The Journey So Far: Ifeanyi Dike Jr reveals all about life since MTV Shuga

Ifeanyi Dike Jr is well known to our TV screens. Having starred in shows such as Tinsel, Shuga Naija 2, Top Actor Africa and most recently Green White Green – a film which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, Dike Jr, is quickly becoming a household name.

We caught up with him before he settled into LA living, to find out how he went from practicing medicine to a well-known actor.

MTV SHUGA: Not many people know that you actually trained as a doctor. Can you tell us how you made the transition from studying a medical degree into acting?

IDJ: Yes, I did train as a doctor for 8 years. Those were the most dramatic ebb and flow years of my life, especially the last two because that was when I went off to Lagos to audition for a role on Tinsel and interview for my first writing role at Nigerian Idol. At the same time, I was also working for Rhythm FM in Benin. One year after that, I got a call from Tinsel and I’ve kind of just moved from then on. I had to decide whether I’d graduate first or take the job then and there.  I could have tried to keep doing both, which would have been the toughest thing I ever had to do. In the end I decided to do both. Technically, there was not a smooth or grand transition; I just did it.

MTV SHUGA: How important was it for you to get your medical degree? 

IDJ: I didn’t think it was an option to not finish my degree. Education is important to me and I felt like whatever I learnt as a doctor would be useful life skills. What’s to lose in gaining life skills? I struggled with making the time between filming and schooling in different states, as well as reading my books and scripts, but I never failed at school. That was precious to me.

MTV SHUGA: How has this process helped you in your acting career?

IDJ: Discipline. Being a doctor teaches you discipline which is something that you need for acting, or any other professional field. More practically, being exposed to numerous people, their stories and a roster of emotions afforded me the chance to experience a lot quickly. This is not to say I’d mirror the people I’ve come across when I see a situation I recognise, because that’s not really what acting is, but just being exposed to a wealth of experience can prove to be a great tool.

MTV SHUGA: A lot of young people are pursuing many different career paths simultaneously, what advice would you give them to reach their goal?

IDJ: I would say do as much as you can until you figure things out. The more you do, the better you get at the things you want to do in life. It doesn’t get easier, especially if you are on the right path, but it does add up eventually.

MTV SHUGA: You’ve been accepted into UCLA Theatre as the first African student. How did this make you feel?

IDJ: I feel great. But with great powers come great responsibility if you know what I mean. I hope more Africans apply and get accepted because the training here is great. UCLA’s Theatre, Film and Television department is doing a revolutionary job with diversity. In my class for example, there’s a Jamaican student, two Chinese students, two mixed Asian students, one Australian and one Nigerian. My class already feels like a great 21^st century TV show.

MTV SHUGA: For African actors to get acting acclaim, do you think they have to be in the US?

IDJ: Absolutely not. I think everyone has different paths and you must do whatever you feel is right for you. I think what’s important for most actors is that they are able to act out of any industry in the world. For some people, a move to America is important for that to happen. For me, I’m very interested in the training I’m getting here. After that, I’m interested in being able to work in any country in the world. That said, Nollywood actors and directors just took the stage at the Toronto International Film Festival. Not one of us had to leave the country for that to happen. That’s your Exhibit A.

MTV SHUGA: Lupita Nyong’o starred in MTV Shuga before studying in the US and becoming a star. How does it feel to follow in a similar path? 

IDJ: Scary I think. There’s no formula on how to succeed nor is there a ‘success for dummies’ book, especially with a career like this one. So when people automatically think ‘oh Lupita did that so it should work for you’, it scares me a little because that’s not why I’m doing it. If things go well (and I hope they do) then it would be a happy coincidence.

MTV SHUGA: How does it feel being so far away from your friends and family? Do you ever get homesick in between your busy schedule?

IDJ: It’s difficult. I’ve always been away from home for school but I think this time there’s a sense of eventuality. Maybe it’s because I’m getting a terminal degree and I’m hoping work life takes off here, but I miss home terribly. And whenever I find that I forget about home, perhaps because I’ve had a vibrant 12-hour school and rehearsal day, the sparse existence of Nigerian food reminds me.

MTV SHUGA: Do you plan to return and live in Nigeria after your studies? Lots of young Nigerians have gone abroad and have returned in order to make a positive impact back home. How do you see the tools you’ll pick up at UCLA, as well as life in America, helping you make a good contribution to Naija?

IDJ: I think this is a no-brainer. Home is my foremost priority. I was selected to attend UCLA with the knowledge that I was going to be infusing my culture in my work, life and in my relationships with my classmates, my department and eventually, UCLA. I think by the same logic, everything I pick up at UCLA that makes me into a more generous story teller and person, I’ll take back home when I have to work. I hope that it shows through and that I’m able to positively affect one or two people through personal interaction or more people when they watch. I hope that they see through me that the basis of what UCLA teaches is discipline and generosity.

MTV SHUGA: Speaking of home, the issue of gender has been a hot topic recently in Nigeria. President Buhari’s claim that his wife ‘belongs to his kitchen’ was met with a wave of criticism. What’s your take on this issue and the message it sends out regarding the role of Nigerian women?

IDJ: Nigerian women, African women are intelligent, hardworking, deeply passionate, beautiful beings and it shows – the world sees it. That’s all that there is to be said.

MTV SHUGA: You played ‘Michael’ in MTV Shuga, who had some quite subjective views towards HIV positive people, have you had anyone coming up to you on the streets or make remarks about your character?

IDJ: Oh Michael. I want to say ‘what a hideous boy’ but I know many real life Michaels. Every time I meet a person like that, I’m not sure whether to school them or not.  It’s an absolute pity especially because a lot of them are young. People have come up to me on the streets but not really to condemn Michael’s thinking. It’s usually more to scold him for telling on his sister.

MTV SHUGA: How has playing Michael affected you personally?

IDJ: It’s just reminded me that there’s a lot to be done in educating people, in teaching each other and helping each other be tolerant and not in a pitiful way. Tolerance out of love and respect for each other and our humanity.

MTV SHUGA: You having been working on a number of projects since MTV Shuga finished? Can you tell us about them?

IDJ: Shuga feels like such a long time ago now. Well there was BET’s Top Actor Africa and getting into UCLA’s Graduate Acting program. My first feature film got selected to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival which was exciting. There are a number of projects in the works that I’m not at liberty to speak about now. But I’m excited about them and excited about sharing the news with you soon.

MTV SHUGA: What do you hope to have achieved in the next two years? 

IDJ: Two years is a long time. I’ll be almost done with my degree at UCLA and granting you an interview about how stupendously exciting it was to work with Shonda Rhimes.