Apa credited veteran actor Ibrahim Chatta for being his pillar of support during tough times, revealing that he nearly quit acting multiple times due to challenges in the industry. He recounted a particularly difficult experience involving a director who, despite never having worked with him, vowed to “deal with him.”
“I would have left Nollywood if not for Ibrahim Chatta,” Apa admitted. “I remember when a director who had never met me before but only heard about me vowed to deal with me. This was someone I was eager to work with, but things got tense. I despise toxic work environments, and it got so bad that I broke down in tears.”
Apa revealed that Chatta had found him crying on multiple occasions and always stepped in to offer guidance and encouragement. “Ibrahim Chatta has met me crying two to three times, and each time, he asked what happened. I told him I wanted to leave the industry, but he always advised and encouraged me to stay. He even called me back to work on his projects to ensure I didn’t leave,” he shared.
The actor acknowledged that he had walked away from filmmaking three times, but Chatta’s unwavering support and mentorship brought him back each time.
Apa’s story sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by actors in Nollywood, from toxic work environments to the emotional toll of navigating the industry. His gratitude toward Ibrahim Chatta highlights the importance of mentorship and solidarity in overcoming adversity.