Vincent Opurum
Nollywood actor, Vincent Opurum, talks about his choice of roles in movies
Why do you prefer to do more of sex scenes in your movies?
Vincent is beyond what you see on movies. I am a versatile actor -I can act romantic and action-packed movies as well. I could even go beyond that.
How would you describe yourself?
I am God-fearing, honest, imperfect but genuine.
Since you act sex roles in movies, can you delve into pornography?
No, I won’t. I could go to any extent with my career in movies, but I will not act in pornographic movies.
What fuelled the passion to go into acting?
I discovered it is my calling. That is why I have extra ordinary ways of interpreting my roles. Right from my growing up years, I always saw myself bringing joy to the hearts of people. When the opportunity came for me to be in the movies, I grabbed it. My growing up years have been a life of selflessness; I loved to give comfort to people around me.
What experiences did you have growing up?
The experiences were great ones, and joyous too. No matter what I went through, being someone that loves God, I always overcame. Growing up was normal then, when parents chose what you would become in life. But I broke the jinx. Now, it has helped me a whole lot. I am the first child, out of three boys and two girls. My father, who is late now, wanted me to compete with my peers then but I refused. Then, he always got angry, ranted and sometimes flogged me. But I never regretted all that. I do not ever regret my growing up years. He wanted me to be a doctor or engineer. I grew up in Kaduna, and studied Economics at National Open University of Nigeria.
If you were not acting, which other career would you have chosen?
I love my job as an actor. I would have been a footballer if I was not acting, but I do not have any regrets not going into economics as a profession.
How do you handle competition?
I do not compete with anyone. I am always real and I guess that is why I excel in anything I do. Being real is my slogan. I am who I am by God’s grace.
Why are you still single?
I will get married but I will not discuss that now. My relationship is not for the public. But I like a homely and respectable lady with a beautiful mind.
Talk about your awards so far…
I have won three awards so far. Best New Act, Afrinolly Awards, 2012; Best Supporting Actor, Actors Screen Awards 2013; Best Actor, Islanders Awards 2014. I have had a couple of nominations too.
What is the difference between Kannywood, and Nollywood?
I grew up in Kaduna but I joined Nollywood before Kannywood. There isn’t much difference between the two. It is just language and culture. Nollywood was then knocking at my door of opportunity. I equally loved Kannywood but Nollywood came knocking first. I do not have clashing offers from both industries, even when they do, I know how to organise my time.
Talk about your initial challenges
I had some bitter experiences that I overcame by God’s grace. The bitter experiences were enemies-oriented. Everyone’s life has one or two evil setups and oppositions. The best way to remember is to forgive and let go; this way, you can see clearer and reach your goals.
How do you handle female fans?
I take my time and I do things one step at a time. I also try to be truthful in all things. My female fans love me and I make them understand that I may not be perfect but I am genuine. When fans see me on the road and shout, I do not feel embarrassed, because I know what I do. I try to smile back at them each time such confrontations come.
How do you handle fame?
Simplicity is the best way to handle fame. I am also humble.
But how do your family members react to the nude scenes you act in movies?
One thing I came to realise was that people’s perception of things is not the same. As my fan base grew, some people that I thought were my friends created a negative story about me and spread it. But I knew I had good intentions. The producer/director of that particular film, who took the picture, apologised and gave me his positive reasons but the deed had been done. There was nothing I could do to him but I learnt my lessons. I left that to God to fight for me because He puts food on my table, even in the midst of my enemies.
Talk about the bad press you have experienced…
I have never experienced bad press. It is just those who do not like progress. They are the ones speculating wrong impressions about me. I am press-friendly. For those who try to run me down and others who do not know me one-on-one but speculate wrongly, when they point at me with one finger, four fingers point back at them. I rest their case with God. Their judgment is here on earth.
How do you relate with other Nollywood actors?
I respect them and mind my business. I equally pray for them.
What informs your style of dressing?
Style is something that fits your personality. Currently, I dress according to my mood and events. I make sure what I wear is body-fitting. I am a model; I have a good body for clothes so I wear what fits me.