Momodu: A touch of simple, classy thing makes me a ladies’ man

Joseph Momodu is an actor, a model and media personality. His acting career started in 2013 when he featured in a TV series titled ‘Civilian Barracks’, produced by Mega creations. He has since featured in other TV series, including Tinsel, Soul Sisters, Crack in Wall, Inspector K web, The Johnsons and movies. Momodu is also known for his appearance in the Simi’s music video, Joromi and has been awarded twice the Best Body Male Award at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2018 and 2019. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, he speaks about his lifestyle and passion for his craft.

Share with us your growing up?
Growing up, for me, was adventurous. Being born into the extended royal family of Oba Momodu II in Etsako-West division of Edo State, as second to the last in the family, and the last of my mom’s children, came with different shades of adventure.

I lived part of my life as a Muslim with the names Abubakar Sadiq Momodu before ‘graduating’ to Joseph Momodu in 1999 when my late dad, Mr. Muhammad Aminu Momodu, converted to Christianity, and I also did. I’m a full time Surulere breed, born and bred there, lived there for 29years before relocating to the Island. I attended KennyT Nursery and Primary School, Adisa Bashua Primary School and the Lagos Progressive Senior Secondary School, all in Surulere before proceeding to Delta State University, Abraka where I obtained a degree in Mass Communication.

As an actor, model, presenter, how have you been able to hone your skills?
For me, as an actor, you’re also a model and once in a while a presenter. Holistically, the three professions are interrelated. I only get to focus when one comes separately. But I get the acting jobs more often than others. I only studied Mass Communication, trained at AIT/Raypower Benin, Edo State and got back to Lagos and focused on acting.

What are you currently working on or promoting?
I’m currently working on a project with Bconcept network, A Blessing Egbe Production, ‘Caught Inbetween’, a love drama where I am the leading cast.

What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion, for me, is another way to communicate without uttering a word. It’s a representation of your true self to the public, how you want to be seen and addressed is how you should dress. I mean why say a word when your attire and appearance
can do the talking?

What is your style?
My style is a mix of simplicity and class, the duo for me will birth a special blend of panache, a GQ kind of swag. The height, muscles and fine face are there already, so a touch of something simple and classy will obviously make Joe a perfect Ladies Man.

What’s your favourite piece of clothing?
My favourite clothing is anything blue, red or a mix of white and black, simply irresistible for me.

Who are your style icons?
Frank Oshodi, Soares Anthony, Yomi Casual and Jibola Agoro. I love how they represent what style is.

Who are your role models?
In no particular order, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Olu Jacobs, Yul Edochie and Frederick Leonard. They sharpen my life at almost every phase and stage. From when I was a teenager till now and even old age, I will keep looking up to them.

What’s your favourite local dish?
Pounded yam and Ogbono soup with fish.

What is your most cherished possession?
My landed properties

What is your most expensive item?
That will be my Samsung ultra slim smart TV in the living room.

Share with us your happiest moments?
When I made my first one million Naira and when I got a call that my immediate elder brother got involved in a fatal accident, he was almost dying and in coma. When I got to the hospital with my family, the doctor asked us to keep praying that his chances of survival was 50-50. After about 20minutes, he made it back to life from coma.

What are your turn offs and turn on?
I despise people that show off, pock-nose or are talkative. I like people who are nice, caring and friendly.

What are your hobbies?
Gym, acting, swimming

What is your philosophy of life?
Humans are naturally insatiable, so do your best and leave the rest. More so, treat others as you expect to be treated.

If you were given an opportunity to change Nigeria, what will you do?
I will ensure that the people in power and leading positions are young, capable hands, not all these ‘grandfathers’ that are insensitive to the plight of the people they govern.