Encomium
From Nollywood Wannabees, not long ago, they are gradually stepping into the shoes of movie super stars, getting prime roles, attention and making mega bucks. ENCOMIUM Weekly unveils a generation of some of Nollywood’s emerging male movie stars to watch in 2014.
OC UKEJE
How will you describe your career in 2013?
2013 was a very satisfying year for me. Many things happened to me, not just about the number of movies but my name was everywhere. Awards are still coming, I still have movies, yet to be on the schedules, going for international film festivals.
What is your strength and secret?
It is more about timing. I am not doing anything different from what I have been doing to my career. It is still the same. 2013 was just God’s time for me. For the secret, none that I know.
Where are you headed in 2014?
I still have some couple of projects at the moment, to have more international recognition. Also to learn more about production skill because I will get into production soon. For now, the scripts should keep coming.
Any award so far?
Yes, I won some couple of awards last year like Nigeria Entertainment Award, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award, Future Award and Best of Nollywood Award.
IK OGBONNA
How will you describe your career in 2013?
2013 was a blessed year, God’s favour was in abundance. I learnt to work with smaller groups. My career picked up as well. I made new acquaintances and also lost few friends. 2013 was not just another year, it was a blessed year.
What is your strength and secret?
My strength is the fact that I never forget where I am coming from. It keeps me grounded, I am open to learn always. I accept my mistakes and I am never ashamed to be corrected. My secret is not much of a secret, I serve the Almighty God.
Where are you headed in 2014?
I’m looking at a year better than the last. I have handed this year over to God and I’m waiting for His gifts in abundance.
Any award so far?
I picked up Cynosure Award for best actor, model of 2013. I look forward to getting more awards this year. I am working hard on myself as an actor, as a dad and as a person.
JOSEPH BENJAMIN
How will you describe your career in 2013?
2013 was a busy and demanding year for me. A lot went into my career and it was quite interesting.
What is your strength and secret?
My strength is God. I am focused, more dedicated to my work. I put in more professionalism into my work, that is my secret.
Where are you headed in 2014?
2014 will be an amazing year for me. A lot is coming forth for me. It will be an interesting year. Like I always say, I will never disappoint my fans.
Any award so far?
I can’t really remember, but I got few nominations.
UTI NWACHUKWU
How will you describe your career in 2013?
2013 was a fantastic year career wise. It was a beautiful year. It was one year you should go to church and give testimonies. As an entertainer, 2013 was amazing for me. I didn’t really have time for myself. I was blessed. I did countless shows, modeling jobs, won numerous awards and I also featured in four to five movies.
I also represented Nigeria in Italy. I did advert for DStv and Nokia, Jara is still doing fine on DStv. I did a movie with Desmond Elliot, Finding Mercy. I went to Ghana to shoot another movie, a romance/comedy movie. It was fantastic. 2013 was fantastic career wise. I also did another movie directed by Teco Benson.
What is your strength and secret?
It is very simple. God is my strength and secret. I find a lot of mercy communicating with God. I’m close to God not because of what I want from Him but what God wants to do for me. I am the kind of person that obeys God and I am also a fighter.
Where are you headed in 2014?
2014 will be wonderful and glorious. I will put more hard work, stay focused and get closer to God.
Any award so far?
I won 23 awards in Nigeria both in movies, TV personality, media award. 2013 was really great.
MELVIN ODUA
How will you describe your career in 2013?
It was a major boost for my career. I experienced extraordinary upliftment. My involvement in Big Brother Africa shot me to greater height. That kind of reality show is a see through for everybody.
What is your strength and secret?
It has always been God. I am also a likeable person. Everybody knows I am humble, friendly and fun to be with. I am a goal getter. I don’t give up. I go for what I want to achieve.
Where are you headed in 2014?
It can only get better. Entertainment is broad, so I will not limit myself to a particular sector in the entertainment business. Basically, I will be on TV.
Any award so far?
I won an award before I went for BBA. I also won some after Big Brother Africa.
