Growing up in spotlight came with pressure — Fisayo Abebi

Nollywood actress, Fisayo Abebi

Actress and filmmaker, Fisayomi Amodemaja, popularly known as Fisayo Abebi, has urged young actors to build strong personal brands and rely on their talent rather than fame or social media visibility.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday Scoop, Abebi, who began acting as a child before venturing into filmmaking and production, said having a distinct identity was crucial for anyone seeking a sustainable career in Nollywood.

She said, “As an actor, you should have a brand. You should have something that makes you different. Your talent should be able to speak for you wherever your name cannot speak for you.

“Any young actor coming into the industry has to know that it is time-consuming, and you have to be fully ready to be diligent and ready for the stress.”

Abebi also reflected on how her experiences in the industry had contributed to her personal and professional growth, teaching her to take risks and believe in herself.

“Abebi taught me how to take risks; it taught me how to be confident in myself,” she said.

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The actress spoke about growing up in the spotlight and the pressure of being recognised for a character she played as a child. She credited her family and friends with helping her navigate the attention and remain grounded.

She said her mother played a particularly important role by helping her understand that she was separate from the character audiences had come to know.

While her early fame brought recognition, Abebi said combining her acting career with university education was a major challenge.

“Sometimes I might have to refund or sometimes I might have to go to the set after finishing my exam. So, that can be very stressful,” she said.

Despite working with her mother, who also serves as her manager, Abebi said they had been able to maintain a clear distinction between their family and professional relationships.

Looking ahead, the actress said she remained committed to consistency, continuous improvement and passion as she continued to develop her career in acting, filmmaking and storytelling.