By Yemisi Suleiman

Peter Armand Boyo is a multi-faceted entertainer who has worked in what he calls Nolly-Ghally-Hollywood He discovered his passion for the performing arts as a child in Grandchester, Cambridge, and has since then built a successful career as an award-winning producer, actor, model, and filmmaker.

He has a B.A. in Cinematography from New York and has worked in the film industry for many years, with a modeling career that began in New York as well.

Peter is known for his unique style and innovative approach to entertainment, inspiring and empowering his audience to aspire to become self-sufficient, live smarter, and be healthier. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being inducted as an Ambassador for Peace by the United Peace Federation. Peter is also the founder of the Derago Rainbow Chocolate Cupcakes Foundation, which brings smiles to kids and raises awareness of youth-related issues.

At the premiere of the new comedy-drama “Monkey Business” at the Silverbird Galleria in Lagos, we had the opportunity to speak with actor Peter Armand Boyo, who plays the role of Digital, a safari tour guide with a fear of snakes. In this interview, Boyo discussed his character’s unusual phobia and the journey of confronting and treating it throughout the film.

Peter also shares his journey into entertainment, including his experience as a model and actor. He also shares his thoughts on the cinema culture in Nigeria and his passion for giving back to the community through his foundation and other initiatives.

The Movie “Monkey Business”

Produced by J Leo Uche, the movie, shot in Enugu, features a talented cast including Prof. Alex Osifo, Ngozi Ezeonu, Grace Obi, J Leo Uche, Patrick Ifeanyi, and Obi Okoli.
A trip to Gambia, meant for a solemn occasion, turned into a comedic experience when the crew encountered mischievous monkeys on rooftops, trying to communicate with them. “This chance encounter sparked the idea for the film, which was later shaped by the loss of a friend during production, adding a layer of depth to the story.
Peter Armand Boyo played the role of Digital, a safari guide who hustled daily, picking up tourists and charging them in dollars. He noted that it was ironic that the character was a tall man who operated a safari service but suffered from ophidophobia, which is an intense fear of snakes. “In the film, we see the intense journey of this fear of snakes that has just been exploited and the different ways of dealing with it are discussed,” Boyo said.

Movie Objective

What we should take away from the film are messages of hope and morality, because in Nigeria, many people are going through difficult times. So we are trying to infuse a little comedy into our story to ease the tension that many Nigerians in the country are currently experiencing. We also introduced action into the story, including martial arts.

Early Life and Education

Peter Armand Boyo grew up in a privileged upbringing, which he says paved the way for who he is today. He discovered his passion for the performing arts at a young age and has been acting since he was six years old. Peter has a B.A. in Cinematography from New York, but his journey into entertainment began long before that.

He recalls his first experience acting in front of an audience, which was in Grandchester when he was supposed to faint. He fell straight back and hit his head on the sand, passing out for a minute. Everyone thought he was a very good actor, but when he grew up, he realized that he had actually passed out. Despite this, Peter’s love for acting never wavered, and he went on to study cinematography in New York.

Career

Peter Armand Boyo has had a successful career in entertainment, working as a producer, actor, model, and filmmaker. He has worked in what he calls Nolly-Ghally-Hollywood, which includes Nigeria, Ghana, and Hollywood. Peter’s unique style and innovative approach to entertainment have earned him numerous accolades, including being inducted as an Ambassador for Peace by the United Peace Federation.

As a model, Peter started professionally when he was about 17 and worked with John Casablanca’s modelling school in Philadelphia. He found it difficult to get any jobs at the time because they said black don’t sell. However, with the rise of rappers and music people getting their own brands, Peter found that black does sell. He did a lot of print and runway modeling, and his experience in the modeling industry helped him in his acting career.

Journey into acting
Peter’s journey into acting began when he was six years old, and he has been acting ever since, a trait he credited to his family. “I believe I have it in me. My mum acts, my oldest siblings are in entertainment somehow. I remember as a little kid gathering my friends and putting up pillows behind the couch. I would hide and then come out and perform and go hide behind the couch. “So, I started directing, but I didn’t even know I was directing, and we would act and they would perform for the family. It has always been embedded in me.” He has acted in films with Denzel Washington, Bruce Willis, and many others, in Nigeria, Ghana, Dubai, and Hollywood. Peter’s love for acting comes naturally to him, and he has done stage, theatre, dance, opera, and more.

Views on Cinema in Nigeria
As an expert in cinematography, Peter believes that the cinema culture has really evolved in Nigeria. He started Nollywood Cinemas ten years ago, which was focused on bringing cinemas to people’s neighborhoods. While the reception was mixed at first, Peter believes that the cinema culture is really growing and continuing to grow, as long as beautiful films are being made for people to watch.

Personal Life

Peter is thankful for the support and encouragement he has received from his loved ones throughout his career. He is multifaceted, with various careers that he can fall back on if needed. While some people may see him as a celebrity or star, his loved ones see him for who he is, which he appreciates.

Peter Armand Boyo is a true inspiration in the entertainment industry, with his unique style, innovative approach to filmmaking, and his passion for giving back to the community. He continues to inspire and empower his audience, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.