Key Takeaways

• Uzoamaka Power says her father’s negative perception of acting made her afraid to pursue her dream.

• She recalled that he criticised actresses’ dressing and questioned how they could balance university education with acting.

• Power said she believed she would succeed as an actor despite her father’s reservations.

• She acknowledged that her father wanted the best for her and was concerned about the long-term sustainability of an acting career.

• The actress also defended her confidence and said she would not make herself feel small to satisfy other people’s expectations.

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Uzoamaka Power has revealed that her father’s negative perception of acting made her afraid to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, despite her strong belief in her own talent and ambitions.

The actress shared the experience during an appearance on the Tea With Tay podcast, explaining how her father’s opinions about actresses influenced her confidence as she considered following her passion.

According to Power, her father viewed acting negatively and often criticised women he saw on screen. His concerns reportedly centred on their dressing, their education and whether they could balance university studies with an acting career.

How Her Father’s Views Affected Her Acting Ambition

Power recalled that watching films with her father could be uncomfortable because of his repeated criticism of actresses. She said his attitude made her hesitant about pursuing a dream she already believed was right for her.

“With my father, I was cowardly about pursuing my dreams because my father’s idea of acting, the way he saw acting, was prostitution. Anytime we watched a film, he was always criticising the women. He would be like, ‘Don’t they have parents? Look at what they are wearing, and they are in the university. When do they have time to study?’”

Her account highlights the personal conflict she experienced: while she felt drawn to acting, her father’s perception of the profession made it difficult for her to pursue that ambition confidently.

Why She Continued to Believe in Her Dream

Despite her father’s reservations, Power said she had always believed she would become an actor and succeed in a career she genuinely loved. She also acknowledged that his concerns may have come from a desire to protect her and secure her future.

According to the actress, her father was concerned about the long-term sustainability of acting and believed that a conventional office job offered a more dependable career path.

“I had a knowing in me that I was going to be an actor, and I knew I was going to succeed doing this thing I love doing. I understood that he was looking out for me and he wanted the best for me. He also knew these kinds of jobs were not sustainable. You needed, like, an office job.”

Her remarks reveal the difference between her personal conviction and her father’s concerns about career stability. Although she understood that he wanted the best for her, she remained committed to the profession she believed she was meant to pursue.

Uzoamaka Power Speaks About Confidence and Being Herself

Power also spoke about her confidence and her refusal to diminish herself to satisfy other people. She explained that she recognises both her strengths and limitations and is willing to be honest with herself about what she can do and where she still needs to learn.

“I have never felt the need to downplay myself or to make myself feel small for the benefit of everyone else. I have always known who I am. I have always known my shortcomings, to be honest. I am very honest with myself about where I am, what I am doing, what I am capable of, what I am unable to do, and whether I am willing to learn. So, I have just been myself, really. And if anyone considers that not being humble, I am sorry, I can’t.”

Her comments underline her belief in remaining authentic rather than making herself smaller to meet other people’s expectations.

Power’s account offers a personal look at the tension between parental expectations and career ambition. While her father questioned the sustainability and image of acting, she said she continued to believe in her ability to succeed in a profession she loved.