I didn’t brush, bath for days, says Chidi Mokeme on ‘Shanty Town’ role

Chidi Mokeme, the Nigerian actor, has revealed how he was able to interpret his role in ‘Shanty Town’, the six-part series.

The series follows the story of a group of prostitutes who want to break free from the control of an infamous kingpin, but soon realize that doing so will be extremely difficult because of political corruption and blood ties.

Through the interpretation of his role as the kingpin Scar, Mokeme has continued to win the heart of many viewers and enjoy a plethora of accolades.

In an interview with BBC Pidgin on Thursday, the actor said to effectively interpret his role, he had to go through lifestyle changes and extreme body modifications.

“Some of the body modifications I did to enter into the character of Scar was to shave off my hair and go bald. I also did not take my bath for a few days before going on set so that when they say I should do something dirty, I can do it freely because I know I am not clean. Sometimes I don’t brush my teeth and when I open my mouth to talk to people, they wonder what kind of a person I am,” he said.

“I don’t smoke but I had to smoke about three packets per day to make my voice sound the way it did in the series.

Mokeme also revealed that he is finding it difficult to separate himself from the character Scar.

“The character and I have become one and it will take some time before we can let each other go,” he said.

“Scar and I are struggling with each other on who owns my body. I told Scar that I’m through and that he can go but if I can be allowed to, I will remain as Scar.”

‘Shanty Town’ is Mokeme’s comeback movie after a long hiatus due to a battle with Bell’s Palsy.