By Rita Okoye
Efe Irele is a Nollywood actress whose purpose shines through her work. Her powerful presence and passionate performances illuminate every scene she graces. From her early days as a model to her notable roles in Nollywood productions like Zahra and The Real Side Chics, her career trajectory appears to be driven by a genuine calling rather than mere ambition.
In this interview with Saturday Sun, Efe discusses her latest film, My Mother is a Witch, along with the challenges she has faced, her perspective on celebrity marriages, and much more.
Congratulations on the release of My Mother Is a Witch. How are you feeling now that this much-anticipated project is already making waves in theatres?
Thank you so much! I’m incredibly grateful and honestly overwhelmed in the best way. The response so far has been amazing. My Mother Is a Witch is such a deeply emotional and personal story, and seeing people connect with it, especially mothers and daughters, is truly fulfilling.
What initially drew you to the script?
The story! As soon as I read the script, I felt like it spoke directly to so many unspoken dynamics between African mothers and their daughters. The tension, the expectations, the love—it was raw and relatable. I knew I had to be part of it.
This film explores the psychological genre, which may be different from your previous work. What was your experience like while delving into this genre?
It was a challenging but rewarding experience. Psychological dramas demand a lot of emotion, and I had to tap into some very vulnerable places. Working with Niyi Akinmolayan, our experienced and brilliant director, helped me navigate those depths with precision and care.
Can you tell us a bit about the character you portray in My Mother Is a Witch?
I played a daughter caught in the storm of unresolved trauma and emotional conflict with her mother, played powerfully by Mercy Aigbe. She’s a layered character—torn between love, pain, discipline and the desperate fear of failing. Many women will see themselves in her.
The title My Mother Is a Witch suggests a complex and potentially disturbing dynamic. Is any part of the story based on reality, or is it all fictional?
It is based on real-world happenings. While the story itself is fictional, it’s rooted in truth. So many African women carry the weight of generational misunderstandings and emotional suppression. The title is metaphorical. It reflects how we often demonise what we don’t understand, especially within family dynamics.
Are there other genres or types of characters you are particularly interested in exploring in your future projects?
Absolutely! I’d love to explore historical dramas and even biopic. I’m always drawn to characters with depth – women who are bold, flawed, and real.
What would make you reject a movie role, even if the fee is appealing?
If the story doesn’t align with my morals and beliefs or doesn’t offer something meaningful, either to the audience or to me as an actor, I’d walk away. I believe in quality over quantity.
As an actress, what are you most passionate about when it comes to storytelling and bringing characters to life?
I’m passionate about emotional honesty. I want people to feel something real when they watch my work, to see a reflection of themselves, to think, to heal. That’s the power of storytelling.
Have you ever experienced any embarrassing moments as an actress?
Oh yes—many! One that comes to mind is when I kept mispronouncing a particular word in a scene, and had to do about five takes, if not more, because of one word in a sentence; I think the word was ‘sceptical’. It was embarrassing then, but now I can laugh about it.
What is your perspective on the portrayal of women in Nollywood, especially in terms of relationships and marriages?
We’ve come a long way, but there’s still room for growth. Too often, women are boxed into stereotypes. Through my roles and the stories I choose to tell, like My Mother Is a Witch, I’m committed to portraying women as complex, multidimensional, and powerful.
How do you cope with the pressure of fame, particularly when it comes to scrutiny on social media?
If you can’t stand the heat, get the hell out of the kitchen. I try to separate my personal self from the public figure but I know people will always pry. I’ve come to accept it. Everyone will be alright in the end.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors and actresses looking to break into the Nigerian film industry?
Try and “kill” all scenes you are in. Directors are watching. Stay grounded. Don’t start forming packaging. If you are a respectful person, people will embrace you quickly. Remember, we are Africans, and respect is still important. I can’t imagine myself walking into a set and then seeing Baba Jide Kosoko without going on my knees to greet him. Stay humble, professional, and resilient.
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