Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has stated that she does not feel compelled to become a movie producer, emphasizing that acting remains the divine gift God has given her. Speaking on the Morayo Brown show, Bello explained that God used acting to provide her with a platform and elevate her to household name status. She urged every actor to understand their unique calling and avoid forcing themselves into roles that may not align with their inherent talents.
Understanding One's 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 praying to become widely known, but later realized that fame also carries significant responsibility. She noted that if she ever ventures into film production, it would not be primarily for financial gain. Bello stated that producing films is not what she believes God is calling her to do at this moment, though she would not completely dismiss the possibility.
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 asserted that women do not need 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).”
