Nigerian actress Ekene Umenwa has made a powerful revelation about the early struggles in her career, claiming she was once urged by insiders in Nollywood to renounce her Christian faith if she wanted to succeed in the industry. The emotional testimony, shared via her verified Instagram account on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, has ignited widespread reactions online.
The actress, known for her breakout role in the 2013 hit film Black Choir, posted a heartfelt video of herself singing and dancing to the gospel anthem “No Turning Back”, using the moment to open up about her firm refusal to compromise her spiritual beliefs. “When I came to Nollywood many years ago with my Jesus, I was told by some folks to drop Jesus and Mary to make it,” she wrote.
Ekene said she was stunned by the suggestion and ran straight to prayer for strength. “They said, ‘Ekene, this game no be Jesus Jesus oo.’ I was like, chimo, is that so? Never!” She recounted. Her post emphasized that her unwavering commitment to her Christian faith was non-negotiable, regardless of career advancement.
Now a respected name in Nollywood, with over 100 films to her credit, Ekene proudly stated that her journey has inspired others in the industry to boldly proclaim their faith as well. “I thank God today that many people have joined me to proclaim Jesus in Nollywood,” she wrote, drawing applause from fans, pastors, and colleagues.
The video and message have since gone viral, drawing both praise and curiosity from followers and industry watchers. Some applauded her courage, while others expressed shock over the alleged spiritual pressure faced by entertainers behind the scenes. Several users also shared their own testimonies of holding on to their faith in difficult environments.
The actress did not name specific individuals involved in the alleged pressure but hinted at a persistent spiritual battle in the entertainment world. Her bold post adds to a growing number of voices highlighting the tension between faith and fame in the Nigerian creative industry.
With #EkeneUmenwa, #FaithInNollywood, and #NoTurningBack trending across Twitter and Threads, her story is sparking a larger conversation about values, identity, and the unseen costs of success in showbiz.
