Actress Shaffy Bello has said she does not see herself as a movie producer, explaining that she believes acting is the path she was called into by God.
Speaking on the Morayo Brown show, the actress said acting gave her a platform that later made her a household name, adding that she treats it as a gift that should be honoured.
The 55-year-old said that if she ever becomes a producer, it would not be for financial gain. She recalled praying to become well known and said she later reflected on the responsibility that came with that request.
“I am an actor. Every actor does not have to be a producer. I face my lane. I do what God asks me to do. And he asked me to have an impact,” she said.
“He gave me a platform and after I got that platform, it became so stressful. That once in a while I would remember the days I was on my knees asking to be a household name. Now I am.
“He then came back and said I have given you a platform, what are you going to do with it.”
She said producing is not part of what she currently believes she has been called to do, though she did not rule it out completely.
“If God gave you the grace to be a producer, run with it. For right now, I will not say never, I am saying that is not what he is calling me to do,” she said.
Shaffy Bello also spoke about the responsibility she feels toward younger actresses, saying she wants to use her voice to promote self respect and decency in the industry.
“I tell you one thing today that when you guys hear Shaffy Bello, you will never forget how you felt in this room. That is the gift he gave me.
“Some people can produce film for 20 years and if they sat on this chair, they will not have the same effect. Because it is not their gift.
“Know what He has given you. Recognise it and use it and run with it.”
She added that while some actresses may feel pressured to expose their bodies for financial reasons, she believes it is not necessary to look attractive or sexy.
“There are many people out there that needs my voice that you do not have to show your boobs to look sexy. If you are going to do ashawo do it well. But do not stay there. Some do it to feed their family,” she added.
“If I sit and go do films (it is not about money).”
Shaffy Bello first gained attention in 1997 when she featured as the vocalist on Seyi Sodimu’s song Love Me Jeje. She later moved into acting and became more prominent in Nollywood from the 2010s, appearing in several films and television productions that established her as a familiar face in the industry.
