Professionals Should Take Back Nollywood From Half-Baked Practitioners – Bob Manuel

Veteran Nollywood actor, Bob Manuel Udokwu has called on real professionals to take back the Nigerian movie industry which has been overun by half-baked practitioners.

Bob Manuel Udokwu, who turned 60 during the week, made the reamke this during an Instagram Live session with journalist, Azuh Arinze.

He expressed sadness that half-baked actors and filmmakers have invaded Nollywood, stressing that real professionals should step forward and take back the movie industry.

According him, the industry should be better than the level it has reached and the only reason the growth seems stagnant is because a lot of unprofessional activities are taking place.

He said, “Nollywood ought to be greater than what it is at the moment. Unfortunately, the true potential of the industry is not being realised.

“A lot of unprofessional activities are going on. Many half-baked practitioners have invaded the industry. The real professionals should step forward and take back Nollywood.”

Udokwu also noted that for one to last long in Nollywood, one needs to embrace hard work, consistency, and being real to oneself.

He said, “Hard work, consistency and being true to oneself are important if one wants to last long in Nollywood. One does not need to do things because others are doing it. One just has to be true to oneself.”

Asked about his career high point, the actor said, “Being in ‘Checkmate’ (a TV series in the nineties) was a game changer for me. Also, being in ‘Living in Bondage’ (one of the first Nigerian home videos) paved the way for some other roles.

“Anchoring Gulder Ultimate Search (a TV reality show) in 2007 was another game changer for me. It was also challenging, because I was not the first person that anchored it. I started anchoring the show in season four in 2007.

“But, I eventually became the longest-running anchor person for the show. I hosted it for five consecutive years. Basically, not one particular role changed my career; each role added to the things I was doing.”

KanyiDaily recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari felicitated Nollywood actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.