Chidi sits with David Ajiboye

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 challenges 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.