By Rita Okoye 

At age seven, Chimezie Imo started his journey into the entertainment industry by joining the church’s choir and theatre groups where he learnt to hone his craft.

After years of consistent hard work, he is now one of the most sought-after Nigerian actors and model, renowned for his roles in “Nimbe,” “Kasala,” “Breath of Life,” and the MTV Shuga Naija series. 

He recently won the Trailblazer Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, 2024. 
Imo has received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of ‘Elijah’ in “Breath of Life.” 

In this interview with Allure, the young, vibrant actor discusses how he brought this character to life in Breath of Life, and other aspects of his acting career.

Congratulations on winning the AMVCA Trailblazer Award that recognizes actors who are breaking new grounds in Nollywood. Can you tell us about a specific instance where you felt you were pushing boundaries in your career?
I’m grateful for all the projects I’ve been on, they’ve all been opportunities to push boundaries; but playing Elijah felt like an opportunity to challenge the story telling and cinematography techniques currently used in Nollywood.

What does winning AMVCA Trailblazer award mean to you?
It was truly a surprise but it made me feel seen and recognized. It became clear that the gift God has given to me was undeniable and stamped what I will call “just the beginning of my impact”. 

Winning this award puts you in the spotlight. How do you plan to leverage this recognition for future projects?
I’ve always been one to make the best out of every opportunity God has given me, push the boundaries and set vivid examples for others. This is why I intend to use the limelight not only to promote my career but to create opportunities for other talents to emerge. My team and I are working behind the scene to create programs and platforms for emerging talents. 

Many actors dream of international recognition. Do you have any aspirations to work in Hollywood or other film industries outside of Nigeria?

We all know inter-cultural story-telling and collaborations are very essential to development of any industry. We’ve seen it in fashion, music and a few times in the movie industry. I’m a strong believer in growth this is one of the reasons I directed and starred in my soon-to-be released project “Adam Bowl” which is the first ever Nigerian/Kazakhstan project. My debut feature film as a producer titled “Strawberry Chinny” will also be debuting its world premiere at Essence Film Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, this July 2024. 

How did acting begin for you?
I started acting at the age of 6 when I joined my church drama group called “His Majesty Drama Group.“ After that, I participated in a reality show called “The Next movie star” where I emerged runner up. Since then, it has been from attending one audition to another and seeking for opportunities to do what I love, and God has held my hands all through my journey.

What were your early challenges and how did you overcome them?

Like many actors, booking roles is the biggest (or one of ) challenge starting out and after wards. But as time goes, you embrace this challenge and keep moving forward.

How did you secure your role as Elijah in Breath of Life?
Audition, Audition, Audition! I’m an audition baby. I got the role by auditioning like every other actor; but I give every audition my best no matter the project because I believe you are one audition away from your big break. 

What are some of the life lessons learnt from your role in Breath of life?
Playing the role ‘Elijah’ taught me about the love of a man who laid down his life for his son. That is the kind of love God teaches us. 
It also taught me that kindness can heal the world. Elijah was a kind and genuine man. He came into Mr. Timi’s life at a point where he lost all hope, and he became a light through acts of kindness. At the end, his life was saved through Mr Timi’s act of kindness. Kindness can heal the world. 

How else do you train yourself to become a better actor?
Practice, learning from others and more practice. 

Beyond acting, are there any other creative areas you’d like to explore in the future, such as directing or producing?
Oh yes, why not? My debut project as a director is premiering in July at the Essence Film Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. There’ll be so much more of that in the future. 

With so many talented actors in Nollywood, what do you believe sets you apart?
I am honestly not aware of any quality that sets me apart from other very talented actors we have in Nollywood. I try to stay focused on the work and on my own lane, while learning and being inspired by other amazing talents.

What are some of the opportunities acting has brought your way?
Acting has had me travel to places I probably wouldn’t travel to any time soon and also meet amazing people around the world both physically and online. But above all, the opportunity to be different people and live the lives of other people I think, it’s the ultimate.

Can you mention those roles you look forward to playing in future?
I am just scratching the surface in my acting career. I love a good challenge. The more challenging it is, the more I am drawn to it. So, let’s have them. I would definitely love to play an action role, like be the next spider man (laughs).

Nollywood is known for its vibrant storytelling. What are some of the challenges you face in bringing these stories to life?
I think, for me, the biggest challenge to bringing a story to life as an actor, is not having the clear vision of a project or the director unable to articulate his vision to me. That can cause a lack of direction and be a major challenge.

Can you share some fond memories of your growing up days?
Fondest memories growing up have to be chilling with all my family every Thursday evening to watch super story. We never missed it!

How did your parents react to your choice of career?
As every caring parent, they worried if it would be financially sustainable but they supported me, and I am glad they are so proud of me now.

As a trailblazer, do you have any advice for aspiring Nollywood actors or filmmakers?
I would always say even to myself, keep showing up!! Don’t give up, you are one audition away from your big break.

Can you share some exciting projects you are working on?
I already mentioned my two directing projects. There are many more coming that I can’t disclose just yet that I am super excited about. 
The line up is crazy but stay focused on CHIMEZIE IMO. 

Can you define your style?
Clean, creative and fluid. I don’t like to be placed in a box. 

Any preferred holiday destination?
The Maldives, Greece, New Zealand.