Nollywood actor 'Blossom Chukwujekwu' opens up about being a homosexual..

Nollywood actor ‘Blossom Chukwujekwu’ opens up about being a homosexual.. (+Photos)

‘Blossom Chukwujekwu’ opens up about being a homosexual – Blossom Chukwujekwu currently plays Dr. Kelechi People in Nigeria’s first telenovela Taste of Love. He was also nominated for several awards for his role in the 2014 critically-acclaimed movie Flower Girl.

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In this exclusive interview with Naij, he talks about his movie career and his unique name.

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How has the reception been so far for your telenovela Taste of Love?

I’m very pleased that viewers have caught on to the show. In malls and at the airport, cute little kids and their parents walk up to me calling Dr. Kelechi Pepple with delight. Men come up and tell me how their wives don’t miss it. Mothers would always ask me: “Where is Hadiza”? Very touching was when a police inspector, after giving me directions, noticed I was the one and jumped like a little kid with so much joy. He said his family is addicted to the show. There was this street hawker who insisted I buy his goods as Kelechi Pepple. It is so humbling to know that after six months of hard work and going through intense fire, people appreciate the work. This is what I live for.

What was the first movie you ever acted in?

It was called Anini. That was way back in 2002 or 2003. It has been that long. Jetta and Fred Amata shot that in Benin because of its ties to the city. The best part is you won’t see my face in the movie. All you’ll see is the mark on my forehead. That was the only way I could prove to my friends that I was in that movie. But my professional debut was in Private Storm with Omotola Jalade-Ekheinde and Ramsey Noauh. I’m glad to say you will definitely see my face in it, more than once in fact.

Which do you consider your break-out movie Flower Girl or Finding Mercy?

I would say Flower Girl because that movie did a lot of travelling and it got my face into several countries. On the flipside, a lot of people would argue that it’s Finding Mercy but Flower Girl gave the training and platform to ‘blow’. I’m just grateful for all opportunities and platforms given to me to touch lives.

When did you decide acting was what you wanted to do?

My Eureka moment was when I played Ukemu in a stage play titled Godless back in university. (I attended Benson Idahosa University where I studied Mass Communications.) Before that I had pretty much decided to give acting professionally a chance, but there was something about the reaction of the audience to a particular scene, and it spoke to me that this was my calling.

Blossom is more common as a girl’s name. While growing up did other kids tease you about your name?

People still tease me about it. It is my name and it has history. Your name has an effect on your life, I believe. Early in my career, some producers suggested that I change it, but I stuck with it and I’ve blossomed. For one thing it is a great conversation starter. People have preconceived ideas about a guy named Blossom and I enjoy seeing the shocked looks on their faces, when I walk in and say: “Hi, I’m Blossom.” It has never bothered me. There is a very personal story behind my name and I’m proud of it.

What have your challenges been so far?

They are necessarily no different from what every other actor faces. There were times when all you needed was someone to believe in your talent and just give you a shot. And then you wanted to be taken seriously and then you wanted to be paid and treated better. Well, we always want to be paid better as our profile rises and then there’s your privacy that’s lost and then there’s piracy to think about, we can go on and on. The thing is for every level there’s a new devil but God has promised us His children that challenges are as bread unto us, because greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world so there’s nothing we can’t handle.

Did your family support your acting career?

They are my biggest supporters. You wouldn’t be interviewing Blossom Chukwujekwu today if not for their support.

Who are your mentors?

They really aren’t in the spotlight but if you talk of role models, I admire the impact Fela Durotoye and Leke Alder are having on their generation and the next.

Who do you look forward to working with in Nollywood?

I cannot wait to work with Bimbo Akintola and Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), I’ve seen and heard great things.

Can you play a gay role?

I am an actor and we are interpreters of truth. There’s no role I can’t play, even a woman. It just depends on when I am ready to explore that creative depth. If I decide to turn down any role, it will be because I don’t agree with the message of the story or the Producers aren’t doing it for the right reasons or I am simply not ready to explore that depth.

What do you think should be done to improve the standard of Nollywood movies?

I think things are changing. The cinemas have really helped in raising standards because people want theatrical releases so they try to up the production quality. Funding would really help speed up the process of improving standards, because I think compromises are made due to limited resources.

You seem to be one of the eye candies in the industry, how do you handle the attention?

You must always treat women with total respect. I love all my female fans. We are nothing without the people who spend their hard earned money to see our films.

Tell us something weird about yourself that fans would love to know about.

Will children read this? (Laughs) Well, I like to walk around my house naked.

What are those three things you can’t do without?

There’s nothing really except, of course, my bible as with that I can get anything I want even in the desert.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I’ll be a lot more involved in philanthropy all over Nigeria and the world.

–Naij.com

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