Nollywood actress and film producer Omowunmi Dada has shared the story of her rise in the entertainment industry, recalling how a role in a short film that earned her just ₦3,000 became an important turning point in her acting career.
Speaking on the Morayo Show, hosted by Morayo Afolabi Brown, Omowunmi reflected on her journey from university theatre productions to becoming a leading actress and executive producer, describing the determination and willingness to take opportunities that helped shape her career.
Morayo expressed excitement at having the actress on the programme, describing her as an inspiration to many young people. She particularly highlighted Omowunmi’s early experience, when she accepted a role in a short film despite the modest payment, noting how far she has since progressed in the industry.
Omowunmi Dada studied Creative Arts at the University of Lagos, where she developed an early understanding of the career she wanted to pursue. Her first stage play was Moremi, and one of her university productions attracted the attention of theatre practitioner Williams Ekpo, who introduced her to professional theatre.
That opportunity opened the door to more formal stage productions. She graduated in 2010 as the best graduating student in her class before taking up a job with a media company for about a year. However, she soon realised that acting remained her passion and decided to return to the profession.
Her journey was not without setbacks. Omowunmi recalled attending several auditions without receiving callbacks but said the experience taught her the importance of giving every opportunity her best effort.
She encouraged aspiring actors to remain committed to their craft, noting that they never know who may be watching their performance. For her, pursuing a career in the arts also requires the courage to stand firmly behind one’s convictions.
One experience that demonstrated this came in 2011, when she reached out to a sound engineer, Valentine, after seeing an update about a project he was working on through his BlackBerry status.
Although the project was described as a short film, there was initially no substantial female role available. She was later informed that the only opening was an extra, with a character who had been raped.
Rather than dismissing the opportunity, Omowunmi contacted the producer to discuss the character and understand the role. What was initially intended to be a single scene eventually expanded to about six scenes, with additional backstory developed for the character.
Her interest and preparation impressed the production team, and she eventually received ₦3,000 after filming. The money was intended to cover her transportation expenses rather than serve as a full performance fee, but she considered the experience worthwhile because it gave her an opportunity to demonstrate her ability.
The short film, Wage, was produced and directed by Walter ‘Banger’ Taylaur, who later became an established filmmaker in Nollywood. The production went on to win the Best Short Film award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Walter Banger subsequently contacted Omowunmi for Married to the Game, a commissioned production by EbonyLife, in which she was offered the lead female role. The actress described the progression as an example of how a seemingly small opportunity can open doors to bigger projects.
The conversation also explored her growing international recognition, particularly her appearance at the BFI London Film Festival as part of the cast of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives.
Adapted from the bestselling novel by Lola Shoneyin, the film’s showcase at the festival was a significant moment for Dada, who described it as rewarding to see a Yoruba-language production receive international attention.
She also spoke about the importance of telling more stories that reflect the achievements and contributions of African women. Citing the legacy of late Nigerian women’s rights activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Omowunmi argued that her story should be explored beyond the often-repeated description of her as the first Nigerian woman to drive a car.
She believes African filmmakers have an opportunity to present fuller accounts of remarkable women and challenge narratives that limit their contributions to a single achievement.
Describing her purpose as an actor, Omowunmi said: “The only tool for social change, social emancipation are the films that I do, the stories that I tell and the characters that I play.”
Morayo also congratulated her on earning an Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Evi, in which she also serves as executive producer. She described the recognition as particularly special because it was her first AMAA nomination.
The actress further expressed excitement about the success of Black Market, the Nollywood production by filmmaker Nora Awolowo, which set a Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a film screening in a single location.
The record was achieved on September 26, 2026, at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, where 51,258 people attended the screening. Omowunmi, who had previously worked with Nora on Red Circle, was among the cast members of the record-breaking production.
Asked about upcoming projects, she hinted at an animation project and other productions, encouraging her fans to look forward to more work.
In a lighter moment, Morayo used her familiar humour and playful questioning to press the actress about the secret behind her glowing appearance and happiness. Omowunmi laughed off the question, attributing her joy to God.
The appearance also continued the programme’s tradition of giving back to society. As part of the show’s social impact initiative, Omowunmi pledged to support a female audience member who is studying Accountancy at the National Open University of Nigeria.
From accepting a small role in a short film to taking on leading performances and executive production responsibilities, Omowunmi’s account offered a glimpse into the persistence behind her career. Her message to young creatives was clear: remain committed to the craft, give every opportunity your best and be audacious about what you believe in.
