From student to entertainer, a UF alumnus lands a spot co-starring on USA Network’s show “Complications.”
Conphidance Echeazu, an entertainer and mathematical connoisseur, demonstrates Gators are everywhere as he prepares himself for his debut role as CJ on “Complications,” which will air at 9 p.m. on June 18.
Echeazu, who was born in Nigeria as Uchenna Echeazu, moved to America with his family in pursuit of better educational opportunities. At UF, he studied biological engineering and made time to take part in activities that cultivated his love of dancing and entertaining others.
“My calling was truly to inspire people through entertainment,” Echeazu said.
Echeazu also minored in both biomechanics and African studies. He was an active member in the international community and served as the president for the African Student Union for two years.
UF professor Agnes Leslie, ASU’s current faculty advisor, said that Echeazu was always an active participant in student activities.
“Uchenna was creative, funny and always willing to work with the other students to promote African culture,” Leslie said.
Shortly after graduating, Echeazu became a high school algebra teacher. Echeazu’s teaching days served as inspiration for a show he has written and will soon do a pilot production for.
“It was a great experience,” he said. “I would always joke around with the kids and tell them that they’d see me on the TV in a few years.”
Echeazu opted to rename himself and decided on Conphidance — a blend of three words that his peers said best described who he was: conscious, philosophical and dance, which described his love of entertainment via dancing.
Now, he is living up to his name along with his dream of being successful in the industry.
The artiste has snagged roles on shows such as CW’s “The Originals,” and USA Network’s “Satisfaction.”
Echeazu uses his love of acting, dancing and music as a way to raise his voice in the community and inspire those who look up to entertainers.
“Right now I think entertainers are some of the biggest influences,” he said. “I strive to be that entertainer that supports academia and education because it really is the foundation.”
Leslie agrees.
“I am so glad that UF and the African Students Union served as his training ground.”
[A version of this story ran on page 12 on 6/4/15]
