Digital creator and social media personality Papaya Ex has praised her online community for helping amplify her creative journey, especially as she transitions into acting. Her first film, The Night Market, is now available on YouTube and features a long list of notable Nollywood and entertainment figures.
The movie brings together talents such as Tony Umeh, Tina Mba, Chidi Dike, Sydney Talker, Sexy Steel, Chichi of BBNaija, MC Lively, Pinki Debbie, James Brown, Hermes, Akeem Ogara, and Rosemary Afuwape. The project marks a defining step for Papaya Ex, who is gradually expanding her influence beyond digital content.
Reflecting on her early attraction to acting, she revealed that the passion had been building quietly for years. She said she often noticed how people responded whenever she included short character performances in her skits, which encouraged her to take the craft seriously.
Her conviction deepened once she experienced a structured film set for the first time. According to her, the environment felt surprisingly natural, confirming that acting was not just an experiment but a genuine calling.
Transitioning from fast-paced content creation to fully developed character work has required adjustment. Papaya Ex explained that acting demands emotional depth, intentionality, and patience, far beyond the quick turnaround typical of online skits. The process, she said, has helped her slow down, engage more deeply with stories, and discover “a new level of creativity.”
As she charts her path in Nollywood, she says she is particularly drawn to roles with emotional weight and cultural significance, stories that challenge her and resonate with audiences.
The influencer also expressed gratitude to her vast fanbase, acknowledging how their energy and online amplification help her projects gain attention. She described the support as genuine and instrumental in fast-tracking the visibility of her work.
Responding to critics who believe influencers take shortcuts into Nollywood, Papaya Ex maintained that her pursuit of acting is rooted in passion, training, and hard work. She said she prefers to let her performances speak on her behalf rather than engage in constant explanations.
She acknowledged that the shift into acting demands sacrifice, long hours, and emotional investment, but insisted that the journey has been worthwhile. For her, choosing to embrace a new path despite uncertainties reflects how deeply the dream matters.
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