In de Mood…
KELVIN Ikeduba can be considered one of Nollywood’s most dynamic talents, not only because of his ability to interpret roles like a professional, but also because he is one of the few stars in the industry that is capable of making films in both English and Yoruba. Born on August 21, Kelvin has lived all his life in Lagos, but really hails from Delta State and is an economist by profession, having earned a degree in the subject.

He came into the industry in 2000 with an appearance in ‘The Suitor’, and has since gone on to appear in a number of other movies, including his breakthrough performance in ‘Emotional Tears’ alongside Genevieve Nnaji, Jim Iyke and Shola Shobowale.

Other appearances include ‘Victim of Love’, alongside Ramsey Nouah; ‘Tears of the Ghetto’; ‘Initial Damage’; ‘The One I Trust’ alongside Jim Iyke and Ini Edo; ‘Way to the Top’; ‘Endless Passion’ and ‘The Masters’. He made his debut in Yoruba genre of movies with ‘Ogidan’, which he admits was one of his most challenging roles.

A level-headed actor, he recently spoke with Mutiat Alli about his journey into the movie world and his perceived bad-boy image, and his rumoured association with cultism. The following is an excerpt of that interview:

As a trained economist, why did you decide to take up acting?
Let me tell you the fact, I did not leave Economics for acting, but rather acting chose me and I must confess to you that I am really enjoying what I am into. I am not saying that for me to be an economist is a barrier, but the fact still remains that Economics was a profession my parents wanted me to pursue…but one thing led into another and here I am, taking acting as a full time profession.

What is the most challenging role you’ve ever played in a movie?
To me, every movie comes with a challenge of its own, and the challenge is the actor himself… for him to interpret certain roles to the taste of the producer is a challenge. For instance, you being a good person and asked to play the role of an armed robber; you being a mechanic in real life and asked to play the role of a doctor. I wouldn’t say a movie is that challenging to me, because I keep on playing different roles, that at the end of the day, I just wondered if I was actually the person who did that.

How many movies have you done altogether?
The problem I have now is that I don’t keep records of the movies I’ve featured in, but if I am to sum up the films I have done in both the English and Yoruba scene, it should be more than a hundred. I mean, counting from the Year 2000 when I started acting as a professional.

Did you ever set out to be an actor?
Not really, but then I have always loved acting, because as a little kid then, I loved going to the cinema to see some movies and at the end of the day when I get home, I would stand in front of my mirror and try to see if I could still remember some of the actions of the movie. Later, I developed an interest in the movie business and have always waited for the day when I would be able to appear before the screen and show to the world that I have got talent.

You have been known to be associated with the English genres of movie; why the sudden swap into the Yoruba speaking movies?
It is not a matter of moving from the English genres to the Yoruba. I believe as an actor, you should be versatile, as this broadens your ability to feature in other movies across the country. Most Indian actors you see today don’t even speak English Language; rather, they do better in their own genres. My ability to do well in both genres should not be seen as me leaving the English side of the movie industry completely for the Yoruba.

When was your first time on a movie set?
My first time was way back towards the end of 1999 that I had a camera appearance, otherwise known as ‘Waka Pass’ in a movie titled ‘Suitor’. I was in a bar and I was served a bottle of stout and a chicken to go with it. I was so happy, because in my first appearance, I had the opportunity of eating a chicken.

Would you allow any of your kids in the nearest future to become an actor?
Sincerely speaking, I would not like to be that kind of parent that dictates what to be to my kids; it’s a free world, and they are bound to make decisions that would be favourable to them. I have this belief that when you choose a career for your children, they don’t excel so well, compared to when they are given a free hand to do so.

Were your parent in support of your acting career?
You should understand that no parent would ever support a child who wants to take up acting as a profession. Although my parents never go against any decision I make, after close study and they saw that I have more passion for acting, they had no choice but to let me. They finally gave  me the necessary backing I needed and more importantly, their blessings.

Where do intend to take your movie career to in the near future?
The pinnacle of every actor in Nigeria is Hollywood, and that is where I intend taking my acting career to. I have done nothing yet, as the best of me is still to come.

Do you have any other thing going besides acting?
Sure, I have project that I am currently working on, but when the time comes, I would let the world know about it. For now, it’s a personal issue; I’m what you call a hustler.

Why is that oftentimes, you play the ‘bad-boy’ in movies?
Let me tell you this… society also understand this, because you cannot have everybody playing the good roles all through a movie. Some people have to be bad when the need arises. I am a versatile actor; I can play any role, but not to the extent of being nude. In a nutshell, I would say 80% of the roles I play are the ‘bad-boy’ roles, and I enjoy doing it, maybe because I have got the look and posture, but I should not be judged by that. I am a good guy, but on set, I am bad, depending on the role I’m asked to play.

Do you have any movie of your own?
Not at all, because I am not a producer; and I don’t plan on being one just yet. I just want to be more dedicated to my acting career.

You are among the eligible bachelors in the industry; when should we expect the invitation?
Marriage is the next thing for me, as I believe I am old enough to cater for the needs of my family. Just keep your fingers crossed; hopefully, before the end of the year.