Meet Nollywood actress and producer Sapphire Ogodo, who is passionate about making a difference and giving aspiring actors a platform where they can unleash their potential. She has been featured in several movies, often taking the lead role, and has won various awards. She has also been involved in establishing a foundation for underprivileged children in Africa. She spoke to us about all things Nollywood and the reality TV show she has co-produced called ‘Actors Unleashed’.
How did you get into acting?
I’ve been taking acting classes and performing in community and school theatre since I was a child. I went to art camps and participated in church shows. I was the president of the performing arts club in my high school and I decided to get serious and turned this into a career in 2007. I did a few small roles before I landed a lead role in a movie, Fidelis Duker’s, ‘Girls Next Door’, which gave me the opportunity to get other roles.
What are you passionate about?
People who know me know about my undying passion to promote African culture and our customs and traditions. I also love kids, too. I love to see people work to bring about a change and I’m passionate about selfless service to God and humanity.
Talk to us about your reality TV Show ‘Actors Unleashed’?
‘Actors Unleashed’ is both an acting reality TV show and a talent pageantry that promotes African culture and originality. Every year we embark on transforming the community through a culture based acting empowerment show for the African youth. Last year we took 33 contestants to Tinapa, a lakeside resort here in Nigeria, where they got to experience tourism and visited historic places such as the World War 1 cenotaph. We also gave them intensive acting coaching from some of Nollywood’s professional actors and actresses.
Where do you see Nollywood going in the future?
I personally think Nollywood has great potential to go beyond being an African based industry. However, there will have to be major changes made to the industry. I want Nollywood producers and directors to think quality instead of quantity and create one or two high quality films that will leave a lasting impact. Nollywood can be as good as Hollywood on the world stage if only the producers and directors care more about creating high quality films. We must do all we can to set the pace for the younger generation.
What would you say to Nollywood fans in the UK?
Keep loving us, keep believing in us. Keep seeing our movies, tell our stories to your children, do your part in preserving African stories and history.
Who inspires you and why?
Nature is beautiful. I see God’s creative essence in the things I see around me. God is everything to me I can’t possibly ask for more.
How do you balance being a mother with your work commitments?
It’s not easy but I make sure I stay connected to my kids and family anytime I am away. Sometimes, I have to go to film sets with them, especially when I’m working in Lagos. We do all these things because we must remain relevant both in the home and in business.
What do you enjoy about what you do?
When a hobby becomes something that puts money into your pocket that’s the best feeling ever. I’m glad I can infuse spirituality in the job that I do effortlessly. God is the creator of arts and He inspires me to be better at it. I’m a people person and this job gives me the opportunity to meet diverse kinds of people on a daily basis. I would like to be remembered for playing my part in doing something to make a difference in people’s lives.
What do you think are some of the mistakes aspiring actors make when pursuing an acting career?
Mistakes are inevitable. We learn through our experiences in life. One’s mistake could be another’s stepping stone. We are fluid. Understand yourself and learn through your experiences. Start out loving what you do and the people you do it with. It’s team work. Watch your tongue, you are here to show the world your beauty – the beauty of your art. There are no mistakes when we can learn from them.
What are your plans for 2018?
Flagging off the second edition of ‘Actors Unleashed’. We will also be flagging off an awards event, I won’t give out the name yet, but all will be revealed in the near future. I’m also flagging off a kids foundation for underprivileged African children.
What have been the highlights of your career so far?
In 2009, I became the winner of the ‘12 Ambassadors’ reality TV show. I won the women’s initiative award in 2013. ‘The Boss Is Mine’ featured in major cinemas within and outside Nigeria. ‘Actors Unleashed’, a reality TV project, was raved about. It led to youths being inspired to become better actors and promote their culture. I have different recognition awards in writing and acting. I’m most grateful to God.
Any advice to any aspiring actors?
Focus, focus, focus all your energy on improving your craft. Interpret your roles the best way you can. Learn to be better … it’s a process. Listen to your director. Respect the senior colleagues you meet on set. Be kind to people you may never know who are watching.
Instagram: @adaobisapphireogodo
