How Kemi Adetiba changed my life with King of Boys – Illbliss reveals

Shortly after talented Nigerian rapper, Tobechukwu Ejiofor, aka Illbliss, starred in Kemi Adetiba’s movie series, King of Boys, he has been getting rave reviews for his portrayal of ‘Odogwu Malay’.

In an interview with PUNCH, Illbliss noted that the movie opened introduced him to a new generation, adding that nobody seems to remember him as Illbliss.

According to him, “Nobody even remembers if I am IllBliss or Oga boss. The movie sold me to a new generation of film lovers. It was my first film. It was an experiment but it ‘blew up’. I am going to do more films but I am taking my time. As I speak to you, I have about 12 scripts on the table. Everybody is trying to have another ‘Odogwu Malay’.”

“They are trying to typecast me and I have refused. The people I look up to are very dynamic— from Denzel Washington to Wesley Snipes. I will also be producing films in 2022. I am doing everything— short films, documentaries and feature films. I would also be putting out good music in 2022. King of Boys changed everything for me. It opened up new doors, corporate relationships and a new fan base. I don’t have a life anymore.”

Asked if he had always seen himself as an actor, Illbliss said, “I just wanted to shoot a film. This is God telling one that it is not even in one’s hands. I give all the credit to Kemi Adetiba. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would have had the guts to do such a movie.”

On the challenges of playing the role of ‘Odogwu Malay’, the rapper-cum-actor said, “It required a different range of emotions. Sometimes, one is happy and at other times, one is scared. I am the one they stretched the most after Sola Sobowale.”

King of Boys is a 2018 Nigerian crime political thriller film written, co-produced and directed by Kemi Adetiba. It is the second movie directed by Kemi Adetiba following the release of The Wedding Party.

It reunites Adetiba with Adesua Etomi and Sola Sobowale, after they worked together in her directorial debut, The Wedding Party.

The movie is focused on power tussle and stars rappers Illbliss and Reminisce in their movie debut roles. Other casts include Paul Sambo, Osas Ajibade, Toni Tones, Sani Muazu, Demola Adedoyin and Akin Lewis