Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has stated that she does not need to become a movie producer because acting remains the gift God gave her. Speaking on the Morayo Brown show, Bello explained that God used acting to provide her with a platform and make her a household name. She emphasized that every actor must understand their own calling and stop forcing themselves into roles that may not align with their gift.
Staying true to her calling
“I am an actor. Every actor does not have to be a producer. I face my lane. I do what God asks me to do. And he asked me to have an impact,” she said. “He gave me a platform, and after I got that platform, it became so stressful. That once in a while I would remember the days I was on my knees asking to be a household name. Now I am. He then came back and said I have given you a platform, what are you going to do with it.”
The 55-year-old actress recalled that she once prayed to become widely known, but later realized that fame also comes with responsibility. She noted that if she ever ventures into film production, it would not be primarily for money. Bello said producing films is not what she believes God is calling her to do at the moment, though she would not completely rule it out.
Advice to younger actresses
“If God gave you the grace to be a producer, run with it. For right now, I will not say never, I am saying that is not what he is calling me to do,” she said. “I tell you one thing today that when you guys hear Shaffy Bello, you will never forget how you felt in this room. That is the gift he gave me. Some people can produce film for 20 years and if they sat on this chair, they will not have the same effect. Because it is not their gift. Know what He has given you. Recognise it and use it and run with it.”
Bello also expressed her desire for younger actresses to understand that decency and beauty can coexist. She stated that women do not have to expose their bodies to appear attractive, adding that people must know when to move beyond survival decisions. “There are many people out there that needs my voice that you do not have to show your boobs to look sexy. If you are going to do ashawo do it well. But do not stay there. Some do it to feed their family,” she added. “If I sit and go do films (it is not about money).”
