By Yemisi Suleiman
Daniel Etim-Effiong made his Nollywood debut as Folarin in the then-popular TV series Gidi Up on NdaniTV, swiftly becoming a household name in the business due to his exceptional talent and workmanship. Daniel, a chemical engineer by profession, had a brief stint in the oil and gas sector before deciding to change careers to study filmmaking, writing, and directing at AFDA Film School in South Africa, followed by a filmmaking course at the University of Johannesburg for the love of arts.
The award-winning actor, scriptwriter, and film director is exploring a new role as Host of Cooking with GameChangers a celebrity cooking show that chronicles a day in the life of a top corporate executive and an established entrepreneur who wind up in the Cooking with GameChangers kitchen for a cook-off to determine the “Ultimate GameChanger”.
Unlike the written movie character, he says the new program puts him in a vulnerable position, forcing him to present his true self, but he is committed to giving his all and is gradually becoming a household figure for reasons other than acting.
He talks to Allure about his new path, life struggles, among other topics.
You were recently unveiled as the host of a new TV Cooking show– Cooking with GameChangers; not your typical Nollywood space. Can you tell us about it?
When the producer of the show, Seyi Banigbe reached out to me about hosting a cooking show, I was excited about it. I had worked previously with Seyi on a campaign for the Jewellery brand, Bland2Glam, and it was a huge success! I am also a fan of her exciting talk show–Binging with Gamechangers, which airs on TV nationwide. I might not be foody but I love to cook, and I do love to share my cooking with friends. So, it was natural for me to be excited about the new cooking show idea she presented to me. When I heard of the exciting lineup of guests and judges on the show, the deal was done.
What impact do you expect this show to have on the audience?
The show would get people excited about cooking again. I remember growing up and being excited about watching popular cooking shows on TV. It would also challenge the notion that cooking is primarily a woman’s duty, even though, we know about famous male chefs, the social construct that a woman is meant for the kitchen is still dominant in our culture. The show would also inspire the audience to approach cooking familiar dishes in a different light as the corporate executives and entrepreneurs apply their creativity to popular African cuisines.
Are there any criteria for bringing people on the show?
It’s simple, be a game changer in your sphere of influence.
As an actor how did you bring your talent to bear for an entertaining show?
As an actor, I am primarily a storyteller, I use my body, voice, and emotions to tell stories. It works the same way for shows– there is a story being told and I am there working with other players like the judges, the guests, and the audience to tell that story. I have to bring forward the right emotions, be quick to read the emotions of others, and then, bounce off adequately. I have to project the right energy, to look and sound right for the show. A lot of work goes into this research, prepping, movement, memory work, voice modulation all the works, same as you would on a film project.
What’s the biggest challenge about taking on the role of a TV host?
It is the vulnerability of having to protect yourself. Not having a character to hide behind. You were hired to host the show for your qualities; so, you must project those qualities in their best light for the world to see. It kind of, makes me very vulnerable.
How did you get into the industry, take us through your journey?
I started as a content producer with Ndani TV and booked small acting gigs on the side, then I took a study break to South Africa. While in South Africa, I booked gigs as a character model until I landed a role as Adze in Generations The Legacy. I then returned to Nigeria after a Master’s degree and started making TV commercials and acting on the side until acting completely took over.
What movie would you say gave you your first big break?
It’s not a movie, it was a series; NdaniTV’s Gidi Up where I played the character Folarin, and then, there was the role of Lanre Taiwo on Red TV’s The Men’s Club.
What is your approach to selecting roles, and are there specific types of characters or stories that you are drawn to?
I am drawn to powerful human stories and dynamic roles. Once I read the script and I am drawn to the authenticity of a character, I am excited. The production team and the co-stars on the project also matter. Sometimes, money is also good motivation.
Can you share with us a bit about your growing up and what informed your choice of career?
I was born in Kaduna State but grew up in Benin and Lagos. The last of four children, I would spend long hours by myself, so, I learnt to entertain myself and others with stories. I ended up studying chemical engineering as a first degree but, after I got the degree in the bag, I knew my passion was really for storytelling. I started acting in church early and then in drama clubs at school and finally, I started to attend auditions after university.
How does your background or experiences influence your approach to acting?
I think my background informs my belief in the process. Building from the inside out is an approach I apply to everything I do in life including acting. My portrayal of characters comes from the inside of me. I build these characters and become one with them and then, express their emotions from within.
Building my career has also followed that path. I never do things without a deep conviction and once I get a clear sense of direction, I follow through with the process of building from that source of deep conviction.
As a married actor, how do you manage the pressure of being in the public eye?
I keep my head down and stay focused. I also have learned to build boundaries and work hard at being there for my family. Once your value system is set up and running, you focus your energy on the things you value.
What strategies do you use to maintain a work-life balance?
Having a structure in place cannot be overemphasized. It’s the foundation upon which you build everything else, work, life, balance.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are trying to break into the industry?
There’s a process to all the things that you desire. Do not fall for the lie of cutting corners and shortcuts. Pay the price of hard work, dedication, and delayed gratification and in the process of time, you will get there.
How do you think the film industry has evolved over the years, and what changes do you hope to see in the future?
Mainstream Nollywood is shifting to online platforms. The Nollywood star system also has evolved to include social media influencers and the likes. The quality of our films has improved drastically. At the center of these changes is technology and it must be embraced. We must remain open-minded and adaptable to the changing tide.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you are particularly excited about?
There are upcoming projects I am excited about; there is Oloture 2 with Netflix and Ebonylife films, A Better Man with Uche Jombo Studios and Between Silence & Truth by Serendipity Studios.
You have a good sense of style, how do you put your looks together?
I grew up in the shadows of two very stylish older brothers and a style enthusiast sister. I have also worked with some of the best stylists and designers in the game and so, naturally, they have all rubbed off on me.
How do you stay mentally and physically healthy as an actor, especially with everything happening today?
Structure…structure…structure!!! I try to maintain a strict routine, drink lots of water, work out and mind my business.