Entertainment

These Nollywood stars changed their appearance for a movie role

Published

Wednesday, 14 May 2025, 2:33 am

These Nollywood stars changed their appearance for a movie role

Throughout film history, there have been numerous instances where actors have altered their appearance to embody a role fully, pushing the boundaries of their physicality.

In light of a recent announcement by Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede, we thought to curate a list of actors and actresses who have gone to great lengths for movie roles.

In filmmaking, an actor or actress’s transformation for a role is often seen as a testament to their dedication and craft. These transformations can range from dramatic weight loss to drastic changes in hairstyle, and they frequently garner significant attention from audiences and critics alike. Such physical change showcases the actor’s commitment to their character and enhances the storytelling by adding depth and authenticity to their performances.

READ ALSO: ‘Soft Love’ will have your single a*s wishing you were booed up [Review]

Let’s explore notable examples of Nollywood actors and actresses who have undergone significant transformations for their roles, delving into the motivations behind these changes, and the impact on their careers.

1. Yvonne Jegede

Yvonne Jegede preps fro her role in thr movie, Aja. [Instagram@yvonnejegede]

Movie star Yvonne Jegede has shaved her head for a movie role in the upcoming film Aja. With a video titled, Why I Cut My Hair, a Bold Transformation, she took to Instagram to showcase her transformation and express her dedication to her craft. According to Yvonne, cutting her hair was necessary to fully embody her character and bring depth to the story. She explained that she believes in giving everything to the role, even if it means stepping out of her comfort zone.

“I love my job too much not to take risks… I see myself as a tool to convey the appropriate message, if the script deserves it, I will do whatever needs to be done to give the story life. Apart from this drastic change, I am learning to speak proper Yoruba language

AJA is a love story… A provoking story that will have you on your feet,” she said.

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She further added that she understood the power of authentic storytelling and was willing to go to any length required to tell a good story.

“I have always believed that to tell a story authentically, you must be willing to give everything to the role—even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. This belief is what guided my decision to cut my hair for my ongoing movie, “AJA.” It wasn’t an easy decision, but for me, it was necessary to fully embody the character I’ve been entrusted to bring to life. For this role, I knew I had to go beyond just the dialogue and emotions; I needed to make a physical transformation that would connect me even deeper with the character. Cutting my hair wasn’t just about changing my appearance, it was about shedding my comfort and embracing a new side of myself for the sake of the story. I’ve always believed that as an actor, you have to be ready to push boundaries, and this role is doing that for me,” she added.

She concluded by emphasising that the decision she made indicates her passion and zeal as an actor.

“This decision also reflects my dedication to my craft. I take acting seriously, and I believe in fully immersing myself in every role I take on. “AJA” is a unique project that will challenge me, and I’m ready to give it everything I have. It’s not just about looking the part, but becoming the character from the inside out. I’m incredibly excited about what we’re creating with “AJA,” and I can’t wait for you all to experience this film. It’s a story that I believe will resonate with audiences, and I’m honoured to be part of such a talented team. Thank you for your continued support as I take on this new chapter in my career,” she concluded.

2. Okusaga Adeoluwa

Saga shaves his beard for Anikulapo [Instagram/@sagaadeolu]

Popularly known as Saga, the BBNaija Shine Ya Eyes housemate, began to star in movies on Youtube about a year ago. He would go on to grace audiences with performances in movies produced by filmmakers including Omoni Oboli and Ruth Kadiri. In a video earlier last month, Saga took to social media to share his transformation in preparation for the role of Aderoju in the Anikulapo series.

“This is goodbye, my jaw looks deprived, and my face looks incomplete like it is loading. I had to cut my beard every day for two months to get here. It took a lot of getting used to seeing myself look 10 times younger. I spent a lot of time looking in front of the mirror, singing to myself and drawing myself to even remind myself how beautiful I looked. It was tough not gonna lie but it helped me get into character easier. I cut my hair, and shaved my head for a beautiful story.”

Fans of the star reacted in different ways to his new transformation and so he made another official post with a caption to explain his journey stressing that some people cussed him out for his decision.

“Many have been asking multiple questions, making demands and dragging me for cutting my beard. Nothing way I never hear for this app because I cut my bear bear. HA! If no be say I get strong mind, I for enter depression o. E Nika!” he added.

He added that when he was asked if he could cut his beard for the role, he didn’t hesitate as this was his biggest role yet since acting for barely a year

“Anyway, I was given the opportunity to play a character in the upcoming Anikulapo season 2 and I was asked if I could cut my beard, my reply was “say no more”. I have only been acting for a year and this has been my biggest role so far, nothing could stop me. I had to cut my beards every night because within 24 hours, I could already see traces of baby beards growing underneath and that was bad for the film. This wasn’t easy, mentally and physically because of the bumps on my face as a result of ingrown hairs. These are the sacrifices we make for cinema.” he said.

3. Nancy Isime

Nancy Isime lost some weight for a movie role in 2022 [Instagram/@nancyisime]

Two years ago, the TV presenter and actress, Nancy Isime took to her social media to address what seemed like a drastic weight loss. She explained that she added weight for a movie role in 2022 and was hoping to shed it after two weeks but it took her over a year to achieve it.

“I’m not gonna lie, deciding to add weight for a role in 2022 and lose it right after was a lot more challenging than I expected it to be. Took me wayyyy longer and wayyyy too much effort to get the weight off,” she said.

Around that time, netizens suspected her rumoured BBL had burst hence the massive weight loss.

“I was too sure I’d lose the weight in 2 weeks, just before filming my next project at the time but yeah! My metabolism failed meeee I dragged the weight for over a year and across a few more projects Never again!!! I would have given tips but I kinda like the narrative of my yansh bursting, adds a lirru razzmatazz to my boring online personality,” she concluded.

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Falz doubles down on stance that ‘Fornication isn't a sin’ amid backlash

Published

5 hours ago

May 13, 2025

Julie

Nigerian rapper and activist, Falz, has caused quite a stir online in the past 24 hours since posting that premarital sex isn’t a sin. Despite the immense backlash from Christians and other conservatives, he has not backed down or flinched on his stance.

Amid the controversy, the rapper took to X to double down on his views and clap back at the critics saying, “Only religion I know is Love. You should try it 🙃”

As would be expected, the backlash was swift from X users, who pooled into the comment section to refute his stance about love being a religion and his earlier post about fornication.

See some reactions below:

Last time you said fornication is not sin, I want to assume there’s no red line to multiple sexual partners, so how do you really define love?

I would like to know the creed of this your religion, I’m curious to query, hope it’s not all these stop-halfway dogmas. Love. Hmm.

Love is not a religion. Religion is built on doctrine, worship, and service to a higher power. Love is a natural emotion, not a structured belief system. You don’t ‘worship’ love. You feel it, choose it, or lose it.Enough of people saying they choose “Love” as a religion.🙄

You said fornication isn’t a sin, now you’re out here preaching ‘love is my only religion.’ Bro, if it’s Christianity you’re referencing, just know love there comes with commandments—not condoms. Try again.

You believe fornication isn’t a sin yet saying love is your religion? As in, do you know the meaning of love? By the way, what type of love are you talking about? Don’t go and give your life to Christ and stop allowing the devil to deceive u. Life is short, but eternity is long.

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Entertainment

Yvonne Orji Joins Forces with Zoey Martinson for Groundbreaking Ghanaian Film 'The Fisherman

Published

11 hours ago

May 13, 2025

Julie

Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, and producer Yvonne Orji has signed on as an executive producer for The Fisherman, the feature directorial debut of Zoey Martinson. Orji joins through her production for in & thru, lending her creative vision and industry support to the groundbreaking Ghanaian film. The Fisherman, a whimsical comedy, made history as Ghana’s first Official Selection, premiering at the 81st Venice Film Festival in 2024, winning the Fellini Medal, Enrico Fulchignoni Prize from UNESCO.

The Fisherman follows Atta Oko, a retired traditional fisherman whose life takes an unexpected turn when he’s partnered with a wise, yet sarcastic talking fish, whose purpose in Atta’s life is more than meets the eye. Together, they embark on an adventure from a rural village town to the big city of Accra, joined by three rebellious youths all pursuing their dream of owning a boat and attaining financial freedom.

Yvonne Orji, best known for her Emmy-nominated role on HBO’s Insecure, brings her comedic expertise and passion for storytelling to the project. Her involvement underscores the film’s commitment to diverse narratives and authentic representation.

Zoey is an extraordinary filmmaker with a distinct voice, and I’m honored to champion her vision for The Fisherman, as an EP,” said Yvonne Orji. “As a First-Generation, Nigerian immigrant, this story felt personal, yet relatable. It carries both emotional weight and cultural relevance, and I’m excited to support projects like these that push the narrative forward while spotlighting bold, underrepresented talent.

Directed and written by Zoey Martinson, The Fisherman features a talented cast including Ricky Adelayitar (Beasts of No Nation), Endurance Grand, William Lamptey, Kiki Romi, Adwoa Akoto (“I May Destroy You”) and Dulo Harris (“Tales From The Big Apple”). The film was produced by Luu Vision Media, with Kofi Owusu Afriyie and Korey Jackson (Godfather of Harlem) at the helm.

Writer-director Zoey Martinson brings her international comedic sensibility to the project, having written and directed for Mzansi Magic DStv, HBO Max, Hulu (Disney+), and Showtime. Her distinct voice blends genre with comedy.

Yvonne Orji is a comedian, actress, writer, producer and author. She has starred in such films as VACATION FRIENDS and THE BLACKENING. In addition to her movie roles, she’s also released two HBO standup specials: A WHOLE ME and MOMMA, I MADE IT! her debut book, Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me Into the Life of My Dreams, was released in 2021.

Supported by La Biennale di Venezia’s College Cinema lab.The Fisherman is currently seeking distribution. Orji and in & thru is repped by Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan LLP and The Lede Company.

For more information about The Fisherman and upcoming screenings, please visit the official website of www.TheFishermanFilm.com

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Entertainment

From the Kitchen to Cannes: Woof Studios Selects Ify’s Kitchen to Speak at Cannes LIONS Creators Forum

Published

14 hours ago

May 13, 2025

Julie

For the first time in the history of the LIONS Creators Forum, an African creator service agency will not just attend, but lead—and that agency is Woof Studios Africa, a rising powerhouse championing Africa’s boldest creators.

This June, Woof Studios will take a multi-country delegation of top creative talent from Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa to the iconic festival in Cannes, France. Billed for the 16th to 20th of June 2025 during the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, the LIONS Creators is a dedicated forum with a curated mix of exclusive learning and networking experiences for creators and those working on the broader creator economy.

Meet the Creators

The delegation includes some of Africa’s most exciting creative voices: Ifeyinwa Joan Mogekwu, the force behind Nigeria’s beloved culinary platform Ify’s Kitchen; dynamic South African duo Cent Twinz; Ghanaian visual artist and storyteller Enil Art (Israel Derrick Apeti); and South African entrepreneur, content creator, and speaker Mpoomy Ledwaba.

Together, they will not only attend but also feature in speaking sessions, brand activations, and creative showcases, bringing the bold spirit and innovation of Africa’s creative economy to the global stage.

Africa is not the future of creativity—we are the now, said Adetutu Laditan, Founder & Creative Director at Woof Studios. This is about more than visibility. It’s about rewriting the script on who shapes global culture. At Woof Studios, we believe in the power of African talent to shape the global creative landscape. We’re honoured and grateful to the Cannes Lions team for this opportunity to carry that message to Cannes on behalf of millions of African creators. Laditan added.

As the industry’s most prestigious stage, Cannes Lions 2025 represents a significant milestone for Woof Studios and the broader African creative ecosystem. From panel discussions to pop-up showcases, Woof Studios and its creator partners are set to show the world what African storytelling, strategy, and style truly mean.

About Woof Studios

Woof Studios is Africa’s leading Creator Service Provider (CSP), empowering a new generation of storytellers and creative entrepreneurs across the continent. From Lagos to Johannesburg, Nairobi to Accra and beyond, Woof Studios is building a bridge between African cultural capital and global creative opportunity.

Media Enquiries: Uri Onojake

events@glgcommunication.com

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