Veteran Ghanaian actor, Daniel Nartey recently opened up about a life-changing experience he had in Nigeria that ignited his deepest passion for acting.
In an exclusive interview with Brown Berry on Y 107.9 FM’s “Ryse n Shyne,” Mr. Nartey revealed the harrowing tale that made him realize how deep-rooted his love for acting was than he imagined.
He recounted that after some 10 years without acting, he was invited for an audition during the Ghana-Nigeria collaboration era when the film industries of both nations were coming together to create remarkable cinematic experiences. His talent caught the attention of the late renowned Nigerian director Ifeanyi Onyeabor, who was in Ghana under the invitation of Miracle Films. As a result, Nartey became part of several Ghana-Nigeria collaborative projects, setting the stage for his transformative journey.
“Ifeanyi then decided to take me along to Nigeria for some movies as well,” Nartey said. Little did he know that this decision would change the course of his life forever. During the filming process in Nigeria, he found himself in Enugu, the Nigerian state he described as the “Hollywood city of Nigeria” at that time.
However, fate had a different plan for Nartey. “Along the line while we were shooting, there was an ethnic crisis. We experienced mass murder and we eventually had to scatter, but I found myself at the Police Barracks,” Nartey recounted. The situation was dire as he indicated that they lived like refugees for over a week before some semblance of calmness returned.
But even in the face of danger and uncertainty, Nartey’s passion for acting burned brighter than ever. “Ifeanyi had to tell me to return to Ghana, but I told him my mission here wasn’t completed yet. That was the moment I realized my passion for acting was beyond what I thought; I was born an actor,” he passionately shared.
Amid the chaos, another opportunity arose as Zack Orji, a popular Nigerian actor and filmmaker, expressed interest in collaborating with Nartey. “That was when Zack Orji met me and wanted us to film for some two weeks, but I told him I already had some commitments in Enugu,” Nartey said. He decided to stay and pursue his acting career in Nigeria.
As days turned into months, Nartey found himself fully immersed in the Nigerian film industry, as the job opportunities came in “back to back without me even realizing.” Within just six months, he successfully completed about 15 movies in Enugu state alone.
Nartey’s tough experience in Nigeria not only solidified his passion for acting but also shaped him as an individual. “I realized my true purpose and the impact I could make through my craft,” he told Brown Berry.
