Why Agu’s Pen Is Strong In Fiction, Biography

Ozzy Agu is living his passion, acting and interpreting roles. With a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The Mercer University, Georgia, Agu ventures into the entertainment world, where he has featured in different soaps and presented shows. Presently, he is the presenter of a lifestyle magazine TV show, 53 Extra, on MNET Africa. He spoke to FLORENCE UTOR on his acting career.

How long have you been acting? As long as I can remember. You see, I’m naturally drawn to people and I enjoy human stories tremendously; it is something that brings people from different backgrounds together.

When I was in secondary school, I was elected social prefect and it was part of my duty to organise activities such as dance competitions, school plays and singing. That was the first time I realised I could host social night and, if need be, act one of the parts in the school drama when someone froze from stage fright. What fascinated you into acting? Funny enough, I had wanted to be a writer, but was derailed by other activities.

The truth is, I have imagined myself as everything under the sun; but for acting, it was the art of it. You know that feeling when you hear a good story, how enraptured you are? Now imagine living in the story as one of the characters. It’s enough to thrill you. Your role model in the industry Role models are tricky.

The thing with role models is that with time you start to imitate them. There is a saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, yes. But it is also the beginning of the end of your authentic self.

I admire different players in the industry for their uniqueness. I admire Majid Michel for his raw energy, Genevieve Nnaji for her compassion, Victor Olaotun for his gravitas, Ivie Okujaiye for her bravery, John Okafor (Mr. Ibu) for his expressiveness, and many more. It’s a long list. I’m a great admirer of their works because they have found their uniqueness.

Have you written any script? I have a drawer full of scripts, but I am my own worst critic. They probably won’t see the light of day till I believe it’s ready for production.

Your most challenging role Playing Omar on Tinsel is definitely up there. He is very misunderstood, but he is also very upfront and a little blunt. He is trying to find direction in REEL Studios, but the obstacles are many.

I must say, though, there is a dark side to his person that he is not fully aware of, when Omar is consumed by a goal, be it exposing a lie or getting a shot for his film, he has a potential for destructiveness that puts him at odds in his social interactions with others. There’s more to come with that character. Your first time on stage What a thrill! It was in SS1. I was miming Heavy D’s Baby Don’t Be Afraid with a couple of my best friends to a jam-packed school hall.

It was a social night and we were well rehearsed and we had all the moves down. The girls went crazy and we were kings for a week. Cherished possession My books. Fiction and Biographies are my favorite genres. I’m wrapping up Chimamandah’s Americanah, and already started on A Life, the biography of Richard Burton. Where do you see yourself in nearest future? Bringing characters to life on all screens big and small.