He is fondly called “Tattoo boy” or Ik by his friends and fans because of the beautiful artwork which adorns his princely, well built, six-packed frame.He’s not one to be swayed by physical attributes alone because he is a  model and  actor, events organizer and entrepreneur with interest in several businesses.

Ikechukwu has featured in movies such as ” LOVELORN “  which starred Rukky Sanda  and Tonto Dike, and  “PLAYING SAFE” which also featured  Ini Edo. In this chat with Ik Ogbonna, he spoke about  his love for Fine Arts and why he left it for acting and modelling, among sundry issues.

By IYABO AINA

How was your first experience on a movie set?

I started acting professionally last year with inspiration from Rukky Sandra and Elvis Chuks.

IK Ogbonna

I was tense and yes, I actually walked out the first time , found an excuse to leave the set  but then a friend insisted I do her movie  and that was it .

What did you get from the Amstel talent show you participated in?

Yes. I was coached by a very good actor, someone whose work I really admire – that is RMD. I was coached by him in acting, so I gained a lot of experience there.  I was also coached on how to work with the camera.

What did you perform at the Amstel Talent Show?

The outlet was centred around movie, trying to find the next big actor in Nigeria. That was the sole aim of the contest and it was won by Azeezat.

Who are your role models in the movie industry?

I admire Johnny Depp, then coming to Africa, I admire MajidMicheal and I also admire RMD  a lot too.

How many stars have you worked with so far?

I’ve worked with a lot of people , like Funke Akindele, Ini Edo , Tonto Dike , John Dumelo and being new in the industry  helps  because they can bring out a lot in you.

How do you interpret your script before acting?

When I’m given a script, I read the whole story ,try to understand what is expected of me as a character and before I’m done with reading the script, I usually see myself playing the character already. So, the next thing at that moment is just to add life to it. So for me, interpreting a script is not really difficult.

What really makes you go into acting instead of other things?

There was a hidden treasure I needed to discover and when I discovered it, I delved into it. The hidden passion is the fact that I actually love acting but I was just too scared of going into it and the truth of the matter is, there are some things in you that  you need someone to push you to discover. And when you realise those dreams, it becomes part of you and the love you have for it can only grow from there .

What do you think makes you different from other actors and actresses?

There is a difference between the character you play and the true person you are because you can’t be playing a character in a movie and be living the life of that character you ‘re playing. So there should be a difference between the character you play in a movie and your true personality. I believe that an actor should be a role model. When people look at you, they try to emulate one or two things about you  and its tasking because you need to mind the kind of things you say  and the way you behave. And talking about what makes me different from other stars. I can’t be like other people and I think my fans should be the ones to say what  makes me different from other stars .

Tell us about your breakthroughs and challenges so far

It was unexpected. I just did a few movies and I was surprised at the rate I got calls from producers and directors and a lot of recommendations.  All thanks to God.

My greatest challenge is getting to the target level I wish to get to because generally as a man, you really want to stand on your own but you discover that  to make it in life is not easy. But above all, one needs to still work hard and I thank God for where I am today  though I almost gave  up but thank God I didn’t and things are going on well for me today. There are still a lot of things going on behind the scenes that one cannot unveil but still, I thank God .

How challenging is it  being a GLO ambassador?

I am on a two- year contract with Glo and so far, so good. It’s been a wonderful experience. I only get worried when jobs clash .

You were once named  “Raw sex served smoking hot” by ladies. How do you cope with female attention and is there a special woman in your life?

That’s too much for little Ik now. I respect everyone even though  I get insulted sometimes when I don’t give them what they want .My beautiful mum is the lady of my heart. Every woman  who has supported me positively in all I do and aspire to be is my special lady

Have you always wanted to be a model and an actor?

Yes, I have but wasn’t too sure about acting. I have turned down well over 10 movie roles before now but I guess it’s a calling if I may say.

It’s almost the same thing  but as a model it’s something  of yourself and the brand that you are trying to advertise.  That doesn’t mean I don’t have passion for both of them but I’m more focused on one which is acting. I’m not putting my whole energy into it but in acting, I make sure that I put more energy into it because there’s a particular stage I wish to take acting to .

So presently what are you doing?

I’m working on other people’s project. I have few  movies I want to do this month and next month like presently I have one in Dubai, South Africa and also Nigeria. I’m just trying to build a brand that can be sold internationally. I want to build myself in the sense that I can find myself in Hollywood.

How did you get to work with those popular stars as an upcoming actor?

That’s why I said its God’s grace because I have never hustled for a movie role in my life. They call me to come and play either a lead role or sub-lead role and I think it’s the grace of God.

Any award in the course of your profession?

I have 3 nominations in the United States for next year. But I’d keep mute and update you with time .But my first award in life came from Fine Arts from Milo. Then, I was still in secondary school. Also in modelling, I won an award last year.

What happened to the Fine Art skill?

The Fine Art skill is not dead, it’s still alive because movie is an art. Also modelling too but professionally, after school, I just dropped it because I noticed that artistes are not being appreciated here in Nigeria. Sometimes, when you are walking along the road, you will see people’s art work and within you ,you will be wondering why the person is still here despite the good work. But if you go outside the state, you will see artists who are millionaires. So,  I dropped it because we’ve not gotten to that level yet. For example, before now, music was not appreciated in Nigeria but now Nigerian music has really grown big. But I know we will still get there .Also, I don’t really see myself going into Fine Art professionally.

Can you dump acting for any reason?

I don’t think so. I love the work I’m doing now because it’s something I have passion for. When you see yourself dropping something, it means you forced yourself into it though it’s not easy but the love and passion keep you going and not the money or anything.

We once heard you have a daughter, can you tell us about it?

Yes I have a daughter. She’s one year old now and I’m so proud of her.

What about the mother because we didn’t hear anything about you getting married to somebody?

That’s private for me. I don’t want to go into it. My concern is about me and my child and I won’t talk about the next person .