•Bob-Manuel Udokwu
Veteran Nollywood actor and the Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure, and Tourism in Anambra State, Bob-Manuel Udokwu talks about what he has been up to in Nollywood, politics and many more, reports Saturday PUNCH.
You’ve been somewhat off the radar lately. Can you share what you’ve been up to?
I recently finished acting in a movie released on Netflix in October. Additionally, I’ve been working with the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo as his Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure, and Tourism.
Reflecting on the evolution of Nollywood, how do you see its progress compared to back in the day?
Nollywood has progressed by leaps and bounds since we made Living in Bondage. There have been advancements across all areas. Living in Bondage was shot on VHF, which was the best technology available at the time. Today, we use far more advanced equipment, capable of producing resolutions comparable to the best in the world. Improvements have been made in production, post-production, and storytelling.
Is there a specific role or character that you’re eager to play in a movie?
I don’t assign roles to myself as a professionally trained actor. Those who produce and cast me have a specific vision they wish to achieve through the story and character they assign to me. I take each role as a challenge and deliver on it. I recently completed a project in Abuja where I played a role very different from my previous work. This challenge is what drew me to the part. I approach each role by first reading the script to understand my character, and then embracing the unique challenges it presents. My versatility and talent allow me to adapt to diverse roles.
Many entertainers express discomfort when others mimic their style. Do you take offence when people try to copy your style?
People try to imitate my style, but I see it as a compliment. Anyone can copy me, but the original will always be the original. Some imitators may lack a deep understanding of the craft, artistry, and genuine talent that true acting requires. This makes a grounded approach to performance essential for the producer and director’s vision. Some A-list actors have even openly told me that my acting helped them by serving as inspiration. Being a role model is about consistently improving your craft.
Many veteran actors have publicly sought assistance for health challenges. What are your thoughts on this issue within the industry?
Our industry is show business and make-believe, but it’s essential to question why actors find themselves in such positions. They don’t earn as much as they should, yet they face the same costs for necessities like fuel and healthcare. Nigerian society often has double standards, expecting actors to live lavishly despite their relatively modest pay. As a result, actors sometimes appeal to the generosity of Nigerians, but it shouldn’t have to be this way.
Nollywood started with little or no foundation, making it difficult to implement many essential structures within the industry today. For instance, there is no royalty system in Nollywood, meaning that actors receive only a one-off payment for their work.
Meanwhile, times have changed, and actors now have greater responsibilities, like covering significant expenses for their children’s education. With the economy in decline, producers aim to maximise profits and, in doing so, often underpay actors. For example, an actor might be paid N20 million for a movie that later gets translated and generates substantial revenue, yet the actor won’t receive any additional compensation. This differs from the experience of actors abroad, who continue to earn royalties even if they retire, as long as their work generates income.
Creativity has timeless value, but society expects Nigerian actors to live comparably to their international counterparts. Male actors, in particular, face challenges in a society where they are expected to bear family responsibilities alone. Many are pressured to maintain appearances for fans while struggling financially, a reality that the public often mocks when they face difficulties.
What advice would you offer to a young actor currently trending in the industry?
They’re already trending, so they may not need much advice. Where they advise a child whose parents are alive is where the orphan takes advice. If they have ears and eyes, they should learn from their predecessors.
In a previous interview, you emphasised the importance of looking beyond wealth when choosing a partner. Would you encourage a young woman to marry a man still struggling?
Such decisions are deeply personal. Historically, women have had the foresight to recognise the potential in men even when they possess little material wealth. Some older women often recall that their husbands had “nothing” when they married, though that “nothing” symbolised a potential for growth.
Sadly, today’s world has shifted, and marriage has become more transactional, with wealth being the primary criterion. True wealth is transient, and those who look beyond it often find stability. In previous generations, divorce was rare and seen as a taboo, but today, financial and peer pressures lead many marriages to break down. People should carefully consider what they want from marriage.
What is the inspiration and message behind the Anambra anthem that you recently created?
Many may not know that I am also a musician. I have a few unreleased studio songs. When I heard the Anambra anthem, I felt inspired to create a reggae version. I’m a multi-faceted artist — I draw, sing, and act. Initially, I sought admission to study Fine and Applied Arts but ended up studying Theatre Arts. This should surprise no one, as African theatre has always integrated singing and performance. Traditional African entertainment was outdoor-oriented, with storytelling, singing, and dancing embedded in our culture. These activities passed down values and moral teachings across generations like those found in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. Achebe’s novel resonated globally as it encapsulated African philosophies on religion, courage, leadership, and hard work. Unfortunately, today’s youth seek shortcuts, disregarding the value of hard work — a path that often leads to disaster.
Having studied Theatre Arts under one of Nigeria’s finest, the late Ola Rotimi, the acclaimed playwright behind The Gods Are Not to Blame, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I sing. In August, I attended an event at the Nigeria Defence College in Abuja, where I am a civilian member. They organise an event called Tombola, which brings together military and civilian guests in a fun, social atmosphere. During the karaoke session, I sang Bob Marley’s Who the Cap Fit and someone recorded it and posted it online. The video went viral, and I received many comments from fans who didn’t know I could sing.
I do plan to release some of my songs, but they won’t be Afrobeats. Most of my music will have reggae influences, a genre with messages that resonate. In contrast, many other genres today are highly commercial and often lack depth, though people enjoy dancing to them.
Some veteran actors have embraced the trend of creating skits alongside younger content creators. What are your thoughts on this trend?
It is a good development. Our people say it is always good to have elders around so that they would tell children that vulture is not edible meat.
When you chose to study International Relations at the University of Lagos, what were your aspirations?
I have always been one that likes to know about things happening in other parts of the world. I grew up keeping up with the news because it makes one know things happening even within one’s country. I don’t believe in hearsay and unfortunately, today, what trends more due to social media influences is fake and false news, especially negative ones. So, that drove me to go and study international relations for my Master’s degree at the University of Lagos. Enlightenment is something I think we should always crave because we can never know too much.
As the Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure, and Tourism in Anambra State, what initiatives have you implemented to support and nurture young talent in the entertainment sector?
It doesn’t always have to be about my own initiative; the person carrying out the work often has a clear vision of what they want to achieve. One notable thing about Professor Soludo is that he truly understands the value and significance of the creative industry. By the end of this November, Anambra will open Solution Fun City Park, which is set to become the largest theme park in West Africa.
Anambra also boasts of a natural lake, distinct from the riverine areas, where a resort is currently under construction and will surpass even the theme park in scale. It’s safe to say that these efforts are positioning Anambra as an important hub for entertainment and filmmaking, enhancing its status within the creative sector.
