Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna, born Ijeoma Otabor, has opened up about living her dreams in the entertainment industry while navigating personal challenges, including her controversial decision to distance herself from her family name. Speaking candidly in a recent interview with Saturday Beats, the rising star shared insights into her rapid ascent in Nollywood and her ambitious plans for the future.
Despite the absence of communication from relatives following her family name controversy, Phyna remains steadfast in pursuing her artistic ambitions. Her passion for acting, she revealed, dates back to her school days, when she would have traveled as far as Zamfara State for an audition opportunity. It is more like a dream come true for me, because I am now living my dreams,” she expressed, reflecting on her current success.
The reality TV star’s transition into Nollywood has been remarkably swift, with her filmography expanding so rapidly that she has lost count of her appearances. This surge in acting opportunities has bolstered her confidence about future prospects in the industry. Looking ahead to 2025, Phyna anticipates graduating to major theatrical releases, marking another milestone in her entertainment career.
Her enthusiasm for the craft extends beyond acting, though she’s taking a measured approach to expanding her repertoire. While she has already produced two YouTube movies, Phyna disclosed plans to explore filmmaking more seriously in her 30s. “I’m still in my 20s and just getting started,” she noted, emphasizing her current focus on establishing herself as a versatile entertainer.
The actress’s journey from reality TV fame to legitimate acting career represents a successful transition that many contest winners struggle to achieve. Her ability to maintain momentum after Big Brother Naija speaks to both her determination and talent, suggesting that her initial reality TV success was just the beginning of a broader entertainment career.
Phyna’s openness about her family situation while celebrating her professional achievements presents a nuanced picture of success in the public eye. Her story demonstrates that personal challenges need not derail professional aspirations, as she continues to build her career despite family tensions.
The entertainer’s trajectory also highlights the evolving nature of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where reality TV can serve as a legitimate launching pad for a sustained career in traditional media. Her success in securing multiple acting roles suggests that the industry is increasingly accepting of talent from non-traditional backgrounds.
Looking toward the future, Phyna’s plans reflect a strategic approach to career development. Rather than rushing into every available opportunity, she’s carefully timing her expansion into different aspects of entertainment, showing maturity in her professional planning despite her relative youth in the industry.
The actress’s story resonates particularly with young aspirants in the entertainment industry, demonstrating that with dedication and the right opportunities, it’s possible to transform reality TV exposure into a legitimate acting career. Her journey from Big Brother Naija winner to established actress provides a template for others hoping to make similar transitions.
As Phyna continues to build her entertainment career, her experience suggests that success in the industry requires more than just talent or exposure – it demands resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to maintain forward momentum despite personal challenges. Her story continues to unfold as she prepares for what she hopes will be even bigger achievements in the coming year.
