Clems Ohameze
He is a reporter’s delight. Humble and friendly, Clems Ohameze embraced stardom with caution which has doubtless helped shield his private life from prying eyes of the press. After his almost disastrous attempt to go into politics, he has kept a very low profile. In this interview with our Reporter, Lucy Ezeliora, he explains why he relocated from Abuja to Asaba, Delta State and other issues. Enjoy one of the best actors in Nollywood.
You appear to be more frequent in the Eastern Region, especially Asaba, more than before. What is the reason?
It’s personal but after my explanation you will understand. I used to live in Abuja, specifically in Maitama. But most times, I would have several jobs in Asaba which necessitated my being on the road so often. At a point, it became very stressful. I eventually got tired of the whole stress so, I bought a house in Asaba and decided to live here. It is better for me because most of the jobs I do here, take longer hours and I always want to unwind after every job. This is the major reason I moved to Asaba.
Listen, am an old man and life begins at 40. I’m not saying I am 40 because I am more than 40 but the truth remains I need to enjoy myself. Staying Asaba is a better choice for me. I’m very happy and enjoying the place because life is very smooth here. It isn’t jam-parcked like Lagos or filled with traffic like Abuja. Asaba is a cool place.
What inspired you into acting?
To positively affect the lives of people through movies.
How long have you been into acting?
Since 1995.
Apart from acting, have you produced any movie of your own?
Yes. I have produced more than four movies. Two were done in Ivory Coast while the others two were done here in Nigeria.
Can you recall how many movies you have featured?
(Laughs) As at my last count, it was around 500 movies and I’m still doing more as you can see. Producers keep coming to me with one story or the other. And if the offer is right, I accept.
You are one of the famous actors in Nollywood. What are your views of the industry? Do you agree the industry has improved? If yes, in what areas?
There have been changes in every sector, same goes for Nollywood. I thank God we have stepped up from the level we used to be. Even the equipment are now of international standard. We have more educated actors and actresses in the industry. Let me say here, there’s a positive revolution in Nollywood. I always tell people that the industry will evolve for good. Going back to the cinema; we are heading to the point where the professionals will take over the business and things will be done right. Right now, the people in control of the industry are not really the top professionals, but I give them kudos, because without them, we won’t have come this far.
But all we ask, is better finance, let there be some structure. One of the biggest finances today in United States is Hollywood. The government here got involved in Nollywood, because they found out that Nollywood is mega money business or structure. That is where they got it wrong. You can’t just jump in from nowhere and take over what people used their lives and resources to build. No! We don’t work that way. But the change will come and is coming gradually. It’s most unfortunate that the people we helped are not the people that will take us to the promised-land. There are people who have not come out to talk about the progress of the industry and these are the future of Nollywood
What caused your disappearance from the screen and what informed your return?
Nothing! I felt I needed to move on to something else, so I went into politics. That was in 2006, I registered with PDP and contested for House of Reps in Imo state. I won the primaries and immediately after that, I became faced with all kinds of threats. I noticed people were not happy I went into politics. They said, “Clems, you are not supposed to be here, go and face your movie and leave us here.” They started chasing me, sending me threatening messages and before I knew it, my car was attacked by robbers.
Although, I escaped, my cousin was killed and my driver was injured. It was that serious. They thought I was inside the car and they wanted to eliminate me. I had to leave Owerri, through Enugu to Abuja, and to the United Kingdom and finally to America. In fact, I was just running around for my safety. What helped me mostly is that I have dual citizenship so had no limits to what I could do there. Thank God, I’m back home for good. I came back to Nigeria last year, because I believe everything is calm now.
Now that you’re back, what are we expecting from you?
A lot. This business is the only one that opens doors. As long as you are in this business, any door you knock opens without stress.
Aside acting, do you have any personal business you are running?
I have businesses here in Nigeria including properties. I also have business interests in U.S, U.K and Ivory Coast. Once the money is there, trust me, I love investment and I will always invest it wisely.
How would you rate acting in Nigeria? Are our producers and directors making things easy for actors?
The job itself is challenging. You have to go out to locations and most times, you aren’t well taken care of by the producers. Some movie producers end up frustrating actors all in the name of money or acting. What will you do? You have been paid for the job, so you endure till the job is completed. But the most important challenge is the forfeiture of one’s private life. Being a public figure, is limiting. Sincerely, it isn’t easy being a star. You have to maintain the standard you have built for yourself no matter where you are or what you are facing.
So what turns you off?
(Laughs) Women turn me off. I knew you would ask that question.
What turns you on?
Good food turns me on and my daughters. They make me happy. I have three lovely girls and they are fond of me. In fact, we just came back from vacation from London and are planning to go to the U.S for another vacation. That is to tell you how close we are. I love my girls so much. I just wonder what life would have been without them.
What about their mother, I mean your wife, do you still spend time with her?
Yes I do. Is she not the mother of my children?
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