Exclusive: “I am a woman and a half” – Uzor Osimkpa, GUS contestant and MTV VJ Search finalist

by Rachel Ogbu


 If I eventually make it to the top ,I’d be immensely grateful, if I don’t, I’d be grateful still and will move right on to the next like nothing happened!

There are many ways to describe Uzor Osimkpa, however, she describes herself as “… a woman and half jor!”

As a contestant on the Gulder Ultimate Show 9, Osimkpa showed courage, strength, perseverance and determination, an innocent mistake got her evicted even though she was so close to winning but that hasn’t changed anything. If you know Osimkpa, you would know it has only made her stronger.

In this interview with Rachel Ogbu, she opens up on what really happened on the show and how she survived the pressure and  physical challenges, she also talks about acting after GUS and becoming a finalist on the MTV Base Nigeria VJ Search show… this one, there’s no stopping her:

On GUS, did you have to consciously work harder than the boys or are you just naturally a very strong woman and can persevere?

I tried to work as hard as my faith and body could carry me and yes, I beat some of the boys to it.

What was your toughest moment during the game?

Getting through most of the high energy and physical tasks, most of them were terrifying and downright TOUGH! For instance, I had never climbed a tree before in my entire life, but I had to do that more than once in the course of the search. Most of the time during those tasks I sustained injuries and was out of breath and almost literally gave up but I still stuck it out. The living condition wasn’t easy either.

Apparently you were evicted for taking off the Stump of Shame after you lost a challenge, why didn’t you play the game till the end?

I didn’t think taking off the stump to get dressed for the task of the day was going to get me evicted, there was hardly any other way to get through wearing my khaki without freeing myself, I had come as far as 26 days in the jungle and wasn’t about to give up just like that, so it was absolutely unintentional.


You’ve been pretty busy since you left camp on GUS, tell us a bit about what you’ve been up too?

Immediately I got back from GUS, I had to get straight to work on a film. The producer had to stall for me to go and get back from GUS before the shoot. I also had to get busy at once with other personal business I had put on hold. These have kept me busy EVERYDAY since I’ve been back, it’s been like a roller coaster. I’ve hardly rested, almost broke down, but I’m great!

Do people now recognise you in the street and yell out your name?

– Oh Yes!! Normally, people would address me by a character name for a role I played on TV, but now, the most random of people in the most random of places just holler my name and go on to having conversations with me like they know me thoroughly. It’s amazing, fulfilling and funny all at once. Nigerians sure watch a lot of TV against the odds of power outage and daily hustle. Those random folks are the people who sort of keep you in business indirectly, they all Rock!

About the MTV Base Nigeria VJ search, why did you enter the competition?

My state of mind and approach towards virtually everything is: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When I know of an opening for something I know I can thrive in, I go for it, regardless of what the odds maybe. How would I know that I’d make it for sure if I don’t try? I’ve had some background in presenting, MTV Base is a fabulous platform, so I thought to explore and I made it through to the final 34 from the 2000 plus people who turned up for it. If I eventually make it to the top, I’d be immensely grateful, if I don’t, I’d be grateful still and will move right on to the next like nothing happened!
I was just messing around when I registered for GUS, look how far I came. I am a woman and half jor! Koma roll! (Hahahahaha)

What next for Uzor Osimkpa?

There are a number of things waiting to happen real soon. It’s safe to say 2013 will be an amazing year. I’m not about to jinx anything so I’ll just say keep an ear and eye out to witness as they unfold come 2013.

One comment

  1. You go, girl! You can do whatever you set your mind to. Or at least give it your best shot! You never know what can come of it.

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