#18 - The Hidden PAINS Behind Nollywood’s $6.4B Movie Industry | Olumide Oworu, Treasure Chikwendu, Adegoke Adelusi
In this unfiltered and powerful episode of That’s My Time Podcast, host Tolu Afilaka sits down with Nollywood stars Olumide Oworu, Treasure Chikwendu, and Adegoke Adelusi for a raw, inspiring, and eye-opening conversation about acting, fame, Nollywood’s billion-dollar growth, the painful truth about auditions, stage vs screen performance, and the future of Nigerian cinema.
From Olumide’s journey as a child star at 6, to Treasure’s breakout role as Ujunwa in Showmax’s Chet’M, to Goke’s classical theatre training at Covenant University, this episode goes beyond the surface to reveal the untold truths of Nollywood — the discipline, sacrifice, hustle, and resilience it takes to survive in an industry worth over $6 billion yet still struggling with structure and protection for its actors.
If you’re passionate about film, theatre, auditions, Nollywood storytelling, acting careers, or the grind behind the glam, this episode will challenge your perspective and give you insider knowledge from three actors who live it daily.
⏰ Timestamps & Topics
00:00 – 05:50 – Olumide the Child Star
How Olumide Oworu became a successful child actor at 6, starting with jingles, radio commercials, and Nollywood auditions. He reflects on balancing school, fame, and childhood — and why being in front of the camera felt natural.
05:51 – 15:00 – First Acting Breaks
Treasure Chikwendu recalls her first audition and how her cousin led her into acting. She relives the intensity of her first stage role where she almost fainted, and why stage acting demands endurance. Goke explains how theatre shaped him, the importance of training, and why “less is more” on screen.
15:01 – 22:00 – Nollywood Then vs Now
The trio compare Nollywood’s early days with today’s billion-dollar market. They discuss improvements in production quality, but ongoing issues with weak storylines. They debate cinema culture, the beef between old and new Nollywood generations, and what audiences now demand.
1:05:01 – 1:14:00 – Life Beyond Acting
Olumide talks about overworking himself, only taking his first vacation in 2024, and how fame comes with hidden sacrifices. Goke stresses the importance of balance, finding purpose outside acting, and building a life not solely defined by roles.
1:14:01 – End – Politics, Legacy & Giving Flowers
Olumide shares his interest in politics and the challenges of balancing public service with acting. The trio discuss why Nollywood actors must give each other flowers while alive, and the kind of legacy they want to leave.
🎤 Guests
Olumide Oworu — Nollywood actor (The Johnsons, A Tribe Called Judah, Shuga), model & politician.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olumideoworu/
Treasure Chikwendu — Actress, known for her breakout role as Ujunwa in ChetaM on Showmax.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_threashure/
Adegoke Adelusi — Thespian, stage & film actor, Covenant University graduate with strong theatre background.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goke___/
🎙 Hosts
Tolu Afilaka — Host of That’s My Time Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toluafilaka/
#OlumideOworu #TreasureChikwendu #AdegokeAdelusi #Nollywood #That’sMyTimePodcast #NollywoodActors #ChildActor #TheJohnsons #ChetM #ATribeCalledJudah #StageVsScreen #AuditionStories #FilmSchool #NollywoodNow #ActingJourney #BehindTheScenes #NigeriaCinema #ActorLife #NollywoodLegends
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