Nollywood actor Ebisan Arayi has opened up about the financial rollercoaster that comes with the craft, sharing how he turned early struggles into fuel for growth rather than reasons to quit.
On the Conversations With Kenni podcast hosted by Kehinde Ajose, the actor was asked how he manages the inconsistent income that many performers face, especially with social media constantly highlighting new faces.
Arayi made it clear that his approach goes beyond ordinary passion.
“When you love something, they say love dies. When you have passion for something, they say passion can also die. But when something is your way of life and your culture, you don’t see the challenges. You see those ‘challenges’ as a growing point. Something like a propeller that pushes you to want to do even more, be more, and even to be better,” he said.
He stressed that financial ups and downs are not unique to acting.
“Concerning the finances, there’s no job in this life where there are no ups and downs. Sometimes you have challenges with finances. Same with acting, the scripts may not come as often as you want them to. The pay, especially as a very young actor, can be really shitty, but overtime as one grows, your pay gets better — especially if you know what you’re doing.”
Looking back on his own journey, Arayi offered a striking comparison.
“I’ve been paid 50,000 naira to shoot for three days before, but now you can’t talk to me with 500,000 naira to shoot for three days. It has to be more than that.”
The candid admission highlighted how experience, skill and consistency eventually shift the power dynamics in an actor’s career. What once felt like survival gigs have now become opportunities he can negotiate from a position of strength.
Arayi’s words serve as both a reality check and encouragement for young performers navigating Nollywood’s unpredictable landscape.