For many, the Gulder Ultimate Search is one of the most sought-after and most anticipated content in the era of Nigeria reality TV series.
This was for the fact that it tested and rewarded strength, bravery, and agility. Collective numbers trooped in at auditions in a bid to win cash and other mouthwatering prices but for the past winners, it was more than just victory in the end.
The show which lasted 11 seasons before returning this year is responsible for bringing many of today’s Nollywood actors and models into the limelight. As show organizers are gearing to bring it back to viewers’ screens after seven years; it is important to note the Nollywood stars that made fame and fortune while it premiered.
Kunle Remi
Before Gulder Ultimate Search, he was a youth drama leader in his church in Ibadan who later gained admission to study Fishery and Wildlife Management at the University of Ibadan. While he was there, he gained admission to study Tourism and Hospitality Management at Sheffield University in the United Kingdom. He also studied acting at the New York Film Academy, Los Angeles, and graduated in 2014.
Remi made his fame after winning the 7th edition of Gulder Ultimate Search in 2010. It was titled ‘The Ultimate Hero.’ He has acted in several Nollywood movies including Shades of Love (2009), Unspoken (2011), Sting (2013), The Date (2014), Kpians: The Feast of Souls (2014), The Lincoln Clan (2014), Falling (2015), Hex (2015), Sobi’s Mystique (2017), amongst others.
Michael Nwachukwu
Described by fellow contenders as Big Mike, evidence in his height of six feet, seven inches, Michael used his intimidating physique in becoming the winner of GUS Season Five known as the ‘Lost Chronicle.’ He hails from Anambra state with a degree in Forestry. He was on the cast of Two Brides and A Baby. Nwachukwu solicited help for season 3 winner of the show, Hector Jobarteh, who was brutally murdered in Lagos by unknown gunmen, leaving behind a heavily pregnant wife and a young daughter.
Uche Nwaezeapu
Uche Nwaezeapu went into music after he won the Season six edition of the Gulder Ultimate Search in 2009 known as ‘Horn of Valour.’ He attended four auditions of the show before finally winning it. He released his first single titled “No Be Today,” and a debut album Junge 2 Studio to kickstart his musical career. He has also starred in “Half Shot Of Sunrise,” “Sister’s Love,” “Love Cycle” and “Turning Thirty.” In 2018, he married Lauren Agokei who shot her shot at him via Facebook.
Chris Okagbue
Chris is a man of many talents. He is an actor, movie producer, dancer, and amazing vocalist. He is also the son of the former Obi of Onitsha. He began his career as a model in 2004 while he was only 17. He moved into acting in 2007 and got a chance to play Preye Pepple in the TV series The Station. He did this before trying his hands at TV presenting. His major break came when he won season 8 of the reality show Gulder Ultimate Search in 2011. This landed him a role in Tinsel and his life had not remained the same ever since.
Dennis Okike
To date, Dennis Okike wears the famous General helmet that characterizes the show’s history on his Twitter display picture. Okike had tried for three years before getting picked to participate in the show. According to him, he prayed, fasted, and even became celibate to get into the jungle. This preparation phase also included an additional training of eight months. Okike won the 10th edition of the show titled The Tenth Symbol.’ He exchanged it for 10 million naira and a brand new Mitsubishi Pajero. He has starred in The Wrong Guest and The Heart wants what it wants.
Chinedu Ubachukwu
Chinedu Ubachukwu was the winner of the 11th edition of the show titled ‘The General’s Helmet.’ Ubachukwu is a graduate of petroleum and gas engineering from the University of Port Harcourt and a model. Discovering the platform of GUS was his own path to achieving purpose in life. He is not only a TV show host, he is also an actor known for his role in Gbomo Gbomo Express (2015).
Kofya Brown
Kofya Brown was the first contestant to be eliminated from the Gulder Ultimate Search 9, ‘The Gatekeeper’s Fortune.’ She was rewarded with prize money of one million naira. She is also the mother to her daughter known as Jessica. The computer graduate is an actor and model. She starred in My Sister And I (2017).
Uzor Osimkpa
Uzor Osimkpa also participated in Gulder Ultimate Search 9, ‘The Gatekeeper’s Fortune.’ She survived the competition to the last four when she was evicted. Her acting career began in 2000. Later on, she made her first debut as a Nollywood actress in 2004, in a movie known as Shallow Water. She had attained success after the GUS show starring in the M-Net series, Tinsel as well as several movies like “Love Is War,” “Dance to My Beat,” “Kpians: The Feast of Souls” and many others.
Special Mention: Dominic Mudabai
A special mention is reserved for Dominic Mudabai who is not only a Nollywood actor but a model and now, a gym instructor. The 2010 Estate Management graduate came to the limelight when he emerged winner of the fourth season titled ‘The Search for the Golden Age’ in 2007. Last year, he welcomed a bouncing baby boy with Tope Akinmade-Mudabai, his wife. He got married in August 2015. Currently, he is a certified fitness trainer and Lead Trainer at Go Fitness.
