I had a most intriguing encounter with Goodluck ‘O-Flex’ Uwuigbe, a seasoned filmmaker (actor and producer) who hails from Benin City and he always has a lot of wisdom to impart from his years as an experienced creative. I first found his video miming the legendary ‘Ukeke’ on a WhatsApp status before I met him at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in real life. The first time I encountered Oflex was in a skit. He was holding a bottle and miming ‘Ukeke’s monologue in Edo language. Captivating is an understatement. Riveting feels like an unqualified adjective to describe his natural performance. I replayed the video clip a hundred times. I asked who the artist was, and I was told: Goodluck ‘Oflex’ Uwuigbe. A Son Of The Soil. And a very proud and highly esteemed one at that.
Every film lover understands that sometimes it is necessary to unwind with an action drama. Who does not love action and suspense? Especially that moment of intense excitement where you are hooked and cannot predict what could go wrong next. I remember the days of Jack Bauer when adrenaline spiked through our veins. Suspense. So much intense suspense. Will the good guy get to stop the bad guys or not? And then the sense of relief thereafter.
One such actor and producer who specializes in the action genre is Goodluck Uwuigbe. OFlex. He often plays the role of the tough guy who can get the job done fast. And by the job, I mean, ANYTHING at all. Let’s suppose you are looking forward to shooting your film project in Benin City, he will be sure to give your film project the tough guy aura a particular character in your script requires justice to.
But don’t take my words for it. Let’s check out some of OFlex’s films.
TUKE TUKE: Oflex carries the full weight of the villainous role of Chairman in ‘Tuke Tuke’. He executes his lines with such vehemence and mastery that his peculiar scenes take on a life of their own. Oflex is quite realistic in his dramatic portrayals. I want to say, he is so real as if he is surreal. ‘Tuke Tuke’ teaches us to remain humble, as no one knows what tomorrow holds.
EDO DECREE 1440: This film stars Kelvin Ikeduba and a host of other actors and talents from Benin, including Oflex playing the role of Efosa who has just returned from overseas only to discover his land has been stolen and developed by an invader. This reflects the harsh realities of what has happened to several land owners. This film is packed full of action and energy which Goodluck Uwuigbe always has more than enough of. This film promulgates and reiterates vital moral lessons that teach us to respect our royal fathers, our heritage and our cultural disposition and to desist from human trafficking. And by the way, great soundtrack on this one.
Oflex also stands behind ‘tough’ films like ‘Ekpetin’, ‘Edo Nor Be Lagos’, ‘August 28th’, ‘Omo’ and ‘Ason’, just to mention a few. As an eclectic Edo creative, Goodluck ‘Oflex’ Uwuigbe also known as the Son of the Soil is always prone to promoting his cultural heritage however he can in his film appearances.
Edo creatives have envisioned a future where they will stand tall in everything artistic on a grand scale. Goodluck Uwuigbe is an outstanding filmmaker (actor and producer) diligently doing everything he can to support the creatives in this regard. I sincerely celebrate this hardworking artist and wish him further success and prosperity in his illustrious career. I respect that Oflex understands that soon, Edo and her numerous talents and creativity will retake their rightful place in the world.
Therefore, as a true Son of the Soil, he remains determined to keep showcasing Edo To The World.
