Veteran actor, Nobert Okwudili Oguebu better known as Nobert Waski is not your everyday actor who is tossed by every wind of creative doctrine as it were.
He is tested and trusted to deliver his role perfectly well whenever he is called to do so which is often.
In this chat with the publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online magazine’s, AZUH LILIAN, the graduate of Mass Communication from the Polytechnic, Oko, a politician and proud indigene of Adazi- Ani, from Anaocha local government area of Anambra talks extensively about his career and why he is a ‘mystery man.’
Do you think the government is doing enough to support Nollywood?
I don’t think government has done much for Nollywood. If there is any meaningful support, it is not to my knowledge. But l trust the present leadership of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) under Emeka Rollas Ejezie. His innovative and purposeful leadership has brought AGN to a higher level and I am proud of them.
What actually inspired you going into acting?
I was born an actor. I started when I was in primary 3, at St. Peter’s Catholic School in my village, Adazi- Ani. Whenever it was break period, pupils would gather at a place called Ana Mgbeke Anazoba, a playground behind the school compound to hear me celebrate mass in Latin.
These continued until the pupils started offering their snacks as offering. It happened that one day I came back from school with a big bag full of biscuits.
My Dad got worried and the next day, he followed me to school to see the headmaster and after thorough investigation, it was discovered that it was a free donation from my church members who were thrilled by the way I mimicked those white priests.
Although my strict father discouraged it but it made me popular in school as they nicknamed me ‘Father.’
What would you say is the highest problem facing Nollywood?
The biggest problem we have in Nollywood today is that everybody is chasing clout. Most people you see parading themselves on social media with weird contents have been hijacked.
Some content creators are seen as Nollywood practitioners and they fill the entire space with lots of immoral and obnoxious contents.
The name ‘Waski,’ was does it mean?
The name Waski means ‘Was a King.’ I took the name because I have the feeling that I was born a king in my past incarnation.
What makes a good actor?
What makes a good actor is not just interpretation of roles but living the character. It is a world of make believe, so, you must represent that character well for your viewers will see the character in you.
Also, you must be versatile; you must not be confined to a particular role.
For how long have you been in the movie industry?
I started my professional acting on stage way back in 1988, with the International Artists Theatre (IAT), founded by a Ghanaian thespian, Venus Adu Poku and I later became a creative director.
With the advent of Living In Bondage, including Mr. Okechukwu Ogunjiofor, aka Paulo, Kanayo O Kanayo, aka Chief Omego, Daniel Oluigbo, aka Chief priest, Sydney Diala, aka Initiator then Nnenna Nwabueze, aka Merit, Ngozi Nwaneto, aka Carro and Ngozi Nwosu, aka Ego, visited me in my Onitsha residence and collaborated with me to host the campaign train of the then presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Chief Moshood Abiola at the recreation club Onitsha. That visit triggered movie making in Onitsha.
What stands you out as an actor?
My ability to convince my fans that I have represented that character in the script well
What has been the experience since you joined the movie industry?
The experience has been good. My fans appreciate me everywhere I go.
Besides acting, what else do you do?
I am a family man. I am into many things. I am a creative writer, author, musician, songwriter, composer, and political activist.
How would you describe Nobert Okwudili Oguegbu?
Norber Waski, is a ‘mystery man’. He is indescribable. He blows hot and cold.
What is your state of origin?
I am from Adazi- Ani, Anaocha local government area of Anambra State, but I hold a traditional title of Akaeze Obosi. Obosi is my adopted town.
What were the challenges you encountered trying to get to this stage of your career?
Every movie comes with its challenges. You will interpret some movies and it comes out fine and your fans will react like, wow, you are so real! I have encountered some people who tried avoiding me because of a wicked role I played in a particular movie.
In all, I am undaunted. Movie making could be risky sometimes. I recalled an incident that happened in 2016. We were on set at Ubulu- Okiti in Delta State. As a king in the movie, I was to sacrifice a virgin to the gods and the little girl actor to be sacrificed happened to be an indigene. Unknown to us, our props/ set man built a shrine at an exact spot the village had a powerful deity. It would have been disastrous if we had gone ahead with the sacrifice but God intervened for us when a villager noticed it and raised an alarm. We were warned to the danger of trespassing into certain places.
What is the greatest thing God has done for you?
The greatest thing God did for me is the gift of life and sound health. Also, my lovely wife and children; they give me hope and strength anytime there is a dark cloud hovering over my affairs.
Which is the worst role you have played?
My worst role is being dressed as a corpse in a movie. I detest it. It is against my faith as a Rastafarian.
How affordable is Nobert Waski?
I am very affordable. But my philosophy is that a labourer deserves his wage.
How many awards do you have to your credit?
I don’t chase after awards, but I have them. The most cherished being when the faculty of Arts at Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, honoured me with a unique service to humanity award.
It was presented to me by the Dean of the faculty, Professor Ngozi Chuma Udeh, now commissioner for education in Anambra State. Also, the Rotary Club of Awka honoured me with excellent services award. There was an award from Black Festival of Arts in Seychelles too.
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
The greatest lesson life has taught me is to trust only in God.
What is your philosophy of life?
My philosophy is what life taught you, teach others.
Share with us about the kidnapping experience and how you escaped with your family?
About the kidnapping saga, I would not like to share the horror experience. It was an experience I do not wish to remember or recount. Thank God for his mercies that we are alive today.
Like how many movies have you starred in this year?
I cannot count the number of movies I featured in this year but they are many.
What are the three things your fans don’t know about you?
What many people don’t know about me is that beyond that streak of toughness in me lies an underlying softness. I am a very compassionate person. I hate to see blood flow but it doesn’t mean I am cowardly.
For how long have you been growing your beards?
My beard has come a long way that I now consider it a way of life.
What is your favorite food and drinks?
I love African dishes and some continental too. I don’t eat red meat and I don’t drink alcoholic beverages. I drink water a lot.
What is your favorite color and why?
I don’t have a preference for colour. Colour is what you make of it.
Who are your close friends?
My close friends are those who share similar ideology with me. They share in my dark moments and rejoice with me when heaven remembers me.
What does fashion mean to you?
I am not a fashion conscious person but I dress well.
When was the last time you wore a suit and what was the occasion about?
The last time I wore a suit was in church during my wedding and I removed the coat immediately we entered reception arena and flung away the tie. Except if I have to wear it in movies which I rarely do.
What is your advice for those upcoming actors who see you as a role model?
My advice to those looking up to me is that you must be contented with what you have, pray, work and persevere.
Hard work is profitable. Do not be in a hurry to blow. All that glitters is not gold. Behind every ways there are trails of crime. Remember if you run faster than your God, be prepared to have a hug with Satan in hell.
What is the secret behind your youthful looks?
The secret behind my looks is that I am an easy going person. I don’t live a fake life. I don’t pretend to have come from the moon. I am not a saint but I am not the devil that you know. That is the secret of my looks.
Where is the most fantastic place you have traveled to recently?
I went to South Africa for a private business engagement but I can’t say if it was fantastic because I’ve been a traveler.
Between acting, singing and writing, which one do you love most?
Asking me to choose between acting, singing and writing, the one that gives me more fulfilment is akin to asking me to choose amongst my children, the one that I love the most. I love all of them the same way, I love all my children. They are the democracy of my stomach. They pay my bills.
Who is your hero or heroes?
My hero is Robert Nesta Marley, popularly known as Bob Marley. He was a teacher, prophet and the greatest musician ever to come out of this planet earth.
