Fast-rising actress Osas Okonyon is quickly carving a niche for herself in the industry, following her remarkable lead role in EVI, Nigeria’s first musical Nollywood film. In this interview with eelive.ng, Okonyon shares her journey into acting, the lessons that shaped her, working alongside industry heavyweights, and how embodying her character in the film has transformed her into a real-life ‘Superstar’ both professionally and personally.
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Excerpts:
eelive.ng: You played the lead character in Nigeria’s first musical Nollywood. Film, Evi. What did you do during the audition that you believe made you stand out? And what was your reaction when you received the call that you had been selected for the lead role?
Osas Okonyon: I can’t exactly put a finger on it, but going by the words of my producer and Director, I’d say me going to the callback, following the instructions they had given which was to come looking like a Superstar, may have made them more receptive and warm towards me, which in turn, made me a bit more comfortable to really let go and pour myself into the sides as I performed. I think I may have charmed them just a little first, before we got into it. Lol. But I honestly think they’d be in the best position to answer this. When I received the call that I had landed the role, I was ecstatic. I had to mute my mic for a second to properly scream.
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eelive.ng: You starred alongside some of Nollywood’s biggest names. As a fast-rising actor, what was that experience like for you? Did working with such established figures influence your craft in any way?
Osas Okonyon: It was amazing! And I’d say it definitely did. When you’re working with the greats who have made their mark, you certainly want to put your best foot forward. And they were all so amazing. I certainly took the time to also learn from them — you’d be surprised how much you can learn just by watching and observing people. My big sister Omowunmi was so helpful with tips and pointers. The legendary Waje gave me some tips on how to own my space as a superstar that helped with channelling Evi. Ibrahim was an absolute delight to work with, Uzor was very supportive and kind. Honestly, it was a 10/10 experience overall.
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eelive.ng: What one or two specific things did working with Omowumi Dada in Evi teach you?
I learn a lot by observing and having conversations that may not be directly related to what exactly is going on in the moment. What these conversations do, is point me to the thought process of who I’m conversing with or observing, that way, I’m able to spot out patterns that I can apply. One interesting tip I learned from Omowunmi was having a silent interaction with my scene partner before even saying anything. So, for example, if I have a line that’s supposed to be in response to something my partner said, right before responding to them, I say something partly in my head, that thought reflects in my outward reaction even if I’m not voicing it out and it helps to carry the next words I’m about to say. I found it interesting and I now try to play around with that technique while refining it as I go, in a way that works for me.
eelive.ng: The film EVI explores themes of resilience, community, and self-belief. What inspired you most to take on the role?
Osas Okonyon: The fact that it is very women-centred and focused. I’ve always been one to champion the rights of women and women taking up room in male-dominated fields, so this was very much up my alley. I was more than honoured to take on the challenge.
Osas Okonyon: It wasn’t really a sudden epiphany or one single defining moment, to be honest. It was a realisation that I slowly came to over time. Dabbling in and out until 2023, when I decided, I was going to properly pursue this path. It didn’t lead to me quitting my job. I just found a workaround.
eelive.ng: Your journey into acting wasn’t exactly smooth. You once spoke about your first audition and how you were robbed on your way home. How did those early obstacles shape you into the phenomenal actress you are today? And what would you say to aspiring actors who are currently navigating similar challenges?
Osas Okonyon: Haha! Honestly, when I look back on that day now, I laugh so hard. It’s all part of the journey. I’ve learned resilience, and I truly understand now that the road wouldn’t always be smooth, but it doesn’t matter, because there’s a destination and the bumpy roads, mishaps and accidents are all a part of it. I’d say keep your head up. Fall, fail, do whatever, just don’t stop moving. This goes to me as well, because the journey continues.
eelive.ng: Have you ever had a surprising or unusual experience with a fellow actor or actress on set? If so, could you share what happened and how it impacted you?
Osas Okonyon: I’d say I’ve been blessed to work with really amazing people thus far. One moment that I know would stay with me forever, was on a set with Tope Tedela and Akah Nnanni. I know they most likely don’t even remember it because it was just one scene I had in that film. But I walked in there, nervous as hell and I gathered all the courage I had to ask if they’d be open to running lines with me. I didn’t expect them to be as warm as they were. I think they sensed that I was nervous, but they gave me very great boosts and told me I was made for the screen. That was all the morale I needed. When we finished shooting the scene, they actually clapped for me! That was all the validation I needed at that time and it certainly was enough to keep me going for a while. I’ll never forget it.
eelive.ng: You embodied the character so convincingly. Could you break down the emotional process and preparation that helped you deliver such an authentic performance?
Osas Okonyon: Honestly, my mind is a madhouse. I couldn’t genuinely tell you of one defined process. It changes all the time, different things, different emotions and experiences, all spark different stories and ideas.
eelive.ng: After your outstanding performance in Evi, What’s next for you? Are there new projects or creative directions you are exploring
Osas Okonyon: Oh! Exciting things for sure! I have a beautiful feature coming soon to a festival I can’t name yet. She is the complete opposite of what Evi is, and I can’t wait for the world to meet her. I’m also looking forward to all the beautiful new stories the universe has in store for me, the different characters I would get to become as I go on, and I’m open to work (in my LinkedIn voice. Lol.)
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How would you say playing Evi has impacted you as an actor and a human being?
Playing Evi stretched me in ways I didn’t fully anticipate. As an actor, it demanded a level of emotional honesty and restraint that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Evi is not loud or overly expressive, but there’s so much happening beneath the surface, so I had to learn to trust stillness, to communicate with the smallest shifts — a look, a pause, a breath. It refined how I approach character, especially in terms of internal work and subtlety and just really reminded me how to stay in the quiet. As a human being, having to sit with her reality, her choices, and her emotional landscape forced me to confront certain truths about vulnerability, silence, and what people carry behind closed doors. It made me appreciate the complexity of human behaviour in general. Sometimes, people are not essentially bad or good, just humans making choices, some that may reflect poorly or positively.
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