One of the definitions of the word “phenomenon” can be ascribed to a remarkable development or person. My personal definition of a phenomenal person would be encapsulated in the artistic genius that the son of Okunzuwa is, not excluding all things profound, decent, sensible and delightful to the senses that this quintessential Edo celebrity proudly represents on several levels. The handsome, humble, humorous, multi-talented, enthusiastic, hardworking, devoted, experienced, expressive, professional, Edo-born Nosa Rex Okunzuwa is a classic and regal example of a realistic and dynamic actor. Realistic because he always tells and ‘acts’ it like it is (on-screen and in real life) and dynamic because he is quite adaptable to any role or circumstance. What‘s the best way to act or “behave” a character? It’s convincing yourself that you are exactly the person you are playing. When you believe it, then you “behave” it. You can break your act but you should never break your character because your act emanates from the part of your psyche associated with your self-belief. That is the reason actors can easily draw us in, magnetize and titillate us with their confidence and charisma, as they know how to become another person at a higher level.
Nosa Rex is often the first point of call whenever a producer wants to make a nationally inclusive film and wants an established Edo actor to represent our culture. But what really makes Nosa Rex special? Where does his legendary “legendariness” come from? I will answer that question but first of all, I will review a slice of his hefty filmography and educe the profound lessons I have personally learnt from them.
Omo Ghetto Saga: This Funke Akindele’s film was a hit but would have been incomplete without Nosa Rex in it. While playing “Efe Money”, he literally and figuratively killed the role. There‘s something about that cute handsome face and smooth, fresh skin that projects the “soft life” but which comes with vocals that can also be quite intimidating when it needs to be. That‘s why I always make reference to “Emotional Range”. If you need Nosa Rex to play ‘the soft boy’ like he did in Omo Ghetto Saga, he will do it effortlessly, as if he can do it even more, as if he is merely being held back by a lacklustre script combined with the seldom creative imaginations of a unidimensional director. On the other hand, if you need him to play something tough, he will give you an excellent dramatic portrayal with ease and finesse. And this is not because acting is easy. It is not. It is hard. But experts make it look easy. You can only tell it is not easy when you attempt to do the same thing. Acting is not for the weak. You are always travelling. You are always changing locations. You are always granting interviews and meeting new people. When someone asked me, “I want to act, how can I get started?” My first response was, “Are you ready? Do you have the stamina?” She did not understand but every child soon learns that the way she calls her father is different from the way she calls her mother. In “Omo Ghetto Saga”, I learnt the vital lesson that moving with the wrong crowd can get you into serious trouble.
A Tribe Called Judah: Nosa Rex Okunzuwa was born to be excellent and he proved it in his role in the national hit, “A Tribe Called Judah”. Playing Jerry, Nosa gave us that necessary tone of hilarity that even serious films require. I love the fact that celebrities from different geopolitical climes within Nigeria were given the opportunity to shine and of course, our very own Nosa Rex delivered, which by now is something we have come to take for granted. I learnt from “A Tribe Called Judah” that there is beauty in our cultural diversity; and our success depends to a large extent on how committed we are to finding common grounds and solutions to the problems that affect us in this country and by extension, this world. If we really care enough about doing the right thing (which Uzor Arukwe’s character failed to do), perhaps our society would be more harmonious.
Jenifa’s Diary: Many of us remember the sensational Terwase in “Jenifa‘s Diary” and how Nosa Rex delivered the character to excellent perfection. Actors that are destined for the greatness Nosa Rex now basks in understand that you can never tell how far a particular project might go. They are wise to always give it their best. Always do your best, for you never know who is watching you or who is looking up to you for inspiration or who might connect or collaborate with you to take you to the next level. The “Jenifa’s Diary” series taught me to “humble myself by myself”, to not look down on anybody as everyone has a role to play in this world.
Conclusion
I remember the question I asked about Nosa Rex Okunzuwa and why he is excellent at what he does. One word: Passion. Burning, fiery passion. This is a small thing that is also the basis for every big thing. When you are passionate about what you do, you will put your whole heart into it and keep going on through seemingly insurmountable obstacles until you succeed. Passion will push you to develop your talent until you become recognized on the global stage. It will make you expend your personal resources to chase opportunities even when you are not sure of the outcome. You will throw yourself into the wind, into the unknown. Burning desire to achieve your goals will embolden you to transverse the vicissitudes and uncertainties of life, especially with some harsh occupational attendant realities that come with being a Nigerian artist. However, as life operates, if you are intensely focused on anything in this world long enough, you will become a master at it, just as Nosa Rex has become.
I am personally grateful for all the influential talents we have from Edo State who are doing us proud while inspiring us to keep working harder. Our dynamic phenomenon, Nosa Rex is a monumental success as he has illustriously and repeatedly proven beyond every reasonable doubt that hard work eventually pays in the long run. My prayer is that the Almighty Osanudazi continue to bless Nosa Rex’s career just the same way he (Nosa Rex) has blessed and inspired us with his zeal and devotion to excellence in his craft, thus exemplifying in the most illustrative manner possible the motto, “Edo To The World”.
