Veteran Nollywood actor Nkem Owoh, widely known as Osuofia, has revealed that his journey into acting was not intentional, describing it as something that happened “by accident.”

Speaking on a recent episode of the Selah Meditate Podcast, the comic star explained that he initially worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter and had no plans to appear on screen.

According to him, colleagues who observed his natural sense of humour during production gradually encouraged him to try acting in front of the camera.

Owoh recalled that in the 1980s, a television station introduced a short 7-minute comedy segment for him, which marked his first on-screen appearance. He said repeated encouragement from industry peers eventually pushed him into performing publicly.

He noted that once he stepped in front of the camera, audience reception was positive, which helped solidify his transition from writing to acting and comedy performance.

Reflecting on his career, Owoh also spoke about the less glamorous side of fame, saying it significantly changed his personal freedom.

He explained that while many people aspire to celebrity status, they often overlook the limitations that come with it, including reduced privacy and restrictions on everyday life.

According to him, becoming a public figure has made it difficult to enjoy the freedom he once had before fame.

Veteran Nollywood actor Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, has weighed in on the growing debate over whether social media popularity is beginning to influence casting decisions in the Nigerian film industry.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Selah Meditate Podcast, the seasoned thespian dismissed concerns that online fame is replacing genuine acting ability in Nollywood.

According to him, no amount of social media visibility can substitute for true talent or professional skill in performance.

He stated that while social media may enhance visibility for actors, it does not determine long-term success in the craft, insisting that talent remains the core requirement for sustained relevance in the industry.

His comments come amid ongoing conversations within Nollywood, where some actors have raised concerns about casting preferences shifting toward online influence, physical appearance, and social media followings rather than acting ability.

In recent interviews, actors such as Shine Rosman, Bolaji Ogunmola, and Osereme Inegbenebor have alleged that some filmmakers prioritize factors like popularity, looks, and online engagement when selecting cast members.

Despite these claims, many industry stakeholders have yet to publicly address the concerns in a structured or consistent manner, leaving the debate unresolved within the creative community.

Owoh’s remarks add a veteran perspective to the discussion, reinforcing the belief among traditional actors that training and performance remain the foundation of Nollywood’s storytelling industry.