Nigerian actor Sanusi Izihaq, popularly known as Apankufor or Apa, has opened up about his journey in Nollywood and the challenges he has faced. In a recent interview with Biola Adebayo on the Talk to B podcast, he revealed that he once worked in a bakery, experienced homelessness, and received little support from his parents.
Apa initially gained recognition as a Continuity Manager rather than an actor, with his skills making his name known despite working behind the scenes.
Reflecting on his struggles, he expressed deep gratitude to Ibrahim Chatta, who continuously encouraged him to stay in the industry. He acknowledged Chatta’s interventions in moments when he considered quitting, crediting the veteran actor for helping him persevere in his acting career.
In his words:
“Big shoutout to him (Ibrahim chatta), I should have left Nollywood if not for Ibrahim chatta.
Hope I’m not being too forward, God bless Ibrahim chatta. If not for him i should have left the industry…
On multiple occasions when you have older colleagues in the industry some of them begin to look down on you.
When i was still working as a continuity manager the fact is that i was more famous than some actors. Directors knew my name without my face and wondered who i was. Some directors even looked down on me.
I recall one experience when a director who had only heard about me vowed to deal with me. I had never worked with him before and I was eager to. I vowed to make his job easy. However things got a little tensed and my kind of person I despise toxic work environment, I believe in relating with love so I become emotional and I cry bitterly when things are tensed.
He (Ibrahim Chatta) has met me when I was crying on two to three occasions. Asking me what went wrong
I confided in him that I would leave the industry but he always advices against it and encourages me instead. On about 3 different occasions he urged me to come back when I already left film making. He even called me back to work on his project to ensure I don’t leave.”