Jim Iyke defines the word mogul properly. The actor who gained a reputation for appearing as a powerful love interest in films has grown from actor to rapper and a serial entrepreneur all in a decade. His filmography is very long and rich, not only that, Iyke has remained relevant even when he took a hiatus from acting. Here is everything you need to know about him.
Jim Iyke was born in Libreville, Gabon
James Ikechukwu Esomugha known widely as Jim Iyke is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Okolue from Ogwugwu village in Enugu Agidi town of Anambra State, the Eastern part of Nigeria. However, he was born in Libreville Gabon on September 25, 1976, as his parents were living there at the time. He was raised in a large family as he is the only male child from a family of 8 children.
When his parents moved back to Nigeria, he was enrolled at the Federal Government College Kwali Abuja where he graduated from in 1991. He then moved to the University of Jos, Plateau State where he obtained a diploma in Banking and Finance before wrapping off his educational pursuit with a Bachelor of Science degree in Philosophy at the same institution.
Jim Iyke is 43 years old.
He is more than an actor
Jim Iyke started his career as an actor in 2001. He entered the industry as a Nollywood sweetheart with an afro hair and a flawless accent. He immediately caught the attention of many as he dazzled in many films even when the competition was fierce as which actor will land a lead role because the likes of Ramsey Noah and Emeka Ike were also in their prime.
In his over 150 movies where he has appeared, Jim Iyke has played the role of a Prince, a priest, a robber and the guy whom you are sure was going to steal your girlfriend. One of the brightest roles he played came in the film “Last Flight to Abuja” alongside actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde. The film received mixed reviews despite its story outline. It also failed to make a profit at the box office, although Nigerian film producers bemoan that film piracy makes their hard work look so effortless.
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Jim Iyke however, went into a hiatus for a while but his absence from Nollywood was not a deliberate act as he disclosed that producers can no longer pay him. “I have not been away, it is the producers who cannot afford me. So, I know my worth. But I have been busy creating opportunities and jobs for Nigerian youths so that we all can live better lives,” he told Premium Times.
In 2017, Jim Iyke played appeared as himself in the comedy film “American Driver” alongside Nse Ikpe Etim. The film grossed over ₦41 Million Naira and ranked #8 in 2017 and #33 at the all-time Nigerian Box Office.
Outside of acting, Jim has many businesses in Nigeria and abroad. He has a movie production company named “Untamed Productions”. He has tried his hands in music, releasing a single under the imprint “Untamed Records” with Tu face Idibia, Nigeria’s pop singer.
In 2018, he opened a Taxi business called “Mr. Taxi”. He revealed in one interview that he wants to create jobs for Nigeria’s teeming youths.
3. Jim Iyke sparked a debate after his deliverance at SCOAN
In 2013, Jim Iyke visited the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN) located in Lagos State to see a popular Pastor who goes by the name TB Joshua. In a video that went viral during the period, the man of God delivered him of the evil spirit that has prevented him from getting married.
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Many Nigerians believed his visit to the Church was scripted following how sober he was during the deliverance process, months after, the actor said he visited SCOAN because of his late mother. The Synagogue Church of All Nations is known to be home for citizens of all nationals as they seek for diverse miracles
He has an impressive net worth
Jim Iyke has chains of businesses, there is even a clothing line to his name. According to celebritynetworth, the actor has a net worth of 30 million dollars. This figure might be too bogus considering the fact that the Nigerian entertainment industry doesn’t rake that much in profits. The actor is rich and his appearance as a fashion aficionado bears witness to his riches.
His net worth would certainly hover between 3 million dollars to 5 million dollars.
Jim Iyke is not married
Years after the “evil spirit” that was responsible for his inability to pick a wife left him, Jim Iyke is yet to be married. He had had several dates in the past including one with Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari. The actress even accepted Jim’s marriage proposal but unfortunately, their engagement crashed.
Jim Iyke has a son named Harvis Chidubem Iyke with his Lithuania partner Dana Kindurte. They are yet to tie the knots.
Image Source: Nollywood Community
