TTalk about growing up in North Carolina, knowing you wanted to do this? I have a lot of family there.
Tomiké Ogugua: Where about?
U.G. Digital Mag: High Point, Charlotte, and Greensboro…
Tomiké Ogugua: Oh yea, High Point, OK. I got my degree from A&T. I lived in Greensboro for five years.
U.G. Digital Mag: So growing up there, was it difficult to transition into acting?
Tomiké Ogugua: I would say yes at first. When I graduated from high school, I immediately went to college. I wasn’t ready on a social level.
U.G. Digital Mag: That’s the story of my life man [laughing]. I was dismissed twice, so I know that struggle.
Tomiké Ogugua: Well, I was almost kicked out, but what happened was the two years I was out of school, I was doing all kinds of things I am not proud of. I started down a path that could have been detrimental. In some ways, it was because I paid some consequences, but was able to pull myself out of it. I got myself back into A&T, and that’s when I discovered theater. I started out as a Communications major, and I had a speech class with a bunch of theater majors. I was intrigued on how they did it. I eventually changed my major to theater. I think it was one of the best choices in my life.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s good that you spoke on your story. Nobody needs full detail, but that history will help people. It mirrors mine as well in a lot of ways. Starting at The University of Akron, I wasn’t ready. I made bad decisions, and that ultimately led to dismissal twice. The immediate consequence of that was financial aid being discontinued. It took some time, but I was able to reverse it all. That history helps people who go through similar things. A lot of our lives are similar in that way. People will see they’re not alone. You clearly got it all back on track, and that’s the inspiring piece. They know they can follow a dream and be happy doing that.
Tomiké Ogugua: Right. Life is too short. It’s good doing things for the community. People want to live that too. People want to be inspired and motivated. When they have a real living, breathing person in from of them, it gives them the fire to do what they need to do. That’s with whatever they want to do. It doesn’t have to be in the arts. It can be with anything. If I can contribute to someone’s success by motivating them, that’s what I’m here for.
U.G. Digital Mag: Where can everyone check you out online?
Tomiké Ogugua: My Instagram is @tomikeogugua, on Twitter it’s @tomikelee, Facebook is @tomikeleeogugua, and @tomikeagugua.
U.G. Digital Mag: What is the meaning behind your name?
Tomiké Ogugua: No one has asked me this before, this is great [laughing]. My first name means thank god, or thank him. Now there’s a debate if I talk to another Nigerian and they are really keen on it. My middle name is english, Lee means shelter or corner, and my last name means to be compassionate or to have compassion for.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s all rings true. Thank God you’re here, and thank God people have you to look to. You really are inspiring communities, and people who want to do nothing more than be happy.
Tomiké Ogugua: I really appreciate that.