Nollywood actress Obey Etok-Chima, now 50, is leaning heavily on her craft to cope after a devastating year that saw her lose both her husband and her father. The veteran performer, who marked her half-century milestone on June 30, shared in an emotional interview how the film sets have become a vital sanctuary. They offer a much-needed distraction from the deep void left by her losses.
"It hasn’t been easy. It’s something you can’t easily get over," Obey stated, her voice heavy with emotion. "If not for movies, I don’t know how I would’ve coped." She explained that immersing herself in her roles occupies her mind. Focusing on costumes, character development, and the demands of acting provides a temporary reprieve from the constant ache of remembrance when she’s alone.
Birthdays have become particularly poignant reminders of her loss. With her children’s birthdays falling close together in May, June, and July, the celebratory season constantly brings back memories of her late husband’s active role in their family’s traditions. "My late husband didn’t play with his children’s birthdays," she recalled. "So, since his demise, I have been marking their birthdays all alone, and it’s not been easy." Looking at her children, especially the one who shares her husband’s likeness, often prompts her to reflect on what her husband would’ve done in those moments.
Obey views her acting career not just as a job but as a divine calling. "Definitely, acting is my path. I’m not crashing. I’m just doing what God ordained for me to do," she asserted. She credits divine grace, her skill, and humility for her staying power in an industry that has seen many careers fizzle out. Having started her acting journey in primary school, she also points to her ability to maintain strong relationships within the industry as a key factor in her sustained career. "Most of the jobs I get are from crew members who usually direct producers and directors to invite me to set.
If I was a proud person, nobody would want to recommend me." Her philosophy, she shared, is simple: "My calling is to make people happy. I love people a lot, and that has been one of my staying powers."
Refusing to be pigeonholed, Obey Etok-Chima actively seeks diverse roles to avoid artistic stagnation. "I do everything. I don’t want to be stagnated in one particular role," she explained. She highlighted her performance in Africa Magic’s series The Yard last year as proof of her versatility. It showcased her ability to interpret any character. While she recently completed a comedy project with actor and filmmaker Nosa Rex, she believes her forte remains in dramatic roles. "When it comes to shedding tears, give it to Obey.
It’s something that God has deposited in me," she said, referring to her strong suit in portraying emotional depth.
Obey also addressed the evolving landscape of Nollywood, pointing to the rise of cliques as a significant challenge. "The industry is about belonging to a clique. Before now, there was nothing like cliques, but today, there are," she observed. She maintained her stance of not aligning with any particular group, stating, "For me, I’m not in a clique of anybody. So, anywhere I go, anywhere they call me, I’m there." She acknowledged the critical role streaming platforms, particularly YouTube, have played in keeping the industry afloat. "Without YouTube, it was like Nollywood was gone. That’s where we eat from." She expressed a strong desire to work with major international platforms like Netflix and feature in more cinema productions. "I’ve been praying for it.
I’ve been praying for cinema jobs."
As a single mother and a prominent actress, Obey prioritises protecting her peace by consciously avoiding unnecessary pressure and materialism. "I don’t get pressurised. I cut my coat according to my size. I’m not a materialistic person," she stated firmly. "I don’t let anything enter my head because all these things, like I always say, they are all vanity." She handles the attention she receives from admirers with grace, acknowledging it as a natural consequence of her appearance. "If you’re good-looking, men will come for you. So you can’t stop it," she noted, viewing it as a blessing. And when the conversation shifts to sports, Obey doesn't shy away from declaring her admiration for football superstar Lionel Messi.