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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{short description|Nigerian actor}}
{{short description|Nigerian actor}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
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| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| nationality = Nigerian
| other_names = Okpantuecha
| other_names = Okpantuecha
| occupation = [[Actor]]
| occupation = Actor
| known_for =
| known_for =
}}
}}


'''Chiwetalu Agu''' (born 1956) is a veteran [[Nigerian]] [[actor]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlinenigeria.com/nollywood/index.asp?search=y&page=2|title=AMAA Nominees and Winners 2009|accessdate=2013-08-01}}</ref> [[comedian]] and movie producer who won the 2012 Nollywood award for 'best actor in indigenous movie (non-English speaking language)'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nollywooduncut.com/hot-nollywood-news/1159-nollywood-movies-awards-2012-winners-list|title=Nollywood Movie Awards 2012|accessdate=7 Jan 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118160737/http://www.nollywooduncut.com/hot-nollywood-news/1159-nollywood-movies-awards-2012-winners-list|archive-date=18 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> His usage of specific language [[slang]], phrases or [[clichés]] in each film has made him uniquely a household name in [[Nigeria]] and among [[Nollywood]] admirers abroad.<ref>''Nigeria Films news'' {{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/14455/10/ill-act-e-for-good-price-chiwetalu-agu.html|title=I'll act for good price-chiwetalu agu|accessdate=8 Jan 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109030443/http://nigeriafilms.com/news/14455/10/ill-act-e-for-good-price-chiwetalu-agu.html|archive-date=9 November 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> While asserting that comic [[genres]] is a unique vehicle in projecting [[Nigerian]] culture globally as well as establishing the [[Nollywood]] brand, Agu is listed as one of the outstanding [[comedians]] who have contributed to the development of [[Nollywood]] comic genres by Prof. Femi Shaka of the [[University of Port Harcourt]].<ref>''Supple Magazine'' {{cite web|url=http://www.supplemagazine.org/nollywood-reconstructing-the-historical-and-socio-cultural-contexts-of-the-nigerian-video-film-industry.html|title=nollywood: reconstructing the historical and socio-cultural contexts of the Nigerian video film industry|accessdate=27 Dec 2012}}</ref>
'''Chiwetalu Agu''' (born 1956) is a Nigerian actor,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlinenigeria.com/nollywood/index.asp?search=y&page=2|title=AMAA Nominees and Winners 2009|accessdate=1 August 2013}}</ref> comedian and film producer who won the 2012 [[Nollywood]] award for 'best actor in indigenous movie (non-English speaking language)'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nollywooduncut.com/hot-nollywood-news/1159-nollywood-movies-awards-2012-winners-list|title=Nollywood Movie Awards 2012|accessdate=7 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118160737/http://www.nollywooduncut.com/hot-nollywood-news/1159-nollywood-movies-awards-2012-winners-list|archive-date=18 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> His usage of specific language slang, phrases or [[clichés]] in each film has made him uniquely a household name in Nigeria and among Nollywood admirers abroad.<ref>''Nigeria Films news'' {{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/14455/10/ill-act-e-for-good-price-chiwetalu-agu.html|title=I'll act for good price-chiwetalu agu|accessdate=8 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109030443/http://nigeriafilms.com/news/14455/10/ill-act-e-for-good-price-chiwetalu-agu.html|archive-date=9 November 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> While asserting that comic genres is a unique vehicle in projecting Nigerian culture globally as well as establishing the Nollywood brand, Agu is listed as one of the outstanding comedians who have contributed to the development of Nollywood comic genres by Prof. Femi Shaka of the [[University of Port Harcourt]].<ref>''Supple Magazine'' {{cite web|url=http://www.supplemagazine.org/nollywood-reconstructing-the-historical-and-socio-cultural-contexts-of-the-nigerian-video-film-industry.html|title=nollywood: reconstructing the historical and socio-cultural contexts of the Nigerian video film industry|accessdate=27 December 2012}}</ref>
Agu is married to Nkechi and has three sons and two daughters.
Agu is married to Nkechi and has three sons and two daughters.


==Early years==
== Early years ==
Agu's versatility<ref>''Ghana Visions'' {{cite web|url=http://www.ghanavisions.com/entertainment/nollywood-movie-actors/8462-chiwetalu-agu.html|title=nollywood movie actors-chiwetalu agu|accessdate=8 Jan 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725124323/http://www.ghanavisions.com/entertainment/nollywood-movie-actors/8462-chiwetalu-agu.html|archive-date=25 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> dates back to the transition of Nigerian television [[soap operas]] to [[Nollywood]] movies. Before the inception of [[Nollywood]], about 31 years ago, television [[soap opera]] was the order of the day and Agu featured in [[Nigerian Television Authority]] Channel 8 Enugu's ''Ikoro'', produced by Joe Onyekwelu. He also featured in ETV Channel 50, now ''ESBS''.<ref>Cooper-Chen, Anne (2005), p106 {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gb8Bkmq5254C&pg=PA106&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false | ISBN=0-8058-5169-0 |title=Global entertainment media: content, audiences, issues LEA's communication series. |publisher=Routledge}}</ref> in soaps like ''Baby Come Now'' and ''Ripples'' (in [[Lagos]]), produced by [[Chico Ejiro]]'s brother, Zeb; in the latter he played the character of Chief Abunna.
Agu's versatility<ref>''Ghana Visions'' {{cite web|url=http://www.ghanavisions.com/entertainment/nollywood-movie-actors/8462-chiwetalu-agu.html|title=nollywood movie actors-chiwetalu agu|accessdate=8 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725124323/http://www.ghanavisions.com/entertainment/nollywood-movie-actors/8462-chiwetalu-agu.html|archive-date=25 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> dates back to the transition of Nigerian television [[soap operas]] to [[Nollywood]] movies. Before the inception of Nollywood, about 31 years ago, television [[soap opera]] was the order of the day and Agu featured in [[Nigerian Television Authority]] Channel 8 Enugu's ''Ikoro'', produced by Joe Onyekwelu. He also featured in ETV Channel 50, now ''ESBS''.<ref>Cooper-Chen, Anne (2005), p106 {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gb8Bkmq5254C&pg=PA106&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false | ISBN=0-8058-5169-0 |title=Global entertainment media: content, audiences, issues LEA's communication series. |publisher=Routledge}}</ref> in soaps like ''Baby Come Now'' and ''Ripples'' (in [[Lagos]]), produced by [[Chico Ejiro]]'s brother, Zeb; in the latter he played the character of Chief Abunna.


==Filmography==
== Filmography ==
There is a record of at least about 150 movies in which Agu has been [[cast member|cast]].<ref>''IMDb'' {{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2118547/|title=chiwetalu agu movies|accessdate=8 Jan 2013}}</ref>
There is a record of at least about 150 movies in which Agu has been cast.<ref>''IMDb'' {{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2118547/|title=chiwetalu agu movies|accessdate=8 January 2013}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 29: Line 29:
! Year !! Film !! Role !! Note
! Year !! Film !! Role !! Note
|-
|-
| || ''Last Ofalla 1-4''|| ||
| || ''Last Ofalla 1-4''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Taboo''|| Ichie Ogwu ||
| || ''Taboo''|| Ichie Ogwu ||
|-
|-
| 1986 || ''Things Fall Apart''|| ||
| 1986 || ''Things Fall Apart''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Ripples''|| ||
| || ''Ripples''|| ||
|-
|-
| 2008 || ''Return of Justice By Fire''|| ||
| 2008 || ''Return of Justice By Fire''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Traditional Marriage 1 & 2''|| ||
| || ''Traditional Marriage 1 & 2''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Fire on the Mountain 1 & 2''|| ||
| || ''Fire on the Mountain 1 & 2''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Price of the Wicked''|| ||
| || ''Price of the Wicked''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Dr. Thomas''|| || with [[Sam Loco Efe]]
| || ''Dr. Thomas''|| || with [[Sam Loco Efe]]
|-
|-
| || ''The Priest Must Die''|| ||
| || ''The Priest Must Die''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''The Price of Sacrifice''|| ||
| || ''The Price of Sacrifice''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''The Catechist''|| ||
| || ''The Catechist''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Police Recruit''|| ||
| || ''Police Recruit''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Sunrise 1 & 2''|| ||
| || ''Sunrise 1 & 2''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Old School 1-3''|| ||
| || ''Old School 1-3''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Honorable 1 & 2''|| ||
| || ''Honorable 1 & 2''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Sounds of Love 1 & 2''|| ||
| || ''Sounds of Love 1 & 2''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Nkwocha''|| ||
| || ''Nkwocha''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''Across the Niger''|| ||
| || ''Across the Niger''|| ||
|-
|-
| || ''The Plain Truth 1 7 2''|| ||
| || ''The Plain Truth 1 7 2''|| ||
|-
|-
|
|
Line 112: Line 112:
|''The Maidens''
|''The Maidens''
|
|
|with [[Clarion Chukwura|Clarion Chukwurah]]
|with [[Clarion Chukwura]]h
|-
|-
|
|
Line 130: Line 130:
|-
|-
|2019
|2019
|''[[Ordinary Fellows]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-07|title=Wale Ojo, Somadina Adinma and Chiwetalu Agu star in “Ordinary Fellows,” new Nollywood movie produced by Lorenzo Menakaya » YNaija|url=https://ynaija.com/wale-ojo-somadina-adinma-and-chiwetalu-agu-star-in-ordinary-fellows-new-nollywood-movie-produced-by-lorenzo-menakaya/|access-date=2020-05-17|website=YNaija|language=en-GB}}</ref>''
|''[[Ordinary Fellows]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 August 2019|title=Wale Ojo, Somadina Adinma and Chiwetalu Agu star in "Ordinary Fellows," new Nollywood movie produced by Lorenzo Menakaya » YNaija|url=https://ynaija.com/wale-ojo-somadina-adinma-and-chiwetalu-agu-star-in-ordinary-fellows-new-nollywood-movie-produced-by-lorenzo-menakaya/|access-date=17 May 2020|website=YNaija|language=en-GB}}</ref>''
|Mr. Mgbu
|Mr. Mgbu
|a film by [[Lorenzo Menakaya]]
|a film by [[Lorenzo Menakaya]]
|}
|}
==Videography==
== Videography ==
{{Expand list|date=February 2016}}
{{Expand list|date=February 2016}}
{|class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable"
Line 149: Line 149:
|}
|}


==Controversies==
== Controversies ==
Agu has raised [[controversies]] with comments where he has said that he will act for a good price<ref>''Nigerian Voice'' {{cite web|url=http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/nvmovie/73737/3/ill-act-e-for-good-price-chiwetalu-agu.html|title=I'll act for good price-chiwetalu agu|accessdate=7 Jan 2013}}</ref> and described the sexual harassment alleged in [[Nollywood]] as an issue with a general phenomenon. He added "Nollywood actresses are well endowed".<ref>''Nigeria Films news'' {{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/19363/35/sexual-harassment-nollywood-actresses-are-well-end.html|title=sexual harassment: nollywood actresses are well endowed-chiwetalu agu|accessdate=10 Nov 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031200434/http://nigeriafilms.com/news/19363/35/sexual-harassment-nollywood-actresses-are-well-end.html|archive-date=31 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> See also interview in ''[[The Daily Independent (Lagos)|The Daily Independent]]''.<ref>''Daily Independent'' {{cite web|url=http://dailyindependentnig.com/2012/08/acting-has-opened-doors-for-me-chinwetalu-agu/|title=Acting has opened door for me|accessdate=29 Dec 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027053652/http://dailyindependentnig.com/2012/08/acting-has-opened-doors-for-me-chinwetalu-agu/|archive-date=27 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Agu has raised [[controversies]] with comments where he has said that he will act for a good price<ref>''Nigerian Voice'' {{cite web|url=http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/nvmovie/73737/3/ill-act-e-for-good-price-chiwetalu-agu.html|title=I'll act for good price-chiwetalu agu|accessdate=7 January 2013}}</ref> and described the sexual harassment alleged in [[Nollywood]] as an issue with a general phenomenon. He added "Nollywood actresses are well endowed".<ref>''Nigeria Films news'' {{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/19363/35/sexual-harassment-nollywood-actresses-are-well-end.html|title=sexual harassment: nollywood actresses are well endowed-chiwetalu agu|accessdate=10 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031200434/http://nigeriafilms.com/news/19363/35/sexual-harassment-nollywood-actresses-are-well-end.html|archive-date=31 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> See also interview in ''[[The Daily Independent (Lagos)|The Daily Independent]]''.<ref>''Daily Independent'' {{cite web|url=http://dailyindependentnig.com/2012/08/acting-has-opened-doors-for-me-chinwetalu-agu/|title=Acting has opened door for me|accessdate=29 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027053652/http://dailyindependentnig.com/2012/08/acting-has-opened-doors-for-me-chinwetalu-agu/|archive-date=27 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>


On the 7th of October 2021, Chiwetalu Agu was arrested by soldiers at Iweka Bridge in [[Onitsha]], and<ref>{{Cite web|title=BREAKING!!! Nollywood Actor, Chinewtaluagu Agu Arrested By Nigerian Army – Igbere TV|url=https://igberetvnews.com/1402224/breaking-nollywood-actor-chinewtaluagu-agu-arrested-nigerian-army/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=igberetvnews.com}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-08|title=IPOB: Outrage as Nollywood Actor Chiwetalu Agu spends first night in military custody|url=https://punchng.com/ipob-outrage-as-nollywood-actor-chiwetalu-agu-spends-first-night-in-military-custody/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}}</ref> spent a night in custody before the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria secured his release from the Nigerian Army<ref>{{Cite web|title=Breaking: AGN, Ohanaeze secure release of Chiwetalu Agu - P.M. News|url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/10/08/breaking-agn-ohanaeze-secure-release-of-chiwetalu-agu/|access-date=2021-10-08|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Nwosu|first=Annie|date=2021-10-08|title=Chiwetalu Agu finally released by Nigerian Army|url=https://dailypost.ng/2021/10/08/chinwetalu-agu-finally-released-by-nigerian-army/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Daily Post Nigeria|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-08|title=IPOB: Popular Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, released from army custody|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/488918-ipob-popular-nollywood-actor-chiwetalu-agu-released-from-army-custody.html|access-date=2021-10-08|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-08|title=Army releases Chiwetalu Agu|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/10/army-releases-chiwetalu-agu/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=siteadmin|date=2021-10-08|title=BREAKING: Nigerian Army Releases Veteran Actor, Chiwetalu Agu Detained For Wearing Biafra Outfit|url=http://saharareporters.com/2021/10/08/breaking-nigerian-army-releases-veteran-actor-chiwetalu-agu-detained-wearing-biafra|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Sahara Reporters}}</ref> after questioning. He was arrested after he was spotted wearing an outfit depicting the flag of [[Biafra]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-08|title=IPOB: Outrage as Nollywood Actor Chiwetalu Agu spends first night in military custody|url=https://punchng.com/ipob-outrage-as-nollywood-actor-chiwetalu-agu-spends-first-night-in-military-custody/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}}</ref>
On 7 October 2021, Chiwetalu Agu was arrested by soldiers at Iweka Bridge in [[Onitsha]], and<ref>{{Cite web|title=BREAKING!!! Nollywood Actor, Chinewtaluagu Agu Arrested By Nigerian Army – Igbere TV|url=https://igberetvnews.com/1402224/breaking-nollywood-actor-chinewtaluagu-agu-arrested-nigerian-army/|access-date=8 October 2021|website=igberetvnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=8 October 2021|title=IPOB: Outrage as Nollywood Actor Chiwetalu Agu spends first night in military custody|url=https://punchng.com/ipob-outrage-as-nollywood-actor-chiwetalu-agu-spends-first-night-in-military-custody/|access-date=8 October 2021|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}}</ref> spent a night in custody before the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria secured his release from the Nigerian Army<ref>{{Cite web|title=Breaking: AGN, Ohanaeze secure release of Chiwetalu Agu – P.M. News|url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/10/08/breaking-agn-ohanaeze-secure-release-of-chiwetalu-agu/|access-date=8 October 2021|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Nwosu|first=Annie|date=8 October 2021|title=Chiwetalu Agu finally released by Nigerian Army|url=https://dailypost.ng/2021/10/08/chinwetalu-agu-finally-released-by-nigerian-army/|access-date=8 October 2021|website=Daily Post Nigeria|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=8 October 2021|title=IPOB: Popular Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, released from army custody|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/488918-ipob-popular-nollywood-actor-chiwetalu-agu-released-from-army-custody.html|access-date=8 October 2021|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=8 October 2021|title=Army releases Chiwetalu Agu|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/10/army-releases-chiwetalu-agu/|access-date=8 October 2021|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=siteadmin|date=8 October 2021|title=BREAKING: Nigerian Army Releases Veteran Actor, Chiwetalu Agu Detained For Wearing Biafra Outfit|url=http://saharareporters.com/2021/10/08/breaking-nigerian-army-releases-veteran-actor-chiwetalu-agu-detained-wearing-biafra|access-date=8 October 2021|website=Sahara Reporters}}</ref> after questioning. He was arrested after he was spotted wearing an outfit depicting the flag of [[Biafra]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=8 October 2021|title=IPOB: Outrage as Nollywood Actor Chiwetalu Agu spends first night in military custody|url=https://punchng.com/ipob-outrage-as-nollywood-actor-chiwetalu-agu-spends-first-night-in-military-custody/|access-date=8 October 2021|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Nominations==
== Nominations ==
* In the first [[Nollywood]] Movie Awards in 2012: Agu was nominated for 'the best actor in indigenous movie for his role' in [[Nkwocha]].<ref>''Daily Times'' {{cite web|url=http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/first-nollywood-movie-awards-set-hold |title=Nollywood movie Awards set hold |accessdate=23 Dec 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316222623/http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/first-nollywood-movie-awards-set-hold |archivedate=2013-03-16 }}</ref>
* In the first [[Nollywood]] Movie Awards in 2012: Agu was nominated for 'the best actor in indigenous movie for his role' in [[Nkwocha]].<ref>''Daily Times'' {{cite web|url=http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/first-nollywood-movie-awards-set-hold |title=Nollywood movie Awards set hold |accessdate=23 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316222623/http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/first-nollywood-movie-awards-set-hold |archivedate=16 March 2013 }}</ref>
* [[Zulu African Film Academy Awards]] (ZAFAA London) 2011: Agu's role in ''The Maidens'' earned him [[nomination]] for 'the best supporting actor'.<ref>''African Movie News'' {{cite web |url=http://www.africanmoviesnews.com/2011/08/jackie-appiah-up-against-genevieve-at-the-zulu-film-academy-awards/|title=African Movie news|accessdate=11 Dec 2012}}</ref>
* [[Zulu African Film Academy Awards]] (ZAFAA London) 2011: Agu's role in ''The Maidens'' earned him [[nomination]] for 'the best supporting actor'.<ref>''African Movie News'' {{cite web |url=http://www.africanmoviesnews.com/2011/08/jackie-appiah-up-against-genevieve-at-the-zulu-film-academy-awards/|title=African Movie news|accessdate=11 December 2012}}</ref>
* In the 2008 4th annual [[African Movie Academy Awards]] for his role in ''[[Across the Niger]]'' Agu was nominated for 'the best actor in a supporting role.'.
* In the 2008 4th annual [[African Movie Academy Awards]] for his role in ''[[Across the Niger]]'' Agu was nominated for 'the best actor in a supporting role.'.


==Awards==
== Awards ==
* Agu was the winner in the first ever [[2012 Nollywood Movies Awards|Nollywood Movie Awards]] 2012 for 'the best actor in an indigenous movie: non English speaking language' for his role in ''[[Nkwocha]]''.{{cn|date=September 2019}}
* Agu was the winner in the first ever [[2012 Nollywood Movies Awards|Nollywood Movie Awards]] 2012 for 'the best actor in an indigenous movie: non English speaking language' for his role in ''[[Nkwocha]]''.{{cn|date=September 2019}}


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


Revision as of 00:14, 12 October 2021

Chiwetalu Agu
Born
Chiwetalu Agu

1956
Enugu State, Nigeria
Other namesOkpantuecha
OccupationActor

Chiwetalu Agu (born 1956) is a Nigerian actor,[1] comedian and film producer who won the 2012 Nollywood award for 'best actor in indigenous movie (non-English speaking language)'.[2] His usage of specific language slang, phrases or clichés in each film has made him uniquely a household name in Nigeria and among Nollywood admirers abroad.[3] While asserting that comic genres is a unique vehicle in projecting Nigerian culture globally as well as establishing the Nollywood brand, Agu is listed as one of the outstanding comedians who have contributed to the development of Nollywood comic genres by Prof. Femi Shaka of the University of Port Harcourt.[4] Agu is married to Nkechi and has three sons and two daughters.

Early years

Agu's versatility[5] dates back to the transition of Nigerian television soap operas to Nollywood movies. Before the inception of Nollywood, about 31 years ago, television soap opera was the order of the day and Agu featured in Nigerian Television Authority Channel 8 Enugu's Ikoro, produced by Joe Onyekwelu. He also featured in ETV Channel 50, now ESBS.[6] in soaps like Baby Come Now and Ripples (in Lagos), produced by Chico Ejiro's brother, Zeb; in the latter he played the character of Chief Abunna.

Filmography

There is a record of at least about 150 movies in which Agu has been cast.[7]

Year Film Role Note
Last Ofalla 1-4
Taboo Ichie Ogwu
1986 Things Fall Apart
Ripples
2008 Return of Justice By Fire
Traditional Marriage 1 & 2
Fire on the Mountain 1 & 2
Price of the Wicked
Dr. Thomas with Sam Loco Efe
The Priest Must Die
The Price of Sacrifice
The Catechist
Police Recruit
Sunrise 1 & 2
Old School 1-3
Honorable 1 & 2
Sounds of Love 1 & 2
Nkwocha
Across the Niger
The Plain Truth 1 7 2
Sounds of Love 1 & 2
Church Man 1 & 2 Ukpabi
Holy Anger 1 & 2
Evil Twin with Pete Edochie
Beauty and the Beast 1-3
Royal Messengers 1 & 2
Royal Destiny 1 & 2
2007 Burning kingdom 1 & 2
The Maidens with Clarion Chukwurah
Battle of the Gods 1 & 2
2018 The Ghost and the Tout
2017 The Wedding Party 2 with Adesua Etomi
2019 Ordinary Fellows[8] Mr. Mgbu a film by Lorenzo Menakaya

Videography

Year Title Director Ref
2016 Agbommma Cameo appearance Tchidi Chekere [9]

Controversies

Agu has raised controversies with comments where he has said that he will act for a good price[10] and described the sexual harassment alleged in Nollywood as an issue with a general phenomenon. He added "Nollywood actresses are well endowed".[11] See also interview in The Daily Independent.[12]

On 7 October 2021, Chiwetalu Agu was arrested by soldiers at Iweka Bridge in Onitsha, and[13][14] spent a night in custody before the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria secured his release from the Nigerian Army[15][16][17][18][19] after questioning. He was arrested after he was spotted wearing an outfit depicting the flag of Biafra.[20]

Nominations

Awards

References

  1. ^ "AMAA Nominees and Winners 2009". Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  2. ^ "Nollywood Movie Awards 2012". Archived from the original on 18 November 2012. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  3. ^ Nigeria Films news "I'll act for good price-chiwetalu agu". Archived from the original on 9 November 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  4. ^ Supple Magazine "nollywood: reconstructing the historical and socio-cultural contexts of the Nigerian video film industry". Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  5. ^ Ghana Visions "nollywood movie actors-chiwetalu agu". Archived from the original on 25 July 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  6. ^ Cooper-Chen, Anne (2005), p106 Global entertainment media: content, audiences, issues LEA's communication series. Routledge. ISBN 0-8058-5169-0.
  7. ^ IMDb "chiwetalu agu movies". Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  8. ^ "Wale Ojo, Somadina Adinma and Chiwetalu Agu star in "Ordinary Fellows," new Nollywood movie produced by Lorenzo Menakaya » YNaija". YNaija. 7 August 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  9. ^ "Kcee Patience Ozorkwor, Chiwetalu Agu, star in singer's 'Agbomma' video". Pulse.com.gh. David Mawuli. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  10. ^ Nigerian Voice "I'll act for good price-chiwetalu agu". Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  11. ^ Nigeria Films news "sexual harassment: nollywood actresses are well endowed-chiwetalu agu". Archived from the original on 31 October 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  12. ^ Daily Independent "Acting has opened door for me". Archived from the original on 27 October 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  13. ^ "BREAKING!!! Nollywood Actor, Chinewtaluagu Agu Arrested By Nigerian Army – Igbere TV". igberetvnews.com. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  14. ^ "IPOB: Outrage as Nollywood Actor Chiwetalu Agu spends first night in military custody". Punch Newspapers. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  15. ^ "Breaking: AGN, Ohanaeze secure release of Chiwetalu Agu – P.M. News". Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  16. ^ Nwosu, Annie (8 October 2021). "Chiwetalu Agu finally released by Nigerian Army". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  17. ^ "IPOB: Popular Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, released from army custody". 8 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  18. ^ "Army releases Chiwetalu Agu". Vanguard News. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  19. ^ siteadmin (8 October 2021). "BREAKING: Nigerian Army Releases Veteran Actor, Chiwetalu Agu Detained For Wearing Biafra Outfit". Sahara Reporters. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  20. ^ "IPOB: Outrage as Nollywood Actor Chiwetalu Agu spends first night in military custody". Punch Newspapers. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  21. ^ Daily Times "Nollywood movie Awards set hold". Archived from the original on 16 March 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
  22. ^ African Movie News "African Movie news". Retrieved 11 December 2012.
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