“I Was Told to Deny Jesus to Make It in Nollywood” – Actress Ekene Umenwa

Nollywood actress Ekene Umenwa has shared a powerful testimony about the challenges she faced at the beginning of her acting career, revealing the pressure she encountered to compromise her Christian faith in pursuit of fame.

Speaking in an interview reported by The Nation, Umenwa recalled how some individuals in the industry advised her to let go of her religious beliefs if she truly wanted to succeed in Nollywood.

“When I came to Nollywood years ago, I was told by some folks drop this your Jesus and Mary and move with the flow so you can make it,” she said.

Despite the pressure, Umenwa chose not to abandon her faith. Instead, she leaned into her spirituality, seeking strength and guidance from God. According to her, it was divine direction that helped her stay focused and resist the temptation to follow the crowd.

She emphasized that remaining rooted in her Christian values, even when it wasn’t easy, played a major role in shaping the woman she is today. Umenwa expressed gratitude that she never had to compromise her beliefs to gain recognition or success in the industry.

Now, looking back, she’s proud of the path she chose. “My success is proof that sticking to one’s convictions can result in long-lasting success,” she said, adding that she’s happy to see more entertainers openly express their faith.

Umenwa concluded by thanking God for using her as an example to inspire others, affirming that it’s possible to stay true to one’s faith and still thrive in a competitive field like Nollywood.