In an industry where fame often overshadows the process, it takes a rare kind of talent to remain grounded, focused, and fully present. Growth in Nollywood isn’t just about climbing the ladder; it’s about the quiet work behind the scenes, the emotional layers brought to each role, and the personal evolution that shapes an actor’s presence on screen. It’s about grit, the persistence to keep showing up, grace, and the ability to stay true to your art while the world watches. These qualities make Gbubemi Ejeye stand out in a sea of rising stars.

Ejeye’s path to the screen wasn’t rushed; it was intentional. After completing her studies and NYSC, she started in media before taking the stage in 2018 for Colour Me Pink, a powerful play centred on breast cancer awareness. That performance became her entry point into Nollywood. She made her film debut in Rickety (2019) and has since featured in standout projects like Citation, Farmer’s Bride, Game On, AM Covenant, and Netflix’s Far From Home. With every role, Ejeye brings more than talent; she brings thought, discipline, and depth. Watching her is witnessing an actress who understands her journey, owns her space, and constantly refines her craft.

In this interview with THEWILL  DOWNTOWN’s Dorcas Akintoye, Gbubemi Ejeye discusses the defining moments in her career and how she manages self-doubt. She opens up about the kind of stories she wants to tell, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why her journey reflects a powerful mix of growth, grit, and grace, qualities that continue to define her rising legacy.

What inspired you to become an actress, and how did your journey into Nollywood begin?

I think I enjoyed movies. I did enjoy watching movies a lot. And I got into drama from primary school. The first drama I acted in was really because I felt it would be cool to just try to, I don’t know, be someone else, I guess. So, that’s kind of how it’s gone for me. I wasn’t even sure I would make a career out of it. But then I finished university. I wanted to study Theatre Arts, but I couldn’t because of my school. They wanted me to study Law instead, which I did, but then I think I wasn’t sure I was going to practice, so I started to go for auditions after school, after NYSC. And I think I just never stopped there.

Was there a defining moment in your career when you felt, “Yes, I’m truly doing what I was meant to do”?

 Oh, yeah, I’ve had different moments like that. And every time it happens, it still feels really good. It feels fresh. I think one I can remember was working with Inkblot. Then, I worked as an intern with Aunty Lala Akindoju on Smart Money Woman 1. And it was so exciting. I was part of the director’s team. I was under Bunmi Ajakaiye, sort of. And it was a lovely experience. And then I knew that I was going to do film forever. Somehow, she introduced me to Zulumoke Oyibo, the co-owner of Inkblot. And she asked me to come to her office. Well, I wrote an email first, and then I was in her office. They had this production that they were starting soon. All actors had been cast, but if something comes up, she will let me know. But she wanted to employ me as an admin because I also pushed that I could do behind-the-scenes work. And that was how everything started. The movie we were working on then was Who’s the Boss? Yes, I think Sharon Oja, Ini Dima, and Blossom were the actors, and I was just an admin. I was just collecting names of extras, how much we need to pay for these contracts, and whatnot. Then, I was called up to do the movie Pretty Woman 1. I got into makeup and costume and had no lines. It was just about three scenes. And my scenes were with Blossom, which was good, because it was such a blessing to work with him and meet him. And that was nice. I think I shot, like, the first take, and because of the confirmation, because Nas was directing, confirmation from him, from everybody, because they were all my friends, the crew people, and everybody was just so happy for me. And it was just like, okay, this feels good. And yeah, that was a different moment for me.

From early appearances in shows like Shuga to more recent work, there’s a clear growth in your emotional range and screen presence. How intentional has that growth been, and what practices have helped sharpen your craft?

I think it’s practice. I try to be better. I always have to assess what I did last to say, Oh, okay. That’s why I watch myself. But, yeah, I think it’s practice, practice, and growth, really.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give younger Gbubemi when she was just starting?

I will tell her to just keep going. I would tell her to not let people get into her head. There’s a reason why she started all this. There’s a reason why she was sure that she could be part of this world. You are part of the world. Just live. Don’t think too much. Just don’t worry. Just live, and everything will fall into place.

What does a ‘great script’ mean to you, and how do you decide the roles you take on?

I take on roles for different reasons, all different reasons. I take on a role or a movie when it calls to me or matters to me. How I know this is through my first read. Reading the script for the first time, I just feel conviction sometimes that I’m meant to be here. I’m meant to be a part of this. Because the story can be compelling. Even the character I’ve been offered. They’re just characters there that surprise me every time and make me laugh or cry, whatever emotion it is. It’s just how I feel when I read for the very first time. And then read over and over again to work on it. But when I read the script for the first time, it moves me and makes me feel something. Something that calls to me that wants to be a part of it. I don’t think I let those scripts go at all.

Are there any roles you dream of playing, something you haven’t explored yet but would love to dive into?

Of course! Do you know the kind of personalities we have in this life? There are different things to explore. I can’t even say what, because I want to explore everything. I don’t know the limit yet, but when I’m there, I will know. But I’m open to exploring to the best of my ability.

Do you ever take parts of your characters home with you, and how do you detach when filming ends?

Well, it’s not a condition per se, but I just have a thing with myself that when it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind. When I’m into something, and I’m on something, I’m fully there. But the moment it ends, I have to go back to myself. So I always have boundaries for things that’s why I try my best whenever I’m on set to just give it everything. After all, I know once I’m done, I need to drop it. Well, I think some characters have taught me some things, too. Like clean, bold characters have taught me to be bolder. Lame, corny characters have taught me to be more corny, somewhat. They all teach me things. Because sometimes I’m like, I have never thought about being like this or doing this. And experiencing it, I’m like, yeah, I get how the person would feel. So, I think I take what I want to take, and I drop what I don’t want.

The journey in the movie industry isn’t always rosy. What’s one major challenge you’ve faced as an actress, and how did you overcome it?

First, I think my very first challenge was getting a role. Just trying to get people to see me. Which, little by little, has been getting better and better. One job opens up a door for another one. I think it was challenging getting auditions and whatnot, because I was even so tense most times. That’s why I chose to go so behind the scenes. I think accessing the industry was quite a challenge. I think if you are really present, you can figure out ways to make it work. And right now, what are my challenges? There has been so much growth. I went from playing a one-line character to now being a lead actress.  I enjoy the responsibility when I’m on set. And I do have work to do, which is me. I think maybe it wasn’t challenging per se. I just had to adjust and know that, yes, if you’re taking something bigger, of course, you need more dedication. You need everything you need. A small number of people need the same dedication. I think maybe money. But it keeps getting better, too. I think because I’m quite an introverted person, sometimes I don’t like to be outside, and we tend to be outside a lot. But I’ll find a balance. That’s what I think troubles me right now. Well, not trouble per se, but it’s a thing I think about. But as I said, I’m good. Great scripts keep coming. You see, many people working well in this industry. Everybody is trying to make it better and great. Because I meet people every day, from producers, directors, to crew members. Everybody is just trying to make great things. And it’s nice when you find the right team and the right story. And it just fits. It doesn’t happen often, but I’ve experienced it, so I know that more will happen.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about being an actor in Nigeria?

I think, first off, they believe you’re very, very rich. Which I don’t mind. Well, if you put those in ratio, entertainment people with the 9- 5ers, sometimes I think entertainers are earning quite enough. I think it’s just balance. Everybody knows how to balance ourselves. Invest in what you need to invest in. And that’s why we believe we have so much money. But they just know how to manage and manage what they have.

Have you ever faced self-doubt, and if so, how do you navigate through those moments?

I think there’s a thing with knowing who you are and also doing the work. That has helped me. When I doubt myself, I used to think, ‘Why is this happening? Why is this not happening?’ Or I believed or expected some things to happen that didn’t happen. But I have no power over that. All I can do is show up and be my best, and enjoy it. And the rest will just follow. So that has come to me. So when those thoughts or things like that come up, I just know who I am. I’m amazing. I’m great. And I will try my best to always be great, wherever I am, whatever I’m doing. That calms me.

What’s your take on the current state of Nollywood? What excites you about the industry’s future? 

The current state, I think, I’m praying to God that the distribution thing works out. We find places where we can, like, sell our movies and let it work for everybody. Because people put in time, money, and so much work into making a movie. And it will be so nice for everybody to get back what they deserve. So, I’m hoping that works out for us. I know it will. We’ll figure out a way. I think we always figure out a way. Distribution for movies would be great. And I love the way Nigeria keeps pushing even internationally. Look at My Father’s Shadow, a Nigerian film, at the Cannes festival recently. It’s just lovely to see. It’s quite inspiring to know that it doesn’t just end here. We also have representation outside this country. And we have people who are representing us well. People are coming up and creating greater, amazing stories in every genre, you know. And it’s so lovely to watch. You see, people love this thing, and they want it to work. So I know that we’re going to be in greater places to come. So yeah, I’m excited for us.

When you’re not on set, what does a perfect day in Gbubemi’s world look like?

I wake up, say a little prayer, sometimes. The first thing I do every morning is to take a cup of green tea. I don’t know why. I think now it’s a habit. A cup of green tea. Chill. Just sit down and do nothing. Go to the gym or do yoga if I want. I don’t want to leave the house. Shower. Get on little jobs that I have to do and whatnot. And watch TV. Cook sometimes. Eat ice cream. Maybe step out to see a friend or a friend comes to the house. If I have an event, I will attend it. If not, that’s it till the end of the day. Then I go to bed.

Do you see yourself stepping behind the camera one day, maybe as a director or producer? If so, what kind of stories would you tell differently?

Yes, why not? About the story, I will tell it differently as a producer or director, I really don’t know. All I know is that anything I will be putting out will be my truth. It will be something I believe in and something I think is good. I would like to say great. Whatever it is. And I’m into different things. Not just one thing. But I don’t know what it will be. I think it will be amazing for me. It will be fun for me. And you guys will enjoy whatever it is at that time.

Dorcas Akintoye
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Dorcas Akintoye is a versatile writer with a passion for beauty, fashion, relationships, and culinary delight. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she adds a touch of elegance to every topic she explores. She is a writer at THEWILL DOWNTOWN.