bring positive changes.

First movie in Nollywood

I joined the commercial aspect of Nollywood in 1995. I had a shuttle between Zeb Ejiro’s Goodbye Tomorrow and Ralph Nwadike’s Body Vengeance . They were my first two movies in Nollywood. But I have been a model for long before Nollywood beckoned. Right now, I do more of endorsements. I had been working with the cameras long before Nollywood, particularly with people who were into tv. At one point, I was under Alex Osifo, who had an agency called Silver Models. I was then one of his models. I was into all these, until Nollywood came, So I guess the transition was more natural.

Success in Nollywood

I owe my success to everybody who has given me the opportunity to work with him or her. They all contributed to who I am today. I’ve actually worked my way to the top. Ten years is a long time. It is not a flash in the pan. It’s been ten long years of dedication, hard work and commitment, many years of excellence and professionalism.

13 years in Nollywood

With all sense of humility, I actually expected I would be way above where I am today. I took many risks to be in this industry. It was not something that my parents readily agreed to.  They actually had lot of problem with me modelling then. But somehow, I was strong headed and was adamant on what I wanted to do. I always had problems with them whenever I go for shooting and come back very late. They never could understand what kind of jobs I was into as a teenager then.  We had lots of friction then and I was a science student.  My transition into movies now made it worse for my parents and me.  Now I was no longer coming back late, but also staying away for one week or more on locations. It was not easy. And the determination in me for them to let me be was just to make a success out of this career. But I refused to quit. I always say to myself that the challanges as far as movies are concerned have not come yet. I still believe that there is so much more that I’m willing to unleash, but just waiting for the right kind of setting.

Biggest problem facing Nollywood

Nollywood has legion of problems. At the core of it all is mediocrity. it is virus that comes in various forms. But if you dig deep, you will find out that the bottom line is still mediocrity. People who do not appreciate the craft of art, should not be involved. If you have people who are coming in because of the millions they are making, then you will have so many substandard products.

Image of a playboy

If I cut that image in my movies, that is cool. But in real life, I’m a positive kind of playboy. My idea of what people call a playboy is some guy who is sleek, good looking and got everything going for him with nice cars and good house. Somebody who wears the right clothes, says the right thing without any impure intent in his heart. I want to look good, drives the kind of car that makes me happy. And also make those around me happy.

Female fans and admirers

One of the hardest things to find in Nigeria is gratitude for what you do. It is a difficult society. The truth is that some want to go beyond appreciating my work. I try to find ways of not hurting them whenever they come my way. I know where exactly to cut the line. I deal with it as it comes.

Marriage

I’m working towards that. I have a serious relationship. You’ll more about her when the time comes. We will tie the knot as soon as God says move.

Background

I’m Chidiebere Geoffrey Azubiuke Mokeme. The GQ actually comes from the G in my English name. And the Q, stands for Quo. I got it from status quo. I turned 33 last march 17. I’m the first in a family of two boys and three girls. I was born in Ogidi, Anambra State, but grew up here in Lagos. I’m also from Oba in the same State. I was a few months old when my parents brought me to Lagos. But my secondary education was in Minna, Niger State. I later went to Enugu for my higher education.

Future goals

To be the best in whatever it is that I lay my hands on.. I have lots of plans that I’m working on-They’re still under wraps. I will unleash them at the appropriate time. I will also go into movie making at the appropriate time.

How rich are you?

The truth is that I have a lot of goodwill going for me. I’m very comfortable.

By David Ajiboye

“…you have to pass through darkness to get to dawn”, Mike Ezuruonye.

Top Nollywood actor , Mike Ezuruonye, reveals in this chat with David Ajiboye, for africanmoviestar.com, why he’s a reserved person and why he keeps to himself. Excerpts:

Is acting all you wanted to do at the beginning?

Let us just say acting chose me. While growing up, I’ve been involved in acting one way or the other. But professionally I was dragged into it by Ruke Amata.

Which was your first movie and which year was that?

Funny enough, my first movie hasn’t seen the light of the day. The film was shot in 2005. The movies that took me into peoples’ consciousness are Broken Marriage and Critical Decision.

How does it feel to go through so much stress all in the name of acting?

Though tiring, it is fulfilling. The demand is quite much but we have to keep doing what we know how to do best.

I’m sure the money you’re making is worth your while?

I don’t know about that, but we thank God for everything.

Is it true you’re making lots of money?

Let me just say I can afford to pay certain bills and attend to some needs.

Recently you were in America for a tour..?

(Cuts in) I was there, but not for the tour. I didn’t go for it because I had a certain disagreement with their contract. The conditions were not right.

How does it feel when fans are all over you when you go out of the country?

Trust me; the love we get out of the country is great and enormous. It is so large. But to me, it means people are watching me and I have to improve on what I’m doing.

An A-list actor said you have displaced Ramsey Nouah Jr ?

I am not going to say I’ve displaced anybody. Let’s not forget that Ramsey is one actor you cannot disrespect at all because whether we like it or not, as a result of Ramsey, we have a lot of young men in the industry today. Everybody has her own talent, so nobody can displace anybody and, I have respect for Ramsey any day any time. He is one of the greatest actors Nollywood has ever produced.

I heard that lots of women are finding abode under your tent?

If you see women around me, It’s just that they appreciate my work. I’m only building my tent in Nollywood where I express my craft with passion.

Are there women who want to go the extra mile for you?

I don’t know about that. All I know is that when people appreciate my works, I thank them in return.

Do you appreciate them in cash or in kind?

You are getting me wrong. I don’t appreciate them in cash or in kind. It’s just an act of goodwill, a smile, and thank you very much.

Has being on tv changed your life?

Most definitely. It has it’s merits and demerits. Demerit in the sense that your privacy is taken away from you. Some people are out to see you make a wrong move, while some are out to crash your image without any reason. The merit is that doors open up for you here and abroad. People welcome you to their homes, you are given a lot of pleasure and people are happy. To me that is very fulfilling.

I learnt that the Ghanians are taking over the market because the marketers want to use them as market leverage in Ghana, how true is that?

We should be our brothers keeper. If there is any alliance, it is okay but the people who run the industry should know how to balance the equation.

Are you feeling the pinch like other actors?

I don’t want to sound selfish, but I’ll like to thank God.

How many movies do you do in a month?

When you get to a level, you have to be very careful. I do a lot of screening regarding the script I take, and that is why I don’t think I do more than two movies in a month.

You’ve been accused of many things and one of them is that you kiss passionately on set, what do you say to that?

This is the first time I’m hearing that. I just do my things and get out of there.

Which actress do you enjoy working with most?

I have a working relationship with every actress, both the upcoming and the stars. My motto is to be as natural as possible. If you want me to be friendly, I will be friendly and If you want me to be harsh, I will be harsh and you will forget that you are watching a movie.

I read something about you taking a girl abroad and dumping her?

I told you earlier that some people want to scratch your image. Why will I need to borrow from somebody? My father used to tell me that a borrower would go a sorrowing. I can afford to buy certain amenities with what I do. I never borrowed from any girl, it is so unfounded.

Why do you think such allegation was made against you?

I told you that people just want to scratch your image.

Have you had any fan that has gone to the extreme with her emotions or her anger with you?

That happens all the time. One of such is an experience I had sometime ago when I was outside the country. Some group of fans worked up to me, I think they’re from Aruba, in the Caribbean and they were so crazy, the madness was too much and my cloth got torn and I had to buy another shirt at the mall.

Which of your movies has been the most memorable.?

Lots of them, I can’t pick anyone now, I just put my best in all I do.

Who is the lucky woman in your life?

She doesn’t want to be made public now. By God’s grace, If we get married, you’ll know her. But I’m into relationship.

How many times Have you fallen in love?

No comment.

How many frogs Have you kissed before meeting your princess?

(Laughs) I’ve not. I guess I don’t like talking about my relationships. Let’s put it this way, you have to pass through darkness to get to dawn.

What is it that you look for in a woman?

She has to be God-fearing because He is the reason why I’m here today. He has put me on this pedestal and she must have a good character and be down-to-earth. Those are the basic qualities. She also has to be beautiful.

Is Mike a heart breaker?

I don’t consider myself a heart breaker.

How do you end a relationship that you feel cannot work?

Relationship start with two people, it is a mutual agreement. And If it should end, it should be mutual.

When is Mike getting married and what does love means to you?

When that time comes, you will know. Love is a feeling where you float in happiness and joy and you don’t feel any hurt.

“I did not, you can check my profile” , Mercy Johnson

Actress Mercy Johnson joined Nollywood not too long ago and like a meteorite, she shot up even higher than those before her. But within a short period of time, she recorded more scandals than any of them. Could all the stuff they say about her really be true? She gives David Ajiboye the answers in this interview. Excerpts:

You seem the rave of the moment; you’re virtually in every movie. What’s magic?

I am not in every movie. But I am trying. I tell you it is just hard work, and there is nothing more to it. I don’t know anybody; I am just on my own. It is only God that I have. It is awesome. I don’t even believe it myself. I can only say it is a favor from God.

So the long months of countless auditions have paid off now…

Yes. I tell you I attended countless auditions. I didn’t understand what was happening anymore. I woke up early in the morning and I was at the National Theatre going through many auditions. That is why I tell you, my success now is basically hard work. I was dedicated.  I knew what I wanted and I had to go for it. I was all out for it.

When did the big break come?

I tell you, it came with the first movie I was featured in. The Maid by Kenneth Nnebue was a hit and I played the lead role.

So you never played any waka pass role…

I did not. You can check my profile.

When did you come into the industry?

I came in 2001. But I started acting professionally in 2002. I am now into it fully.

What made you take up acting?

I would say ‘who’ and not ‘what’. I wanted to be like somebody. I saw Genevieve Nnaji on screen when she acted Sharon Stone and I just wanted to be like her. It wasn’t as if I was so much in love with the acting profession. Genevieve was just like the motivating factor. I saw her and I was tripped.

Do you think you are like her now?

I am nowhere near her. I am still learning.

So you don’t  even have any intention of leaving the industry since you are aiming to be like Genevieve…

I may move. I have other things on my mind now. I would want to go into some other things later. For now, I am still concentrating on my career. I have not gotten to the level I would want to be.  I am being focused right now. I want to go higher than where I am now.

How high do you want to get?

Very high. It is not as if I want to be Hollywood star. I don’t even want that. Nollywood is blooming and expanding. I want to be a part of that progression.  I want to learn more in directing, acting, and every other thing. I want to be here when we get to the zenith in the entertainment industry.

How many movies have you featured in since you joined?

They are not that many. I think I have done well over 25 or  30 movies.

These days you don’t have to lobby movies…

In fact, they are even looking for me right now.

Everybody wants you to be in his or her movie, you must be feeling ahead of others because of this…

I am just like the girl next door. I come from a very humble background. I am an Igbira babe. I am very down to earth. Any time I want to do something, I look back. I remember where I am coming from. I thank God for everything. There is no change in me. I am still the same person I have always been. I lost my privacy but it is fine.

You lost your privacy, yes. But you should be happy with the razzmatazz in your profession…

Not really. There are things I cannot do anymore. But I see it as a sacrifice.

Will you swap acting with any other profession?

I will not. Even for the whole luxury in China.

How much were you paid for the first movie you acted?

I did it for free. But when the movie came out, the producer called me and gave me N50,000. According to him, I did so well. So I see it like a gift and not payment for a job.

How much do you pocket these days?

Come on! Why should I tell you? I will tell you later but not now please. But all I can tell you is that I am very comfortable.

How do you cope with the challenges of being an actress?

It is not easy. People expect so much from you. They seem to forget that you are a human being. They see you as a superstar. But in any case, I just believe in being myself. I try not to embarrass my fans; at the same time, I try to live my life. Come on, this life is meant to be lived.

But what are those things you can no longer do because you are an actress?

I don’t think I should tell you.

Just tell me…

Hmm…It is so annoying. Well I and my friends used to go somewhere in Shitta (Surulere) to eat amala. I can no longer do that. I can no longer eat boli (roasted plantain) on the road like I used to.

Is that all?

These days I have to go to Shoprite to buy things and I even have to be careful the way I walk. I cannot even go to Yaba anymore.

So you used to go to Yaba (Okirika) market to shop?

Ha! Why are you doing this to me? I didn’t say I shop in Yaba.

I know. But at least you used to buy some things there.

I have told you. I buy things in the boutique. I don’t buy them at Yaba market.

How old are you?

I am a very young girl.

Can you give me a figure please?

Do you know what I am scared of?

What?

If I tell you I am 22 right now, by the time I spend another ten years in the industry, people will now know I am 32 and I don’t want that.

So you are 22 years old?

I didn’t say that. Let’s just say I am in my early 20s.

Since you are this’young’, marriage shouldn’t be on your list.

It is. Ha! Are we friends at all?

But you claim you are ‘very young’…

I don’t know what to say again. Okay, I am not yet 25, but just take it I am in my early 20s like I said before. It is not as if I am thinking about marriage right now. But it is an opportunity every woman would not want to give up  or allow to pass by her. The earlier you begin to get serious with  a particular relationship, the better for you.

So you are in a relationship…

Oh! yes. I am in a serious relationship.

Will this relationship lead to marriage?

Oh! Have you not seeing my engagement ring? It is white gold!

What if he tells you to stop acting?

He loves my job. Peradventure he tells me to quit, I will beg him and I will beg him, and I will beg him. If he insists, I will quit but I will still be in entertainment industry.

Is the guy in your industry?

Hell no!

Hell no? Were you not doing something with Nonso Diobi back then?

Ha! Nonso is my very good friend. I just finished speaking with him now. I don’t have any relationship with him. I even know his girlfriend.

What of Benedict Johnson?

He is my friend. People even think we are related since we share the same surname, but we are not. He is an Igbo guy. We are very close. I am not dating him.

So you are saying you have not dated an actor…

Eemmm…can I tell you later?

Why not tell me now?

No.

This ‘no’, is it for me or for the public?

You really want to put me in trouble. My answer is, no.

But what of the guy who bought that Toyota Rav 4 jeep for you?

Ha! I bought my car by myself.

What!

I said I bought my car myself.  But I am working. I am making my money. No matter how small, it is still my money.

You are a student of Lagos State University…

Yes.

But we hear you are no longer there.

Did you?

Yes. We hear your G.P was less than one point, so you were asked to withdraw from the school.

Well, I saw something on the net with the caption ‘An Illiterate Star’ with my picture on it. I really felt bad. People had to comment on that.

Since you think it is just a rumor, where do you think it came from?

I don’t know and I don’t intend to find out.

So you are saying you are a bona fide student of LASU…

Yes. I knew when I was coming into this industry there might be some scandals. But I tell you, this ‘Illiterate’ thing really got to me.

Did it get to you as much as it got to you when they said you sleep around with different men?

It is still better than somebody calling me an illiterate star. I felt bad.

Do you think these scandals will affect you in any way?

I make mistakes. I am human after all. I am not perfect. But what makes me a person is the ability to fall and stand up again. Even if I am an illiterate, I still have time to buckle up. Once there is life, there is hope. I am not going to fight anybody concerning this scandal. People have their right to their opinion. I am still going on with my work and doing all the things I should do. I am not going to allow such rumor to affect me. I am living my life like Mercy. That I felt bad about that didn’t mean  I had to stop doing my work.

Since you said you are still a student, how are you combining your studies with your career?

I would be lying if I told you I go to school all the time. It has been pretty difficult. But I just try to do my best.

Which of the actors do you love working with the most?

I love working with all of them. They all have their weak points and their strengths. But I do enjoy all the actors I work with. I don’t have any problems with them.

How come people say you are wild?

Do you mean ‘wild’ as in the roles I play?

No, they say you are wild even in reality.

I don’t know. I can’t judge myself. But I know I am not wild.

What do your parents do when they read and hear such bad stuff about you?

They just encourage me. My family has been great to me. They all knew it is part of my job and they try to encourage me all the way.

What is the toughest role you have played ?

I see the entire role I play as a challenge. I always try my best in all of them. I give each and everyone of them the same dedication and all that.

Since there is a heavy rivalry amongst actresses, who is your own rival now?

I don’t have any rival. The industry is too big for me to have a rival.

Okay, who do you envy?

I don’t envy anybody. I only admire Genevieve. She is my idol. I just can’t compare her with anybody.

Have you had an opportunity of working with her?

Yes. I have worked with her twice. She is wonderful. I didn’t even work; I would just say I was learning. While she was acting, I was just looking at her. When I met her it was like a dream come true.

What is your vision?

I want to get to the zenith of my career. In the nearest future, I think I would like to give back to this society that has given me so much. I am going to go into charity. I may not need to give anybody millions, but the little I can do, I hope to do it.

By David Ajiboye/staff reporter.