Lionel, the son of a veteran actor, Zack Orji, in this interview with MOTUNRAYO JOEL talks about his father
Let us have your profile?
My name is Lionel Chukwuemeka Orji but most people call me Leo’nel. I took the initial letters of my names to form this name: Lionel Emeka Orji.
I’m the first child and only male child in my family. I have two sisters.They are much younger than me. My second sister was born 10 years after me.
Why were you named Lionel?
It was my dad that gave me the name, I have no idea why but I like it. He got it from the word Lion.
Where did you have your education?
I had my primary and secondary school education at Oakland Comprehensive College, Lagos. After then, I went to the United Kingdom. I attended the University of Brathford; I studied Media Studies with Television. At the moment, I’m observing the National Youth Service Corps programme in Lagos. I also sing and produce songs.
How was it like being the only son?
I was the only child for a long time so I was used to playing with myself though I really wanted siblings to play with. Sometimes it was boring playing alone.
Being the only child for 10 years, were you over pampered?
Not at all, I grew up like every other child, my parents didn’t spoil me. My mother especially made sure I was brought up in the right way. Though there were times my parents were over protective.
While you were in the UK, did you father visit often?
My parents visited me once because they were extremely busy, and they also attended my graduation ceremony. They couldn’t miss that obviously.
Did your father have time for family outings when you were growing up?
My father was extremely busy with his career but he always made time for outings. Sometimes, I went with him to locations to shoot movies. I also featured in two or three movies. The type of family outings I enjoyed weren’t your typical family outings to restaurants and parks, ours was different but I enjoyed my childhood days. I enjoyed the times I followed him to work.
Do you wish your father stayed at home more while growing up?
No, not really. He made time for me even with his busy schedule. He was able to juggle between work and family and my mother was of great support to him, she was always available to take me out.
How did he discipline any of his children when they erred?
He is someone that doesn’t just beat a child for the sake of beating. He believes in talking to the child instead. He is also patient, sometimes when I erred; he wouldn’t summon me until the third or fourth time. And when he did, he would tell me that he decided to turn a blind eye to my wrongs not because he didn’t see them but because he expected me to use my initiative and do what was right. He always said this statement a lot and it helped me. Sometimes, correcting a child verbally goes a long way than beating. He doesn’t beat his children. But my mother disciplines us in her way. She could raise her voice or scold.
When you failed in school what did he do?
He didn’t beat me. I still remember when I failed an exam and how he promised that if I did better in the next one, he would buy me something. That encouraged me.
Were you stubborn while growing up?
Yes I used to be very stubborn, and my mother didn’t take it easy with me. She flogged me. My aunt too never spared the rod anytime she was around. I cherish and love them all for bringing me up in the right way.
How is it like having a famous father?
I won’t tell a lie, it feels good having a famous father; his name has helped in so many instances. But he is someone I see every day, so to me, he is a father just like every other father is to their child. Every other person sees him as the famous Zack Orji, but to me he is my father.
While you were younger, what was your reaction when you saw him on television?
To be sincere, I didn’t like watching him act in Nollywood movies, not because I disliked his acting skills but I didn’t want to watch him die in movies. In some of his movies, if he wasn’t killed, something really bad happened to him and I didn’t like that. I was quite young so I didn’t know it was just acting.
Who is the famous Zack Orji at home?
He is calm and loving. He is a father and an elder brother to me and also a friend. He is a good dad, he takes care of his children and he has a listening ear. He also disciplines when necessary. He is a great father. I couldn’t have wished for a better one.
How does he relax?
When he is at home he likes to relax by watching movies. He is just like every other person when they are at home.
Which movies does he enjoy watching?
He brings home some of his movies, but he likes watching foreign ones.
What do you like about him?
I like the kind of person he is. He is someone that attracts people, he is likeable. You can’t meet him and not love his personality. Some people just have that quality and when you meet people like him, you want to know them more and even be friends with them. He is calm, caring and understanding.
What don’t you like about him?
I don’t think there is anything I don’t like in him. He is a great father. Sometimes, though, he could be too calm.
What does he do before going to bed?
One thing I know he does before he goes to bed and when he wakes is to pray. He loves to pray, he is usually the last person to go to bed because he must pray. Sometimes, I would wake up in the middle of the night, around 2am to get something to drink and I will see him praying.
How does he handle female admirers?
I think he will be the best person to answer that (laughs), but he handles the issue just the way he is supposed to. My mother obviously knows people love him and that he is popular. Thus, she does not let anything bother her. She feels confident about her husband.
How did he meet your mother?
My mother told me but I can’t remember any longer. All I can recall is she said she used to call him ‘uncle’ when they were young.
Describe your parents’ marriage?
They have been together for such a long time, yet the love they have for each other grows stronger every day. Their marriage is 25 years old, but one wouldn’t know. They have misunderstandings like every other couple, these end at home and don’t go into the next day. Despite their misunderstandings, what I appreciate most is that we are still one family.
When your father is angry, how does he react?
When he is angry he pours out his mind. To me, that is the best way to let out your anger. If one is angry and they suppress it, one day their emotions may explode. He doesn’t shout when he is angry.
What do you admire in your parents’ marriage?
I’m blown away by their level of commitment to each other. They have been married for a long time yet they are still together. We both know so many celebrities who have failed marriages. I wish my parents many more years.
Was he overprotective?
He wasn’t overprotective to a fault. I know how my parents wanted me to live my life. There is time for everything, thus growing up, I tried to behave right and think straight.
Being the only male child, does he lecture you on the type of woman to marry?
No, that is my mother’s job. She does that till today. She usually says she would want me to marry a woman who loves me and would be my side even when the going gets tough; a woman I can call a wife.
How close are you to your father?
We are very close, I take him like my friend and elder brother and we talk alot. But I’m also close to my mother.
What values did you imbibe from your father?
One thing I know he always tells me to do is to use my initiative and always know what to do at the right time. He also tells me to never be far from God. I think I’ve imbibed these qualities from him.
What do you cherish most in him?
His kind nature and loving nature. I also cherish his humility. He is easy to approach.
Describe him in three words?
Loving, great and God-fearing.
Is he the type of father that wants his children to follow his footsteps in acting?
No, he doesn’t influence his children’s career choices. He is the kind of person that calls you aside and questions what you want to become in future. If he sees that you are confident about what you want to do, you will get his support. He doesn’t really mind whatever career choice you choose; just be determined about it. He is very supportive.
Why didn’t you pursue acting?
I love music and when I told him about my decision to become a musician, he was fine with it. I’ve loved music since I was a boy; I think since when I was 12. I always told myself that I would become a musician someday. My father has been very supportive. He believes in me and encourages me to pursue my dreams. I get criticised by people who ask why I chose music instead of acting. But I tell them that I have my own dreams and visions and my father has his. We are two different individuals; moreover, everything still falls under entertainment.
Tattoos seem to be common among musicians, what does your father feel about it?
He doesn’t like it and I wouldn’t want to get a tattoo, I like them though. However, I wouldn’t want to damage my skin.
Is he sociable?
He has a few friends; he goes out only when necessary.
What childhood memories do you cherish?
I still remember the park he used to take me to in Victoria Island, Lagos. It was like Fantasy Land. We would go there on Sundays to catch fun but I don’t think the place still exists. I enjoyed going there. Later, we would go to a fast food outlet.
Does he force you to speak your indigenous language?
No. The English language is the major form of communication between both of us. It is my mother who forces me to speak the Igbo language.
What does he say about the entertainment industry?
He says we can get better. So many people are doing all they can to make Nigerian movies better, which is good. He keeps saying everyone should do their best to make the industry grow. If he and his colleagues didn’t do what they did to showcase Nollywood to the world, I don’t think the industry would be where it is today. Things can only get better, he always says.
Who were the familiar faces you saw at home when growing up?
I saw Charles Okafor, Olu Jacobs, Paul Obazili, the late Sam Loco and a lot of them. I felt happy seeing them at home because these were people I saw on television.
What is he currently working on?
He is working on so many things. He is a very busy man.
What is it that Nigerians don’t know about?
His favourite musician is Seal, a US artist. He loves listening to Lucky Dube too. He is a reggae fan. He has influenced me; I suddenly developed an interest in Seal’s songs.
What is his favourite food?
He doesn’t really have a favourite food, but he likes to eat eba.
And his favourite drink?
He likes Coke.
What should other upcoming actors learn from your father?
They should learn how to be humble, hardworking and passionate about their job. They should never take God out of the equation.
How much time did he dedicate to improving his acting skills?
I don’t think I’ve ever seen him rehearse, except when I follow him to locations. He has a good memory when it comes to memorising his script.
Does he exercise?
I’ve never seen him go to the gym nor do serious exercise. I guess he is just blessed with a good body.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: editor@punchng.com