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Kalu Ikeagwu Vows to Reject Films his Mother Can’t Watch

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Kalu Ikeagwu

Kalu Ikeagwu says he will never act in films his mother can’t watch, stressing that message and values matter more than money or fame

Kalu Ikeagwu has revealed that his late father’s discipline and his mother’s influence continue to shape his career decisions, adding that he would never appear in a movie his mother cannot comfortably watch.

Also read: Segun Arinze Laments Loss of Originality in Nollywood

In a recent interview, the seasoned Nollywood actor explained that he chooses scripts based on their moral message rather than financial incentives or star power.

According to him, every film should inform, educate, and entertain while maintaining integrity and cultural values.

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He recalled a humorous yet defining moment when he once watched one of his movies with his mother and brothers  a scene with a kiss caught him off guard, making him deeply uncomfortable.

“I completely forgot that scene was in the movie,” he said. “As it started, I just began sweating and retreating. My brothers were laughing, and I thought, I’m not a small boy anymore; why am I so nervous? That was the day I decided I’d never appear in a film my mother can’t watch.”

The actor emphasised that the lessons from his upbringing have never left him. “My dad is late, but my mum remains a major inspiration,” he added. “No matter how big the budget, if the message isn’t right, I’ll turn it down.”

 

**On breaking away from his calm persona**

While Ikeagwu is best known for his calm and family-friendly roles, he said he enjoys the challenge of playing complex or darker characters.

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He pointed to his role in Cheta’M, where he played three characters possessed by different spirits. “It was fun,” he said. “I like playing bad guys sometimes. It was outside my scope and very energetic, which made it exciting.”

 

**How his global upbringing shaped him**

The British-born, Zambian-raised actor revealed that growing up in different countries broadened his worldview but never separated him from his roots.

“My dad banned English in our house,” he said. “He made sure we spoke Igbo at home. That grounding made me both a village man and a cosmopolitan one. It helps me adapt to any role.”

He added that if he hadn’t pursued acting, he would have become a teacher like his father or a writer, noting that storytelling is his passion.

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**On Nollywood’s evolution**

Reflecting on the growth of Nollywood, Ikeagwu credited the industry’s global success to self-confidence and authenticity.

“My favourite Nigerian movies are from the ’90s and early 2000s because they told our stories genuinely,” he said.

“Those stories connected Africans everywhere they made black people abroad feel they hadn’t lost their culture.”

However, he lamented that modern productions sometimes prioritise visual quality over storytelling. “There’s a resurgence of authentic African stories now, just like our music,” he added. “We’re beginning to tell our stories again, for us and by us.”

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**On dancing to promote films**

Known for his calm and intellectual persona, Ikeagwu confessed that he’s a *terrible dancer* but would still dance if it helps promote his film.

“I once danced because Mary Lazarus made me,” he laughed. “I can’t dance to save my life. But if it’s my film, I’ll dance — terribly but proudly.”

He added that Nigerians’ ability to celebrate themselves is part of what keeps the country’s spirit alive. “We’re like the Agama lizard,” he said. “If no one praises us, we’ll praise ourselves. If dancing promotes our films, so be it.”

 

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**A man of principle and purpose**

For Kalu Ikeagwu, acting is not just a craft but a reflection of values. His calm demeanour, combined with deep moral conviction, continues to distinguish him in the evolving landscape of Nollywood.

Also read: Diva Gold Nollywood Actress Speaks on Love, Career

With a career spanning decades, his message remains consistent storytelling should uplift, not embarrass, the family or the culture it represents.

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Entertainment

My Wife Knew About Actresses I Dated, Says Yinka Quadri

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Veteran Nollywood actor Yinka Quadri has revealed that his wife was aware of his romantic relationships with some actresses in the industry and treated them cordially.

The actor made the disclosure in an interview on the Africanalist Podcast, where he spoke about his personal life and marriage.

Quadri said some of the actresses he dated eventually became friends with his wife, Sadiat Adenike Quadri. According to him, the women would sometimes approach her and share gossip about his relationships with other female colleagues, even though they themselves were involved with him.

“It got to a stage, I won’t mention the ladies’ names in the industry. They would become friends with my wife and start giving gossip to my wife that I am dating so so so in the industry,” he said.

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He added that jealousy sometimes arose among the women. Some of those he was dating reportedly went to his home out of jealousy, only to find that his wife already knew about the relationships.

“And there were some of them that we were dating who went home out of jealousy. Meanwhile, my wife would say she was aware already and she doesn’t fight them because of that,” Quadri said.

The actor further disclosed that some actresses occasionally spent the night at his house when movie productions ended late. He said his wife knew about the relationships and still provided food and care for them.

“Sometimes when production ends late, they would sleep in my house. And my wife is aware I am dating them, she would still feed them and everything,” he stated.

Quadri has been married to Sadiat since 1989. The couple have children and grandchildren.

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Prioritise Talent Over Social Media, Fisayo Abebi Tells Young Actors

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Actress and filmmaker Fisayomi Amodemaja, popularly known as Fisayo Abebi, has urged young actors to build strong personal brands and rely on their talent rather than fame or social media visibility for a sustainable career in Nollywood.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday Scoop, Abebi, who began acting as a child before moving into filmmaking and production, said having a distinct identity was essential for anyone seeking longevity in the industry.

“As an actor, you should have a brand. You should have something that makes you different. Your talent should be able to speak for you wherever your name cannot speak for you,” she said.

She also stressed the need for dedication and readiness to handle the demands of the profession.

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“Any young actor coming into the industry has to know that it is time-consuming, and you have to be fully ready to be diligent and ready for the stress,” Abebi added.

The actress reflected on her own experiences, noting that growing up in the spotlight came with pressure, particularly from being recognised for a character she played as a child.

She credited her family and friends with helping her navigate the attention and remain grounded. Her mother, she said, played a key role by helping her understand that she was separate from the character audiences associated her with.

Abebi also spoke about the challenges of combining her acting career with university education, describing it as stressful at times.

“Sometimes I might have to refund or sometimes I might have to go to the set after finishing my exam. So, that can be very stressful,” she said.

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She noted that her journey in the industry had taught her to take risks and build confidence in herself.

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Regina Daniels Spent Months In Wheelchair Due To Health Issues

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Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has revealed that she spent several months struggling with severe pain and mobility challenges that left her dependent on a wheelchair.

The actress shared the details in a video posted on her Instagram page on Saturday as she marked her 25th birthday, which she described as her “Silver Jubilee.”

Appearing in a wheelchair, Daniels explained that her prolonged absence from social media was due to the health difficulties.

“I know many of you may be surprised seeing me in a wheelchair. Well, welcome to another chapter of my life,” she said.

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She stated that the problem began as a minor issue but gradually became more serious, eventually limiting her freedom to move around as she pleased.

“For several months now, I lost my freedom to move around as I please. It started as something minor, very minor, but eventually led to this,” Daniels said.

According to her, the condition took a major turn after the last public gathering she hosted, a Children’s Day carnival. She said she underwent repeated medical tests during the period and joked that she had started calling herself a “lab rat.”

“The pain became excruciating. Sometimes I find myself walking well, and sometimes I just can’t move. I cried,” she added.

Despite the challenges, the actress said there had been significant developments in her recovery, which encouraged her to share the update publicly.

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“Well, me sitting here today, in front of this camera, sharing this with y’all, it’s because there’s been some really significant developments in my recovery. And I say, thank you, Lord,” she said.

Daniels did not disclose a specific diagnosis or the nature of the treatment she is receiving. She expressed gratitude to God and prayed for calm as she entered a new phase of her life.

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