After stepping away from the spotlight to build her family, award-winning actress Ivie Okujaye made a powerful return to the big screen in the new film ‘Osamede’. The role, she says, is unlike any other she has taken on, demanding a regal presence and the weight of leading a kingdom. In this interview with TheCable Lifestyle’s Muhibat Sulaimon, Okujaye opens up about the personal sacrifice behind her career hiatus, the seismic shifts she observed in Nollywood upon her return, and her evolving ambitions behind the camera. She also addresses the unique pressures facing women in the industry as they navigate age, perception, and a landscape increasingly ruled by social media clout.
TheCable Lifestyle: You first gained national attention after winning the Amstel Malta Box Office reality show. How would you describe your journey in Nollywood since then?
Ivie Okujaye: My journey since then has been eventful and balanced. Balanced in the sense that I have had movies that have taken me out of the country to shoot and take awards, I have also had movies that I have struggled with, TV series, and a big project on Netflix. I have basically experienced a lot of the industry, and it has been beautiful. Over the years, I have also made some friends and colleagues who I know will be by my side for the rest of my life. I have learnt patience, how to handle humans, and how to be more strategic in my thinking. It has its challenges, though, especially with the fact that I took a break to build my family, but overall, I won’t change my experience for anything.
TheCable Lifestyle: You’ve mentioned taking a break from acting to focus on your family. Do you think that decision affected your career in any way? And have you noticed any major changes in the industry since your return?
Ivie Okujaye: It was a sacrifice I was willing to make because it was what was important to me at the time. I wanted to have my kids at a relatively young age, and I’m happy I made the decision. I knew it would affect my career, but the extent was what I was not completely sure about because I didn’t have anyone to share their experience with me. At that time, a lot of actresses were not completely transparent about their experiences.
When I left, I was still paying attention to what was happening in the industry, but I definitely missed when social media took over like this. The next thing I knew was that social media was determining who was getting work. As of 2016, when I left, what was more important to filmmakers was how good an actor is, discipline, and good work ethics, but now it is how large a person’s following is on social media and clout. So the criteria for choosing people for a movie have changed for most filmmakers, though some are still staying true to the core of the profession.
Nobody gave me that warning. If they had, while I was away, I would have continued using my social media platforms for more content. Another thing is the power of YouTube. I have had my channel since 2014, but I didn’t do anything with it. I didn’t realise YouTube was taking over.
TheCable Lifestyle: Osamede marks your big-screen comeback. How did you land the role, and what made you decide to take it?
Ivie Okujaye: I actually have no idea how I got the role. I didn’t reach out to anyone, and I didn’t even know a project like this was being planned. I was just chilling the day James Omokwe called me to tell me that the first time he and the executive producer discussed the actress to play the lead, my name was what everyone mentioned at the same time. He said it was more than a coincidence and felt like a spiritual thing. I was very flattered when he said that, and when he added that the story was related to a superhero movie, I was ready to do it.
I have kids, I have grown now, but I’m still a playful, goofy person because I play superhero with my kids. I was like that as a child, so when Osamede came, I knew I wanted to do it. My only fear was the language; I was very nervous about that, but there was a language coach. So I don’t know how I landed the role, but I know it was meant to be mine because the director said so.
TheCable Lifestyle: What would you say was the most challenging part of playing the lead role in Osamede?
Ivie Okujaye: I have played the lead role so many times in my career, but Osamede was different because, realistically, the character is supposed to be leading an entire kingdom. For me, that was a heavy responsibility. It wasn’t just a lead role or having more screen time; in each scene, I had to come across as believable as a young lady who has the audacity to stand up to the powers that be. But I was surrounded by actors who were on point, so it felt like the four of us were sharing the lead role. Of course, it was a big responsibility, but it was one many of us carried together, so I wasn’t overwhelmed at any point.
TheCable Lifestyle: A few years ago, you made your directorial debut. Between acting and directing, which do you find more creatively fulfilling and which has been more financially rewarding?
Ivie Okujaye: I would say there is something so empowering about being a director. As an actor, you can make suggestions, but you have to say them carefully so as not to rock the boat and to respect the director. As a director, that freedom in the creative process was so fulfilling to experience, and it’s something I want to keep doing for the rest of my career.
I was prepared for the director role, but nothing prepared me for the feeling of pride I get when I think about how I brought people together for a project. Financially, I haven’t reached the point in directing where I can compare the financial gain between directing and acting.
TheCable Lifestyle: Do you see yourself focusing more on acting, or exploring behind-the-scenes roles like directing and producing?
Ivie Okujaye: I see myself delving heavily into producing and directing while still continuing to act. Acting for me isn’t about the money or fame; it has always been part of my life, and I don’t plan to drop it. So anything else I delve into as a woman, filmmaker, or human, acting will always be there. I’m already in the process of having more control over the productions I’m a part of. I have paid my dues in the industry, I have been around for 15 years, so it isn’t too early for me to start hiring people and giving opportunities to upcoming filmmakers, while at the same time maintaining my acting professionalism because it’s important to me.
TheCable Lifestyle: In your opinion, what’s the biggest challenge facing Nollywood actors, particularly the women, today?
Ivie Okujaye: The major challenge women in Nollywood have is different across age groups. Women in their 20s and 30s don’t have many struggles in terms of relevance, but they still face challenges with opportunities. I’m happy the industry is at a point where anyone can create a space for themselves, not like before when marketers were needed.
For women transitioning from their late 20s to their late 40s, I would say viewers are a bit harsh on them. There is an unrealistic expectation, like saying someone in her 40s is getting old, and you see things like age shaming and body shaming. It’s almost like women are not allowed to age, and it’s unfair. When fans see that a woman isn’t as young or as sexy as she used to be, they want to write her off. But generally, I think the real challenge is acceptance, especially for women transitioning into older age.
TheCable Lifestyle: You’ve managed to keep a clean image in an industry where controversy is almost inevitable. How have you been able to steer clear of it all?
Ivie Okujaye: It’s funny that I have been able to stay out of bad press because I’m quite dramatic, but I think my type of drama isn’t engaging to gossip blogs. I’m dramatic in the sense that I will stand for my rights and speak up for myself, but when it comes to relationship scandals, I’m not a part of that.
It might also be because the person I got married to is someone I met when I was 18. He was my first and only boyfriend before we got married, and that kept me out of that kind of drama.
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