Ejike 0koye, a Nollywood trailblazer

Ejike Okoye is a celebrated actor who has made significant strides in Nollywood, with a career spanning over 100 films and numerous awards. Now based in the U.S., his journey began in his childhood, where a deep passion for acting took root. “I participated in many stage plays at my church during elementary school,” he recalls. “Those performances received a lot of accolades, and other kids looked up to me. I encouraged them to join, but most shied away. Playing the role of Samuel garnered me much praise, and that experience set the foundation for my acting career.”

Okoye faced numerous challenges as he ventured into the film industry, particularly, in the early days when the financial rewards were minimal. “The pay was not what I envisioned; it was what we referred to as peanuts,” he admits. However, his determination to make an impact kept him going.

“I was focused on honing my skills, building relationships, and positively impacting the industry. I aimed for fame before money.”

Reflecting on the difficulties of filmmaking in Nigeria, Okoye highlights the pressing issues that plague the industry. “We lack good roads for easy access to shooting locations and have to rely on generators due to inadequate power supply, which affects our sound quality. Insecurity, especially in the southeast, poses a significant threat to filmmakers, making it challenging to move freely. Piracy and poor marketing further hinder our growth. We need government intervention to tackle these issues.”

Comparing Nollywood today to when he started, Okoye sees both progress and decline. “Nollywood used to feel like a family. There was decency, respect, and love among artists, and our stories resonated with families, often based on true-life events. Nowadays, there’s a disturbing amount of disrespect and nudity that drives families away from watching our films together.”

Despite these challenges, Okoye recognises the technological advancements that have transformed Nollywood. “We now use advanced equipment, and our films reach global platforms like Netflix and Amazon, showcasing our talent to a wider audience.”

In closing, Okoye urges aspiring filmmakers to embrace their risks, stating, “Let those challenges inspire you. We tell stories worth sharing, and if you do it with passion, you can make a meaningful impact.”