Meet Nigerian Basketballer who turned Nollywood Super Star Raymond Okafor, the gentle giant had an exclusive interview with Esther Pushe Egbe of Obaland Magazine recently he talks about his journey into the movie industry and more.
Who is Raymond Okafor?
Well in a short sentence I’ll say Raymond is a Gentle giant man.
Why did you let go of basketball for the movie industry?
Basketball had always been my dream career and I followed it up with everything in me, I was good at the game plus my height which was an advantage for me. I played in my school team “Oko heat” (Federal polytechnic Oko, Anambra state) in several tournaments and regular competitions.
I fell so deeply in love with basketball that I decided to take it to the highest level which is the NBA. So I started attending basketball camps such as the A2S (Access 2 Success) basketball camp by Andrew Lovedale and other individual competitions, I became exposed to so many things in the game and I met a lot of coaches who really helped in building me, then I met this particular coach (Coach Charlie) who really had a great interest in me and got me an i20 scholarship to study and play for Capitol Christian Academy Maryland USA. After paying all the fees involved, I was denied the visa at the US embassy and that was where the whole heartbreak started. To cut the long story short, I had a total of 5 i20’s (USA scholarships) and was denied twice at the embassy, but couldn’t afford to pay the fees for the rest. Then I decided to quit it all and find myself because I knew I was lost at that period.
How do you cope with basketball and acting?
Then I discovered so many other talents I got such as acting, singing hymns and classical music in the choir and lots more then I chose movies. So right now I only play basketball as means of exercise.
At what age or time in life did acting cross from a hobby to something more serious?
I was 24 years old and that was 2017. I am now 28 years.
What and when was your first action in pursuing acting as a career?
The same year 2017.
How did you start?
Hmmmmm, well the journey was not an easy one if I must be honest.
I basically started by attending any audition I come across, no matter the location. I have travelled from many states to others to attend movie auditions and I always get recognized as the best performer, but to my greatest surprise they end up not calling me back and even if they do, they don’t pay anything, instead, they tell you how much favour they’re doing you by projecting you (with a waka pass scene (extra).
But I kept on doing better and better for myself, I took the gym more seriously because I knew the importance of having a good body as a male actor.
What kind of salary does a director expect to make in the independent scene, or is it completely dependent on the success of the movies?
Well, it totally depends on the agreement between the director and me.
What limitations does a movie director have, in the example can he also work as an editor or cinematographer as well as a director on a film set?
A film director is a master of filmmaking in the sense that he/she must have knowledge about all film departments but it is unprofessional for him/her to do all the job.
Are college courses necessary, and if so where did you go?
Yes, school is important if you have a sponsor and if you don’t, go and learn handwork.
I studied at Federal Polytechnic Oko Anambra state.
Relatively how hard is it to “make it“ in Nollywood, and what skills help this?
Honestly, it is not easy at all but will still encourage everyone out there who has the big dream and talent to never quit and keep pushing for it takes just one right movie to bring you to stardom.
Not many extra skills are required, it only takes your full dedication and a couple of skills like habitual reading, riding a bike, driving a car, swimming, weapon handling and a few more.
What are the qualities in yourself and others that make one suitable for acting?
Well, speaking for myself I must say that I’m a unique actor. My physics are extraordinary, I’m the tallest actor in the entire Nollywood and I’ve got so many skills I can’t mention all on here.
What’s the best advice you could give to someone new to acting?
My best advice to them is that they shouldn’t give up, the journey is tough and narrow, but quitters don’t win and winners don’t quit.
What’s your most popular movie so far?
“BLOOD OF ENOGIE” series by ROKtv
