My Relocation to Nigeria at Age 9 was Harrowing
Actor, Kalu Ikeagwu, is a veteran who sees acting from a different perspective. He sees it as a calling and a spiritual exercise to positively affect the lives of his audience. The prolific writer, stage actor, teacher and life coach sees his career as a life ministry. He has featured in scores of movies including the Lionheart, which is the first Nollywood original movie on Netflix. Unlike many of his contemporaries, accolades mean nothing to him. He shared his married life experience, career as well as the role of Nollywood in nation building with Chinedu Ibeabuchi
Congrats on your nomination as best actor in a drama for the movie “Benevolence.” Can you share what makes your character unique in the movie?
To be honest, I can’t exactly say; that is for the audience to say. Mine was just to tell the story the best way I could.
How was it like not clinching the award?
Exhilarating! To be honest, I only felt bad for my friends and fans that rooted solidly for me. It showed how much they cared about me. I love it when I never win because it forces me to stay focused on Lord Jesus. That way, I remain dependent on Him for my jobs, work and for honing my craft/skills.
You are a revered actor in the industry. What makes you different from the flock?
I don’t know what makes me different from the flock. The only thing I’m aware of is the recognition of the fact that everyone runs his own race. I recently came to the realisation that I am on this earth for a purpose, and that it is my responsibility to find what that purpose is. I have recognised that I am a story teller, and as a story teller, I have joined a league of entertainers who help instruct, influence and mould people’s perspectives and minds; to show them stark aspects of life’s truths and realities however subtle they may be. I am aware that when I die, as I must someday, I will have to give an account of my life and my craft to my maker and this motivates me to work circumspectly in all that I do. So, in summary, my greatest competition is myself, the aspects of myself that pull me back to keep me from attaining my goals and my prize.
How would you describe the Kalu Ikeagwu’s brand?
Kalu Ikeagwu as a brand is one that stands for integrity, who commits totally to every character he plays as an actor with a view to impacting his audience as his primary aim. He is also a prolific writer, stage actor, teacher and life coach of sorts. His brand is synonymous with the person Kalu Ikeagwu and his faith in God, all of which he sees as his ministry, life ministry.
How was growing up like after relocating to Nigeria? Can you share interesting memory lane in trying to adapt to a new environment?
The first time I relocated to Nigeria was a very harrowing experience. Imagine a nine year old boy being ripped from the secure environment of his parents and being thrust into boarding school in a different state. Secondary school was the most traumatic period of my life; so much so I went to five different schools, one of them twice. That period was also one I am most grateful to God for because it’s that period that taught me the joy of doing what you were born to do in life, and the agony of doing a job you absolutely hate - the very reason I am an actor and not a doctor today. I learnt to be tough, to fight, and to be relentless - as my name implies - in all my ventures today.
Your dad had feared that you might abandon your Igbo roots if you remain in England. How Igboish are you now? Proudly Igbo?
Hahaha! Very proudly Igbo my brother. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank my father for instilling in me our Igbo culture from a very young age. I love who I am, the fact that I’m Igbo, being Nigerian and being black and above all, my name Kalu Ikeagwu, my most important asset. I love these particular things about me because I am very aware of the immense benefits that will accrue from them when I pass on from this world. All these things make me celebrate everything that belongs to me, heritage and all.
How did your acting career begin?
Quite by chance actually, in my first year in the university. I never thought I’d ever be an actor even though I loved it but was discouraged by my shyness and introverted nature. A chance audition took place in my department, Department of English - Literature, during its literary week wherein it was mandated to produce a play. I went, and to my utter amazement, I was picked. I went on to perform in several plays and even shot a series for NTA back then. Once the bug bit, I was chronically infected.
Did your dad also support your career choice as an actor or he wanted you to be something else?
My father’s goal for me was to be a doctor but he inadvertently truncated that plan by introducing me to the wonderful world of literature by the age of four, firing up my imagination, never to be quenched. Oh yes, he fought and kicked against my decision to study English in university but I think he began to relax a bit when his