On bright and sunny Wednesday morning after working out at the National Stadium, Surulere in a bid to keep fit , Nollywood actor, Rykardo Agbor ,a Mass Communication graduate, who is happily married with a beautiful set of twins bares his mind on his journey so far in Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry which has become the pride of Africa, telling our reporter Anthony Amenaghawon his takes.
May we meet you?
My name is Rykardo Oke Agbor, a Nollywood actor.
The journey so far
Ups and downs, nothing good comes easy but you just have to have that painstaking spirit.
How have you been able to crossover from acting English roles to Yoruba roles?
It’s been quite challenging but majorly the dialect and your ability to internalize your roles and put it to play and make it believable. A particular word might mean different things , vast and ambiguous and you need to know where its best suited. Unlike English which is our lingual franca it becomes very easy to speak, but in Yoruba everyday there is always something new and different to learn everyday and I am enjoying it.
Would you say you are more fulfilled acting Yoruba roles?
I would not say that because it’s all about the script, I am always fulfilled when there is a new script and a better more challenging one.
How has the industry fared so far?
The journey has not been easy but what we need to do now is to get ourselves detribalized, let us come together and work. Let it be talent based and with that we will get beyond the level we are today. The main bane now is piracy and the government not giving the push by helping us export our jobs and give it the adequate protection needed, for instance, you going to shoot a movie you have to pay money to touts and people feel it’s a norm and they demand more than you can even make shooting a movie. The government can help us curb piracy, help do away with area boys and there will be enough investment and the industry will be seen as viable .If these things are taken care of we will grow.
The industry has created jobs for the unemployed, it has been a source of recreation for people because there is a whole lot of depression and recession, through the films you gain edu-infotainment.No movie glorifies crime ,the movies are there to help us culturally, morally, spiritually and in all spheres.
The influx of entertainers into politics what is your view?
We are individuals and your talent does not limit you to a particular facet, if you have the spirit of been selfless to serving people and if it augurs well for you then you can delve into it. The likes of Ronald Reagan ,Arnold Schwatstneager were actors but they went into politics. if America can tolerate and accept people we too can ,it should be what you can offer regardless of your trade ,religion and background.
Do you have any intention of delving into politics?
No ,I am so much in love with what I am doing for now.
Do you also produce movies?
I have the intention but I am still looking at the market, trying to see how it could be stabilized, free from pirates taking advantage of the intellectual property of creativity and this often discourages investors.
Most challenging roles?
The movie ‘Problem child ‘ where I played the role of Somtochukwu a boy that became deranged and much later got well but as an actor you need to study your environment which serves as your reservoir, also ‘ifa iwa’ a Yoruba movie where I played the role of ORUNMILA . The movie tells the story of a deity and I had to speak deep rooted Yoruba. I really got schooled by the producer who took his time because he felt I matched the personality, got some rave and buzz and I felt good about it.
Philosophy about life
Believing in God because whatever you are was made possible by Him for me its more of praise and little prayers and also trying to put smiles on people’s faces.
Future plans
A couple of movies to be shot within and outside the country.
How do you relax?
I workout,like now am here in the stadium just keeping fit because as an actor it’s all about how able you are to play any good role given to you.
Advice for upcoming actors
Work on your talent, be patient and GOD will see you through.