I had sex the first time @ 15, says Uti Nwachukw

Uti Nwachukwu is, no doubt, the only Nigerian that has remained a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry among the past winners of the popular but controversial reality show, Big Brother Africa (BBA). Since he won the All Stars edition (Season 5) in 2010, he has featured in so many movies, anchored big shows, and appeared as a face for so many brands. At the moment, he’s the host of Stars The Winner Is, a music talent game show organized by Nigerian Breweries Plc.
The multi-talented actor spoke with ENCOMIUM Weekly about his experience on the game show, his first sexual experience as well as his relationship with Nollywood star, Tonto Dikeh and singer, Saeon…

What is responsible for staying on top of your game even after winning Big Brother Africa years back?
I have no idea other than I don’t play with my God. I am a Jesus boy. I represent Jesus everywhere I go. I am in love with God, I don’t play with my Maker. One thing I always tell God when I pray is that: “Put me in a position where your perfect will, will take me. Don’t let me do anything that will not bring glory to your name.” There is nobody that knows my life’s journey like God.
I got a mail from Big Brother to participate for the second time after we had a thanksgiving in my church called, The God of the second chance. Big Brother Africa is a once in a life time opportunity. So, I didn’t expect to go for the second time. I just said to God. “Any second chance that will bring glory to your name let me experience it.” This was on a Sunday, and by Wednesday I got a letter from Big Brother Africa saying, We are giving you a second chance. I ran mad, it was obviously from God.
What has it been like working on Star’s The Winner is?
The experience has been worthwhile. They are so professional. The only other professional set that I have been on is that of Jara and Star The Winner Is.  Everybody is on time and everything is so organized. It’s been comforting and satisfying I can’t even find words to describe how I feel. I am having all of my blessings via this show.
Do you think the show’s response has been great because you are the host?
The content is amazing and the dynamics too. The fact that you can change your life with just one song or with just seven songs if you get to  the finale is breathtaking. People love the tension, people love the drama, and people love the possibilities of what happens on the show. I don’t think there is any show like this worldwide. The Winner Is is like you gambling away your talent and the fact that you can change your life if you are true to yourself. The producers must have thought I will add some flavour before hiring me. We share a symbiotic relationship, that is the show and Uti.
Don’t you think your anchoring talent is overshadowing your other talents?
I don’t think so. I have a movie released at least once every three or four months. The only talent of mine that is taking a back seat is singing talent and that’s because I have not had time to go to the studio. A lot of time has to go into making quality music. I always identify myself with things of quality, anything my name is written on, I can guarantee you it’s going to have quality. Look at all the jobs I have done; TV, modeling, presenting. Music has taken a back seat. I am not doing music for commercial, may be that is why I have not given it a lot of attention. My compeering seems to be my most consistent thing on TV.

You have been hanging out at parties. How do you juxtapose Uti the party boy and Uti the Jesus boy?
The question you should ask is: What do I do at those parties? Am I sleeping around? Am I getting drunk? It’s not to say I am judging people that do all these things, but like I said, Jesus is for people that are imperfect. What do I do? How do you know I am not evangelizing at these parties?  How do you know I am not making friends .Do you know how many girls have collected my phone number and want to start flirting with me or want to start sending me messages? There is a story of a girl who said I inspired her to do great things, but she started out by sending messages like: ‘Hello dear, hello sexy’. When she was going through hell, I started talking to her. I am not a pastor, but through life experiences and personal relationships I have talked about Jesus. People are usually surprised to see this side of me. I like the fact that people look at me and see a party boy, a wild boy.
When was the first time you had sex?
I was 15 when I had sex. I remember very clearly because what you watch on TV is different from the real practical. It was a disaster. The lady just kept looking at me, asking; “Are you sure you know what to do?” and I was so embarrassed but the second time was much better.
On what occasion do you lie?
When I’m trying not to make you feel bad. Maybe I was supposed to call you or visit you and I forgot. Then I will lie like saying something happened. So that you don’t feel that I don’t regard you. Sometimes you have to lie to protect people’s feelings. It’s harmless. I don’t have to lie, but sometimes you just have to, especially when it’s someone sensitive and someone that can get hurt easily.
Have you ever broken a woman’s heart?
Of course, who hasn’t? And I have had my heart broken too. We all break people’s heart, please. Let’s leave that one. They have broken my heart, they have crushed it. I have broken heart and my heart has been broken, especially when I was in my late 20’s. Right now, I am trying to allow myself to be loved. The last girl that was on my case said something to me; ‘Uti, allow somebody to love you” and “I guess I did.’
Do you still keep in touch with Tonto Dikeh because both of you were on Next Movie Star?
Tonto and I actually met after Next Movie Star, I have so much respect and love for Tonto. Tonto always supports me and everything I do. Tonto is always there for me, supporting my charity works. She is one person that is seen in a different way by the public, but I know Tonto on a personal level. She is such a sweet personality and a nononsense person. I think I am going to advice her to have her own reality TV show so that people can see the true her. She has a big heart.

What is your true relationship status with singer, Saeon?
I have said all I wanted to say on this matter, you guys (journalists) continue to ask me same question. What else do you want me to say?
But she (Saeon) has denied being in a relationship with you. She said you guys are good friends. What’s your take?
I have no comment about that.

– RASHEED ABUBAKAR