Posted by By AZUH AMATUS and BOLANLE FANITIRE on
For two consecutive years now, handsome actor cum model, Chidi "GQ" Mokeme, had the privilege of anchoring the popular Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) reality TV show sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc.
For two consecutive years now, handsome actor cum model, Chidi "GQ" Mokeme, had the privilege of anchoring the popular Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) reality TV show sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc.
The 33-year-old actor has by so doing dazzled millions of TV viewers in the country with his peculiar style as the presenter of the wave-making reality show.
Last year, Mokeme led the GUS hopefuls to Snake Island in the outskirts of Lagos, and eventually made history as the first artiste to supervise and present the show to millions of Nigerians who fell in love with the concept.
In a recent interview with Daily Sun, the Anambra State-born actor, who is still single but not searching, admitted being a playboy.
Mokeme also shared his recent experience at Obudu Hills in Cross Rivers State; venue of this year's GUS 2, noting among others, factors that have made the reality show tick and popular:
Gulder Ultimate Search 2: Life at Obudu hills
The experience on the set of GUS 2 was wonderful. You need to go and experience it yourself. Obudu is a masterpiece of nature. There are really no words you can use to quantify how you feel climbing atop the hills of Obudu. It was fun and wild experience.
Anchorman for GUS 1 & 2
I guess it is basically for continuity purposes. My personal opinion to them is that it is good to have a steady anchorperson that has also followed the show from inception and at every point in time, have available history to rely on. There was also series of screen test again for the second time. And at the end of the day, they said to me, you got to keep the job. And I said okay, I'm ready to work.
Concept of GUS 2 and style of presentation
Well, GUS 2 is a big show. In fact, it is the biggest show in Africa right now. A project that gulps between N300 to N500 million cannot have one man calling the shots. It was a fieldwork and kudos should be given to those who started the original idea - Insight Communications and NB Plc. We actually do work as a family whenever we are on set.
21 days away from home and family
Let me say that by now, I'm very used to being away from home. Over the years, my job as an actor has been taking me away from home. I've actually stayed for more than 21 days on some movies sets. But then, the experience on GUS was quite different from the ones at movie locations. In GUS, there is so much excitement, adrenalin is pumping and you are expected to do things at the spur of the moment. There is really no time for "take two". I was actually out for more than 21 days. I missed my dogs.
As a matter of fact, one of my dogs delivered a set of eight puppies while I was away. And all of these puppies died. I attributed the loss to my absence. I miss all the regular things. I miss my car, because I relax in it. Not being able to go somewhere and hear some loud music. But then, I have to work to fund all these luxuries.
Presenting GUS 2
I think the jitters came with GUS I. Being the very first edition and also the first time for me on TV. First time to do a live TV show. It was the first time to present a reality show. There were a whole lot of pressures and responsibilities on me. That brought about the jitters. But for the GUS 2, there was nothing like that.
Memories of GUS 2 at Obudu
Every day was a memorable one for me while recording in Obudu. The whole package makes the experience and brings out the fond memories. I see the whole memories as one big package.
Contestants for GUS 2 and GUS 1
We should not forget that we were dealing with a wide variety of individuals from different backgrounds. We can't always expect the same behavioural pattern from everyone of them. They came with their own set of challenges. Although, the excitement for GUS 2 might have started a little bit dull, but it later on picked up very well. The contestants had an early bonding and quickly adapted to the entire concept.
In the first few episodes of the show, I was a little harsh to the contestants, but it was just to remind them that they were there for a purpose and that millions of people would be watching them. Meanwhile, there were no scripts for them to follow. My being harsh came with the show. People misconstrued GUS 2 for Big Brother Africa. But both are not the same. GUS 2 was all about life in the jungle and as a matter of fact, we went out of our way to put the contestants in some form of discomfort. My job was basically to guide the pack of ten contestants, mould them until one came out as the ultimate man. There were no emotions during the eviction moments because I was actually eager to get rid of anyone for not keeping to the rules and not having what it takes to be the ultimate man.
Safety at Obudu for 21 days
The place wasn't screened or fumigated. But no one was bitten by snakes or attacked by wild animals. However, there were reported cases of snakes' sightings, especially around Fort Max on one or two occasions. But we had adequate security and medical facility in palce at Obudu hills in case of emergencies. Aside that, the hills of Obudu are not hostile as regards animal inhabitants.
Between GUS 1 & 2
I think in life, the expectation is to make progress in anything one does. So it's natural to expect GUS 2 to be an improvement of the first one. If I look at it from that backdrop, I will say that GUS 2 was better than GUS I. But then, they both came with their peculiar kind of challenges. We usually learn from the mistakes of the past and always try to improve upon them in future editions. In the third edition, there will also be lots of improvement.
Rooms for improve ment
Most of the problems we encountered were actually based on logistics. It takes a lot to keep a show of that magnitude running, especially on the issue of power supply, for 24 hours. I look forward to a situation where electricity would be available all through the show without us managing it. Next year, I also want to see more inputs and partnership coming from more corporate bodies and state governments.
Cross Rivers State government was most supportive this year. We want more state governments to join us in our future editions to enable them showcase their endowments. GUS is not just about entertainment but part of the corporate and social responsibility of NB Plc to the society in helping to mould the youths. GUS helps in showcasing positive values.
Were you paid N1.2 million to anchor GUS 2?
I was actually paid lot more than that. But the exact amount I can't disclose publicly. Even last year, I got a bonus prize from the chairman of NB Plc to the tune of N1million naira. In terms of remuneration, I'm as ultimate as the ultimate man.
Current job
I just returned from a movie location by Andy Best Production in Abuja. The title of the movie is Pretty Angels. I played the lead role. I had another recording in Lagos with Lion-Base Productions. The movie was titled Blood Of An Armed Robber. And I will soon be going for other jobs. In fact, I'm basically back to what I know how to do best.
GUS and Nollywood
The two editions of GUS have helped in widening the scope of my fan base tremendously. But I'm still who I am in Nollywood. GUS can only bring positive changes.
First movie in Nollywood
I joined the commercial aspect of Nollywood in 1995. I had a shuttle between Zeb Ejiro's Goodbye Tomorrow and Ralph Nwadike's Body of Vengeance. They were my first two movies in Nollywood. But I have been a model for long before Nollywood beckoned. Right now, I do more of endorsements. I had been working with the cameras long before Nollywood, particularly with people who were into TV. At one point, I was under Alex Usifo, who had an agency called Silver Models. I was then one of his models. I was into all these, until Nollywood came, so I guess the transition was more natural.
Success in Nollywood
I owe my success to everybody who has given me the opportunity to work with him or her. They all contributed to who I am today. I've actually worked my way to the top. Ten years is a long time. It is not a flash in the pan. It's been ten long years of dedication, hard work and commitment, many years of excellence and professionalism.
Ten years in Nollywood
With all sense of humility, I actually expected I would be way above where I am today. I took many risks to be in this industry. It was not something that my parents readily agreed to. They actually had lots of problems with me modeling then. But somehow, I was strong headed and was adamant on what I wanted to do. I always had problems with them whenever I go for shootings and come back very late. They never could understand what kind of jobs I was into as a teenager then. We had lots of friction then and I was a science student. My transition into movies now made it worse for my parents and me. Now I was no longer coming back late, but also staying away for one week or more on locations. It was not easy. And the determination in me for them to let me be was just to make a success out of this career. But I refused to quit. I always say to myself that the challenges as far as movies are concerned have not come yet. I still believe that there is so much more that I'm willing to unleash, but just waiting for the right kind of setting.
Biggest problem facing Nollywood
Nollywood has legion of problems. At the core of it all is mediocrity. It is virus that comes in various forms. But if you dig deep, you will find out that the bottom line is still mediocrity. People, who do not appreciate the craft of arts, should not be involved. If you have people who are coming in because of the millions they are making, then you will have so many substandard products.
Image of a playboy
If I cut that image in my movies, that is cool. But in real life, I'm a positive kind of playboy. My idea of what people call a playboy is some guy who is sleek, good looking and got everything going for him with nice cars and good house. Somebody who wears the right clothes, says the right thing without any impure intent in his heart. I want to look good, drive the kind of car that makes me happy. And also make those around me happy.
Female fans and admirers
One of the hardest things to find in Nigeria is gratitude for what you do. It is a difficult society. The truth is that some want to go beyond appreciating my work. I try to find ways of not hurting them whenever they come my way. I know where exactly to cut the line. I deal with it as it comes.
Marriage
I'm working towards that. I have a serious relationship. You will know more about her when the time comes. We will tie the knot, as soon as God says move.
Background
I'm Chidiebere Geoffrey Azubuike Mokeme. The GQ actually comes from the G in my English name. And the Q, stands for Quo. I got it from status quo. I turned 33 last March 17.
I'm the first in a family of two boys and three girls. I was born in Ogidi, Anambra State, but grew up here in Lagos. I'm also from Oba in the same State. I was a few months old when my parents brought me to Lagos. But my secondary education was in Minna, Niger State. I later went to Enugu for my higher education.
Future goals
To be the best in whatever it is that I lay my hands on. I have lots of plans that I'm working on - they are still under wraps. I will unleash them at the appropriate time. I will also go into movie making at the appropriate time.
How rich are you?
The truth is that I have a lot of goodwill going for me. I'm very comfortable…