Actor and filmmaker Jide Awobona has advised aspiring actors not to view acting as a shortcut to wealth. According to him, success in the Nigerian movie industry requires patience, hard work, and continuous self-development.
Speaking with Sunday Scoop, the Jenifa’s Diary star explained that while acting can eventually become financially rewarding, those who enter the profession purely for money are likely to be disappointed.
“Fulfillment and financial gain are like two parallel lines,” Awobona said. “No passionate actor starts out primarily for the money. However, one may get lucky and land deals or gigs that are financially rewarding. Such opportunities usually come to those who are diligent, consistent, passionate, and talented. That’s not to say others don’t sometimes get lucky, too.”
Awobona noted that the Nigerian film industry has only recently started to show strong financial potential, thanks largely to streaming platforms purchasing local content.
“This development has given investors more confidence to fund film productions without the fear of losses,” he explained.
“We’re gradually getting there, but anyone who wants to become rich overnight shouldn’t go into acting. You must first be passionate about it, learn the craft, and study the profession before thinking about profit.”
The actor also spoke about the personal sacrifices that come with the job, highlighting the emotional and physical demands of the profession.
“I’ve made several sacrifices. It’s hard to point to just one as the greatest,” he said. “There were times I had to cut short family vacations or pay extra money to change flight tickets so I could make it to set. Recently, I returned to Nigeria on the next available flight just to head straight to Oyo for Lisabi, a film by Lateef Adedimeji.”
Awobona revealed that his ulcer condition makes fasting difficult, yet he sometimes has to endure it due to tight filming schedules.
“There was a time I had to fast on set and break with only water because of production demands,” he said. “These are the things we go through quietly because, in the end, the work must be done.”
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