As Nollywood continues to gain international recognition, rising actor Ebisan Arayi is emerging as a fresh voice inspiring a new generation of talent. Known for his roles in Hey You, Baby Farm, and Perfect Neighbour, Arayi shared insights into his early passion for acting and his excitement about the industry’s rapid growth.

Arayi revealed that his love for acting began at just 10 years old, when he participated in Charly Boy’s Kiddies Show. “When the show ended, I realized that despite being told to focus on school, I wanted to continue acting. I knew I wanted it even more because of how I was treated and pampered on the show,” he said.

He also credited his family for nurturing his passion. “My mum has been a big inspiration. Iyabo Lawani, who hosted Maggi Family Menu on TV for over 15 years, is a veteran actress. That motivated me even more,” Arayi added.

Reflecting on Nollywood today, Arayi expressed excitement about the industry’s global reach. “Many conversations are happening around Nollywood, and from my vantage point, what excites me about the new Nollywood is that the world is now seeing it more than ever. There are many young directors and producers doing fantastic work, and a lot of new talent is emerging. That’s what excites me the most: Nollywood is being recognized globally now.”