“Government officials are my biggest comedians.” Chief Imo.
4 min read
Longinus Anyaehiechukwu Anokwute, a Nollywood star known as Chief Imo hails from Ekwe in Isu LGA Imo State. In this interview with Umuaka Times, he explains why he usually speaks Umuaka dialect in his videos. He also discussed other issues about the role of comedians in the task of nation building as well as why Nigerian government officials are his biggest comedians.
Can we meet you? Tell us a little about yourself.
My names is Longinus Anyaehiechukwu Anokwute. I am known as Chief Imo.
Which town are you from?
Am a native of Umuduru Ekwe in Isu Local Government Area, Imo State. Am the last child amongst the 5 children of my parents. By the grace of God, am the CEO of Chief Imo Productions Limited.
Before you went into professional comedy were you a funny guy?
Of course! I have been funny from day one just like my mother is too.
Which year did you go into comedy and what really inspired you?
I joined Nollywood in the year 2000 after my graduation from secondary school. Before then, I have been acting locally in my little way but my inspiration came when I started generating little encouragements from neighbors and my friends, which led to my ambition to push further into becoming a star.
You are into video jokes a lot. Why did you decide to go into that?
It’s the modern world. Social media has become the platform to reach out to everyone both far and near on the business am into as a comic actor. Creating content for my fans and also promoting my brand name is achieved via my video jokes on media.
You do not use central Igbo, or your native Ekwe dialect in your jokes. You prefer Umuaka dialect. Why Umuaka dialect? Is there any link?
Yes, because my mother hails from Isiozi Umuaka in Njaba Local Government, Imo state.
Despite jokes and comedies, what are other things you are into?
By God’s grace am a musician , a scripture writer, a costumier , a content creator, a professional dancer and an event manager.
Some of your critics say that you usually and intentionally come to events where you have been paid to be the MC very late. What do you have to say about that?
I don’t call those people my critics but instead enemies of progress. If am late to an event, it must be as a result of road obstructions or some reasons beyond my control at that moment in time. That am late to an event doesn’t mean that am always late to other events. It’s natural to have bad timings. Am very sorry for such mistakes. No one is above mistakes.
Do you have intention to go into production as a producer?
Interesting question! I have been producing for over 3years now. Most of the movies you watch me are under my production.
Can you name them?
Movies like Yes Ma, Akpi, Ukwu Obe, Onye Na Way Ya, Mama Cameroon and many more. Just search on my YouTube page and see lots of my movies and contents to keep my fans lively.
We heard you are also talented in music. Any plan to release a song?
Amazing! I recently released an album titled Get Ready, Imo Nwanne and Gozie Nnem. The song is online.
Many people actually get confused on where you live considering the local environments you shoot your comedies. Please where in Nigeria do you base?
Am based in Lagos.
Who are the comedians you want to be like in this country?
I have actually not seen anyone I aspire to be like in the nearest future, rather I want to grow higher and get to the apex of my career.
Do you think comedians have a role to play in this country?
A whole lot!
Can you explain?
That the country is lively today is by comedians, thereby stirring happiness and laughter to the masses’ faces.
What is the relationship between you and your big brother Vitalis Ndubuisi?
We are only from the same community. That’s all.
How did the name Chief Imo come about?
The name emerged from a movie I produced titled Ikonso in the year 2016. My character name was Imo and after the movie went viral, a lot of people were impressed by the way I spoke my dialect in the movie and it gave me the title Chief Imo. That’s just it.
Why Imo? Are you from the water? (iwu onye mmiri?)
No idea. Anyways, water is from me.
It is hard to make comedians laugh. Who are the comedians that make you laugh in Nigeria?
Most of our government officials are the pure comedians that can make me laugh till the next day.
Why do they make you laugh?
The pushed me to laughter because they are funny, just like me.
Are you married?
Yes, am married with three kids(2 boys and 1 girl).
Tell us a little about your wife.
My wife is my everything! She’s God-fearing, supportive, my spiritual director, My best friend and the mother of my 3 amazing children. She’s from Umuahia in Abia State.
Thanks a lot for your time.
