Nigerian actor, comedian and OAP, Michael Uba popularly known as ‘OGBOLOR’, in this exclusive chat with EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA BENJAMIN, discusses his background, offers a glimpse into his acting journey. He also reflects on the challenges in the movie industry as an actor. The actor gained popularity for portraying the character ‘James’ in the popular Television series ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, and as a presenter on Wazobia Max TV, hosting the program ‘Ogbenge Show’. Excerpts:
Tell us about your background.
I am an entertainer, a comedian, an actor, and a producer of my own events and shows. I’m also a content creator and training to become a professional relationship coach.
I hail from Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State, Nigeria. I was born a twin, and I have a BSC in marketing from the Lagos State University.
What motivated you to pursue a career in acting?
Nothing in particular. I have always just been a good actor. I have always loved acting, as far back as I was a child. My friends do remind me of how well I used to act when we were in primary school. They know how great I was in primary school as an actor, even though I have forgotten about those things.
When I was leaving secondary school, I left as the best actor of my set. Taking it up professionally is what really motivated me to go into acting.
I love the idea of always being on stage and as a stand-up comedian as well, I love the interaction with the audience, real time on stage. That’s why I have always preferred theatre, stage to film.
Also, seeing that I could make a living out of it motivated me, because if you are blessed with a talent, you have to develop it into a skill that can put food on your table. If I have it, why not use it?
How do you manage to blend and balance your roles as a comedian, actor, and television presenter?
They are all things I love to do. In fact, there are days when I have to do all of them on the same day. That is why one has to do what they enjoy doing. I enjoy making people laugh, I enjoy being an actor, and I enjoy being a presenter. They are all linked one way or the other. Managing it is not easy, but to whom much is given, much is expected. These are things I have always said that I will do for the rest of my life, by the grace of God. I have done them well, even though I am not where I want to be, but I’m on my way there.
I have been able to develop capacity over the years to be able to manage all of these things. There was a particular time in my life when every Friday I had to do all of these things. You know, being a presenter in the morning, by afternoon I go for acting somewhere, and when done I head to another place to crack jokes. It could be exhausting but I enjoy all of them.
Do you have a preference between film/TV acting and stage performances?
I prefer being on stage than in a film, of course. But sometimes, you have to ask which can reach a wider audience. Stage is a little limited, film can go further and if you are a smart person, it is not really about the one you love, it is more about the one that can reach a wider audience. That is why I decided to go into film properly. It was in 2020 that I decided to go into this full-time.
How do you handle rejection or criticism from filmmakers or directors?
podcast with Lolo, in Jenifa’s Dairy. She’s like my rival, my enemy. Both of us are starting a podcast and it should be out very soon. In fact, we are recording already.
I’m also shooting something else like a game show just like my ‘Ogbenge Show’ that I was hosting on Wazobia TV. I should be coming with it before the end of the year.
NB: This interview was originally published in The Independent Newspaper on 18th May, 2024.