Popular Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has revealed that his role in Nigeria’s highest-grossing film, ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ was the most challenging of his career.
In the film, Arukwe plays Chidoke, an Igbo businessman involved in money laundering.
He explained that the difficulty of the role lay in accurately capturing the nuances of the Igbo dialect, particularly the pronunciation of ‘R’s’ and ‘L’s.’ This required a conscious effort to make the character’s speech sound natural and believable.
During a recent interactive session with fans on the X platform, a curious fan inquired about the most challenging role he had ever played.
Arukwe responded candidly, “A Tribe Called Judah because I had to consciously replace the L word with the R-word, to make it feel natural & believable.”
He elaborated on the complexities of embodying a character so deeply rooted in his cultural background, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in his performance.
Arukwe shared that he spent considerable time studying the Igbo dialect and practicing his lines to ensure that his portrayal of Chidoke was both accurate and compelling.
He noted that this dedication to his craft was essential in bringing the character to life and doing justice to the role.
The effort Arukwe put into his performance did not go unnoticed. Funke Akindele, the producer of the record-breaking film, took to social media to commend him. Quoting his tweet, she wrote, “And you nailed it.
Well done bro. Thank you too.” Her praise highlighted the actor’s exceptional work and the critical acclaim the film has received.
‘A Tribe Called Judah’ has not only been a commercial success but also a critical one, with Arukwe’s performance being a standout.
The film’s exploration of complex themes and its rich portrayal of Nigerian culture have resonated with audiences, making it a landmark achievement in Nollywood cinema.
Arukwe’s commitment to his role in ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ exemplifies his dedication to his craft and his ability to take on challenging roles.
His portrayal of Chidoke has set a high standard for his future work and has cemented his reputation as one of Nollywood’s most talented actors.
