African All-Stars Series: Jim Iyke

Nigerian sensation Jim Iyke: Movie Marvel, Music Maven, and Martial Arts Maestro redefining stardom with style!

What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?

I have some posts that fall within the favourites category, but I am particularly emotionally attached to this one. It's about my directorial debut, a highlight of our premiere in Houston, and it holds an extraordinary moment for me.

The challenges, ups and downs, and the euphoric feelings that stemmed from the incredible support we received when we finally premiered the movie in Houston, with audiences from the Caucasian, African, Hispanic, and Asian communities was a melting pot of different creeds, religions, races, and affiliations. The fact that two theatres were filled and over 48 people stood outside makes this moment even more special.

In my list of favourite posts, this one is top-notch. With a career spanning over two decades, including five years of producing and executive producing, and 'Rent a Room' being my first directorial debut, it naturally holds a strong sentiment for me.

How has being a part of the TikTok community specifically helped you share your talent with global audiences?

TikTok is a creative and user-friendly platform. As a creative, I need help to fully grasp the global impact it has had on my content and creative approach. I remember the countless times we've had the opportunity to share our content on TikTok, the incredible reach, responses, and the chance to engage directly with our audience. TikTok has the power to connect us with people worldwide.

It has evolved into a community of communicators who speak the same language regardless of religion, status, background, or race. It's a melting pot that brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to share a common language through art and various forms of craftsmanship. It's a platform where you can express yourself, find your voice, share your thoughts and truths, and convey your perspectives on global issues most straightforwardly and profoundly imaginable.

As a creative, I've been doing this for a long time, and I started when platforms like TikTok didn't exist. The difference between then and now is immeasurable. TikTok has propelled our art forward, taking it to global audiences without intermediaries, cutting through obstacles we faced when disseminating our work, and delivering it directly to consumers. Its impact on my work globally has been immense, and I'm always grateful for that.

Are there any Nollywood films or actors who have had a significant influence on your content or style? If so, who and how?

It is challenging to praise one and disregard another. I am a student of history, especially in the context of Nollywood. All the actors who preceded or followed me in my era are colleagues and sources of inspiration I learn from daily.

My personal and creative evolution has made it difficult to pinpoint my growth precisely. This metamorphosis has led to a creative journey that defies a specific direction. I learn from anyone and everyone, embracing spontaneity.

I adapt like water, flowing wherever there is an opening, a channel, an inflow, or an outflow. I immerse myself in any space, any context, any narrative. To claim that I find creative inspiration from a single source would be an oversight. Some influences have been profound, while others have been subtle.

If I take a comprehensive look at what has shaped me over the years, it's a blend of various influences. I remain open to learning, liberal with my thoughts, and attuned to recognising the moments that inspire me. In essence, my creative impact and influences are best described as an ever-evolving amalgamation.

What challenges have you encountered as a Nollywood actor, and how have you overcome them?

In skiing, the top contenders, those who excel at it, see openings through the trees and obstacles, not hindrances. Their brains are trained to focus on opportunities, not challenges, and this ideology is fundamental to the best in the sport.

Extending this analogy to how I perceive my industry, I approach it similarly. I see opportunities rather than challenges, viewing challenges as learning curves. When I encounter a creative crossroads and feel uncertain about which direction to take, I rely on instinct. Sometimes, I don't choose left or right but continue forward, even if there seems to be no clear path, improvising and creating one.

Having gained experience over the years, I have a deeper understanding, which makes navigating these situations easier. While I may not always make the perfect choices, I don't dwell on regret. Instead, I see every challenge as a learning opportunity, storing lessons in my mental archive for future use. I hope that when similar challenges arise, I can tap into this well-stocked archive to find solutions.

Industries like Bollywood and Hollywood face similar challenges, but our uphill battle stems from an underdeveloped economic structure. Our primary challenge is funding projects and finding the proper distribution channels. Despite the difficulties, I see remarkable growth from our humble beginnings, reshaping our country's GDP and gaining global recognition in filmmaking. I'm an eternal optimist, believing challenges are opportunities. It's all about perspective – embracing it with confidence, not trepidation.

What advice would you offer aspiring producers and actors/actresses just starting their careers in acting and content producing?

Jay-Z once said, "There is a knowing." It's not a casual observation, nor is it mere second-guessing. This knowing isn't an extracurricular pursuit, nor is it the result of trial and error. It's a deep understanding, a conversation you have with yourself, independent of anyone else – not your parents or relatives. When you come of age, you realise that this is what you want to do, and you must confront the possibility that this could be your lifelong pursuit, which is the first obstacle.

People often enter the scene with options, having a plan B or considering various routes. They might look up to someone they admire or aim for success in a particular field, thinking they can replicate it. However, they need to comprehend that this path requires self-imposed ruthlessness, demanding sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering commitment. You must be prepared to surmount every challenge, understanding that it won't be easy. There is no lifelong pursuit that comes without difficulties.

Once you grasp this understanding, it becomes easier, and there's a certain clarity that sets you apart from the rest. A mentor to emulate, a competitor to motivate you, and relentless self-improvement are essential. Healthy competition, not filled with bitterness or resentment, can be incredibly motivating and often leads to lifelong friendships.

During the up-and-coming phase, find someone to partner with and compete against, as it will benefit your growth. Embrace the lonesomeness of the industry; mastering it will facilitate profound self-development. Focus on getting the character and structural building right, not just immediate financial gains or accolades. When you do that, financial and creative success will naturally follow.