- Lilian Afegbai, a renowned actress, attributed her portrayal of Idia in the popular film ‘To Kill A Monkey’ to a preparation meeting opportunity.
Popular Nigerian actress Lilian Afegbai has opened up about her breakout performance as Idia in the critically acclaimed film To Kill A Monkey, describing it as a perfect blend of preparation, opportunity, and divine timing.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, Afegbai expressed her excitement about the role and the project as a whole.
“I was so excited about the character Idia and the storyline in general. I couldn’t wait to start filming and do justice to “Idia”. I am happy to see that it was a job well done. This project was a case of preparation meeting opportunity, all facilitated by divine alignment from God. I wanted it, prepared myself, and delivered,” she said.
The actress praised director Kemi Adetiba for her authentic portrayal of Edo culture despite not being of Edo heritage.
” It was exciting and inspiration to work with a director like Kemi Adetiba, who isn’t of Edo heritage, telling a story that’s so well nuanced and authentic,” she added.
On her compelling onscreen chemistry with co-star Bucci Franklin, who played her husband, Afegbai credited their off-screen bond and commitment to making the relationship believable.
“Bucci is a stellar actor. Working with him was exciting because we were so in sync. We knew how we wanted to make people feel and how we would be perceived. We prioritised believability as an on-screen couple. We spent so much time together before filming and rehearsed umpteen times, developing a friendship even off camera. That became the basis of the chemistry that audiences were drawn to and loved so much,” she explained.
She also revealed that the cast underwent months of stunt training before filming began, underscoring the film’s physical and emotional demands.
Afegbai’s performance in To Kill A Monkey continues to draw praise, cementing her as a rising force in Nollywood.
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