Bucci Franklin: Actor talks "Jemeji," playing Neza, Nigerians being ready for gay-themed films

Bucci Franklin talks about "Jemeji," playing the character Neza and Nigerians being ready for gay-themed films.

On Africa Magic's "Jemeji," Bucci Franklin plays Neza, a conspiracy theorist, who has not really done much with his life besides smoking weed, speaking patois and spending his parents’ money.

The actor and producer is also popular for his role in movies which include "Bambitious," "Lunchtime Heroes," and will next be seen in the upcoming movie, "The Royal Hibiscus Hotel."

A new media phenomenon, Jemeji's audience engage in real-time conversations about the show everyday. With the hashtag #AMJemeji, the show has created a community of avid followers.

 

"Because of the crop of actors, producers and crew behind "Jemeji," we have successfully come up with a show that makes round 8:30 PM, Monday to Friday," Bucci said to Pulse Nigeria.

"There's hope. You go on different social media platforms and it's people talking about different characters, coming up with ideas, basically giving us the boost that we need as actors to keep on doing what we are doing."

 

Being on an influential show like "Jemeji" has positively influenced his career in more ways than one.

"The numbers have gone up. By numbers I mean my fee. The numbers have also increased in terms of followership.

"Working on "Jemeji" has been mind-blowing. The character is beyond words, and for some reason, Nigerians and Africa at large love Neza.

 

Being on a show as big as "Jemeji" isn't without challenges, and for Bucci, it's getting out of the character Neza.

"It's challenging because it's a series and you would have to go back home to take off that Nebuchadnezzar headgear, the bracelet and my lips are no longer black," he said.

"I also don't need to be agitated like an evil spirit is chasing me from somewhwere."

 

As Neza, Bucci sports a weird beard, and in reality, he sports the same beard.

"So when it's time to get back on set, it's very easy for me," he explains. "What I need to do is put on my gear, put on my costume and my gear."

 

In 2017, Bucci starred as Eyimofe, a homophobic husband who blackmails and extorts money from his lesbian ex-wife in "Everything in Between," a web series aimed at starting conversations on sexuality in Nigeria.

"Personally, I don't have issues with brothers and sisters that swing the other way, because I have friends that are gay."

 

Bucci believes that it's time for a conversation on homosexuality to kick off in Nigeria.

"I'm not saying we should put it out there for our kids to see, or 'hey, thumbs up,' 'kiss a guy." But I believe that the way we talk about the economy, sex, health issues, I think we should also bring that [homosexuals] up as an important topic amongst families, friends, workplace.

Because they are amongst us and they eat the same food that you like, they also pray to a God. You're not God, so don't play God."

 

His greatest fear as an actor is not getting the reaction he expects from his audience.

"Your audience is all that you have and from that audience, you pick one person that you're supposed to entertain. No matter the colour the character carries, make sure that you connect [with your audience].

You have the power to make the person cry or laugh."

 

Also a film producer, Bucci believes that no cinema house can reject a good film just because it doesn't have an A-List cast.

"They want to make money. It's all about numbers. If you have five good actors and one is a big name, that's good.

"If you don't have a big name, then you make up with picture, story and killer performance by your actors. Nobody can reject a good film."

But, if you don't  have A-List actors in your film and the story is shabby, and the production is shabby, of course, they are will collect your film, put it in a wardrobe and throw away the key."

Bucci will next be seen in the anticipated EbonyLife Film, "The Royal Hibiscus Hotel," which recently screened at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.