How Nollywood brings Benin mythology to life in ‘Osamede’ – Businessday NG

Nollywood’s epic film landscape has long been dominated by Yoruba mythology. Now, Gold Lilies Production is changing the game with Osamede, a groundbreaking film that puts Benin mythology in the spotlight. This shift marks a new direction for the industry, bringing fresh cultural narratives to streaming platforms and cinemas.

In an exclusive interview with BusinessDay, Nigerian actress and filmmaker Ivie Okujaye Egboh shares insights into her role in the upcoming film “Osamede.” Set in the colonized Benin Kingdom, this film blends mythology, magic, and empowerment, telling the story of a young orphaned girl who discovers her superhuman powers tied to the sacred Aruosa stone.

Egboh discusses her journey from a childhood dreamer in Benin to portraying a superhero, the challenges of mastering the Edo language, and her vision for the film’s impact on Nigerian cinema and cultural pride.

Introduction and background

Ivie Okujaye Egboh is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, known for her work as an actress, film producer, scriptwriter, dancer, singer, and activist. She has starred in Africa Magic’s television series Hotel Majestic and Enakhe, and her film Tokunbo debuted on Netflix in 2024. With a career built on talent and dedication, Egboh has become a respected voice in Nollywood, advocating for women and children alongside her creative pursuits.

“Osamede” stands out as a unique project, diving into Benin mythology—a lesser-explored narrative in Nigerian cinema.

Produced by Lilian Olubi, a finance and investment expert with 25 years of experience in Nigeria’s capital markets, and directed by AMVCA winner James Omokwe, the film brings a fresh perspective. It follows Osamede, a young girl in the Benin Kingdom who uncovers her extraordinary abilities and embarks on a heroic journey, blending historical context with superhero elements.

Journey to ‘Osamede’

BusinessDay: Let’s dive into the interview. “Osamede” is an exciting project, especially with its focus on Benin mythology. Unlike the more common Yoruba epics, this film feels like a superhero story. Can you briefly share your acting background and how it led to this role?

Ivie Okujaye Egboh: “Osamede” feels like a full-circle moment for me. I grew up in Benin City until I was 12, then moved to Queen’s College in Lagos. As a kid, I’d tie a cape around my neck and run around the compound, shouting, ‘I have saved Benin!’ My family thought my imagination was too wild—sometimes they even called it lying. That’s how I started creating fictional worlds, complete with imaginary friends.

In secondary school, I joined theatre arts. My first play was at 13, acting as Joseph in a nativity play at an all-girls school. That was it—no turning back. My dad, a surgeon, hoped I’d follow his path since my grades leaned toward science. But I couldn’t see myself as a doctor—I was already living for the stage. We compromised on social sciences, so I studied economics and statistics at the University of Abuja, though I spent most of my time in the theatre department.

In 2009, I auditioned for the Amstel Malta Box Office Competition—my first ever audition. I didn’t expect to win; I just wanted the experience. But they kept narrowing it down—top 100, 50, 25, 10, then 3—and suddenly, I was one of the winners alongside Shade Olu. I hadn’t even packed clothes for an overnight stay! That victory changed everything, proving to my parents I was serious about acting, not chasing fame.

When James Williams approached me for ‘Osamede,’ their confidence in me was contagious. I’m respected for my craft, but I’m not the biggest name out there. Still, they believed I was the one. Growing up in Benin, I spoke Ishan—not fluent Edo—but James assured me I could do it. They paired me with Mr. Osagie Elegbe, and for weeks, we had one- to two-hour calls every night except Sundays, translating the script line by line. He was strict, drilling me on intonations. It was tough, but exciting—a chance to live out a childhood dream.”

Preparing for the Role

BusinessDay: Beyond learning the language, did you do any research to prepare? With the film’s historical tie to Benin culture, how did you bring your character to life?

Ivie Okujaye Egboh: “Usually, I’d dive into research myself, but James and the team had it covered. They built a support system around me. For the first four days, we didn’t even touch the language. We focused on the character and Benin folklore—stuff unrelated to ‘Osamede,’ just to soak in the culture. They handed me everything I needed; my job was to step into the role. It was a solid team effort.”

Filming experience

BusinessDay: What were your favorite moments during filming?

Ivie Okujaye Egboh: “The first thing that hits me is the scenery. The sets were so detailed, it felt like we’d stepped centuries back. Nothing was left to imagination or post-production—it was all real. That authenticity was inspiring.

It made me think about women back then—were they vocal or silenced by society? In ‘Osamede,’ this young girl stands up and says, ‘I’m not just leading; I’m getting us out of this.’ That felt powerful, especially in an era when women rarely led.

Next, the stunts. I love working out and dancing, so fight scenes were a thrill. There’s one where someone’s lifted by the neck and slammed down. Everyone was like, ‘Ivie, you don’t have to do this.’ But James and I said, ‘Let’s try it.’ It came out amazing.

Finally, meeting real Edo village people was special. I’d never connected with rural relatives growing up, so this was new. The young girls, 13 to 17, flocked to me. It hit me—I might have a role in guiding them someday. That was humbling.”

Boosting the character’s legacy

BusinessDay: Osamede is a fictional character, like those from Marvel or DC. How can Nollywood elevate her story to inspire Benin and beyond—maybe even spark a sequel or universe?

Ivie Okujaye Egboh: “This question stirs frustration in me. We embrace foreign superhero stories so easily, but when it’s our own, the excitement lags. That’s tough to see. The VFX, performances, and production in ‘Osamede’ match Hollywood standards—I’d stake my chest on it. I wish Nigerians felt that same hype.

In Edo State, kids are losing the language, and our stories are fading. ‘Osamede’ could be a revival, a chance for Edo people to take pride in our heritage. Historically, the Benin Kingdom was a powerhouse—British records even predicted it’d shape Nigeria’s future. Somewhere, we lost that. I hope James and the PR team push this hard. Us actors are ready to back them up—we’re all in.”

Themes and Representation

BusinessDay: The story showcases a powerful woman in a historical context. What does that mean to you, especially as a mother of three daughters?

Ivie Okujaye Egboh: “When James pitched ‘Osamede,’ I imagined her using powers in every scene—lasers from her eyes, the works. But in the script, she only uses them a few times. Reading it again, I saw the point: her real power is her inner strength—resilience and grit. That’s the modern woman, and maybe always has been.

Women are natural leaders, but corruption here often keeps them sidelined. Those who break through prove what we’re capable of. I want more space for women in Nigerian politics—we’ve got the strength. Filming showed me young girls looking up to me, asking about my path. It’s made me think I could inspire more, maybe thousands. That’s a new journey I’m starting, though it’s early days.”

YouTube vs. Cinema Economics

BusinessDay: You’ve built a YouTube channel with hundreds of thousands of views. How does its economics compare to cinema?

Ivie Okujaye Egboh: “I was clueless about YouTube’s potential until streaming platforms pulled out of Nigeria. Now, I wish I’d started sooner. Years ago, I did a YouTube show—How She Met My Brother—with Eku Edewor and Chris Attoh, but I didn’t stick with it. Big mistake.

YouTube lets you create without massive budgets—no $100,000 needed. I’m still learning the algorithm, but it’s flexible. I can control my pace, balancing work with raising my three kids. The audience holds power, though. I’m figuring out how to tell my stories while giving them what they want. It’s your risk, your reward—no middleman.”

Audience expectations and impact

BusinessDay: What do you hope audiences take from ‘Osamede’ in cinemas?

Ivie Okujaye Egboh: “With 90 percent of the film in Edo, I want people to see this and think, ‘Nigerians made this.’ It’s a showcase of our talent and imagination. Cinema culture’s dipping here—I hope this revives it. The story’s about escaping slavery, but it mirrors today—our resources and rights slipping away. I want viewers to feel inspired to fight back.”

BusinessDay: Any final words for viewers?

Ivie Okujaye Egboh: “If you love great stories, top-notch acting, Nigeria, sci-fi effects, or heartfelt drama, ‘Osamede’ is for you. We’ve made a film with no weak storytelling or production flaws. It’s time we support our own—watch it, enjoy it, and let it move you.”

BusinessDay: What’s the most striking reaction you’ve seen to the teaser?

Ivie Okujaye Egboh: “My sister abroad showed the teaser to her Caucasian coworker, who asked, ‘Is this the new Wakanda?’ She was stunned it was Nigerian. That’s huge—someone with no context for Nollywood saw it as world-class. It gave me chills. It’s that good; we just need to value it like outsiders do.”

Conclusion

Ivie Okujaye Egboh leaves no doubt about her passion for “Osamede” and Nigerian cinema. “We’ve made something flawless—support it,” she urges. This film entertains, educates, and empowers, inviting audiences to reconnect with their heritage and see the potential of local storytelling. As “Osamede” hits screens, it’s a call to celebrate Benin mythology and Nigeria’s cinematic future.