Akah Nnani: How movie ‘Man of God’ lifted my career

Akah Nnani, the Nollywood actor, has revealed how his role in ‘Man of God’, the 2022 thriller movie, gave his career a boost.

Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, the movie is loosely based on the story of the biblical prodigal son.

‘Man of God’ is centred around a man who forsakes his conventional upbringing in a Christian home to live what seemed to be a wayward life. His soul, however, remains caught between the world and the faith he left behind.

While speaking on the latest episode of the ‘Tea With Tay’ podcast, Akah, who played the lead role in the movie, said he didn’t audition for the character.

The 35-year-old film star also said the movie has given his career a lift, adding that people now accord him so much recognition unlike before.

“Bolanle Austen-Peters came to the theatre show six years ago which was my first theatre show, ‘Heartbeat: The Musical’ by Joke Silva at Muson,” he said.

“I performed and I just stuck, she was like ‘this guy!’ So when she wanted to do this film, she was like ‘Na that boy I wan use’. I’m telling you no other person auditioned.

“The truth is that ‘Man of God’ had given me a switch from 0 to 100. Everywhere I go, everybody sees me differently.

“Before people will see me and be like ‘Hey, what’s up?’ But now when they see me they are screaming with excitement.”

The ‘Tinsel’ star added that the fresh attention that he is attracting doesn’t make him feel proud but humble.

“To be honest with everything I’ve been through over the years, I’m humbled. Because it’s answers to prayers, toil and sweats, a lot of growth, a lot of no’s,” he said.