How Did Jim Iyke Come About His Name?

Jim Iyke/102.3 Max FM
Jim Iyke/102.3 Max FM

Most people know Nollywood actor James Ikechukwu with his stage name Jim Iyke, but only a few know how he came up with this name.

In a 2022 interview with Temisan Emmanuel of the Tea with Tay podcast, the actor noted that the drive to make a name for himself apart from his family’s, motivated the choice to get the name Jim Iyke.

The thespian revealed that he does not share the same last name with his siblings.

ALSO READ: “THEY GROW SO FAST”- ACTOR JIM IYKE PENS HEARTWARMING LETTER TO CELEBRATE CUTE SON’S BIRTHDAY

Jim Iyke said:

“We don’t share the same last name. My real name is James Ikechukwu Esomughua Okelue. Okelue is my great grandfather’s name and everybody goes with that last name. Of course, from day one I figured that part out before if I knew what was going on in the industry. I said that if I’m going to embark on this journey, I’m going to go alone. I’m going to go through the trials and ups and downs that comes with this journey and if it works, I’ll be the centre of it. If it doesn’t, I’d have exempted this people from whatever comes with it.”

The “Bad Comments” actor further revealed that he was concerned about his relationship with his family, which is why he chose a name fans couldn’t easily trace his family with.

“I’ve had that strategy from day one and now, there’s an extension of it to my next generation; my sons. I said, how about if I’m so famous and I can’t walk around in public places, what would happen to my relationship with my sisters? I took that decision then and said, ‘you know what? What can I take away from my name?’ James – Jim; Ikechukwu – Iyke. And that was it. Jim Iyke was born.’’

He is one of the biggest stars in the Nigerian film industry. He has appeared in hit Nollywood films such as Bad Comments, Merry Men, and more.

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