Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nneoma Onyekwele. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nneoma, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

In 2018, I was in a really dark place. I was unfulfilled at my 9-5 and I really wanted to quit because I wanted to be somewhere else holding a camera or looking into one instead I was selling cars.
An angel in person of my best friend noticed this and encouraged me to take the leap and leave but I was too scared of starting afresh and potentially being broke. This angel gave me a soft landing. She added me to her company’s payroll and gifted me a Canon digital camera. That’s how my journey into Nollywood began.
Today, I still have my camera. I’m still looking into a camera as an actor and behind as a producer and production manager and I am still so grateful to my best friend.

Nneoma, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an actor and producer based in Lagos, Nigeria. I officially had my first gig in Nollywood on the 16th of September, 2020.
As education is important in this industry I have been through two film schools where I have studied acting for screen most recent being EbonyLife Creative Academy.
The truth is, I have always been into acting. I was in the Drama Club in secondary school and in a Playhouse in the university.
So far, I have produced 3 short films, self funded and collaborated with my friends at Magic Media Studios and in 2023 we premiered our films in a sold out Exclusive Screening in Lagos, Nigeria.
I am open to collaborating with other creatives on the come up in the industry.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Ever wondered why most films in Nollywood are shot indoors?

I wish members of the public would be more accommodating to creatives and understand that the industry is not all about the glitz and the glamour. There is a lot of hard work that goes on behind every production. I would like the public to know this so the next time they see a crew with a camera on the street, they won’t harass us for money or run away with our equipment or threaten to destroy our properties.

These days, people with digital cameras are stopped from taking pictures at the same place you can use your mobile devices.
Take it easy on us, we don’t always have money to give out. Most of our projects are self funded.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The flexibility that comes with the job and the surprise of not knowing what job comes next especially as an actor. I am mostly the master of my time and knowing that I have the power accept or refuse any job that doesn’t align with the purpose of my career.
I wouldn’t trade that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nneomaonyekwele?igsh=MXRkOG9qNjRsa3pxdg==
• Twitter: https://x.com/nneomaonyekwele?s=21&t=iy0xZG8gjY04dbS24MbLGw
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nneomaonyekwele8478?si=oR0k0A52ErBJagFq

Image Credits

1) Vivian Elecha
2) AVM Studios