Efa Iwara is known for his exciting performances and energetic presence in the Nigerian film industry. With a career that spans acting, music, and entertainment, Efa has carved out a niche for himself through his versatility and dedication to his craft. In this Weekend Trust interview, Efa narrates his career growth and gives a little insight into his latest character as Femi in Oloture; the journey series.
From music to acting, how has your journey in the entertainment industry evolved over the years and to what will you attribute your success?
The journey from music into acting was very different from what I was used to, because with music, you’re not necessarily doing auditions. You’re in the studio, you create privately or with friends, but with acting, you have to audition in front of total strangers. So that was definitely different. And I would definitely attribute my success to God and my mother’s prayers.
What inspired your transition from music to acting, and do you find one more fulfilling than the other?
Well at the time, I just didn’t think that my sound was very well accepted, and it just seemed like the right thing to do at the right time. It’s not like now where you have streaming platforms and your music can go everywhere. It was just on radio, and if it wasn’t necessarily dance music at the time, you know, chances of it going crazy were very slim. But with acting, I had a bit more control, and we just thank God that everything worked out. And do I find one more fulfilling than the other? No. They’re like, they gave me two different types of joy, but they both give me joy. I love them both.
Can you share some challenges you faced while establishing yourself as an actor in Nollywood?
I think it’s always tough when you’re trying to start with anything you do in life, whether its school or supermarket business or you’re a DJ or something. It was just basically trying to get a foot in and hoping that people will see you and recognise your talent. And most especially just God placing me at the right place at the right time and taking opportunities. But yeah, it’s hard to get your foot in.
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You’ve appeared in a lot of movies over the years, so far which has been your most exciting role/character?
I’ve appeared in a lot of movies over the years. It’s exciting. There are a couple of roles that are special to me for different reasons. There’s Femi in Rumor has it by Ndani. There’s Taya in the Men’s Club for Red TV prime. There’s Kolade in Seven. There is Obnina, in the City called Life. There’s Prince Epe in Aljoche. I think those are my top five. I believe it’s probably a top ten, but I don’t want to bore you with the others. Those five are very close to my heart for very different reasons.
Did you find any aspect of your character, Femi in “Oloture” that you resonated with? Was this role particularly difficult or challenging for you to portray?
Playing the character, Femi in Oloture wasn’t very difficult, to be fair. Given the weather conditions and traveling all the way to Mauritania to film, you end up being grouchy and you want to do certain things. It wasn’t that difficult because I understood his predicament. We all looked at it from Oloture’s perspective. We didn’t know his background story. We didn’t know what he was dealing with. I’m not trying to say that what he did was right, but I’m sure he had his reasons.
What’s the most important lessons fans can take away from the Oloture series?
The most important lesson fans can take away from Oloture; I think will have to be that no matter how bad it is, there’s always a better option than selling yourself for sex or having to travel through those dangerous and illegal means. There’s always a better option. There are Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) you can reach out to, there are people you can reach out to. It’s not advisable. It could lead to you dying, you know? So please look for a safer way to succeed in life.
As someone who started in the music industry, do you have plans to return to music or combine your music with acting?
Yeah. I’ve been in the studio trying to work on some new music with my friend, Bigfoot. Something will come out soon.
Can you predict the future of Nollywood and what role will you like to play in it?
Like most actors, everyone wants to evolve into producing, directing, you know, owning your own studio. I think that’s just a natural progression for everyone. So, yeah, I’d love to be involved behind the camera. I mean, being in front of the camera is a beautiful experience, but being behind the camera is also a beautiful experience as well. So, yeah, going behind the camera.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors and musicians trying to make it in the Nigerian entertainment industry?
My advice for aspiring actors and musicians would have to be very prayerful, be respectful, and be humble. Always look at the glass half full and not half empty, and never give up.
Can you share any upcoming projects you’re excited about and what fans can look forward to?
There are quite a few, to be honest. There’s one called, Love on borders. Another one is called, Eco Miami. I think those two will have to do for now. And of course, there’s a new season of the Men’s Club dropping soon.
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