Honestly, I’m not romantic –Diamond ‘Alobam’ Okechi
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If there is one thing that stands out Diamond Okechi aka Alobam, it is his versatility. He has depicted the role of a prince, gangster and lover boy and has won rave reviews for his skills. However, in this chat with Entertainer, Alobam declares that despite his versatility, he can never play a gay for all the money in the world. Enjoy it.
Could you tell us about your early days in the movie industry?
I joined the industry on October 2, 2007, with the help of notable filmmakers like Iyke Odife and Mr. China who assisted in making my journey smooth and successful.
What was your first role and which movie was it?
My first movie role was in Enemy in The House, and the experience still sticks in my memory; it was shot in 2007.
How many movies have you played and could you mention some of them?
I have featured in over 28 movies. They include Worst of Friends and Nwa Abakalikito mention a few. The most popular is Alobam Nwa Aguleri. The flick gave me recognition as an actor. It is from where I got my stage name, Alobam. My fans and colleagues commended my role in the film. And after that movie, the name took over my real name; people hardly call me Diamond Okechi these days.
You always depict the role of a prince, gangster or lover boy in your movies. Which would you say has really challenged you as an actor?
Wow! That was a movie entitled, 50 Days With Christ where I played a prince, while Pete Edochie was the king and my father. But I think Primitive is my most challenging movie to date, because it is an Igbo epic movie yet to be released into the market. It has so much Igbo idiomatic expressions and also a lot of comic relief; it is quite an entertaining flick. And I must thank the director, Iyke Odife, for always believing in my ability and role interbe released into the market. It has so pretation skills.
As a ‘lover boy’, how romantic are you?
Honestly, I am not romantic (laughter).
So, who is Diamond Okechi off the set?
He is a fun loving person, jovial, friendly and very peaceful. He’s a fellow who wouldn’t hurt a fly. However, I don’t like it when people take my simplicity for granted.
Some stakeholders are clamouring for the promotion of Igbo movies as a path to the revival of the Igbo language. What is your view?
I am very elated that Igbo language movies are being produced today and are on the rebound. Most of the flicks I’ve done this year are Igbo indigenous movies, and it gives me joy as an Igbo that our filmmakers in the east are restoring the glory of the Igbo culture through film.
How have you been managing the life of a handsome celebrity, most especially with your female fans?
I handle them as fans and nothing more.
Okay, how do you handle ladies who have crush on you?
I treat them with so much respect because they are part of the reason I am a marketable brand. So, I tell them politely about my girlfriend.
Could you tell us more about your girlfriend?
I am in love with someone dear to my heart and I am so pleased being in this relationship with her, and hoping that by the grace of God, the relationship will be crowned with eternal bliss.
Who is this girl you have entrusted your heart to?
I wouldn’t like to disclose my personal life but when the right time comes you will know her.
Is she an actress?
She is neither in the movie industry nor an actress, but she is an Igbo.
Can you marry an actress?
I cannot marry an actress because I can’t be on location while my wife is also shooting on another location. How do we manage the home front? So, I will marry from outside the movie industry. That is the road to a sustainable marriage.
Since you have found your soul mate, tell us about your ideal woman?
She is everything a man needs in a woman; I am a lucky man. In fact, she has all the qualities I desire, and I am grateful to God for sending her to me.
How was growing up like?
I was born and bred in Ajao Estate, Lagos. I attended Ajao Grammar School before proceeding to Federal Polytechnic Nekede. I am from a family of five boys and a girl. I am the second child of the family. In fact, my childhood was fun! My parents, Mr and Mrs Emmanuel Okechi were disciplinarians but we are reaping the fruits of the upbringing they gave to us today, and we are forever grateful for their love.
Did you actually kiss all the girls in one of your movies entitled, Boarding House Students?
I didn’t only kiss the girls but also passed all the saliva in my mouth to them (laughter). But let me remind you that it is a make-belief industry, so I kiss to depict the character and leave viewers to their imagination and nothing more.
How does your girlfriend react to the romantic roles you play?
She understands that it is my job and also knows it ends on set. After all, she has seen how movies are shot on location and the numbers of cast and crew on set.
Is there anything you cannot do on set for all the money in the world?
I can never play the role of a gay and nobody should contact me for such an ungodly character.
What is your advice for aspiring actors?
They must be rest assured of what they want before venturing into the industry, because it is a serious job.