Moc Madu: Playing Chike in Afamefuna opened doors for me

Moc Madu is a Nollywood actor and model. Born in Sokoto, the Anambra State native has a degree in theatre arts from the Imo State University, Owerri. The budding actor has featured in movies including, Brotherhood, Orah, Blood and Rage, Mothers Love, Simple People, Bosslady, and most recently, Afamefuna. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, he shares his passion for acting, navigating the industry as well as his role in Afamefuna.

Take us through your journey into the Nollywood industry?
I started acting professionally in 2015. Growing up in Abuja, and being someone, who is passionate about acting, I went through a lot to be in the movie environment in Abuja. I became a crew member, which became part of my career line, but the passion for acting became stronger, I had to leave Abuja to Kaduna, where I worked with Toka Mcbaror on his movie project in 2011. After the project, I didn’t go back to Abuja. Rather, I took the next available bus to Lagos, not knowing any one, but yes, I googled a school call Pefti Film Institute and I said to myself this will be a landing point, at least, I will have accommodation for some while I studied and pursued my acting career. I was studying Cinematography in PEFTI, while I was going for acting auditions, and of course, I got opportunity to feature in Papa Ajasco and Super Story as an actor but my major push was after I made it through the Mnet audition in Lagos that got me featured in foremost Hotel Majestic telenovela in 2015.

You featured in the Netflix movie, Afamefuna, how would you describe your experience on set?
Playing adult Chike was, indeed, a great experience, and the fact that I spoke Igbo all through my scenes. It was really amazing and what made it more memorable was the friendship. Working with Alex Ekubo, Stan Nze, Kanayo O. Kanayo and lots of amazing actors and the Director, Kayode Kassum, made it really easy for the actors. So, in general we had an amazing environment that made the job enjoyable. While filming in the market, I saw how the Nwa boys were really hustling for customers and that actually gave more light to the characters we played. So, basically my relationship with the actors and crew was such a beautiful experience.

Tell us about your role?
Chike happened to be Afam’s guy, always ready to fight for him, which you could see from the opening scenes. Chike’s shows that in the circle of Ndi Oga you always find your own pals that can stand up for you in your challenging time. I really enjoyed playing Chike because it has truly opened other opportunities for me.

What projects are you currently working on?
So, currently I’m featured in two movies produced by Kanayo O. Kanayo and another produced by Chichi Nwora and few others not to be disclosed, but trust me they are intriguing movies that you have to look forward to.

What stands out for you in the Nollywood industry and keeps you going?
What’s stands out for me is the fact that Nollywood is evolving and we are beginning to tell better stories and the cinema culture has grown and still growing and off course the streaming platforms has created more work for actors and filmmakers and more investors are beginning to believe in the film business. So, basically the industry is a major employer of labour as many are gainfully employed.

Share with us some of the challenges you have faced navigating through?
Without missing words, I got a lot of rejections and many ‘No’s and some of the things that come with rejections is depression. I was depressed a couple of times. I will cry to my satisfaction and then I will pray. But that didn’t deter me. I was resilient, I refused to give up. I did some jobs that I wasn’t paid. I remembered vividly how I traveled to another state to film for a producer on the promise that he would pay me after the shoot, I was done with the shoot but couldn’t get even my transportation fare to go back home. And then the industry somewhat has caucus where you have to play some games to belong or to get a movie role. It hasn’t been rosy but I’m no longer where I used to be.

Who do you consider your biggest influences in the industry?
I wouldn’t say who, but there are few people who are still influencers in my life. The likes of Femi Jacobs; he will chat me up and leave some words of encouragement for me. Kanayo O Kanayo is a father to me always praying and wishing me well and Ijeoma Grace Agu; that woman pushed and stretched me I truly appreciate her. She is one of the major influences in my life.

Do you think platforms like Netflix and Amazon are creating impact and redefining the industry?
To some extent they are but you can agree with me that there are still other platforms they are holding back like the Cinemas/ Theatre: As much as the impact is huge.

⁠What does style mean to you?
Style is anything that makes me feel comfortable when I wear it. It can be simple or complex but has to be comfortable for me. My style depends on my mood basically.

When you are not on set, what is Moc doing?
I love sports. I love to play lawn Tennis. If I’m not doing any sporting activities, then I am off to go support family business
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Describe Moc is three words?
Moc is passionate, resilient and focused
What is your philosophy of life?
When life gets tough, I get tougher.