A break from the norm

From a childhood dream of becoming a medical doctor to eventual studying of Marine Science at the university and later, following a growing career in entertainment, is a tale of one’s determination to break from the norm.

This is the story of Okechukwu Chukwudi Ukeje, popularly known as O.C Ukeje.

Since 2007, when he first shot to limelight by winning Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality TV show, it has been hoards of awards for the youthful Abia State-born actor. His determination to move from his strong science background and successful break into the art circle, especially Nollywood, earned him some respect. Featuring in numerous stage plays and movies – such as White Waters, Black November, and Two Brides and a Baby, O.C Ukeje has proven his worth for the awards he has so far received.

In 2008, when he won the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for Best Upcoming Actor for his lead role in the movie – ‘White Waters,’ a year after he shot to limelight, he never envisaged moving up the career lather in a flash of light.

Yet, more awards are coming his way, especially with his recent nomination in the first ever Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for his lead male role in ‘Two Brides And A Baby.’

Before commenting on his AMVCA nomination, O.C Ukeje expressed his appreciation to Nigerian Breweries’ Amstel Malta brand on whose label he won the AMBO reality TV show in 2007. For him, that was the credible platform that enabled him to follow his passion and develop a career out of it. “The AMBO show is a huge success that will always speak volume of corporate effort to empower the youths. Nigerian entertainment industry will ever remain grateful to Nigerian Breweries for that novel project,” he says.

Ukeje is however up against Fabian Adeoye Lojede and Kenneth Uphopho for their roles in ‘Jacob’s Cross’ and ‘Down & Out,’ respectively. Also nominated in the same category are Edward Kagutuzi for ‘Mirror

Boy’ and ‘Jafta Mamabolo’ for his character in ‘Otelo Burning.’

However, Amstel Malta, the headline sponsor of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, is proud to have produced such a world-class actor and is sure of victory for the young actor, despite the tough opponents in his category. This is in line with the brand’s conviction that everyone has what it takes to be the best, and that O. C Ukeje has more than enough of what it takes to carry the day at the grand finale of the awards this March.

Adedoyin Owotomo, brand manager, Amstel Malta, Nigerian Breweries, reiterates this conviction in her congratulatory message to O.C Ukeje on his nomination for the maiden edition of the AMVCA, saying “the unique partnership will enable the best in African entertainment and Nigeria’s number one low sugar malt drink to showcase the best of young talented Nigerians, and inspire the future generation to be the best they can be.”

So, keep date with the actor on March 9, 2013, as he clinches yet another award.

 OBINNA EMELIKE