I need a man that accepts acting isn’t real – Omeche Oko

Childhood

Though I am from Benue State, I grew up in Jos, Plateau State. I come from a big family of 11, and grew up in an estate with lots of children. I grew up where they were fighting and bombing. One could just be in the market and an explosion would go off and people around one would die. That is mostly how I remember my childhood in the north. We usually woke up to the sound of gunshots. I even learnt to make local explosives.

Education

I had my secondary school education at the Baptist High School in Jos, after which I studied Zoology at the University of Jos, Plateau State.

Acting

I had always loved performing right from when I was a child. I was usually among the kids that performed for parents on prize giving day. I just enjoyed doing it. I would ask my mother for her wrappers because I wanted to act in a drama. When I was in secondary school, the drama team was elite and we had to audition in front of the whole school. Despite the fact that I was a shy and reserved kid, I came out of my shell just to take part in the audition. Even my classmates were surprised, but I did and I got selected. While at the University of Jos, I also joined the drama team. Then, one of my friends advised me to go to Lagos after school, stating that I would be paid for acting, and I was surprised. I was shocked because growing up, I thought the actors I watched on TV were just doing it for fun. I had no idea that actors were paid. I had zero idea that it could be a career. I remember acting in my first movie in Jos, and I was paid just N3,000. From there, I started contemplating going to Lagos. After undergoing the National Youth Service Corps scheme in Abuja, I relocated to Lagos and started attending auditions.

Challenges

The rejection I faced when I started acting was part of the challenges. I also faced the challenge of sexual demands in exchange for roles. For some time, I had to stop acting and focus on business, because It was not working for me. But, I failed woefully in business, so I went back to auditioning and I still wasn’t willing to compromise. I then auditioned for the ‘My siblings and I’ TV series by Funke Akindele, and I got selected. From there, a make-up artist I worked with recommended me for a bigger role. I then acted in another film, and when I woke up one morning, I got rave reviews, and lots of followers. I started getting messages from filmmakers in Nigeria and abroad. It was women that put me in the limelight in this industry and I am grateful. It was during that same period I got a call to audition for the series, Tinsel, on Africa Magic.

Roles

The role that shot me to limelight is my favourite. It was a movie titled, Until You, on Uduak Isong TV. I usually gained about 200 followers on social media per month, but that movie got me about 30,000 followers in a short time.

Uduak Isong TV

I just auditioned for a small role and about a year later, she recommended me to her partner, and ever since, we have been working together. Since I acted in a film titled, Until You, I have not rested in like over a year. Sometimes, I just get home, pass out on my bed and return to set the next day.

Actors

I fancy working with many actors. I consider myself a vibe, so I have had a really good time with most of the actors I have worked with, including Eso Dike, Maurice Sam, Bimbo Ademoye, Chude Jideonwo, Toosweet Annan, and the cast on Tinsel.

Tinsel

When I started shooting for Tinsel, I did not know what my fate would be because I came in as a stand-in staff. I did not know I was going to stay for this long. The highlight of my experience was when I was called by my boss and I thought she was going to fire me, but instead, she gave me an employment letter to be a full-time actor in the series. My character was given full continuity.

Nollywood

What a time to be alive because as an actor in Nollywood, this is the best time. Before, there were few production houses and they had particular actors they wanted to work with, but nowadays, there are so many platforms that can put one out there. Also, we don’t see awkward things like ghosts wearing wristwatches in our productions.

Spotlight

Someone once told me that when I get to where I want to be, I would not know. I’m still not where I need to be but I am not where I used to be. When people approach me for pictures in public, I feel a bit of surprise, because I still see myself as a regular person. But, those are the things that let one know that one is doing well. Also, some of my friends from way back send me messages, asking if I still remember them and I wonder why they ask because obviously, I still remember them. It’s the same me. I don’t really see it like I’m in a different position but other people see me differently.

Motivation

Money motivates me because the higher one climbs, the more one’s value increases. Last year, what I usually got paid for a job lasting a month is what I am now being paid for about five days. Things are easier now and that is honestly my motivation.

Parents

Initially, my parents didn’t want me to act because they used to put all Nollywood actors in a box but now, when she calls me, she will ask if I am shooting or if she is disturbing me on set. I have the right set of people around me who understand my career. So, it’s not even about balancing it because it’s an everyday routine now.

Criticism

I don’t really get criticised by my family or friends, who always support me. They just make sure to let me know if I have improved from time to time. I am aware of public opinions too but I cannot please everyone. I take the feedback that is constructive and improve where I need to. If I see something that would help me get better results with my next character, I take it and move on.

Lessons

One of the most important lessons I have learnt is never to look down on anyone, because some of the people you look down on today might be in a position to help you tomorrow. It happens on set, and I have experienced it not less than eight times. Some people who have recommended me for jobs were crew members.

You should also never give up as I almost did when I started a business. If you are going to fail, fail fast, then stand up and continue the journey. The key to success is truly consistency.

Relationship

I like to keep my private affairs out of the public glare. However, I am not searching. In a relationship, you need someone who understands you, and who doesn’t make you hide anything from them.

I need someone who understands that acting is not real. Someone once asked me how much he could pay me to quit acting because he did not want his woman to be an actress. That didn’t work out. I look out for a supportive partner, who is willing to give psychological, emotional, physical and financial support. That financial support is very important. When Davido sang, “Love is sweet but when money enters, love is sweeter,” he was not lying.

Additionally, I look out for someone I can play with, and be 100 per cent real with.

Support

Members of my family have been my biggest supporters. Also, I believe that God gave me the best of friends. They are my support system. They understand me and help to promote/publicise my works with so much enthusiasm.

Also, the three women that helped me get to where I am right now— Uduak Nsong, Onyinye and Blessing Obasi— have been pivotal to the growth of my career.

Interests

I enjoy sleeping. I am more of an indoor person, so when I am not asleep, I will be cuddled up by myself watching movies. But, if you successfully drag me outside the house, I am a ‘vibe’ and know how to have fun. I enjoy traveling too. I love to see new places and try new things.

Style

I would describe my style as a ‘bohemian shake’. I like to mix and match, but if I am going on set, I stick to street style for the sake of comfort.

Food

My favourite food is pounded yam with vegetables (efo riro) and peppered goat meat.

Plans

In the next few years, I want to take my craft to an international level, while still being rooted in Nigeria. I will like to produce movies for big platforms and be a household name. Basically, I want to be a force to be reckoned with.