In the ever-evolving and vibrant Nigerian entertainment landscape, one name stands out for his uncanny ability to weave laughter, drama, and music into a seamless performance: Julius Agwu affectionately called the Julius DeGenius.
 
This moniker isn’t just a nod to his agility on stage; it’s a testament to his multifaceted talent and enduring presence in the entertainment industry. His works has stood the test of time, continuing to captivate audiences with their enduring appeal.
 
Agwu’s song, Handwork, is one such masterpiece that has remained a beloved classic, even years after its release. The song not only showcased Agwu’s exceptional talent but also left an indelible mark on the Nigeria state as it addressed some of the matters that are prevalent, from politics to good governance, religion, education, and social strata among others.
  
More than a just a comic sketch, Handwork resonated and still resonates with people from all walks of life. Agwu’s clever writing, impeccable timing, and hilarious portrayal of characters made the song an instant hit.
 
The classic’s relatability factor —the themes and characters drawn from everyday life— and the timeless nature of the humor employed and deployed by Agwu, which doesn’t rely on fleeting trends or references makes it easy for listeners to identify with the narrative.
 
Whatever the reason, Handwork remains a work of comedic genius that continues to entertain and inspire new generations of comedy fans. Agwu’s uncanny ability to weave laughter, drama, and music into a seamless performance is a testament to his skill as a comedian and actor, and has endeared him to many fans and households.
  
Born in Port Harcourt, Agwu’s journey into the limelight began with a passion for music and performance. His entry into the entertainment industry was not without its bumps. According to him, his comedy journey began when he was in primary school.
 
From humble beginnings to becoming a household name, the story of the Okcombo master, as the Choba, Rivers State native would later be affectionately called is one of triumph over adversity, inspiring countless fans and aspiring entertainers alike.
 
He said, “While in primary school, my teacher then will always punish me for coming to class late. I use to sell pap for my mother in the morning before going to school. My teacher will tell me to kneel down while teaching and after a long time he will call me out to dance while the class clapped for me. Then I use to dance like Ajasco and gradually I started being funny
  
“In my class 1 in secondary school, I joined Willyzic Traveling Theatre owned by Innocent Chinyere Ohiri ‘Willy Willy’, and we travelled to various states to perform. I also had my theatre troupe while in secondary school and we were going to other schools to perform poetry and drama.
   
“As a matter of fact, whenever I go to the farm with my mother, I will stroll into University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) to watch students rehearsing. Our farm was close to the school, Bob-Manuel Udokwu was one of the students back then, he schooled in UNIPORT,” Agwu added. 

With his style is characterised by sharp wit, impeccable timing, and an uncanny ability to connect with the audience, the multi-talented entertainer rose to prominence in the early 2000s, becoming a household name with his unique blend of comedy and music which he dubbed musicomedy.
 
Beyond comedy and music, Agwu has showcased his prowess as an actor. He has starred in numerous Nollywood films and stage plays including Rattlesnake (1995), A Long Night (2015), Wives on Strike (2016), Wives On Strike: The Revolution (2017), and Dognapped (2017) among others, showcasing his versatility and demonstrating his range and depth as a performer.
 
His performances are often described as hilarious, engaging, and relatable, making him a favorite among audiences of all ages. His ability to seamlessly transition between comedy, music, and drama has cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s most versatile entertainers.
  
Recalled that in 2015, the stage lights dimmed; the jokes paused, rumors flew as fans were hit with devastating news of Agwu’s brain tumor. Emergency surgery followed which almost claimed his life, but he came back — slowly and bravely.
  
“Satan works in mysterious ways, but God works in miraculous ways. When you survive brain surgery, every breath becomes a joke,” said the entertainer who is now an evangelist, adding that “God used the surgery to open my eyes to see a lot of things.
    
“There are those who did not undergo surgery, but they are no more today. There are those who shoot or act in films, those shoot comedy skits, those who do a lot of things and they sleep but never wake up again. So, for me, I give all glory to God,” he enthused.
 
More than just a name, the MD/CEO of Reellaif Limited — a music and movie production company — and the brain behind comedy shows like Crack Ya Ribs, Laff 4 Christ’s Sake, and Festival of Love, is a force, bundle of energy whose humor didn’t just entertain, but help built the Nigerian comedy industry with raw talent and razor-sharp wit.
 
It need be noted that long before skit-making became a legitimate career, TikTok launched the careers of overnight sensations, and clout overshadowed actual talent, Agwu had already paved the way for the generations behind him including AY, Basketmouth, Bovi, Buchi, MC Acapella and others too numerous to mention.