Jim Iyke whose real name is James Ikechukwu Esomugha is a reality tv star, Music artiste and producer, model, entrepreneur, philanthropist and more popularly, a Nollywood actor who has been in the game for quite some time now. He starred in the movie Last Flight to Abuja alongside Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and internationally acclaimed actor, Hakeem Kae-Kazim.
EARLY LIFE
James was born on September 25, 1976 in Libreville, Gabon. He was born to Mr and Mrs Stephen Okolue, whose last name changed to Esomugha from Enugu Agidi village in Anambra State. He is the only male child in a family of eight children. He began his education in Gabon where he attended primary school before relocating to Nigeria to complete his secondary school education at federal government college, Kwali, Abuja. Jim also attended the University of Jos where he studied Psychology and bagged a diploma in Banking and Finance. CAREER After graduating, Jim Iyke relocated to Lagos where he started work as a product model. From there he ventured into Nollywood which shot him into the limelight.He began his acting career in 2001 and since then be has starred in over 150 films and home videos. Currently he’s one of the highest paid actors in Nollywood. He has appeared in so many lover-boy roles that he has now earned the tag of “Nollywood Bad Boy”. He created a film production outfit “Untamed Productions” in 2007 andunder the outfit, he has produced two films with internationally respected actresses Judy Shekoni and Tangerine Martins. He has also produced “2 Dollaz,” a sequel to his commercially successful comic flick, “1 Dollar”. MUSIC PURSUITS
Jim Iyke owns his own music label, Untamed Records and he produced his first album, “Who Am I?” under the label. The album also featured top Nigerian musicians such as TuFaceIdibia, and Sound Sultan.
CONTROVERSIAL NATURE
Jim Iyke is one individual who has had his fair share of controversies one of which is the viral video of Iyke’s purported ‘deliverance’ at The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations, led by Pastor T.B. Joshua. The video spurred a lot of debate on social media and even an opinion article from from Nollywood director, Charles Novia. A supposed ‘evil spirit’ which was cast out of Iykeconfessed that it was the reason behind his inability to find a wife and settle down. Jim’s off and on relationship with Ghanaian actress, Nadia Buari has also sparked a lot of controversies with different marriage proposal and break up rumours popping up. His reality tv show, ‘Jim Iyke Unscripted’, jointly sponsored by Africa Magic and Oh Africa TV, generated a lot of buzz in the media with many people believing the show was actually scripted. He also got involved with complications with an ex-lover also during the show.
PHILANTROPHIC INTERESTS
Jim lyke founded the Jim lyke Foundation for Children with Special Disabilities, a nonprofit organization that caters to the well-being of less privileged children in Africa and militates for better education for them. The proceeds from the sale of his album went to a bunch of orphanages in Nigeria. The foundation has held campaigns, walks and seminars aimed at highlighting the plight of struggling African children across Nigeria, in African nerve centers like Ghana, Liberia, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Lagos.
AWARDS
Jim has numerous accolades to his name. He has won the Teenage Choice award three times now, also Best Actor Nigerian Entertainment award, African Hollywood award, African Achievement award and African actor of the year at the NET award. He also won the award for Best Actor of the year at the Mode Men Award ceremony in 2010.
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