Arinze Okonkwo
Nollywood actor, Arinze Okonkwo, talks about his career
When and how did you delve into Nollywood?
I started in 1995 through my sister, Dolly Unachukwu. I did a movie with her, ‘Deadly Affair’, but that was my second movie. After that, I left and was at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to study Economics. I graduated and did my masters at the University of Lagos. I came back fully to the industry in 1999/2000 after my national youth service.
Why didn’t you utilise economics as a career?
Acting, for me, is a talent. It does not have to do with what one studied in school. I started acting in my church drama group. Then, I moved on to music. I am a praise leader in my church now.
Do you intend to release an album soon?
I am always in the studio and I will release my album soon. But it has to be gospel music.
Why do you prefer gospel music?
That is what I want to do. I sing in church.(The Fountain of Life Church)
What excuse would you give for the movies you feature in that are not Christian movies?
It is about talent and acting out a script. You are expected to act like someone that you are not. I can get into the roles and it does not mean that is who I am. For acting, I can do anything, but I cannot act nude. I cannot expose my body to the whole world. It is against my Christian faith.
Do you have any regrets not practising what you studied in school?
I do not have any regrets being in the movie industry but I still run my business. Economics is about demand and supply. I studied it in school and I am practising it. I do movies, I sing, I act, I am a master of ceremonies and those are businesses to me. I have a lot of talents.
How do you juggle between your business and acting?
They do not clash. If I am not acting, I would be in my shop, and if I am on location, I would not be in my shop. I have a staff that would be around. I do the emcee jobs on weekends and they do not clash.
Do you have time for your family?
When I am not working, I am always with my family. They are number one in my life, every other thing is secondary. My family comes first after God.
What other business do you do apart from acting?
I run a fashion outfit. It is mainly on men’s wear. I have been running it for six years. I have had some challenges but I keep pushing. I am not a designer but a clothier. I only design for my personal use.
What influenced you to start the business?
I knew what I wanted. Some people do not know what they want; they do things because they see others doing those things. I sought people that were into what I wanted to do and found out how they did what they did. I searched for where to learn the business and I interned with a fashion house for three years before I set up my own.
What was your motivation for acting?
God has been my motivation. My flair for the job also keeps me motivated. I had the enthusiasm to like what I did. I have love and passion for what I do.
Can you be rated as a flamboyant actor?
I am not flamboyant, but I believe in being clean and staying up-to-date. I do not dress to make an impression; I dress for comfort. Events determine the way I dress. The way you dress will determine the way you are addressed. I do not wear flashy colours. I prefer dark or solid colours.
What does style mean to you?
Style means making something that would suit your personality and being the best you want to be. I do not follow trends.
How do you handle female fans?
As long as you are a male celebrity, you cannot do without female fans. You cannot ignore them when they say hello to you on the road. You have to respond and be nice to people. I have more female fans than the males because they are always there. Without them, I do not think anybody would know me, and I love them as well; but I do not pass my boundaries. I know my limits. There are still some crazy ones but I know how to handle them.
What embarrassing moments have you had with female fans?
Recently, a friend of mine had a party which I attended. Everyone was drinking and I went to the restroom. I did not know it was the ladies I entered. I bumped into a lady who was coming out; she grabbed my crotch and quickly planted a kiss. I retreated and told her I did not know who she was. She said I did not need to know her. We are friends now but nothing intimate. Sometimes ago, I had a flat tyre in Lagos and a lady stopped to help. I told her I was fine and while she was leaving, she tapped my buttocks. I see a lot of it, it is not new.
Did you have trouble relating with other artistes?
I am not an introvert and I’ve never had problems mixing with people. 99 per cent of actors are extroverts. They have to mingle and talk with people. On location, it is either someone is making jest of you or making you angry. I like to meet people and the movie industry was the best place for me. My sister paved the way for me but I created my own impact as well, and joined the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Some of the known actors are not registered with the AGN.
How did growing up influence your acting career?
I am not a dull or quiet person. I like to be where things are happening. I always speak my mind; I do not hide my feelings. That was the way I was brought up. Growing up was fun, and the schools I attended helped shape me too. I was born in Lagos. I did my primary education in Lagos and my secondary education was in Enugu. I am from Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Did your parents oppose your acting career?
They did not. They let us do the things we wanted as long as it made us happy.
How do you unwind?
I am always in my office when I am not acting. I close by 6pm and I head home. I do not keep late nights but I like to have fun.
How do you handle competition in the industry?
I do not think there is competition in the industry and I am not competing with anyone. What I have is not what every other artiste has. That is why I am where I am, because I do not copy people. The industry is quite large and there are so many jobs to go round.