EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NOLLYWOOD ACTOR, GREGORY OJEFUA

He is relevant and talented and the rave of the moment, he is nasty Mr. Brume in SURULERE and portrayed the role of Biafran General, Odumegwu Ojukwu. He is definitely off the hook.

Gregory, what’s your Latest Project in Nollywood at the moment?

That would be Suru L'ere "Patience Pays" currently in cinemas where I play Mr Brume an unemotional and intimidating boss who makes life unbearable for his employees. It also stars Seun Ajayi, Beverly Naya, Enyinna Nwigwe, Lala Akindoju, Rita Dominic. It also features Linda Ejiofor, Kenneth Okolie, Omoye Uzams,  Amarachukwu Onoh, Dan Ugoji and Chioma Nwosu. Directed by Mildred Okwo who also doubles as a co-producer with Rita Dominic for The Audrey Silva Company.

The Encounter is one of your greatest movies of all times, you played the part of the leader of Biafra, General Odumegwu Ojukwu, How were you able to depict the part of this great General?

Wow! It really took a lot of research and adjustments to grasp the character the way I did. I downloaded videos and audios to see his mannerisms and hear  his voice. I discovered he was a very passionate solder, confident, educated, enlightened and he spoke in Queens English which I had to learn. I also had to learn some Igbo, his carriage and the way he smoked his cigarettes.

It was a wonderful experience and am grateful to the director; Tolu Ajayi for helping put all I learnt to good use and Trino Studios for the opportunity to walk in the shoes of one of our legends.

You are a voice-over artiste apart from being an actor, tell us how you started and the jobs you have done?

I started considering voicing after I had gotten numerous comments about my voice at different film auditions I attended. One faithful day, I was paired with a colleague; Godswill Dash who is now a great friend of mine,to read at an audition. He heard my voice and also commented that I should try voicing cos he did it also and would gladly link me.  He took me for a voice try out and I was immediately given a  job to do on the spot. Since then I have done for Huawei Windows Phone, Peak Milk Wazo,  Foursquare Gospel Church amongst others.

Been a plus sized model, you are big and are striving in this profession of fitness and looks, how were you able to pave your way in the industry and is Relevant?

I am a "Plus" size model so that puts me in a specific category since its not all ads that require a trim look. But I must say that I have gotten my major ad jobs because of my comic nature. I however stopped doing ads as a model since my acting career peaked so that if am needed for an ad now it won't be a model-job thing,  it will be a TV celebrity ad negotiation, I like money na "winks" lol

You studied Business Administration and management, so how did this happen been an actor, voice over artiste, model Etc?

If one is fortunate to discover the God given talent within, everything else takes second place. Aside being a trained business manager, I also have an advanced certificate in I. T but,  the truth is that I have always craved for the stage and camera.  From a tender age in primary school I read alot of Shakespearean works and others thanks to my mother who read English and had a rich library in the house. I would recite some lines in school and made my mates listen with rapt attention. Soon came the school plays and I was hooked.
 
After participating in Zain's Don't Forget the Lyrics in 2009,  I went for my first audition. I was immediately cast to play 3 roles in a collection of short series called Winds of Change, directed by Kalu Anya and produced by Lilian Okoro.  I stopped after that and came back in 2013 and it's been up and away since then. I am grateful to God to where He has gotten me to in this short period. 

What was growing up like and did your family support your change in
profession?

I enjoyed my yesteryears oh. Being an only son,  I was naturally treated with affection but wasn't spared for my misdemeanours, having a tolerably strict dad and a Teacher for a mum ensured that. It also meant I and my three sisters got great education and were constantly encouraged to read which really helped shaped my mental and social abilities.
Initially my mum was skeptical and wanted me to get a job or go into import and export business but as I forged on she began to accept the idea and became a pillar of support to me. She's been there for me and I pray she lives long enough to see the legend I intend to be. She's my biggest fan and I love her limitlessly. Thanks mama for the prayers and blessings.

What's your relationship status?

I am currently single and hoping it ends soon.

Tell us about your past works, the most challenging of them and the one which brought you to limelight?

Wow,  I have done quite a number of jobs. The most challenging would definitely be The Encounter where I played Gen. Emeka Ojukwu and then my Igbotic American swag which I used as Ibuzor on Tinsel definitely got people cracked up and this put me out there.

We want more details about your job as an Event Compeer?

As an events compere,  I have been engaged for a couple of weddings in and outside lagos. I'm hoping to get corporate gigs soon .

Finally, what's your advice for the upcoming artiste and what should Nigerians be expecting from you as 2016 unfolds?

I would say that they first need to ask themselves if they really believe they want to act for the passion and not for money because it gets really financially crazy at times, though it's a stage that will be scaled through eventually by those who are true to the art. They also must equip themselves. Proper use of English and good commutative skills are indispensable.
 

Going to acting school if immediately affordable too will further help. Then most importantly,  God, God, God!!! Hold on to Him for guidance, direction and focus.

CONNECT WITH GREGORY OJEFUA VIA
 FACEBOOK:GREGORY OJEFUA
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 SNAPCHAT:@GREGORYOJEFUA.