Well-known Yoruba Aliu Gafar, a Nollywood actor best known for playing Esusu in the popular film Seven Doors, has talked candidly about his modest upbringing before becoming well-known in the Nigerian film business.
In a recent interview on Oyinmomo TV’s official YouTube channel, the actor reflected on his struggles, revealing that he once hawked fufu and sold firewood to make ends meet while pursuing his passion for acting.
Gafar, who has been in Nollywood for 25 years, disclosed that his journey was far from easy. He explained that while he had featured in and produced several Yoruba films, his real breakthrough only came after starring in Seven Doors, a movie produced by veteran actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo.
“I thought I was already popular because I had produced and acted in several Yoruba movies,” he said. “Whenever I attended events or arrived at movie locations, people would hail and salute me. But it wasn’t until I played the role of Esusu in Seven Doors that I realized I wasn’t as famous as I thought. That was the movie that truly brought me into the limelight.”
Gafar revealed that he initially had doubts about the role of Esusu and was reluctant to take it. He only became confident after receiving encouragement and guidance from Femi Adebayo, who assured him that the character was an important one.
Reflecting on his early struggles, Gafar shared how difficult it was to survive before making it in Nollywood. He recalled selling fufu at bus stops for his alfa’s wife and cutting firewood to raise money for school.
Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his dream, attending drama rehearsals whenever he had the chance.
“While I was still learning, or let me say, when I was still a beginner, I wasn’t taking acting full time because I lived with my Alfa. I didn’t stay with my parents. I once sold fufu for my alfa’s wife at bus stops. During this period, I still made time for drama rehearsals. I also cut and sold firewood to have pocket money for school. Most times, I do get fined for coming late to drama rehearsals because of my side hustles,” he recounted.
Watch interview below