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Gbeminiyi Ogunleye
1 week ago
Overview
Even With AI, The Movie Industry In Nigeria Cannot Die ' TJ Cole De Megadon
The name TJ Cole in Nigeria’s movie industry strikes a key note in the formative and golden epoch of the movie industry in Nigeria. In this rare interview with Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, WADONOR editor in chief, the actor fondly known as De Megadon shares insights on a variety of issues most of which examine the past, and a sharing of his perspective on new trends in the movie industry in Nigeria.
First tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Mucktarr Tejan-Cole popularly known as TJ Cole De Megadon. I am a Screen Actor, Broadcast Journalist, Speech Training Consultant, Script Writer, Public Relations practitioner. I launched my screen acting career at the NTA Jos, in the popular TV series SHADOWS as “Chief Pedro” and went on to play major roles with reputable acts like the late Uncle Sam Loko in “EVERYDAY PEOPLE”, Uncle Pete Edochie in “RITUALS”, Uncle Olu Jacobs and Sam Dede in “LAST VOTE”, among several others. I graduated from the NTA TV College with a 2nd class Diploma in TV Journalism in 1995 and made my debut in screen acting that same year while presenting a radio show at the FM 90.5, Radio Plateau 2 in Jos.
What was your early life like?
I started life in Nigeria in Plateau State in 1992 as a Science and English school teacher at the United Faith Tabernacle College in Jarawan Kogi and later at the St Murumba College in Jos.
How did you start being an actor?
It was pure happenstance – one day, I attended an audition for a role in WASTING FOR THE WEST, the NTA Jos entry for the National Festival of TV Programs in 1994. Luckily for me, I was spotted by the erudite Dr. Dul Johnson, HOD, Theatre Arts Department, UniJos. From thence, I went on to play in that telemovie and subsequently in many TV Series, Mini-Series, Telemovies and full length movies in Jos, Lagos, Imo State, Freetown and London! On October 1, 2022 I finally returned to Lagos Nigeria after 20 years abroad, and currently striving to regain my place in Nollywood among my colleagues, kith and kin. Currently I’m based in Abuja where I ply my trade.
