Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu laments as film industry taken over by amateurs

Bob-Manuel Udokwu, a veteran actor, has expressed regret that the film industry has been taken over by amateurs.

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

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.”

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.”

Udokwu also noted that for one to last long in Nollywood, one had to embrace hard work and consistency. 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.”