Nollywood screen bad boy, Jim Iyke, recently granted an interview to International blog, GlamsenseDivas.com where he bared it all…
Was he referring to what am thinking? Anywayz, enjoy the interview...
Glam: Hi Jim, it’s our pleasure to finally catch up with you?
Jim: Pleasure is mine ma’am.
Glam: Tell our readers who Jim is?
Jim: I’m an actor, businessman and philanthropist. I‘ve been an actor for over a decade and I’m CEO of untamed integrated services that have small interests in construction, films production, music, fashion and event management. And I also have my own Jim Iyke foundation.
Glam:Where are you from?
Jim: I’m from Enugu Agidi in Anambra State in the east of Nigeria
Glam: You are the Brad Pitt in Nigeria, How did you get started in the Film industry?
Jim: I went to university of Jos where I studied psychology. Back then the job prospects then was looking bleak. I was about 23 when an acquaintance of mine introduced me to a brief course organized by the British commission called ‘script to screen’ which I attended and was instantly enraptured with the industry. After the two week course I knew I had found my niche.
Glam: What is the Movie industry like in comparison to the USA?
Jim: Very remote basis for comparison. Except for the common medium of sharing the same art form, technically and financially Hollywood is light years ahead. But the global appeal Nollywood enjoys today from not only the African continent but d African and Caribbean communities in the diaspora is because we’ve stayed true to the demography our work serves. We created an industry out of seemingly nothing by old fashion values, hard work and honestly a lot of trial and errors. This was long before my time before the advent of the Cadre of young gifted film makers we have now.
Glam: Are you besieged everywhere you go by fans, or is normal for you there?
Jim: Geography differs to fan reaction. Some are calm and reasonable some aren’t so civil. But there’s always a reaction of sorts. Good or not, I always remind myself to man up and take it in my stride and be as amiable as I can… no matter the circumstance I’m going through. It’s all part of the job description.
Glam:Which movie would you say is your biggest accomplishment so far?
Jim: I thought my life long pursuits will give me that paramount satisfaction. While it’s deeply gratifying to be recognized and win laurels I have to say seeing all my sisters through college is one of my greatest accomplishments. The pride I felt was unparalleled.
Glam: You were nominated Nigerian Sexiest Man in 2008, did that turn you into a sex symbol, and how do you deal with the Ladies?
Jim: Lol! Sexiest man huh? I think people take that kind of stuff seriously. I think it’s hilarious! My sisters were on my case for ages! I grew up around women. I’m the only guy amongst six funny gifted young women. We had humble, small town upbringing. We consider stuff like that out of our depth and frankly hilarious(lol)
Glam: How do you keep in shape?
Jim: I practice taekwondo. I have been for ages. I run long distances as much as I can. I’m quite mindful of what I consume and elements I allow in my space! They all play a huge role in the big picture. I epitomize the wine in the cellar theory. Keep it in the right condition and it will mature while it taste better and increases in worth and longevity
Glam: Have any of your Movies made it on to big screen, and do you think Nollywood movies don’t gets their fair chance of recognition?
Jim: I think we are to the degree our in put and demography stretches. It’s a force, a movement. It’s started and it can only get bigger from here on which is inevitable. It’s fairly novel in some circles I travel especially the Caucasian west. But as I said its globalization is now a question of time and positioning.
Glam: What projects are you working on right now?
Jim: We’re in the throes of opening another branch of our boutique Untamed Closet in The Gambia and Lagos in addition to Abuja. We ve started shoot in on my reality Show Jim Iyke Unscripted and we have a couple of movies we produced last year we ill be releasing early next year. I’m also looking forward to organizing a few charity events to raise funds for orphanages back home. Finally I’m excited about our new Line of bespoken suits from my clothing line Untamed Men coming before the middle of January. We enjoyed remarkable success with our previous engagement in that sphere.
Glam: Who is your favorite international actress or Actor?
Jim: I think Morgan Freeman, Al Pacino and Robert Deniro sits with the all-time greats of our generation?
Glam:What’s next for Jim?
Jim: If I knew, that will make it boring wouldn’t it. I just know it’s going to be awesome. I live by a philosophy; “Work smart, pray hard, love deeply and give it all you got.” More often than not the end result will be rewarding.
Glam: You are a fashionable man, what pieces of clothes are ‘your must have(s)’?
Jim: A black blazer, a black pair of shoes, good fitted pair of jeans, a good functional watch, a good fitted shirt (white or blue). You can dump me in the amazon jungle and I’ll still come out on point!
Glam: Who is your favorite Designer?
Jim: Tom Ford is exceptional. I like pieces that afford me liberty and access of high and middle circles while maintaining my individuality and flair. It’s what we hope to reflect in our clothing line -brand.
Glam: Well it was Glam’s pleasure chatting with you, can’t wait to see your next movie?
Jim: Thank you Glam.
