In this exciting interview with Ezeruom Ugwu, the veteran Actor, Author and Musician-Eliel Otote A- takes us down memory lane. Enjoy it. 
"My name is Eliel Otote A. I'm a Filmmaker, Music Scholar, Coach, Author and Culture Consultant. People call me "Mr. Deputy", a character I play on the popular sitcom THE JOHNSONS. Often, some people are confused about what "screen name" to call me, haven acquired various nicknames, courtesy of the various characters I have given life to in the last four decades as an Actor! For instance, those old enough by the 80's and 90's call me "Special Announcer" my character in the longest running radio comedy show: VARIETY TIME; at the same period, those who were fund of the NTA's Super Movies programme in the late 80's would call me "Megida" courtesy of THE MERCHANT OF DEATH. And by the early 90's, my nickname had changed from "Megida" to "Prof" after starring in the NTA Network programme: MUSICAL VARIETY. Whereas, the ardent viewers of the television series: THE SPIDER would rather call me "Uncle Joe". And shortly after that, I acquired the nickname: "Papa Akpors" from the farcical television comedy AKPORS AND COMPANY. And now, "Mr. Deputy" of The Johnsons! And what next can only be imagined. It's been four decades of active service as an Entertainer!"
"The secret? Well, I was born into an artistic family. My dad was a popular thumb pianist (agidigbo) and my mother was a kokoma dance troupe leader. So, all that informed my childhood bias. Honestly, I grew up to meet me performing. By 1975, I had won the best Actor (junior edition of the pre-FESTAC Schools drama competition for my school. I was also enlisted into my community drum ensemble as drummer and backup singer. All those childhood experiences informed my decision to study all art related disciplines like Acting, Music, Filmmaking etc. The journey has been very impressive and fulfilling. Yes, like all trailblazers, it had not been too rewarding in monetary terms, until the advent of Nollywood, but has always been a fulfilling passion".
"Lest I forget, as I was active in acting, so was I in music. By the 80's, I had joined the Sir Victor Uwaifo's Junior Orchestra Band, opening shows for the legendary musician himself. And at the same period, I was the lead guitarist with Black Boys Band, which became the resident band on the NTA Benin Music Panorama. And fifteen years later, I had formed my own band The Minstrels, playing at the Ojez monthly Elders Forum in Lagos, courtesy of Jahman Anikulapo and Benson Idonije"
"My career ambition? Well, this may sound unambitious. My career ambition is to document all my experiences in my artistic sojourn in books, movies, music for the benefit of those who care. And to that effect, I have published many books, audiobook and music respectively. Click the links to access my works:"
