Well-built, physically charming, and religiously
inclined actor, movie producer and musician Ugo Tuvi James Igwegbe hails from
Anambra State, Umudim, Nnewi, Nigeria. He is the current Organizing Secretary of
the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) and the producer of many movies
including Guilty as Charged; Single Father; Black Heart and Eden. In this
exclusive interview with Topflyers Magazine as the Entertainer of the Month,
November 2020, he speaks about his career, inspiration and aspirations.
It feels so exciting to have you on Board for this
Exclusive Interview Session. Welcome!
Reply: Thank you so much Topflyers Magazine.
Can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Ugo
Tuvi James Igwegbe. I am from Anambra State, Umudim, Nnewi, Akammili to be
precise. I am the first son of Mr. and Mrs Michael and Augustina Igwegbe. I
have 6 siblings, comprising of 2 sisters and 4 brothers. We unfortunately lost
one of my brothers.
(Interferes: Accept our sincere condolences)
Thank you.
You studied computer science in the university. How
come you are an actor, producer and musician?
To be quite
honest; the arts have always been something I have been extremely passionate
about from childhood.
I actually initially
started studying Medicine but could not stomach working with cadavers, so I
made the switch to Computer Science which was the trending course then, but the
arts was what I have always loved so I decided to follow my true calling.
Which do you prefer—acting, producing movies or
singing?
They are all a
part of me. This is like asking someone which one of their children they love
the most. Hopefully, they would say they love them all the same and equally!
Interviewer adds in: That’s
impressive.
How well is your music selling?
My music is
going very popular and getting good attention. I am constantly in the studio
and constantly pushing the creation of the associated music videos. So yeah, my
music is selling by the grace of God.
What kind of songs do you sing?
My sound and
style is contemporary gospel, I am spreading the beautiful Word of God through
music. I live by the scripture; “let everything that has breath, praise the
Lord!”
How many movies and songs have you produced so far?
(Smiles) The
movies I have produced include:
Guilty as
Charged; Single Father; Black Heart; Eden and many more.
Then on the
music side, I have produced two gospel albums namely “Lamb of Glory” and “Be
Victorious”.
Also, prior to
my permanent move to gospel, I produced an album called “Tuvi on Fire” and “In
the Mood “
Interviewer adds in: These song
titles are already going to be on our playlist and we will listen to it with
out full chest.
(Everyone
laughs)
Please tell us, How would you describe the Nigerian
entertainment industry in comparison to South Africa?
Well, the
entertainment industry in Nigeria is about telling our unique story the way we
are; South Africa is also doing the same. For me as a foreigner, I have taken
the angle of telling Pan African stories to bring the best and richness of our
varying backgrounds, beliefs and cultures into a beautiful collaboration,
whether it is through my music or my movies.
What have you been doing on your own part to ensure
that the entertainment industry in Nigeria grows?
My little
contribution is by standing as a brand ambassador for Nigeria here in South
Africa, I take every opportunity to speak of collaborating with other African
nationals about Nigeria and encourage the merging of our stories and strengths.
I am also the
current organizing secretary of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), which
affords me the platform to interact and engage with South Africans and other
Africans from various countries.
In the league of top Nigerian actors, how would you
rate yourself?
The fact is, I
am uniquely different and I greatly respect the movie veterans in Nigeria, and
know that I have so much to offer too.
What would you say has been your most embarrassing
moment?
Oh! I would have
to say it was when I went through a dark depression and drank excessively and
became something else, made stupid mistakes and the next day could not remember
half of what I did. It is unfortunate but I thank God he has not written me off
and has pulled me out of that miry clay.
Who are your favorite artistes and how do they
inspire you?
They are Liam
Neeson, Jamie Foxx, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg. Each of
these amazing actors truly study their craft, they become the role and give it
their all!
What do you think makes a good producer?
The secret of
Being a great producer, I believe is research and paying attention to details.
You’ve got to have a good eye.
We don’t mean to exaggerate but your handsome looks,
beautiful skin and body physique can melt the heart of any lady. How do you
handle advances from Ladies?
(Smiles) I am
married, I have my wife. Every time a lady makes an advance, I think of my
wife. Truth be told, these others are all just a distraction and are out to
destroy destinies. I pour my love into one woman and one woman alone – my
beautiful, amazing wife.
You got married in 2013. How has marriage been for
you coupled with the fact that you are a producer?
Marriage has
been my saving grace. The bible says “He who finds a wife, finds a good thing
and obtains favour from the Lord”. Marriage has grounded me, given me more
focus and has truly brought out the best in me. I have grown in all areas of my
career as a result of my marriage.
If you were to change something about the
entertainment industry, what would it be?
It would be, to
tell or showcase more uplifting and inspiring movies as Africans. Stories that
provoke you to be a better person, and to love humanity.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my
inspiration from God and God only.
Have you received any awards so far in the
entertainment industry?
I have received
TAMVAS Award which is an award between Nigeria and South Africa. I was awarded
Legendary actor.
Who are the TOP celebrities you hope to work with in
the next few years?
I hope to work
with Tyler Perry, Denzel Washington, and Chiwetalu Agu
GAME of Truth and a Lie: Tell us a truth and a lie
and leave the audience to try and figure which is the lie and the truth.
(Laughs). I am
allergic to fish. I was born in October.
How can your fans reach out to you?
You can reach me
through:
YouTube: ugotuvijames or tuvijames
Facebook: crossugotuvijames
Instagram: crosstuvijames
Twitter: ugotuvijames
Email: crossugo2v@outlook.com
would you love to give a shout out to?
Yes! Shout out
to the president of the Nigerian Actors Guild President, Emeka Rolland. I see
what he is doing to ensure actors are being elevated. I also give a shout out
to my fellow actors in Nigeria; you are all doing so well, I am so proud of you
all. Your work is everywhere! I pray for life, no sudden death, the best of
God’s Protection and continuous favor over you all.
How do you feel being on this Exclusive Interview
session with Topflyers Magazine International?
I feel so honoured
to have been selected for this exclusive interview and I thank you so much. I
pray this magazine continually goes global and be read by people from all over
the world. You are doing amazing things. Ugo Tuvi James is signing out.
Interviewer: Thanks for a wonderful interview
experience. We definitely believe every reader would pick at least one or two
inspiration from this Interview.
