Ekenedilichukwu Ugochukwu Eric Nwenweh, (born 28 February 1985) professionally known as Ken Erics Ugo or simply Ken Erics is a Nigerian film and television actor, writer, producer and occasional musician. He is popularly known for his role as Ugo in the movie ‘The Illiterate’ alongside Tonto Dikeh and Yul Edochie. He is from Anambra State.
Early life
Ken Erics was born in Kano State, Northwest Nigeria on 28 February 1985 and is the sixth of seven children of Eric Chukwuemeka Nwenweh and Grace Ifeyinwa Nwenweh both of Enugwu-Ukwu in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. He is of Igbo descent. Erics had his primary education at Binta Mustapha Science Nursery and Primary School, Kano, and his secondary education at Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha, Anambra State. As a young child, Erics showed a passion for the arts, and this culminated in his admission to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, where he graduated with a degree in Theatre Arts. He also holds a master’s degree in Theatre and Film studies.
Career
In 2001, as a first year student in the university, Erics got his first movie role, in the Chris Ubani directed ‘direct-to-DVD’ movie ‘Holy Prostitute’, where he played a minor role as a medical doctor, with just three scenes. He went on to graduate from the university and began to attend auditions and bagged a few other cameo roles in home movies. However, his 2012 portrayal of “Ugo” in the movie ‘The Illiterate’ endeared him to audiences and opened up more opportunities for him in the Nigerian movie industry.
As a writer, Erics first published work Cell has gained attention and has been used in a number of Nigerian tertiary institutions for stage productions and academic purposes.
As an occasional singer and musician who plays the guitar and keyboard, Erics, who had earlier run his own musical band, has been involved in the production of a number of original movie soundtracks.
He also has acted alongside top movie stars like; Ngozi Ezeonu, Yul Edochie, Desmond Elliot, Chiwetalu Agu, Regina Daniels and more.
In 2014, Erics won the award for Best Supporting Actor at the City People Entertainment Award, as well as the Best Lead Actor at the Afrifimo Awards in the United States. In 2015, he went on to win the Best Lead Actor award at the City People Entertainment Award.
In 2017, Erics won the City People Entertainment Awards 2017 for Best Actor of the Year and was also nominated for the Golden Movie Awards in 2018 for Best supporting Actor.
In December 2018, Ken Erics released his first music single Inozikwa Omee after he became a superstar, because he has been making music before he came to lime light. Inozikwa Omee got his fans applauding his debut single. The sensational tune accompanied with very melodious vocals is a clear indication Ken Erics is not going anywhere anytime soon.
In March 2019, Ken Erics announced that he will no longer continue his marriage to his wife, Onyi Adada. According to the Actor it became important to leave his marriage after things turned unbearable. He however, expressed happiness over ending the union.
Year Event Prize Recipient Result
Year Event Prize Recipient Result
2014 City People Entertainment Awards Best Supporting Actor Ken Erics Won
2014 Afrifimo Awards (USA) Best Lead Actor Ken Erics Won
2015 Golden Icons Movie Awards (GIAMA) 2015 Awards Best Actor in a Lead Role Ken Erics Nominated
Golden Icons Movie Awards (GIAMA) 2015 Awards Best ‘on-screen duo’ Ken Erics and Kiki Omeili Nominated
City People Entertainment Awards Best Actor Ken Erics Won
Afrifimo Awards (USA) Best ‘on-screen duo’ Ken Erics Nominated
2017 City People Entertainment Awards Best Actor Ken Erics Won
Nollywood Ambassadors Awards Best Actor of the Year Ken Erics Won
2018 Golden Movie Awards (GMA) 2018 Best Supporting Actor Ken Erics Nominated
Movies
- The Illiterate” (2013)
- “Royal War” (2014)
- “How to Play a Player” (2014)
- “The Place” (2015)
- “The Governor’s Gift” (2016)
- “Okafor’s Law” (2016)
- “Lagos Real Fake Life” (2018)
- “The Strangers” (2018)
- “Ifeanyichukwu” (2018)
- “Lionheart” (2018)
Challenges and triumphs
Challenges:
- Competition: Actors often face fierce competition for roles, as the industry can be highly competitive.
- Rejection: Auditioning for roles and facing rejection can be emotionally challenging and can test an actor’s resilience.
- Typecasting: Actors may struggle to break out of certain roles or character types, which can limit their opportunities for diverse roles.
- Work-Life Balance: The demanding nature of the entertainment industry can make it difficult for actors to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Public Scrutiny: Being in the public eye can result in intense scrutiny, invasion of privacy, and criticism, which can be challenging to navigate.
Triumphs:
- Successful Projects: A major triumph for actors is when they secure roles in successful and well-received projects that gain recognition and praise.
- Awards and Accolades: Winning awards and receiving recognition for their performances can be a significant achievement for actors.
- Career Milestones: Reaching career milestones such as starring in a leading role, working with renowned directors, or being part of a critically acclaimed production can be a source of pride.
- Positive Audience Reception: When an actor’s work is appreciated and celebrated by the audience, it can be a rewarding experience.
- Personal Growth: Overcoming challenges, honing acting skills, and evolving as an artist can be a personal triumph for actors.
Legacy
Ken Erics, the Nigerian actor, has made a significant impact on the Nigerian entertainment industry during his career. While I cannot provide a comprehensive overview of his legacy without specific details, here are some aspects that may contribute to his legacy:
- Acting Prowess: Ken Erics is known for his exceptional acting skills and his ability to portray a wide range of characters. His performances have captivated audiences and earned him acclaim within the industry.
- Memorable Roles: Throughout his career, Ken Erics has taken on diverse roles in movies and television series, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. His ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters has contributed to his legacy as a versatile actor.
- Contribution to Nollywood: As a prominent figure in Nollywood, Ken Erics has played a role in the growth and development of the Nigerian film industry. His participation in various projects has helped elevate the profile of Nollywood on both the national and international stage.
- Positive Influence: Ken Erics has garnered a large fan base and has been admired for his professionalism, dedication, and humility. His positive influence on aspiring actors and his ability to connect with his audience have contributed to his legacy as an influential figure in the industry.
- Social Impact: Beyond his acting career, Ken Erics has used his platform to address social issues and advocate for positive change. His involvement in charitable activities and efforts to raise awareness about various causes have had a positive impact on society.