By Emmanuel Daniji

Popular Nigerian comedian, actor, writer and director Bovi Ugboma has revealed that he began turning down acting roles early in his career because he was determined not to be typecast.

Bovi made the revelation while appearing on the CreativiTea podcast, where he reflected on the choices he made when he was beginning to gain recognition in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The 46-year-old entertainer started his career as an actor and creator of the popular comedy series Extended Family, which premiered in 2007. His character on the show, known for its rustic “Warri boy” persona, quickly became one of the elements that made him popular.

However, Bovi said the popularity of the character soon resulted in acting offers that largely required him to play similar roles.

“We all stood out in our different ways, and because my character was playing that typical Warri boy, the rustic village one, I started to get offers in Nollywood, but they were all tied to either being like that character, or a gateman, you know, or a passive role, and I turned all of them down,” he said.

According to Bovi, he had already developed an understanding of how entertainers could become trapped in stereotypical roles after studying different entertainment industries while growing up.

“I was like, I know there’s more to me. I grew up watching TV, I grew up understanding how different industries work, Hollywood, Bollywood, so I was like, it’s too early for me to get stereotypical in my approach to my career,” he explained.

The comedian said his decision was not accidental, revealing that he had been conscious of the dangers of being typecast since his teenage years.

“So, to be honest, like I said, that idea of, I don’t want to be typecast this early, is something I had already known when I was a teenager; that happens in industries,” he said.

Bovi, however, stressed that there was nothing inherently wrong with being typecast if it was a deliberate career choice.

“Make no mistake, there’s nothing wrong in being typecast, especially if you are doing it as a career path where you want to earn money. I want to earn money, I want to make money, but I know there is more to me than to be typecast,” he said.

He revealed that the philosophy remains relevant to his career today, saying he still turns down roles when they do not align with what he wants creatively.

“So, today I still turn down roles, actually, you know, and I explain why,” he added.

The father of three said he was already in his late 20s when he began rejecting certain offers, but acknowledged that such decisions can be difficult for young creatives who are struggling financially.

Asked whether he would advise young entertainers to reject roles in the same way, Bovi said the decision should depend on how clearly they understand their goals.

“If you know what you want, just stick to it no matter what comes your way because a lot of people would just be like, oh, I’m hungry now. I need to take these roles,” he said.

He nevertheless acknowledged that an entertainer can successfully build a career around a particular character or stereotype, stressing that the outcome ultimately depends on the individual and the strategy behind the choice.

“It depends on the strength of the individual and where they’re coming from,” he said.

Bovi also offered a metaphorical piece of advice to fellow creatives, encouraging them to focus on developing enough value and originality to attract opportunities rather than constantly chasing them.

He urged creatives to make themselves “sugar” so that opportunities, which he likened to “ants”, would naturally be attracted to them.

For Bovi, the lesson from his early career remains clear: entertainers should understand the difference between accepting a role because it is right for their career and accepting it simply because an opportunity has presented itself.