“This project was a case of preparation meeting opportunity,” she explained. “It was facilitated by divine alignment from God. I wanted it, I prepared myself, and when the opportunity came, I was ready to deliver.”
Bringing Idia to Life
Afegbai shared her excitement upon receiving the script, noting that she was instantly drawn to the story and her character. “I was so excited about Idia and the storyline in general. I couldn’t wait to start filming and do justice to the character. I’m proud of the final outcome. It was a job well done.”
She credited the film’s director, Kemi Adetiba, for her visionary leadership and for telling a culturally rich story with authenticity and sensitivity, despite not being of Edo heritage herself. “It was both exciting and inspiring to work with a director like Kemi,” Afegbai said. “She understood the weight of the narrative and delivered it with nuance.”
Building On-Screen Chemistry
One of the standout elements of the film has been the on-screen chemistry between Afegbai and co-star Bucci Franklin, who plays her husband in the movie. According to her, that connection was the result of intentional preparation and relationship building off-camera.
“Bucci is a stellar actor. Working with him was a delight because we were completely in sync,” she said. “We both knew the kind of emotions we wanted to evoke and how we wanted our relationship to be perceived on screen. We rehearsed countless times and spent time together off set to develop a strong friendship, and that laid the foundation for the chemistry viewers connected with.”
Months of Preparation and Stunt Training
Afegbai also revealed that the film’s demanding nature required extensive physical and emotional preparation. “We went through stunt training for months before filming,” she recounted. “It wasn’t just about getting into character—it was about building physical resilience and mental depth. Every scene demanded something intense, something real.”
A Career-Defining Role
To Kill A Monkey has been trending not just for its compelling plot but also for its powerful performances and cultural depth. For Afegbai, the project stands as a testament to the value of preparation, faith, and collaboration.
“It’s one of those projects that stays with you,” she reflected. “Not just because of the role, but because of the people, the process, and the purpose behind it.”
As the film continues to generate buzz, Lilian Afegbai’s portrayal of Idia has firmly positioned her as one of Nollywood’s most versatile and committed talents—a storyteller who’s ready for the next big moment, whenever it comes.