Ozzy Agu is an actor and presenter on 53 Extra.
ACTING JOURNEY
As far back as I can remember, I’ve had a sort of theatrical quality. Long before drama school, I was told I had a very expressive face. I attended drama school so I could be the best version of myself needed for the work. There is a seasonal nature to a career in the arts. Some times you’re working on so many projects, other times you may not. In the early days, I’d take classes when I wasn’t working. I still do that now. So you see I’m working when I’m not “working.”
WORKING IN NIGERIA
I took a chance coming back to Nigeria. Yes, I’m most recognisable as Omar from Tinsel, but i have played opposite Majid Michel in Knocking on Heaven’s Door. And I was in the Christmas play called Red Riding Hood.
TYPICAL DAY
Wake-up. Flawless. Post-Up. Flawless. Riding-around. Flawless. Then when I finish singing, I pray, send emails, tackle traffic on my way to rehearsals, instagram @ozzyagu, shoot an episode, tweet @ozboyagu, traffic again, and just before bed, I remember I’m not drinking enough water. I call my mother.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
Not sure. I don’t have a mantle of awards to point to and say, “that was when I …” It’s still a nascent career. But I’ll tell you this: at an event, a very important captain of industry told me that his children keep shouting “Ozzy Agu! Ozzy Agu!! Ozzy Agu!!” in his house and when he heard Ozzy Agu again at the event, he had to see the face of this name that has been terrorising him for months
now. I was deeply humbled by that.
NOLLYWOOD IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
Hypothetically speaking? In the stars. it can only go up, up, UP!
BEYOND ACTING, WHAT NEXT?
I enjoy directing as well and would love to explore producing.
RELATIONSHIP STATUS
In a relationship with God.
IDEAL WOMAN
Must love to laugh.
CHANGING OZZY
It would be my height. I wish I was a little bit taller.
IN THREE WORDS, YOU ARE…
Fun, adventurous, easy-going.
ADVICE
Travel light, stay flexible, and trust your gut.
INTERVIEW: EBUNOLUWA MORDI
PHOTO: COURTESY OF OZZY AGU
For articles, interviews, pictures and much more, read the December 2014/January 2015 edition of Nolly Silver Screen (Issue 11) here or click on the download button to download the magazine.