The Zack Orji Interview Part I

by Dr Joyce Ashuntantang Abunaw
Some call you Zach Orji, others Zack Orji.  What are your real names?

I was born Zachee Ama Orji in Libreville, Gabon. However, most people call me Zack.

When ever we talk about actors it looks like they have always been actors. What is your background before acting- education, experience etc

I hold a B.Sc. (Hons) Estate Management degree from the University of  Nigeria, Nsukka.  I graduated in 1984.

Apart from Gabon and my fatherland Nigeria, my formative years; primary and secondary education were in Cameroon, Benin and Togo where I attended both French and English schools.  This accounts for my being bilingual.  Before becoming an actor, I used to design and make aquariums for sale and on order.

Fine Arts was where I made one of my best grades in secondary school.  The aquanum market was dull so I moved on to shoes.  Back in my secondary school my principal used to call me an all-rounder.  I was senior prefect, I was speaker in senior debates, I was in the dramatic society, I was school champion in shot putt and discus; state champion in shot putt (1978) and went on to represent my state nationally.

In Ecole Francophone de Buea, I was the school prefect or (head boy), apart from playing in the school football and handball teams.

Before moving on to shoes, I used to act as an interpreter, being an intermediary between some Nigerian businessmen who usually traveled to Benin and Togo for business and their francophone counterparts.

Back to shoes, I would go to fashion shops, check out some imported shoes and commit their designs to memory.  On my own, I would draw what I could remember and even create new designs from the old ones.  Thereafter, I would go to the market, buy some snake and alligator skin (already tanned) and take them to a shoemaker whom I knew.  I would sit with him, supervise him and have him make the shoes to my specifications according to the designs I had.

After doing this for the first and second batches totaling about 17 pairs of men’s shoes, I had learnt to make shoes.  The ones I had made were steadily selling.  One or two friends even bought some that they took abroad.  I bought my own machines (2) and tools opened a shop and started making the shoes myself.  One morning I came to my shop and everywhere was empty – robbers had paid a nocturnal visit.  I was devastated. I saw an ad in a newspaper for graduate trainees in a freight forwarding company.  I applied and I was interviewed. I got the job.  It was more of a field job where I and my colleagues were expected to get new clients and also learn on the job.  It was good while it lasted.  I bought my first two cars, moved into a new apartment, and got wedded.  After two years of this, I was convinced that it was not the line of work I wanted to end up doing.  I quit and moved on to produce, buying to sell locally to those who wanted to export and for export.


Was there a particular event that brought you into acting?

I had received an order to supply cocoa and shea nut.  A friend of mine Ekenna Igwe, gave me some contacts who could lead me on to those who would eventually source the cocoa for me.

These contacts were writing a movie script that they were about to produce at that time.  I told my friend that I was interested, and after these guys interviewed me, they gave me a script and I eventually got the leading role in the movie “The Unforgiven Sin”, an Igbo film subtitled in English.  I went on to get nominated for best Actor in the Movie Awards (Thema Awards) the first that was organized in 1995.

Have you always wanted to act? Do you have any Role Models? 

  I have always wanted to act.  I grew up going to the theatres a lot, watching Clint Eastwood, Bruce Lee, Jimmy Wang Yu, Yausaki Kurata, Sean Connery, Lee Van Cliff, Jim Kelly, Fred Williamson Tamara Dobson, Sidney Poitier, Amitaab Bachchan, Dahmendra, etc. I also read whatever I could lay my hands on about them.  I truly desired to be like them.

Most of the films I have watched where you are a principal actor, you are always the victim, the good guy so to speak. Do you choose this roles?  Is that in keeping with your religious faith?

In our line of work, we are usually put in a box.  You deliver a role creditably, and a lot of such roles keep being offered to you.  Sometimes one has to turn down some offers because the fee is not okay, or the script is lacking in depth and coherence, or you want some things built in or altered and the producers do not agree, or for some other reason.  Only once in 100 times do I choose my roles.

Have you thought about doing movies for children?

I would like to do movies for children if I have the opportunity.

As President of the guild, what are some of your activities? Do these activities conflict with your role as actor or producer?

Our guild is spread across 16 states of the federation.  As president I am like the CEO.  Every state has a chairman and his officers who oversee the day-to-day running of the guild.  They are in charge of registration/membership, issues of welfare and discipline. When members are to be disciplined, like suspended, I have to be notified.  When matters are unresolved at state levels they are referred to me.  When a member is to be expelled I have the authority to do it.  I am the image-maker of the guild, representing the guild in all functions relating to other bodies, (government or private).

These activities usually conflict with my work as an actor/producer/director in terms of time.  Some times I have to delegate some functions because I have contractual obligations to keep.  However my tenure is completed and I do not wish to re-contest.

The big question of piracy- what are your thoughts about it? Any hope for a future free from Piracy, any plans?

Piracy is a crime that must be condemned in totality.  It violates people’s intellectual property rights and any one caught in the act should be roasted.

There is no hope for a future free from piracy, as some people have taken it up as their business concern and means of livelihood. The Association of movie producers which I belong to will soon begin to put some plans into action to clip their wings.

Any plans for a legitimate distributor of films in the US?

There is an existing contractual agreement between The Film Maker’s Cooperative of Nigeria (FCON) and the Film Makers Association of Nigeria USA for distribution.  It has regrettably not been successful, but it is still being beaten to shape.

You told me that you have just released a gospel CD. So, which is your favorite role? Director, actor or musician?

Frankly, it is very hard for me to say which is my favorite role. However, when ever I am directing I thoroughly enjoy my self and begin to wonder whether I should not concentrate on it.

When I am acting I feel like I am doing that which I was destined to do:  touch lives positively. When I get phone calls, mails or get accosted by people, I get a confirmation of it. When I am writing songs or composing of music, or when I’m in the studio recording music, I feel like it’s my happiest moment.

To be continued....

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Comments

[TV Tandia]

Zack, Kudos! You're the man for the job! I haven't watched Nigerian movies that much but believe me, the few I watched in which you featured were just marvellous. Your convictions, stoicism, originality are components that make the messages you intend to convey very appealing. I do hope your presence and roles in Cameroon would be a great inspiration to many, epsecially the students.

Unfortunately, I can't have access to these great movies (Cameroonian and Nigerian) here in Korea. I think you should also consider Asia for your movies in order to answer millions of questions Asians keep asking me about Africa

[Akar Ticha]

Hey Zach,
Thanks for the encouragements to the Cameroonian folks. I like the natural flavour you give to the things u do on most the movies you feature in. But I think you need to do something about your repeated association with the good-guy roles. This will enable non-hermeneutical audiences (those without the advanced analytical power that may acrue from higher education)to understand that all actors are actors. Otherwise, actors who become too associated with particular kinds of roles, create real images of those kinds of attributes in the viewers' minds. You say you don't usually get the chance to make a choice, but try when you are opportune.

Nollywood is gaining much respect everywhere, but where I am now (SOuth Africa), viewers are a bit concerned with the picture quality of the movies. This is certainly not your dommain, but since you are into partnership deals (and as President of the Actors' Guild), see how you can make gains for the movie industry in Nigeria and its partner-nations as a whole, to this end.

Another thing is the everlasting association of the success of movies with the 'To-God-be the-Glory' discourse. It may pay off some how if every CEO does not take this as some God-given anthem, so that people understand it is not one person writing all the scripts.

Lastly, see how you can advise producers against the hyper commodification of Nollywood movies. The African movie industry musn't go the Hollwood way, by putting profitability first, and the culture itself second. I am talking about unnecessarily long plots (usually two parts of a movie) because copies must be sold; doing movies in a hurry becauses the faces on the poster will make it sell, anyway; and repeated themes because of the fear to try what has not been tested, lest it fails.

I understand it is an uphill task to make what we sit in our couches to watch and critique. But that's what the movie industry itself purports to do about society; striving to make it utopic. So let it also strive for its inward utopia.

You are a great movie image. Congrats on the grounds covered, and keep going!

Akara Ticha is a journalist (CRTV).

[ugo prosper]

Dear sir,
i have been wishing to contact you since i read about you on a magazine, and now is an interview.
i always wanted to say happy birth day to all my known birthday mates while i raise a bottle of wine with the rest of my friends every 4th february of a new year. but means of contact has always been the problem, especially with the one that was born in the same town where i was born Libreville.

[christina]

peace to you from God the father of our Lord Jesus. I have not met u in person, but based on what a friend of mine (who met u when u came to us) said about how humble and friendly u are and somethings I have read about you, I know that u are indeed a wondeful person. I wish u more blessings, more annointing and more gloriuous life. Stay blessed and I am looking forward to meeting u one day by His grace.

[Akos]

Honorable Orji (that is the way i like to greet you)
I love to watch you act, You have this "gentleman" aura about you. Very PrimPro (prim and proper) and i really admire you. The way you speak so eloquently,the way you walk - everything. I mean shoot, you even look sexier when you frown or are angry - i aint lie. I hope to meet a man with a demeanor like you someday. Very Attractive. Apart from the fact that you are very talented, You seem so intelligent, and I will always support your work.

being the President of SGA (congratulations!), My only concerns are (and i hope you can pass it on for me if you are not the person who handles this issue) the fact that;

1) Nigerian movies mostly dont have the story lines on the boxes of the VCD/VHS,
2) theres no need to break a 90 min movie into 4 parts (part 1 a& b, Part 2 a&b.
3) Sometimes the music in the background drowns what the actors are saying. The music (Celine Dion or what not) dont need to be puttin up so high.
4)Finally like many others, this ban of actors is so unnecessary and the reason just doesnt make sense. When they are making decisions like that they should consider the we the consumers, opiinions count.

If "I" (the consumer) am willing to pay $10-20 to see Genevieve Nnaji in every movie, then so be it, they(and all the rest of the banned actors) deserves to be paid what they demand. Maybe put a cap on it for just a couple of years but dont simply ban them.

The demand for them here in the west (UK and USA) exceeds supply. Please tell these marketers (or whomever decided on this ban) to respect the consumers WANTs & NEEDS. I am sure there is many ways in which this could have been sorted out than to simply "Ban" them. To me its senseless.

AND IN CLOSING "HONARABLE ORJI" GOD BLESS YOU IN ALL AVENUES OF YOUR LIFE AND MOST OF ALL YOUR FAMILY

[mama traore]

hey Zack just want u to know that i like you very much.

[Kristy]

Zachee, Congratulations for being the president of the guide, and i'm also praying that God will give you the grace to do that which is expected of you, i must say from what i have read from magazine and other papers about you, you are a man with a good heart, you have the quality and that is why you have been elected the president of the guide, i wish and hope to see you someday. And i also want to request from you that there are some talented people who would want to be given the opportunity to display their talent in the movie industry, can there be any way we can be reached and granted this opportunity?

[shamla]

Hi Zachee,coincidentally we attended the same Primary School in Buea.I was there when it was RCM-BUEA TOWN.I dont know if u met teachers like Mmes EPANTI,EKEMA,ANUMA?They were some of my teachers.I had many Nigerian classmates but I can remember only CHIJOKE EZIMA but I dont where he can be now.
I've always admire u when acting.I dont know why u always chose parts where women torment u alot.
Anyway,lots of courage and stay blessed.

[Gloria Mensah]

Zachee congratulation for being the president of guid,i`m praying that God will help you to achieve what you want.I`m based in london,infact I really like your movies they are really nice and encourages me aswell.I would like to be your friend so please e-mail me.
Anyway lots of courage and stay cool.

[lorene]

hey zack i really enjoy ur films and as a jamaican livin in britain watchin ur films has made me realised how much we have lost. I nicknamed u kevin costner because of your quiet demeaner.in my spare time i watched nig movies and nothing more. ive encouraged my jamaican friends to do the same and hope that we can see a collaboration with jamaican actors. u r a true black man and i admire u greatly. id love a personal response from u.keep up the good work my brother and hope to see u in the flesh one day

[ulemu chimwala]

Bravo zack

we really like you here in malawi and all fans says hie to you. please email so that we can talk more really theres more to be discussed

[The African Store]

I am happy for what you are doing.

I wish/hope to distribute and retail Nigerian Movies in the future through The African Store.

Thanks and God bless.

Okafor David
www.okafordavid.com

[Di]

Hi Zack, What happened to WEB 2. I have being waiting for it

[Victor Mensah]

Hi Zack, just wanna let you know that you're doing a heck of a job. Keep it up

[Qudirat Hakeem-Apanpa]

Zach has been one of the greatest Nigerian Actors home and abroad. I so much appriciate his job, and I will just urge him to keep the flag flying, and stay blessed.Take care.

[Olawale Apanpa]

Hi Zach, I love your kind of job, its marvelous, please keep it up.

[Asek Mado]

Hi Zach you are a brave man, l really enjoy you in all the films you act, you always look good that every woman will admire you.

[Bah A. Armstrong]

Hi Zack,

It was wonderful reading about you over www.postnewsline.com It also linked me up to your website www.zackorji.net May the almighty bless and protect you and your family.

Brother, I will like you to advice me on this issue. I have a film I am working on now of which I want it to be acted there in Nigeria. I don`t know the procedure. Can you please, help advice me on what to do ? This movie I believe will teach many Africans a very powerful lesson.

It is a TRUE STORY " politics,occultism etc " I will tell you more about it ! I have watch many Nigerian movie but I will like to rest assure you that the story will open a new window of inspiration to most film writters.

Blood money was a powerful film brother. May God once more give you the power to educate many people accross the world through your great works.

Happy Chrismas and New Year in advance.I love you, brother!

[Wanangwa Mwafulirwa]

Hie Zack

I like the way you act in all the films which I have been watching. Keep it up.

Happy New Year

Wanangwa Mwafulirwa From Malawi

[Pastor Kaliisa Dickson]

Hi Zack,
Thank you for the good work.we truely appreciate the work you do and keeping our families informed on life issues.we constantly have you in our homes by watching your movies.Especially those with achristian message.

we missed your visit in uganda and hope there is away we could contact you for business.we have tried to get your contacts in vain.you can call these numbers 256 77341383,256 77370741.

please its very important.
God bless.

[Gladys Boafo]

Hi Zack,

I love to see you acting. You are gentle, the way you talk the way you laugh, i love everything about you and will always want to see you in any Nigerian film.

I wish i will get a nice and gentle husband like you.

I like you very much.

God Bless you and your family.

[KEM OKORO]

I just have to congratulate you for the wonderful job that you're doing in 'Nollywood'. Though i enjoy watching Nigerian movies, i still hope that more could be done to improve the quality. They need to decrease the excessive emphasis they accord voodoo in the affairs of an African. Most of my American friends are baffled by it. It portrays us as people who don't have analytical minds hence, our dependence on mystical occults.
I understand most of the movies are sponsored by illeterate market traders, but you guys can decide not to participate in them, and by so, registering your displeasure.
Yesterday i watched a movie titled 'WHAT WOMEN DO' and you were just darn good. Keep up the good work.

[chanty]

i want to get in contact with u. how can i get your e mail ad? we have meet in cameroon. you touched me so positively that i want to be an actress.......please do write

[OKEKE VICTOR]

How I wish that my life will be like that of TON-TON ZACK. When ever I watch your film I quikly feel like seeing you physically.Really, I am a Nigerian by origin,but how possible could it be to become a part of you both flesh & blood. Despite that you are a man of my type yet, I love you like a woman LOVE to man.No!!!!!!!!!grand freir vouseth le melluier. Personally I like your style.

[OKEKE VICTOR]

PLEASE I NEED YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS OR EVEN YOUR PHONE NUMBER.HERE IS MINE, victraco01@yahoo.fr or chiji_ndu@hotmail.com