Julius Agwu is a stand-up comedian, actor, singer, and MC from Nigeria. Julius Agwu is the Managing Director/CEO of Reellaif Limited, a music and film production company. He is also a motivational speaker and an entertainment consultant. He is the creator of comedy shows such as Crack Ya Ribs, Laff 4 Christ’s Sake, and Festival of Love.
Early Life and Education
Julius Agwu was born on April 7, 1973, in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, to Chief Augustine Amadi Agwu and Mrs Mary Agwu. He is the fifth child in a family of six. He began his acting career on stage in Port-Harcourt, where he grew up.
He attended Choba Elementary State School before attending UPE, also in Choba. He had his secondary school education at Government Secondary School in Borokini, Port-Harcourt.
His social skills, on the other hand, were highlighted at Ozoba’s Akpor Grammar School, where he earned his “O” Levels. He was the president of the Dramatic, Debating, and Cultural Society as well as a social prefect there. Julius was admitted to the University of Port-Harcourt to pursue a diploma in theatre arts with a focus on acting after passing with flying colors. He went on to study Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt for his BA in Theatre Arts. Julius was named the top student in his graduating class in 1997.
Career
He began his acting career on stage in his hometown of Port-Harcourt. His television credits include Torn (2013), A Long Night (2014), and After Count (2011), among others. He went to numerous auditions in Lagos for movie roles in what is now known as Nollywood, and it didn’t take long for movie producers to notice him. His previous acting credits include a role in the immensely popular Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) sitcom “Paradise Park,” where he established himself as a talented performer who knows his stuff.
He has also appeared in several films, including Rattle Snake, End of the River, Lagos Boy, and King Jaja of Opobo. Julius also served as producer, director, and lead actor in his film “The Gods Also Cry.”
Julius’ musical career, like that of many other great musicians throughout history, began in the church. He joined the choir at a young age and quickly rose to become one of the top male singers. He displayed a variety of unique musical abilities as a child, but he never took it seriously until he became a successful comedian and actor. He has collaborated with Ayo Makun, Bovi, and Basketmouth, among others.
Julius Agwu created the music genre that is now known as musicomedy in Nigeria. This distinct fusion is described by him as an eclectic blending of various musical genres. Okombo, his debut album, was released in 2000 to acclaim and was heavily influenced by Awilo Logomba’s Makossa music. He also went on to record three albums.
Julius Agwu is the MD/CEO of Reellaif Limited, a music and film production company. In addition, he is a motivational speaker and entertainment consultant. At various points, he has spoken to young people in a variety of schools about how to discover the keys to success. Julius is also a leadership enthusiast, which is why he is frequently invited to speak at various venues and seminars on the subject of leadership.
His foundation is called the Julius Agwu Foundation for Youths. Julius enjoys charitable endeavors as part of his corporate social responsibility, such as assisting the underprivileged, needy, and impoverished.
Personal Life
Julius Agwu is currently married toIbiere MacClayton Agwu and the marriage is blessed with a daughter named Zahra and a son named Zadok.
Controversy surrounds alleged crash of Julius Agwu’s 14-year marriage
Ibiere, the wife of comedian, Julius Agwu, reportedly abandoned her matrimonial home after 14 years of marriage.
The couple had been going through trying times for some years on account of Agwu’s ill health.
Recall that in 2015, the comedian, singer and writer was diagnosed with a brain tumour, when three tumours were found in his brain.
According to some unsubstantiated reports on the Internet, Ibiere had reverted to her maiden name (Maclayton), and travelled abroad with their kids in 2022.
Though it is not clear what led to the breakdown of the marriage, there have been several speculations bandied about, with some saying the couple was going through financial crisis occasioned by Agwu’ ill health. Meanwhile, many had applauded Ibiere in the past for standing by Agwu at the height of his sickness and caring for him.
In a 2020 interview with Saturday Beats, Agwu noted that his sickness had taught him a lot of lessons. He said, “I have learnt a lot about life. I don’t want to say some things but the fact is that I have grown. Life has taught me that it is important to strategise. One cannot win all the time and at some point, one has to settle down and watch certain things unfold. However, one unforgettable lesson is that one needs to hold on tightly to God and not despise Him. I also learnt the value of friendship but I don’t want to say more than that.”
Several calls put through to Agwu to confirm the story were unanswered. Text and WhatsApp messages sent to him were also not responded to.
Awards and Nominations
- He was given honorary citizenship of the City of River Dale in Atlanta, Georgia by the Mayor of River Dale, USA, for his charity and philanthropy.
- The 19th African Film Awards gave him double honours for the role of his company, Reel Laif in the development of entertainment in Africa.
Net Worth
Julius Agwu is regarded as one of the most influential entertainers in Nigeria and has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.