Nigerian actor Sanusi Izihaq, known as Apa, opens up about his struggles in Nollywood and why he stayed despite multiple attempts to quit.
Apa, who began his career as a Continuity Manager before transitioning into acting, shared his experiences during an interview on the Talk to B podcast with actress Biola Bayo. He credited fellow actor Ibrahim Chatta for playing a crucial role in keeping him from leaving the industry.
A Director’s unexpected hostility
Recalling a particularly tough period, Apa revealed that an influential director, whom he had never worked with, vowed to make his career difficult. The unexpected hostility left him confused and frustrated.
“I had never met this director before, but he had already made up his mind about me,” Apa said. “I was eager to work with him, but instead, he wanted to make things hard for me. It was shocking and painful.”
Struggling in a toxic work environment
The pressure in the industry became overwhelming at times, Apa admitted. He found himself in situations where the negativity around him became too much to handle.
“I despised the toxic atmosphere,” he shared. “It affected me so much that I became emotional and started crying.”
During these low moments, Ibrahim Chatta stepped in. Apa revealed that Chatta found him in tears on more than one occasion and took the time to listen and offer support.
Ibrahim Chatta’s role in Apa’s journey
“There were at least two or three times when Ibrahim saw me crying,” Apa recalled. “Each time, he asked what was wrong. I told him I wanted to quit the industry, but he never allowed me to give up.”
Apa admitted that he had tried to leave Nollywood multiple times. However, Chatta would always step in, offering him roles in his projects to keep him engaged and motivated.
“I walked away from filmmaking about three different times,” he confessed. “Each time, Ibrahim called me back and gave me work just to make sure I didn’t leave.”
Grateful for a strong support system
Apa expressed deep gratitude for Chatta’s support. Without him, he believes he might not have remained in Nollywood.
“Ibrahim Chatta believed in me when I was ready to walk away,” Apa said. “He kept pushing me forward, and for that, I will always be thankful.”
His story sheds light on the challenges many actors face in Nollywood, especially those still finding their footing. From difficult directors to toxic work environments, the industry can be tough. However, Apa’s experience proves that mentorship and encouragement from established figures can make a big difference.
Moving forward with determination
Despite the struggles, Apa remains committed to his craft. He continues to feature in Nollywood productions, proving that resilience and the right guidance can help actors succeed even in the face of adversity.
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