Daniel Etim-Effiong Reveals Prayer Guides Him Through Romantic Roles in Nollywood

 

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Nollywood actor and director Daniel Etim-Effiong has offered a rare insight into how his faith shapes his approach to filming romantic scenes, saying that prayer helps him remain grounded amid the pressures of his career.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels TV’s Rubbin’ Minds, the actor, who recently made his directorial debut with The Herd, explained that he prays before shooting intimate moments, describing the practice as “part of his worship.”

“I get all my inspiration from God,” Etim-Effiong said. “I go on my knees and pray before I go to set and kiss.”

The 37-year-old, who has often come under public scrutiny for his romantic roles, including a widely discussed kissing scene with actress Bolaji Ogunmola in Summer Rain, emphasized that his focus has always been on storytelling rather than controversy.

“The fact that I play a lot of romantic roles means I get to have kissing scenes sometimes. But the question should go to the producers, why are they expressing affection only one way? There are other ways to show intimacy,” he said, stressing the need for a more nuanced approach to portraying love on screen.

Etim-Effiong, who left a thriving career in engineering to follow his passion for acting, described his work as a calling. “My family is my garden, then my work. Acting feels like a calling to me, a way to worship through storytelling,” he added.

He also reflected on the commercial realities of Nollywood filmmaking, noting that the inclusion of passionate kissing scenes often caters to audience expectations.

“The average Nollywood script says, ‘kiss passionately,’ because that’s what sells. But I believe there are braver ways to explore affection on screen,” he said, emphasizing that creative storytelling need not rely solely on physical expressions of love.

Despite the attention and occasional criticism surrounding his romantic scenes, Etim-Effiong stressed that faith, focus, and family remain his guiding principles. “When you’re a focused person, you don’t let naysayers get to you. You just do your job and move with purpose,” he said, underscoring the importance of self-discipline in the industry.

Beyond the camera, Etim-Effiong views acting as a platform for personal growth and spiritual reflection. He explained that approaching challenging or intimate scenes with prayer not only provides him with confidence but also ensures he maintains moral clarity while performing.

“For me, acting is more than just entertaining people. It is a responsibility, and prayer prepares me to handle the different situations that come with my roles,” he said.

Etim-Effiong’s perspective offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a Nollywood actor balancing faith and professional demands. By integrating spirituality into his craft, he has found a way to navigate public scrutiny, maintain personal integrity, and deliver performances that resonate with audiences without compromising his beliefs.

In a competitive industry often driven by controversy and audience attention, Daniel Etim-Effiong’s approach serves as a reminder that discipline, faith, and purpose can guide artists through even the most challenging aspects of their careers, allowing them to remain true to themselves while meeting the demands of their craft.

Watch him speak below…

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