The Nigerian entertainment business is brimming with outstanding individuals that never fail to provide viewers at home with a memorable experience. Regardless of how long they’ve been in the profession, a lot of performers have kept us captivated with their onscreen performances over the years.
Despite the fact that the industry is currently flooded with youthful stars, Nigerians would never forget old time artists like Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze.
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The duos cannot be forgotten in the history of Nollywood in Nigeria. This because of how effective they are whenever they appear together in movies. The two have a unique acting skills which earned them their stage name, “Aki and Paw Paw”. Before Aki and Pawpaw became very popular and accepted in the industry, there are several challenges they both passed through which many people don’t know today.
How They Began Their Career:
Aki, with his real name as Chinedu Ikedieze was born on the 12th of December, 1977 to the family of Mr and Mrs Michael Ikedieze Ogbonna in Bende, Abia state of Nigeria. He graduated from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu where he studied Mass Communication.
Despite what he studied, Aki chased his dream of becoming an actor. He joined acting group where he was given minor roles but everything changed when he met Osita Iheme in 2002.
Osita Iheme was born on the 20th of February, 1989 to the family of Augustine Iheme and Herbert Iheme in Abia state, Nigeria. He actually graduated from the University of Science and Technology, Enugu where he also studied Mass Communication just like his colleague. In an interview with Punch.ng, Osita Iheme revealed how he had cherished the roles of Chinedu Ikedieze on stage before they eventually met.
Although, Chinedu has been acting before he met Osita Iheme, both actors appeared in the movie titled “Aki na Ukwa” in 2002.
Their collaboration was engineered by one Mr Kasvid, who was producer before his death in 2018. The late man saw uniqueness in both characters and decided to give it a trial. Together they played the roles of mischievous children in a hilarious way in the film which later caught the attention of fans.
Both actors didn’t stop there, they then focused on playing that particular role of troublesome children in most films with veteran actors such as Mr. Ibu, Sam Loco, Osofia as their fathers. Both actors later became more intimate even outside their acting career.
Together, they have been featured in many Nigerian movies since their first appearance was appreciated by viewers.
However, they have been individually nominated for many Awards. Chinedu Ikedieze received a Life Achievement Award at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2007. And as well in 2018, the Miami, Florida of the United States of America honoured him as a distinguished visitors to the region. Aside these, he has been honoured with Awards in the Nollywood entertainment industry as well.
Osita Iheme has also received multiple Awards such as Life Entertainment Achievement Awards at African Movie Academy just like Chinedu Ikedieze.
The actor was also honoured by the former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan with the Nigerian National Honour of Member of Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011. This was done to motivate him and other upcoming actors who wish to attain success.
