Nwankwo Duke Elvis is better known as ‘Abulu’ in ‘The Johnsons’, a family sitcom that has gathered millions of fans across Africa. In this interview with ROTIMI IGE, he speaks about his journey as an actor and what fans should watch out for soon.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself, your family, your early life and educational background.

 
I am an Igbo, from Abia State precisely. I was born in Nsukka, Enugu State and lived my early life in Enugu town before we moved to Aba, Abia State, where I basically grew into adulthood. I am a graduate of civil engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

 

How did you get into the movie industry. Has it always been your dream?

I didn’t stumble into film making. It was deliberate and calculated. I grew up longing to be an actor. I started pursuing acting way back in my university days. I went for auditions and got a few gigs. That’s how the entire journey started.

 

How did you land your role in ‘The Johnsons’?

I have been playing the character ‘Abulu’ for over 10 years now. Abulu is a young boy who grew up irresponsibly, not taking his academics seriously. He played truancy in secondary school and couldn’t graduate, but he didn’t let that stop him. He grew up and decided to fix his life, and  right, now he owns a franchise called ‘Wazobia Bar’, where you have the likes of Pablo and Wakanaki working. I got the role in an open call. I came to the National Theatre in Lagos like every other person. I didn’t know what the audition was about. That was the first time I met Mr Rogers Ofime, our executive producer. He picked me among the entire crowd and the rest became history.

 

Before the Johnsons and the movie industry, what were you doing?

I was working in a fashion house in Abuja.

 

How will you describe the growth of Nollywood over the years and your future projections?

The truth is that there has been a tremendous growth from where we started from. A lot has changed in our story and technicality and it can only get better.

 

What challenges do you face as an actor/celebrity going about your everyday life?

Well, I wouldn’t call them challenges because I haven’t allowed my status to affect my daily life. I still do what I would do normally. I go about my business as I should. I am still single by the way.

 

What is your average day like? What activities do you find yourself doing almost every day?

My first routine every day, after my quiet time with my maker, is firstly to hit the gym. I start off my day with the gym. I mean, this vessel needs to be taken care of so it doesn’t break down. Then, if I am not working, it means I am home resting and watching movies.

 

How has your experience been so far as an actor with ups and downs?

Professionally, as an actor, it’s been growth honestly and I am grateful for everyday and every opportunity to make believe.

 

What are the five things that you can’t do without?

I don’t think there are things I can’t do without, except it becomes a matter of life and death.

 

Have you ever been nominated or won an award before? How did it feel?

Yes! I won an award in 2021 for ‘Best actor in a short film’ at the Eko International Film Festival. I didn’t even know I was nominated. So, someone called me that day to tell me. It was surreal, as that was my first award ever.

 

What projects are you currently working on and what are fans to expect from you?

I have a couple of projects I have worked on. I can’t disclose them yet but they’d be out soon. Expect good movies only. Yes, great stories that you will be happy to watch on TV. That’s what I am about.

 

Tell us about some movie/TV shows you’ve been on asides the Johnsons.

I have acted in many films like ‘Kingmaker’, ‘Beckma’, ‘A neighbourly affair’, ‘Fence of defense’, ‘Shattered’, ‘Juju stories’, ‘Deep cover’, etc.

 

If you are not an actor, what will you be doing or what else do you do aside being an actor?

If I am not an actor, I would definitely be a radio presenter.

 

Finally, how will you describe your social life?

I think my social life requires a boost. I am quite introverted.