Relationships, not just talent, drive Nollywood success: Osas Okonyon

Nollywood actress Osas Okonyon emphasizes that while talent is a prerequisite for success in the Nigerian film industry, relationships and access are equally, if not more, important. In an interview with Saturday Beats, Okonyon revealed that the industry's deeply relationship-driven nature significantly influences who gets opportunities.

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One of the biggest revelations for me is how relationship-driven the industry is. Talent is essential, but access, trust and consistency play huge roles in who gets seen and who gets opportunities.

"Talent is essential, but access, trust and consistency play huge roles in who gets seen and who gets opportunities," she stated. Okonyon also highlighted the often-unseen self-sufficiency and deep commitment required for storytelling, especially when facing numerous obstacles. She expressed newfound respect for this dedication after experiencing it firsthand.

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There’s also a level of self-sufficiency that isn’t always visible. There’s a deep commitment to storytelling, often against the odds, and believe me, the odds are stacked. That’s something I’ve come to respect even more now that I’m on the inside.

Regarding her latest project, 'Evi,' Okonyon clarified that the attention it's garnering is exciting but not the culmination of her career. Instead, she perceives it as an opening to the next phase, which involves strategically building a consistent body of work aligned with her storytelling goals. She seeks collaborations with directors, producers, and platforms that champion intentional storytelling and promote African narratives globally.

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The attention ‘Evi’ is bringing is exciting, but I’m very intentional about not treating it as a peak moment. I see this more like a doorway.

Okonyon, who identifies as a multi-talented woman, aims to continue honing her skills and fully express herself in all her capacities. Her ultimate aspiration is to leave a lasting impact, a sentiment she describes as wanting to "leave the world empty" through her contributions.

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For me, the next phase is about building a body of work that is both consistent and deeply rooted in the kinds of stories I want to tell. Strategically, I’m also looking at alignment; working with directors, producers and platforms that value intentional storytelling and are committed to pushing African stories forward globally.