When the roll call of those who pioneered the motion picture industry in the 90s to form Nollywood, would be mentioned, the name Harris Chuma popularly known as Ogene Igbo would be conspicuously placed side by side with the greats of that era.
Now a titled man, Chuma whose full name is Chuma – Odili Harris Udokamma has many credits to his many achievements in Nollywood. He is an actor, a producer, director, academic, businessman and politician.
At the moment, Chuma who is more interested in investing more on communication and media speaks with the publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online Magazine, AZUH LILIAN, about his career among other relevant topics.
Have you abandoned filmmaking for politics?
No, I have been on break since 2015. Reason being that I lost over N15million invested in a movie that was labelled political and couldn’t get a distribution deal both on PayTV, markets and other traditional distribution channels. It was a movie on political/ grand corruption. It was actually created to serve as an advocacy tool in support of Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign, but government did not see reasons to use it, especially EFCC that was originally in the know about the project.
I’m still a filmmaker, but on break, strictly focusing on my journalism, trading and support business in the oil and gas industry.
Why did you relocate to Port- Harcourt?
At a time I felt that I have spent better part of my life in Lagos. I needed to be closer to my home state. So, I had to relocate. I would have relocated to Anambra, but the security challenges at that time were scary, so, I choose PH. But I’m always in Anambra these days, the security has improved greatly.
What year did you relocate to Port- Harcourt?
I relocated to Port- Harcourt in 2016.
The Nollywood of your days and that of today, which do you think is better?
Back in the day, in the early 90s, Nollywood was the hope of the common man. You come into the industry with your talent and like a flash you are a star. It wasn’t difficult to walk to stardom. And, we weren’t going after financial benefits; it was more like a passion. Those days we make movies with slim budgets, artistes were not after money and crew were there to have fun. It was not considered a business venture, rather a celebration of creativity.
The early Nollywood filmmakers laboured so much to create the industry we enjoy today. Nollywood was poorly funded in her early days. There were no alternative distribution channels. It was just the Igbo men in the markets who were relied on to distribute the movies. Unlike what’s obtainable today where we have multiple distribution channels. The digital media revolution has made film distribution a lot easier.
Quality of production has tremendously improved. Thanks to digital production equipment readily accessible.
What are the three things people don’t know about Harris Chuma?
I’m easy going, extrovert with reservations and not a sex freak.
Where is the most fantastic place you have traveled to recently?
Ogbunike Cave; the greatest wonder of nature deposited in my town, Ogbunike, Anambra State.
What is fashion like for you: What are you more comfortable in; corporate, casual or native attires?
I love nature Attires, it constantly reminds me who I am. I am an Igbo Culture activist and traditionalist.
How did you come about the name, ‘Ogene Igbo’ and what does it mean?
It was an honorary Chieftancy title conferred on me by Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos in 2011 officiated by Eze Ndigbo in Lagos alongside some traditional rulers from Igboland. It was in appreciation of my campaign for a rebirth of Igbo language movies in Nollywood, and the advocacy programmes which I championed targeted at making speaking of Igbo language compulsory for Igbo children in the diaspora. But in 2017, I had to officially take a traditional title – Ichie/ Ogbuefi in my hometown with the same name, ‘Ogene Igbo.’
Could you share with us your educational background?
I attended at a tender age the Ogbamgba Community Primary School Azu, Ogbunike for my First School Leaving Certificate of which I passed with distinctions.
I thereafter proceeded to St Paul Seminary Ukpor, and All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, Anambra State.
I attended the National Institute of Moral and Religious Education, an affiliative of the prestigious University of Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria for my Professional Associateship Advance Certificate course in Education.
I studied at the Lagos Center for Television and Film, Arts and Technology Institute for my Professional diploma into Film and Media Entrepreneurship courses.
Also, I earned a National Diploma in Mass Communication at the Eastern Polytechnic, Port -Harcourt, Rivers State.
In my love for Journalism and quest for deeper knowledge, I got admitted into the world renowned UISEBA University, Benin where I bagged BSc in Mass Communication. Later enrolled for my Master of Science (Msc) Degree in English and Communication Art at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State.
I obtained my post graduate diploma certificate in Management from Estam University. I am a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Corporate Management and Strategic Administrators. I was awarded a Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) in Leadership, Social Advocacy and community development from the prestigious Green Hills University, Denmark.
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
Believe in your innate abilities, don’t give up easily, try hard and be a go-getter. Do not rely on anyone to make you great, work hard and pray.
What’s your advice to the youths out there?
They should be patient, with time, an egg will walk. Don’t be in a hurry to make money, relax, and at the right time, your efforts will pay. Stay away from fraudulent activities, cultism, drugs and crime.
What is your favorite food and drinks?
My favorite food is Nsala and pounded yam.
How long have you been married and what’s the sweetest thing about marriage?
I have been married for over a decade.
What is the nicest thing you have heard people say about you?
That Ogene, you look Igbotic.
Can anything make you shave your bears?
No! Maybe at old age… not now.
