In Nollywood, where talent meets grit, Lilian Afegbai has carved a place for herself as one of the industry’s most vibrant voices. Actress, producer, and entrepreneur, Afegbai is more than just a screen star—she is a storyteller committed to impact.

Her journey into the limelight began with her role in the popular reality show–Big Brother Africa, but Afegbai has since proved that her ambitions run deeper than fleeting fame.
In 2018, she produced Bound, a compelling indigenous film that earned her the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award, AMVCA, for Indigenous Movie of the Year. The recognition not only cemented her place as a producer of note, but also showcased her eye for stories that resonate with Nigerian audiences.
Most recently, Afegbai has garnered praise for her role in Netflix’s gripping series To Kill A Monkey (TKAM), where her performance drew critical acclaim and reminded audiences of her versatility.
Afegbai’s influence extends beyond acting and production. With her magnetic personality, fashion sense, and growing digital presence, she embodies the new wave of Nollywood stars who balance artistry with entrepreneurship.

In this interview with Allure Vanguard, the versatile actress reflects on her Nollywood journey, shares the inspirations that drive her craft, discusses the challenges of interpreting the role of Idia in To Kill A Monkey, and outlines her future aspirations.

Congratulations on your new movie, Fake World. What inspired the story, and what message do you hope viewers take away from it?

Thank you so much. Fake World was inspired by the reality of the society we live in today — a world where appearances often overshadow authenticity. I wanted to tell a story that reflects the pressures people face in order to present a perfect image, whether on social media or in real life, and the consequences that come with living in pretense. My hope is that viewers walk away reminded of the importance of staying true to themselves, because at the end of the day, authenticity will always outshine a fake life.

Could you share the key criteria you look for when selecting actors to bring your characters to life?

For me, selecting actors goes beyond just talent — though that’s very important. I look for authenticity, depth, and the ability to truly embody a character. I want actors who can connect with the story on an emotional level and bring something fresh and believable to the role. Professionalism and work ethics also matter a lot, because filmmaking is teamwork, and the right attitude on set makes all the difference. Ultimately, I choose actors who I believe can carry the audience along and make them forget they’re watching a performance.

Your production debut, Bound, won an AMVCA in 2018. What was it like to win such a prestigious award so early in your career?

Winning the AMVCA for Bound was such a surreal and humbling experience. As my production debut, I honestly just wanted to tell a meaningful story and prove to myself that I could take on the challenge of producing. Seeing myself recognised with such a prestigious award so early in my career, it felt like the confirmation I needed to know that I was on the right path. It gave me confidence, but also reminded me of the responsibility that comes with recognition — to keep growing, to keep telling powerful stories, and to never take the platform I’ve been given for granted. I felt extremely grateful to God and my Executive Producer, Dr. Eloka. It just reminded me that I just have to keep going; do it afraid but just start.

Your role in the Netflix series To Kill a Monkey was highly praised. How did you prepare for that character, and what was the most challenging part of bringing her to life, especially with the Edo accent?
I prepared like my life depended on it. I have been in this industry since 2009; I started acting while in the university. I have been praying since then, that one day, people will recognise me for my craft and hard work. I needed to embody the character and make sure she was memorable. Acquiring the accent wasn’t difficult because I grew up and schooled in Benin. So, it came naturally to me.
But the challenging part for me was making sure I stood out, knowing I was acting alongside phenomenal actors. It took certain techniques to be consistent with the accent.
God made everything easy for me in his time and I’m forever grateful. God said Lilian Afegbai the time is now. I knew I had to give my all.

What lessons did you take from your role as Idia in the series?

Loyalty pays, kindness goes a long way, and what you allow will continue and may one day come back to hurt you.

As an actress, you’ve taken on a variety of roles, what kind of role are you most drawn to?
As an actor, I’m very diverse. I look forward to any role. My job is to become the character and bring it to life. I can’t necessarily say I’m drawn to some type of characters. That would be putting myself in a box. I’m drawn to any character that can show how great I am with my craft.

How would you compare working behind the camera as a producer and being in front of it as an actress?

Being in front of the camera as an actress and working behind it as a producer are two very different, yet equally rewarding experiences. As an actress, my focus is on embodying a character, bringing emotions to life, and staying present in the story. But as a producer, I have to see the bigger picture — from financing, casting, and logistics, to making sure the director’s vision comes together seamlessly. Acting is about creativity in the moment, while producing is about structure, planning, and leadership. Balancing both has given me a deeper appreciation for the industry, and it makes me value every role on set even more.

You’re creating a lot of content for your YouTube channel. How has that platform allowed you to connect with your audience in a different way than traditional film?
YouTube has given me a different kind of freedom to connect with my audience. Unlike the traditional film, which takes months of production time before people get to see it, YouTube allows me to share content instantly and directly. It’s more personal, more interactive, and it lets my audience see different sides of me beyond acting — my lifestyle, my thoughts, and even my behind-the-scenes journey. I love that it creates real-time conversations and a sense of community, because it’s not just me talking to them, it’s us engaging with each other.

The name of your YouTube series, ‘Akanchawa Baddie,’ is very catchy. What led you to share some of your “ugly experiences,” and what has the response been like?
Akanchawa baddie series is a series anybody can relate to. It was a story time I started on Instagram and the name got so much attention and I thought, why not put this in a series? I also wanted to make it extremely easy and to watch while passing the message across.
Lagos is very competitive space and everyone who comes here, strives to make it. Only the strong survives. So, sometimes, you get to do what you have to do but don’t lose yourself in the process. Akanchawa baddie experience is not necessarily my ugly experience.
It’s just a mix of everything to make a good story.

Looking back at your journey so far, what’s that moment or project that you’re most proud of?
It’s definitely To Kill A Monkey! I’m so proud of how much I have grown as an actor and with my delivery. Everything. Working with Kemi Adetiba was a dream come true. I’m glad I got to experience her as a person and a director. So, TKAM is a project I’m very proud of.

Tell us about the inspiration behind your lingerie and gym wear line, Lilly’s Secret. What sets your brand apart in the market?
Lilly’s secret was a lingerie brand I launched in 2019. But I soon realised that Nigerians were not buying if it isn’t Victoria Secret or any of those foreign brands. So, I had to diversify into other things I loved, that could sell, and still help me with the vision of making clothes for women of different sizes, and making them feel good. It was why I started my gymwear and beachwear.
What sets my brand apart is our quality. Lilly’s Secret stands out because we don’t just sell gym wear and beachwear – we design confidence. Every piece is tailored for style, comfort, and performance, with a perfect balance between fashion and function. Unlike many brands, our collections are made to flatter real bodies while still delivering durability and flexibility for active lifestyles. We also keep our designs unique, trend-forward, and versatile so they can transition effortlessly from the gym to casual outings, or even vacations. Beyond the clothing, we’ve built a brand that empowers people to look and feel their best, creating a lifestyle around fitness, fashion, and self-expression.

How do you balance the demands of running a business with the pressures of being an actress and a public figure?
I’m still trying to find a balance if I must be honest. I think my business is suffering a little which is why I’m trying to find ways to really find a good balance. I’m still a work in progress, trying to figure out life while depending on God for ease. We will get there.

You’re known as a fashionista. How would you describe your personal style, and what role does fashion play in your life and career?
I’d describe my personal style as chic, bold, and versatile. I love putting looks together that are elegant, yet effortless, with pieces that make a statement while still being comfortable. For me, fashion is more than just clothes — it’s a reflection of my personality, my mood, and my creativity. It plays a huge role in my life and career because it allows me to express myself authentically while inspiring others. Fashion has become part of my identity, and it’s a language I use to tell my story without saying a word.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who look up to you?
Do it afraid, just start!! Start with purpose and resilience. Don’t wait for the perfect moment — start with what you have, where you are, and grow from there. The journey won’t always be easy, but consistency, discipline, and self-belief will carry you through challenges. Stay true to your vision, but also be flexible enough to learn and adapt along the way. Most importantly, remember that success takes time — so be patient with yourself, keep pushing, and never stop investing in your growth.

As a public figure, what are your thoughts on social media and its impact on the entertainment industry today?
Social media has completely transformed the entertainment industry. It has given power back to creatives and public figures by allowing us to connect directly with our audience, build our brands, and share our stories without waiting for traditional gatekeepers. At the same time, it has made the industry more competitive, because everyone now has a platform and a voice. I believe the impact is largely positive — it creates opportunities, global visibility, and instant feedback — but it also requires balance. As public figures, we have to be intentional about how we use it, making sure we stay authentic while also protecting our mental space. Used wisely, social media is one of the most powerful tools in entertainment today.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was dealing with rejection and people not being willing to take a chance on me as an actress. In the beginning, I heard a lot of ‘no’s, and sometimes it felt like doors just weren’t opening. It was tough, but I chose to see every rejection as redirection — a chance to grow, improve my craft, and build resilience. Instead of letting it break me, I used it as fuel to work harder, sharpen my skills, and prove myself. Over time, consistency and perseverance paid off, and those same ‘no’s eventually turned into ‘yes.’ For me, overcoming challenges has always been about patience, self-belief, and never giving up on my dreams.

Beyond acting and producing, what other creative pursuits or ventures are you passionate about?
Beyond acting and producing, I’m very passionate about giving back and creating impact. I have a foundation launch soon that’s focused on helping people, and creating opportunities, because I believe true success is about lifting others as you rise. At the same time, I’m also an entrepreneur at heart — I enjoy building businesses and finding creative ways to generate wealth. For me, it’s about striking that balance between purpose and profit: using my creativity not only to entertain, but also to empower people and create sustainable ventures that make a difference.
You’ve achieved a lot in a relatively short time. What are some of your goals for the next five years?
In the next five years, my focus is on being part of big films that will put Nigeria on the global map and showcase the depth of our talent and stories. I also see myself building a world-class studio because I’m inspired by visionaries like Tyler Perry, who have shown us what’s possible when creativity meets determination. I don’t want to say too much just yet, but my goals are all about creating impact, building legacy, and taking our industry to even greater heights.

What does a typical day in your life look like when you’re not on a movie set?
When I’m not on a movie set, my days are still very full. I usually spend time at the office, checking in with my team and overseeing different aspects of my businesses. I often visit my clothing factory to monitor production and ensure everything is running smoothly. A big part of my day also goes into post-production work for my films — reviewing edits, giving creative input, and making sure the final product aligns with my vision. In between all that, I also try to carve out time for personal development, meetings, and sometimes, just a little self-care, because balance is important.

What’s your best holiday location and why?
Right now, I’d say Cape Town is my best holiday spot. It’s such a breathtaking city — with its stunning beaches, beautiful mountains, and a vibrant culture that makes every visit unforgettable. I love that you can wake up to amazing views, explore nature, enjoy world-class food and wine, and still feel the buzz of city life. But honestly, my favourite holiday destination changes from time to time because I enjoy discovering new places and fresh experiences. Cape Town just happens to be my current top choice.

Finally, what message do you have for your fans who have supported you throughout your career?
My message to my fans is simple: Thank you. Your love and support have carried me through every stage of my journey, and I don’t take it for granted. You inspire me to keep pushing, keep growing, and keep telling stories that matter. I want you to know that every success I achieve, is also yours, because you’ve been part of the journey from the start. My promise is to continue giving you my very best and to make you proud — we’re on this journey together.