Interview with the gorgeous Gideon Okeke of Tinsel

He’s gorgeous and confident to boot! This multifaceted hottie plans to spread his wings across all forms of media as far as his career is concerned, so he’s here to stay!

Sorry ladies, Gideon is already taken, try your luck with Philip! DStv/M-Net spoke to him about his life as he sees it…

You’re a Biochemistry graduate, when did you make the career switch to showbiz?
Bagging a degree in Applied Biochemistry for me was only perfunctory. I went to university to fulfill my dad’s wishes. I should have been properly advised about my performing talent. But thanks to life and the way it plays tricks on you, Big Brother happened to me just while I was in my final semester at university. That was my moment to use the platform as my grand showcase.

After Big Brother, my focus totally changed. I was more compelled to look within me to find my life support and use my talent. To be honest, after that moment I wasn’t so keen on living my life by the offerings of my degree, after all I had been told too many times that I was in the wrong class. I’d been acting since age six. And throughout school I aspired to be a performer. I was always in preparation for this place, though I never considered it a “preparation” of sorts.

You’ve been with Tinsel since its inception, how have you grown with the soap? 
I started Tinsel like the rest of my cast mates with a lot of excitement. It was indeed an honour to be considered for a lead role on merit. But my growth with the show started from day one as I had to prove that I was more than just that pretty boy from a reality show. Thankfully today I would say that I have transcended fighting to prove a point, to staying in business to tell the truth. Through six years of my career I’ve also been able to finally commit myself to professional training at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute NY. Also, awards and some critical acclaim have been a welcome pat on the back for me. But my job is not done yet…we keep pushing.

Given the chance, what would you change about the soap?
Given the chance I would push for the regulation of the local industry I work in. Certain structures and instruments need to be put in place to enable for the smooth running of a production of Tinsel‘s scope. But In-house, a few technical/dramatic/theatrical challenges which as an actor I face daily. In my opinion, I think the show needs some more healthy competition.

You were a Big Brother Nigeria contestant in 2006, what was that experience like for you? Do you still watchBig Brother, how did you rate this season?
The Big Brother franchise has turned out to be somewhat “Africa’s pay day”. Lives are being impacted significantly on every season of its showing and I will say good job to the guys in charge.

And your stint on Jacob’s Cross, can we expect to see more of you in future seasons?

Like many, I’m a fan of Jacob’s Cross. I totally loved my time out there and I’m open to a call back anytime. More work on Jacob’s Cross would actually be good in reaching out to a whole new audience.

Tell us a bit about your music career. Do you have plans of furthering that?
Gideon is a critical body of work in progress. My mission is to seamlessly transcend from one career responsibility into the next without confusing my audience. As long as I have found my forte I have no fear in exploring my other potentials, damning all clichés! So yes, my music career is “coming soon”.

Having done stage (theatre) work, TV presenting and acting for TV, which do you enjoy the most?
From theatre to TV/film or presenting shows/gigs, the joy for me comes when I engage different projects. I love to test myself and when my job is done I pump my fist hard in the air and say “another one in the bag”, that’s satisfaction.

You work with a lot of beautiful ladies on the Tinsel set. Between Tare, Bimpe and Telema who would you marry, date or friend zone?
LOL! The three ladies mentioned are all as gorgeous as they are talented in their individual respects. But to answer that, I’ve got an adorable lady who wins my heart overall and is very secure about my working relationship with these ladies. I can’t wait to walk her down the aisle!

Are you married, single or still looking?
I’m done looking! Found me a crown jewel who reins me in. God bless our courtship.

What is the one thing that your fans don’t know about you that you wish to share with us?
I could be a goof ball, a very playful child.

Are you on Twitter? How do you interact with your fans?
I personally operate my twitter account, but don’t expect a follow back just because I said ‘Hello’ LOL. You can choose to follow me @ogidigada 

To Africa and the rest of the world, thanks so much for the love and support shown thus far, it’s been a good lesson in humility being at your service, but I hope that as I get back in the kitchen to stir this broth to perfection, you all will still be there, in support of what I am dishing next. Bless you all.

To catch a glimpse of Gideon, watch Tinsel every weekday at 7:30pm WAT on AfricaMagic Entertainment, DStv Channel 128!

By Nombuso Zondi