Nwosu Michael, popularly known as Yabkaba, has revealed that his decision to avoid romantic relationships with women has led to him being branded as gay by some of his admirers.
The Nollywood actor, known for his tough gangster roles on screen, described himself as highly spiritual and deeply reserved, saying he deliberately keeps his personal life away from the spotlight to focus on his career.
“My female colleagues usually think I am gay, some of them even said I am possessed,” Yabkaba said. “I am not a saint but that doesn’t mean I don’t have sexual intimacy, but I am always careful with whom I do it with. When I am ready to settle down, the woman God has destined for me will show up. I have always had such a mindset, while growing up. This is because I am always scared of women.”
He explained that his refusal to date actresses stems from a personal covenant to maintain his energy and spiritual focus.
“Any relationship that passes jovial or cordial relationships when it comes to the movie industry I normally withdraw from it,” he said.
Despite the speculations, Yabkaba disclosed that he is preparing to marry the love of his life, whom he has known for two years. “I am getting married soon. To those who labelled me ‘gay’ I would prove them wrong. She’s a woman every man needs in his life. She’s meant for me, the moment I saw her I knew we were destined to be husband and wife. I love her and she loves me too,” he said.
Speaking about what drew him to his fiancée, Yabkaba said, “What attracted me to her was how she reasons, and her caring and loving nature. I was not looking for love in Nollywood. My fiancée is my fan. If she’s a movie star, I still would have gone for her.”
Describing himself as “mysterious, understandable only by those with a spiritual eye,” the actor added, “I can tell you how many times I have had sex with any woman. I am too reserved and it’s opening doors for me.”
He also recounted a memorable encounter with fellow actor Zubby Michael, whose on-screen gangster persona initially gave Yabkaba the wrong impression. “We were at a location and I was standing by my car, when Zubby Michael walked past me to pick something from his car. I was talking to someone on the phone and I spoke in coded language, not knowing he overheard me. When he was coming back, he came straight to my car and opened the door. I was surprised as I was meeting him for the first time.
He said to me, ‘I like the way you act’ and he advised me to focus on my career and avoid non-beneficial people. He said that I am a star, I should concentrate on building my career. I was shocked but it touched me. I even thought he was a bad boy due to his roles in movies. Thanks to Zubby Michael for advising me. We became friends and even exchanged numbers. People thought he’s my brother because our surnames are the same. Since then, I have starred in a couple of movies alongside him.”
Yabkaba insists his dedication to staying true to his personal vows has kept him grounded as he continues to build his Nollywood career.
(VANGUARD)