MOC MADU, A FIGHTER WHO NEVER GIVES UP

The Fruit Tree Magazine
Feb 28, 2018
5 min read

Updated: Sep 30, 2022

Kindly tell us about yourself and what you do for a living?

My name is MOC OGENNA MADU. I hail from Anambra State and I am the oldest of six in my family. Born in Sokoto and raised in Abuja. Moc Madu is a young passionate Actor, Model and a filmmaker, Some of the movies I produced and co-produced has gone for film festivals. The short film PREGNANCY JOKE was selected for AFRIFF, LAST ACT was selected for INSHORT and CHILDREN OF THE STREET was selected for RTF (Realtime Film Festival).

ON PERSONALITY

What was your childhood years like – did you have pre-defined hopes and dreams?

My childhood wasn’t so rosy because I lost my silver spoon just before my JSS3, it was really difficult for me moving from a private secondary to government school. To cut the long story short I did hawk on the street while growing up. And Just like every other kid. I desired or more like wanted to be so many things while growing up and being a medical doctor was my number one desire but you know destiny will always play its role in one's life.

You seem to be a man of so many passions, what else are you involved in other than acting?

Business- Family business,

Kindly describe some of the challenges you’ve had to face in achieving your goals and aspirations as an actor?

Hmmmm. challenges? I Travelled to attend auditions.

I went for almost all the auditions I heard about. Oftentimes, my artiste fee gets slashed after shoots but I let it all slide for the sake of a good relationship.

In getting to where you are today, how much hard work did you have to put in?

I went for trainings, got an acting coach, spent time talking to my mentors.

Prince David Osei from Ghana was one persons who really inspired me so much and he really encouraged me.

So much work was done - Physically, emotionally and spiritually. When I say spiritually, I mean I prayed to God ceaselessly. And hey I have not stopped working hard because my Dad once told me that the reward for hard work is MORE WORK, so you see Hard work cannot be compromised in any way.

Describe your personality. What three-character traits would your friends say you possess?

I am humble, committed and always happy

What do you LOVE about yourself and why?

I love everything about myself and knowing that I'm a work in progress makes me love myself more.

How was your first experience on set, did you feel intimidated by anyone?

Intimidated? NO.

ON CAREER

Kindly list some movies you’ve starred in

SHUGA - SEASON 6

HUSH

HOTEL MAJESTIC

TEARS OF LOVE -SEASON 3

THE OTHER WOMAN

OFFICER TITUS - WEB SERIES

DEATH ISLAND - DIRECTED BYTOKA MCBAROR

PUSHING 30 - DIRECTED BYBELINDA YANGA

NOT ALL GOLD GLITTERS - DIRECTED BYEGO AGHEDO

GRAVE DUST - DIRECTED BYIKECHUKWU ONYEKA

IN THE DEEP - DIRECTED BYOKECHUKWU OKU

LOST HAPPINESS - (SUB LEAD) - DIRECTED BYKALU ANYA

CITY WIVES - DIRECTED BYEMMA ANYAKA

RACHEL'S DIARY - DIRECTED BYALFRED DIDO

How versatile are you as an actor?

Any good actor should be versatile if

What do you do to infuse yourself in any given role?

Do you easily get into character?

First, I have read the script as many times as possible, that’s if the script is given to me way before the shoot. I also call the director to help with the character bible, then I marry my mirror, hahahahaha.

But in a situation where the script is given to me few hours before shoot. I have no choice but to do justice to the character.

What do you think is the greatest challenge facing actors in Nollywood today?

Every actor has his/her own challenges and how you handle them makes you stronger. So, for me every level I attain in my career comes with its own challenge.

In view of your achievements and experience as an actor, what’s the one thing that motivates you the most?

PASSION. Then the money.

Tell us about some personal struggles you’ve had to go through in the course of furthering your career as an actor?

One notable instance is Leaving Abuja where I started my career to Lagos to run a film program in 2011. After the program I decided to stay back in Lagos and accommodation in Lagos is no child's play. Basically I had to squat with friends for two years and I slept on the floor for that two years.

What sacrifices have you made for your career?

Would you say they’ve been worth it?

The result you get from short term goal is different from the one you get from long term goal. Things are gradually falling in place.

ON FAMILY/ Relationships

What’s your take on Love and Marriage?

Wow! My take is Love is a beautiful thing. It is the best thing anyone should experience. It's beyond romance and sex as many may think. Love is Selfless and endures all things. MARRIAGE is one institution I will love to get into someday if not soon.

Has being single enabled you give adequate attention to your career?

I would say yes. But I hope to be in a relationship to see what it looks like.

How has celebrity life affected your relationships?

POSITVELY. It's been able to draw me closer to my family and friends.

It’s believed that celebrity marriages seldom last; do you believe this to be true?

If Uncle Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva or Omotola and Mr Ekeinde are still together. That tells you that you have no choice but to fight for what you love. My two cents though.

Does being a public figure come with advantages?

Yes, it does but don't forget Anything that has advantage has its own disadvantage.

ON a Lighter Note

What would get you angry?

Hardly do I get angry. But I hate it when you want to take advantage of me or when people around me are been treated badly.

What’s your most embarrassing moment ever?

I once released that air in an elevator, then suddenly the elevator door opens and this beautiful girl walked in. Wow! I was so embarrassed that I had no choice but to tell her I was sorry and she says to me ‘you need to de-worm’.

I felt like disappearing.

If you could eliminate one smell, what would that be?

That will be Body Odour

What do you consider as your greatest achievement in life?

Nothing I have achieved that was not by God's grace. So permit me to say that knowing God is my greatest achievement.

If you could only save one thing at home, what would that be?

Aww! why not so many things? ok fine, I would save my certificate

If you could retract one lie you’ve told, what would that be?

Hmmmm. If it was possible I would retract so many. But I can't remember any o.

What you star in a Yoruba or Ibo movie?

Yes. I have featured in both: CRAFT (yoruba)INDI-AGBATA OBI (ibo)

If you had the power to make a difference in Nollywood, what would you do?

Nollywood is a beautiful industry, one I cherish so much and the industry is really improving. I have sacrificed so much to be a part of it. If am given the power to make a difference in Nollywood, I would make sure everyone is respected and well paid - be it an upcoming actor or a P.A on set.