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By Rita Okoye
Nollywood actress Obioma Ofoegbu, popularly known as Oby the Art, was born in 1998 into a family of six. An Abuja-based indigene of Imo State, she has steadily risen to become one of the most sought-after faces in the industry. In this interview with Sunday Sun, she reflects on her journey in Nollywood and the challenges she has encountered along the way. Ofoegbu also speaks candidly about the state of her love life.
Enjoy!
It is 2026, what are you most thankful for?
I’m thankful for life, my family and friends and the gigs I have been getting, including a comic series I produced. It will be up on my YouTube channel soon. Truly thankful for it all.
Can you tell us more about this comic series?
I can’t share a lot of information now but it’s definitely going to crack you up. There are features from a lot of talents including comedy star, Josh2funny. Each episode promises to be great.
How did you come up with the cast members?
We have a lot of amazing creatives in Abuja, so it wasn’t hard. I just looked through and cast based on what role fits the actor in mind.
What were some of the early challenges you faced breaking into the industry, and how did you overcome them?
I would say it’s hard to get casting directors to trust an unknown face with certain roles. There’s also a stereotype that actors avoid getting. When I started, I was cast as a spoilt brat a lot (laughs). But with time, casting directors saw that there’s a lot more I could offer, so I broke out of that. I also work on my craft from time to time so I’m a better actor for each new role I get.
Were you a spoilt brat? How were you able to pull off the role consistently?
Well, I may have spoilt brat tendencies, and I guess my looks give off “spoilt brat energy” sometimes, but I’m definitely not.
How did your parents react to seeing you go into Nollywood?
I have an aunt and cousins already in the industry, so it wasn’t new to them. But my dad definitely may not have really liked the idea at first, but he does now. I’m making him proud, obviously.
Ever encountered an embarrassing moment on set?
I once took up an Igbo movie when I knew I wasn’t fluent in Igbo at the time, and I couldn’t deliver, so it was very messy hearing me struggle with my lines, and I didn’t realise when I started crying on set. I can laugh about it now but it was not funny then. It was very messy. Funny enough, I saw the movie on Africa Magic Igbo, and I delivered well, but behind the scenes was hell.
What’s your most challenging role?
My role as “Mgbeke” on the MNET series, “The low Priest” is my most challenging. She had spiritual psychosis and could hear from the gods and barely spoke English. Each scene was draining but absolutely worth it. It’s currently on Showmax and airing every night at 8pm on Africa Magic Showcase. You should check it out. It’s a beautiful series.
Has fame changed you in any way?
I’m not that famous yet, but I do experience moments where random people recognise me a lot, and it hasn’t changed me, actually. Still the same me. I’m just motivated to do even more and become a bigger brand.
Are you ready to get married?
Ahhhh, when the time comes you’ll receive your invite.
Is Obioma single and ready to mingle?
Obioma is single, but she’s not necessarily looking for love; she’s focusing on work, and if love comes along, then she’d like that, she’s content and doing great.
Can you describe your dream man
I wouldn’t say I have a dream man, however ideally I’d love a man who will give me peace and understand the nature of my career. Someone who worships the ground I walk on. That’s my type. I don’t want a man who puts his ego before me.
How do you know when true love comes?
I guess if you know you know. Lol. Also, God always has a way of revealing these things to us. We just have to discern which is God’s voice or our desires speaking.
Many admire your stunning looks. How do you ensure your talent speaks louder than your appearance?
Well, I try my hardest to leave “Obioma” at home when I get a new role and take up the character given; however, I can’t control how people see me.
Can you accept an offer to be a second wife?
Never!
How would you describe your growth as an actress from your first role to where you are today?
I’d say I have grown, I have gotten way better as an actor, I have learnt a lot about the industry, and my rates are definitely higher. I’m always open to learning, so I try my hardest to learn better ways to deliver.
My first role was a couple of years ago. I was way younger, and I just had a burning passion for the arts, but I needed to learn a lot. My first film was called Zubaida. It’s on YouTube and it touches on the issue of VVF and the dangers of child marriage. You should check it out whenever you can.
What personal values guide your career decisions?
The simple fact that no man can play God over my career has given me peace of mind and helped me pace myself better, understanding that destinies are different, and when the time is right, God will make it all happen.
Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave in Nollywood, and how would you like to be remembered?
I’d like to be remembered as that gorgeous actress who absolutely devoured every role and never took no for an answer and lived her best life on her own terms.
