The background of every personality plays a key role in his/her life.

There are many who do not want to talk about their humble backgrounds; whether out of embarrassment or any of a host of other factors.

Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki, is very much appreciative for how his background has contributed to his success in the movie industry.

According to him, he was able to carve a niche for himself due to the experiences he had and things he learnt from the street when he was growing up.

“My background contributed a lot to who I am today and it is still contributing. I grew up with my grandmother in Abia State and I learnt a lot from her. She probably just gave me a free hand to operate as a little boy and that gave me the opportunity to know how to set traps, play pranks on people and to know other little things that children usually do.

“The experience really influenced what I do today because most of the films I do are children- friendly. You will always see me playing one mischievous role or the other; I learnt these things while I was a little boy. Also, every child has a story; you know I was a street boy, so to speak. All those little things I gathered on the streets. Aki is the character that everybody knows me for, though Chinedu Ikedieze is not a mischievous person.”

The actor told the Punch that he is worried for not being a Ph.D holder as at now.

“Aside obtaining my first degree in mass communication at The Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, I had the opportunity to go to New York Film Academy in 2004. I did film acting, it is like a certificate programme and I have learnt over the years on the job too. By now, the way I had it in mind when I finished school, I should have had my second Master’s degree if not Ph.D. Each time I think along that line, other things come to mind and I am not happy about that. When you see me again, I might just be finishing a particular course,” Aki said.