Actress, Pamela Okoye, tells ANJOLA DAWODU about her career and other issues
What motivated you to start acting on YouTube?
Acting has always been there. When I was about 13 years old, I used to act in front of the mirror. I would reenact scenes in my head and sometimes talk to myself. At some point, my siblings got used to it. It became normal for me to just be in a room talking to myself. So I knew acting was there; I just didn’t know how to go about it.
After secondary school, I got into university to study accounting. I also wanted to become a chartered accountant, so acting was just something I knew I had in me, but I didn’t know how to pursue it.
While in university, I started presenting—red carpets, hosting events, and so on—because that was what came to me at the time.
Was acting always the dream, or did YouTube make it feel possible?
Acting was always the dream, but I didn’t know how to go about it. A friend introduced me to presenting, and I started hosting events. I grew to love it and even considered pursuing it professionally after school.
But, I also wanted to infuse acting into what I was doing. So I started creating short videos and skits—just to see myself on camera and prove to myself that I could do it. I posted some on Instagram and tried a few things on YouTube. At that point, I hadn’t even gone for auditions; I just wanted to test myself.
Then, I started posting monologues on Instagram. A producer reached out to me after a monologue challenge I participated in, and that moment changed things. The first time I was on a proper setback in 2016—I didn’t even think I was that good. But when they clapped after my performance, I felt something shift. I thought, “Okay, maybe I’m doing something right.”
That motivated me to keep going. I posted more monologues, and people started reaching out. The rest is history.
That said, I’ve always been realistic. Acting was a passion, but I also had other plans. I wanted to become a chartered accountant, and I had business ideas as well. Living in Nigeria, you have to think ahead. You can’t depend on just one uncertain path.
So yes, acting was always there, but I waited for the right time. I believe everything aligned because of God’s timing.
How do you handle discouragement when views or engagement are low?
It affects me, just like it would affect anyone. As much as this is art, it’s also a business. When business isn’t doing well, you feel it.
But I remind myself that this is life; you win some, you lose some. Nobody puts out a film expecting it to fail. You always hope it will do well. So when it doesn’t, it can be discouraging.
What matters is not giving up. I believe that if one project doesn’t work, the next one will. I allow myself to feel bad sometimes, but I don’t stay there.
I also inspire myself a lot. I’m a big dreamer. I sit down and talk to myself about how far I want to go and how great I can become. Even though I admire other actors, I’ve played a major role in motivating myself. It’s a conscious effort I make every day.
Do you feel “YouTube actors” are still underrated in Nollywood?
I think we’ve moved past that. There was a time when labels like “YouTube actor” or “cinema actor” made it seem like some people were lesser than others.
But now, people are beginning to see that talent is what matters, not the platform. Audiences appreciate the craft regardless of where it’s shown. So I don’t think YouTube actors are as underrated as they used to be.
Has YouTube opened doors for you or made people take you less seriously?
YouTube has helped me a lot. It’s a platform I will always respect. It has opened doors for me, and I don’t think it has made people take me less seriously at all. I’m very grateful for it.
How much of Pamela Okoye do we actually see on screen?
I try to separate myself from my characters. In real life, I’m calm and reserved. So when you see a character with those traits, that’s probably me showing a little.
But generally, I try not to let Pamela take over my roles. I embody my characters fully while keeping my personal self grounded.
How does acting affect your personal relationships?
Acting can affect relationships if you’re not intentional. It’s a very demanding, time-consuming job. You can be on set from morning till night without touching your phone.
If you’re not careful, you can lose touch with people—family, friends, even your partner. That’s why I try to be intentional. I keep a small circle and make an effort to stay connected, even if it’s just a quick message or call.
Are your family and friends fully supportive of your career?
Yes, completely. My family is my biggest support system. My parents and siblings are my biggest cheerleaders. They’ve always supported me wholeheartedly.
Has fame changed how you treat people?
Not at all. I’m still the same person. What you see is what you get.
I’m not where I want to be yet, so there’s no reason for fame to get into my head. It hasn’t changed how I treat people.
What’s one sacrifice you’ve had to make for acting?
At the beginning, I had to spend my own money—transporting myself to locations and sometimes not getting paid. I wasn’t focused on money; I just wanted to act and improve my craft.
Now, the sacrifice is time. Acting is very demanding, so you miss out on events and personal moments. But it’s about being intentional and balancing things as best as you can.
Do you think up-and-coming actresses are pressured to do more to get roles?
I wouldn’t call it bad pressure; it’s good pressure. Social media has made it necessary for you to showcase yourself.
If you’re new and don’t know anyone in the industry, you have to put yourself out there. It’s like announcing your presence: “I’m here.” So yes, you have to do more, but in a positive way.
Have you ever felt used or sidelined in the industry?
No, I haven’t. I just give God the glory. I’ve never felt used or sidelined; I’m just focused on growing.
Would you date someone who doesn’t support your acting dreams?
No, I wouldn’t. Acting is part of me. If you don’t support it, then you don’t support my happiness. That wouldn’t work.
Has acting ever caused misunderstandings in your love life?
No, it hasn’t.
What kind of roles do you secretly enjoy the most?
I like to challenge myself, so I enjoy trying different roles. But I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for “lover girl” roles. They’re fun.
What legacy do you want to build as an actress?
I have very big dreams and plans, but I prefer not to talk about them until they happen.
I can say that my vision goes beyond me; it’s something that will benefit others, especially young actors and creators. Every day, I remind myself of how big the future ahead is, and that keeps me going.
Have you ever declined working with an actor?
No, I haven’t.
Have you ever worked with an actor who had hygiene issues?
No, I haven’t.
What do you have in store for your fans?
People should keep watching my channel on YouTube because we make quality films and we’re constantly improving. We’re intentional about telling relatable stories and giving viewers premium entertainment.
We don’t take our audience for granted. We always consider them in everything we do. So, the best support people can give us is to watch, share, subscribe, and engage.
That engagement gives us the energy to keep creating. And I promise, they will enjoy the stories we tell.
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