Tobechukwu Ejiofor, also known as Illbliss, a Nigerian rapper cum actor who played ‘Odogwu Malay’ in Kemi Adetiba’s film King of Boys, has revealed how the film transformed his life.
In an interview with Sunday Scoop, Illbliss fondly called Oga Boss noted that the movie introduced him to a new generation, adding that nobody seems to remember him as Illbliss.
In his words, “Nobody even remembers if I am IllBliss or Oga boss. The movie sold me to a new generation of film lovers. It was my first film. It was an experiment but it ‘blew up’.
“I am going to do more films but I am taking my time. As I speak to you, I have about 12 scripts on the table. Everybody is trying to have another ‘Odogwu Malay’. They are trying to typecast me and I have refused. The people I look up to are very dynamic— from Denzel Washington to Wesley Snipes.
“I will also be producing films in 2022. I am doing everything— short films, documentaries and feature films. I would also be putting out good music in 2022.
“King of Boys changed everything for me. It opened up new doors, corporate relationships and a new fan base. I don’t have a life anymore.
“I give all the credit to Kemi Adetiba. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would have had the guts to do such a movie.”
On the challenges of playing the role of ‘Odogwu Malay’, the rapper-cum-actor said, “It required a different range of emotions. Sometimes, one is happy and at other times, one is scared. I am the one they stretched the most after Sola Sobowale.”