I Wasn’t Ready to Trade My Dignity for Fame” — Director Pink Opens Up on Quitting Acting for Directing
Award-winning music video director Praise Onyeagwalam, popularly known as Director Pink, has opened up about her decision to leave acting behind after facing humiliation and sexual exploitation during her early days in Nollywood.
In a candid interview with Hip TV, Director Pink revealed that her struggles at auditions made her realize that the industry was tougher and less dignifying than she had imagined.
“I wanted to be an actress, but the humiliation was too much. Long queues, shady ‘come to this location’ calls — I said no. That’s when I chose to be my own boss,” she recalled.
From Aspiring Actress to Visionary Director
Director Pink explained that her pivot from acting to music video directing was born out of frustration, but ultimately became a path to empowerment.
While auditions for acting roles often involved constant rejection and unwanted advances, she found that directing allowed her to express her creativity on her own terms.
“I realised I could still be in the entertainment space without compromising my values,” she said.
“Directing gave me freedom and respect that acting auditions never offered.”
Patience and Purpose in the Industry
Known for her work with top Afrobeats artistes, Director Pink also shared advice for aspiring directors, emphasizing the importance of patience, perseverance, and dedication.
“If you want to succeed, you must understand that delayed gratification is part of the journey. It took years for those at the top to get there,” she explained.
Her journey underscores the challenges and triumphs of building a career in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, proving that success does not require sacrificing dignity or personal values.
Conclusion
Director Pink’s story serves as both inspiration and caution for young creatives in Nollywood and the Afrobeats scene. By choosing a path that aligned with her principles, she turned early setbacks into an opportunity for empowerment and creative freedom, showing that resilience and integrity can pave the way for lasting success.