Breakthrough actor Chimezie Imo has captured attention in the Nigerian film industry with his candid expression of desire to work alongside Nollywood legend Genevieve Nnaji. The rising star made his aspirations known during an exclusive interview with QEDNG at the star-studded premiere of Toyin Abraham’s “Alakada: Bad and Boujee” at Lagos’ Imax Cinema.
Fresh from his acclaimed performance in “Breath of Life,” Imo offered unique insights into his artistic journey and future ambitions. His playful yet earnest plea to Nnaji – “Genevieve Nnaji, pick my call, pick my call” – revealed both his professional admiration and his determination to work with Nigeria’s most celebrated actresses. The 32-year-old actor also expressed keen interest in collaborating with Gabriel Afolayan, whom he praised as “fantastic” and counted among his favorite actors.
Speaking about his craft, Imo reflected deeply on his experience working with director BB Sasore on “Breath of Life.” He emphasized the crucial role of director-actor collaboration in creating authentic characters, sharing how daily conversations and constructive arguments with Sasore helped shape his portrayal of Elijah. “My job was just to be him and not act like him,” Imo explained, offering a glimpse into his approach to character development.
The actor’s vision extends beyond conventional roles, as he revealed his interest in pushing creative boundaries within Nollywood. His desire to play a Nigerian superhero highlights his ambition to expand the industry’s storytelling scope, while his interest in portraying a mute character demonstrates his eagerness to tackle challenging dramatic roles that test his acting capabilities.
Imo’s career trajectory reflects the evolving landscape of Nollywood, where emerging talents are increasingly seeking to work with established icons while simultaneously pushing for innovation in storytelling. His success in “Breath of Life” has positioned him as part of a new generation of actors working to bridge the gap between traditional Nollywood narratives and contemporary global cinema standards.
The actor’s straightforward approach to his craft, embodied in his simple statement “I have just been working, and I love to work,” reveals a dedication to his profession that has contributed to his rising prominence in the industry. This work ethic, combined with his ambitious creative vision, suggests a promising future for both the actor and the industry he represents.
His appreciation for collaborative filmmaking, particularly highlighted in his comments about working with BB Sasore, demonstrates a mature understanding of the creative process. The daily discussions and debates he described offer insight into the evolving professionalism of Nollywood productions, where character development is approached with increasing sophistication.
The significance of Imo’s public appeal to work with Genevieve Nnaji extends beyond personal ambition. It represents a broader trend in Nollywood where emerging talents actively seek to learn from and collaborate with industry veterans, potentially creating bridges between different generations of Nigerian cinema.
His interest in playing unconventional roles, particularly his enthusiasm for bringing a Nigerian superhero to life, reflects a growing desire among younger actors to expand Nollywood’s creative horizons. This ambition could signal a new direction for Nigerian cinema, one that combines local storytelling traditions with global entertainment trends.
As Nollywood continues to evolve and gain international recognition, voices like Imo’s become increasingly important in shaping the industry’s future. His blend of respect for established talents like Nnaji and Afolayan, combined with his desire to push creative boundaries, exemplifies the dynamic forces currently driving Nigerian cinema forward.
