Actor, Daniel K Daniel, tells Punch about his career and other issues
You were recently invited to join the United States of America-based Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organisers of the Academy Awards (Oscars), alongside 397 others. How do you feel about it?
It is an awesome feeling. I feel very honoured and proud to be a member of the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
I believe only three filmmakers were selected from Nigeria this year. That shows how exclusive the list is.
As a member of the Academy, what will be expected of you?
I just received the emails and invitation during the week, and also got an official phone call today (Thursday) to set up my member ID and profile. I know that I will have many perks and benefits as an Academy member, which includes being able to vote for recipients of the awards in what is arguably the most prestigious film honours programme in the world. Other roles and benefits will become clearer as the days go by. It is still sinking in for now.
What impact do you foresee this new development having on your career and the Nigerian movie industry in general?
In Nollywood, I always like to say, ‘A win for one is a win for us all’. We will keep doing our best to announce and project Nollywood to the world. We are here to stay. This will definitely be great for my career. It is a lovely crown and I will wear it with pride.
At what point did you consider going into acting?
I used to model in school, and I appeared in magazines and billboards. While observing the National Youth Service Corps scheme, I dropped off a friend and colleague at a movie audition. As I was about to drive out of the venue, the director asked that I should come in and read for a role because my looks matched a character in his script. I reluctantly read for the part. He was impressed and the rest, as they say, is history.
What were the challenges you faced when you got into the industry?
I faced numerous challenges. I realised that not all that glitters is gold. It was stunning to me how little money up-and-coming actors made. As an up-and-coming actor, if one does not have a supplementary source of income or loads of money stashed in the bank, one will practically live from hand to mouth.
However, I was lucky because I came from a comfortable home. It was easier for me to navigate the murky waters of terrible pay.
Another shocking thing was how little regard or respect people had for time and other people as well. It was very appalling.
How have you metamorphosed in the industry?
I have grown quite nicely; from that Abuja-based up-and-coming actor to winning the award of Best Actor in Africa twice. It has not been a smooth journey but it has definitely been worth it.
You once stated that your childhood ambition was to become a pilot. Why didn’t you go down that route again?
One of the major challenges I had with becoming a pilot was my eyesight, which I have fixed as an adult. I had laser surgery a year ago, so I am okay now. I became an actor by chance. It was not a lifelong dream, but still, I had to work my socks off to get to where I am today. I love being an actor. I have impacted countless lives in this line of work and I will not trade that for anything.
How did you take the death of your father at 18 and what effect did it have on you?
My father’s untimely demise is the most painful experience of my life. It remains ever fresh because I always ask myself, what if he hadn’t died at the time. What could have been if my daddy was still here? I miss the love and guidance of a father. For every milestone I achieve, I always wish my daddy was here to rub my head and give me a hug. I wish he was here to meet his grandchildren.
What informed your decision to study Applied Biochemistry?
As it usually happens for many people, there was a course I wanted to study and there was the course I was eventually offered admission to study. Biochemistry was actually my course of second choice but I ended up enjoying it, and never looked back.
Which movie gave you a breakthrough in the industry?
All the movies I have played a part in contributed to making me who I am today. I am grateful for every character I have portrayed on screen. However, one standout character was that of Bossman in the movie, A Soldier’s Story.
What is the most challenging role you’ve ever played?
Two roles come to mind. The first is Bossman in A Soldier’s Story, because I had to use a foreign accent and also because of the action scenes in the movie. I had to do a lot of stunts, weapons training and hand-to-hand combat training. For that role, I won three Best Actor awards in Africa and internationally.
The second role is Corporal Obi in the movie, 76. I have had quite a good number of challenging roles in my career to be honest, but this remains ever fresh because we spent six months in an army barracks in Ibadan with my co-actors and crew preparing for and filming the movie which went on to win the award for Best African Film at Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2016.
What role is your most preferred as an actor?
I have no preference for roles. But I have roles that I like less. For instance, I don’t really like romantic roles. But, it is a job I have to do.
Which actress do you look forward to acting with?
In Nollywood, I have worked with every female I would love to work with. Some are my friends, while some are just colleagues and acquaintances. I really don’t care much (about things like that). Just pair me with a good actor I can strike up good chemistry with.
Nollywood movies are gaining prominence on Netflix these days. What do you think is responsible for that?
I am impressed by how much we have grown as an industry. The competition is much stiffer, hence the need for everyone to up their game to keep up with the relatively high standards that are being set with every new production. It is a beautiful thing because it encourages the pursuit of excellence and perfection. I believe we have the best and most relatable storylines. Netflix, Amazon Plus and other international streaming platforms have taken note of this and they all want to be part of the revolution, and ‘sell’ Africa to the world.
Some people believe that actors in Nollywood are not well paid, and that rich actresses must have got their wealth through other means. What is your reaction to that?
I cannot answer for everyone. I can only speak for myself. Being an entertainer has become very lucrative and rewarding, especially if one is one of the top earners. There is a lot of money to be made from movies, series, adverts and ambassadorial deals, as well as sponsorship and partnership deals.
You stated that you took a break from Nollywood and went to the United States of America to hone your skill. Why did you decide to do that at the time you did?
I partook in some Hollywood and Nollywood projects abroad. Some of them are The Drone that Saved Christmas, Albatross, Greener Pastures and Yankee Hustle. I also took an acting and directing course in Atlanta to improve my skills.
Some notable figures in the industry who went abroad, particularly the USA to hone their skills come back to set up big movie production outfits. Do we expect you to toe that line or should we expect something different from you?
I want to keep everything under wraps until they manifest. There are a few deals to be signed with my company, then announcements can be made.
What were some of the things you saw in the USA that you feel should be implemented in the Nigerian movie industry?
Better professionalism, punctuality, respect and regard for cast and crew members, health insurance and coverage, payment of royalties, and better wages for filmmakers.
Some actors went to the USA just like you did but never came back. Did it at any point cross your mind to stay back in America?
There are different strokes for different folks. I have my plans and I am keeping my cards close to my chest.
Aside from acting, what else do you do?
I produce, work as a brand influencer and also get ambassadorial deals. I am a database engineer as well.
How best can you be described?
I am a husband, father and an easygoing guy. I do my work and mind my business. I am also a perfectionist, who strives for perfection in everything I do. I love my privacy, my family, and my fans.
How do you unwind?
I travel a lot. I also love playing games and watching football. I love spending time with my family too.
