FROM LOVER BOY TO GAME CHANGER: TIMINI EGBUSON on Reel Love and Redefining Nollywood

A TIMINI EGBUSON Conversation with The Black Film Wire (Interview)

Timini Egbuson: Nollywood’s Leading Man Redefining Stardom Timini Egbuson has long established himself as one of Nollywood’s most bankable stars, bringing charm, depth, and undeniable screen presence to every role he takes on. With over 71 IMDb-credited films and even more under his belt, including A Tribe Called Judah, and Smart Money Woman, among many others, his career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable.

Fresh off the highly anticipated Lagos premiere of Reel Love, a film that brought together Nollywood’s finest—both seasoned and rising stars—Timini continues to solidify his place as one of the industry’s most sought-after leading men. With Reel Love taking the top spot as the number one film of the weekend, raking in an impressive 99.2 million Naira at the box office (as reported by FilmOne NG), his journey from breakout roles to powerhouse performer reflects the bold, dynamic, and globally resonant new wave of Nollywood.

In this exclusive conversation with Black Film Wire’s Editor-in-Chief, Timini opens up about his craft, career milestones, and what’s next for him in the ever-expanding world of African cinema.

At “ Reel Love” Film Premiere, February 9 2025, Lagos | Timini Egbuson, Funke Akindele, Bimbo Ademoye, Dakore Egbuson and Others Dazzle at Star-Studded Premiere

BLACK FILM WIRE Editor-in-Chief: Before we start, The team at Black Film Wire majorly congratulates you on being #4 among the top 10 highest-grossing actors of Nollywood in 2024! What a major feat, Timini! Congratulations on your hard work!

TIMINI EGBUSON:

Thank you, Thank you!

Film One Official Records Year Book January 2024

BFW Editor-in-Chief: How are you feeling about your position on this list? 

TIMINI EGBUSON:

Not bad at all. You know, I'm feeling great. I'm just enjoying the journey that this, my love for acting, is taking me on. I've had a lot of fun as an actor. at the back of the screen and not just marketing and marketing a movie is a different type of experience. Excitement and level of responsibility that is new to me. So, it's interesting for me to join you.

BFW Editor-in-Chief: Let’s get a little personal, who’s Timini behind the scenes and what do you like to do for fun when you’re not on set or working on a project? 

TIMINI:

I'm definitely a family guy—I love my family and we're close. When I’m not working, I try to catch up on sleep because, after 15 years in the industry, constantly being in the news, on set and in blockbuster films, my body feels it. So whenever I get a break, rest is a priority. Oh, and I just recently picked up tennis too!"

Timini and His Mom.

BFW Editor-in-Chief: You’re credited as a co-executive producer on Reel Love, which is incredible, congratulations! Collaborating with Kayode Kasum, whose previous works like Sugar Rush, Far from Home, and Kambili have become Nollywood faves, must have been an exciting choice. Why did you choose Kayode to direct this project, and how did his creative vision shape your approach to portraying your character?

TIMINI:

Okay, Kayode Kasum is one of my favourite directors in the world, and we've also done quite a number of films together. I just finished “Love is Yellow” and I like the way his mind works. Also, he likes the way that I deliver or bring characters to life.

So we worked on something called “All is Fair in Love”  last year, which was one of the biggest movies out of Nigeria during Valentine's. And then this time around, we just said, let's make another movie. We made “Shina” (Shina is currently on Netflix.) We're both executive producers on that.

And he said, okay, “Timini, you know what, let's make something for the cinema, something  that is young, is exciting and it's a nice, beautiful story.” And I was comfortable to partner with him in particular because I knew that our minds kind of work the same way. And also he's very straightforward and honest.

That's also something that's very, very important to me because I like to focus on the work and the creativity instead of worrying about whether your partner is trying to rip you off or trying to pull a fast one on you. You need to remember that we live in Lagos and it's a concrete jungle. So putting all of that in perspective, I knew that he was the perfect partner. And I feel like we're going to be doing a lot, a lot of movies going into the future.

Timini and his film partner Kayode Kasum

BFW Editor-in-Chief: We’ve been rooting for you since 2015 when you crushed it as Mohammed on Skinny Girl in Transit, you stood out so much we couldn’t look away! Fast forward, and now you’ve been in over 71 films, including Reel Love and Red Circle. People always say, “Timini is unrecognisable in every role,” and we agree. We’ve been stalking...err, following your career ever since (Smart Money Woman Season 2 was a banger, BTW). Don’t even get us started on your box office hits like All Fair’s in Love and A Tribe Called Judah or your YouTube hits including Gen-Z Wife, Too Funny (and everything with you and Bimbo)! That said, stepping into any role comes with challenges. What was the toughest part about your character in Reel Love and how did you get into that headspace to make it feel so authentic? Spill!

TIMINI:

First of all, thank you. It’s always nice to get your flowers while you’re still here, working, and doing what you love. I genuinely appreciate that.

I truly love acting. I’m not in this industry just for the business, the bills or the popularity—I do it because I’m passionate about it. But in Nigeria, with the way our industry is structured and the number of films we have to churn out, I have to take on a lot of projects to sustain my career and lifestyle. That means I need to make sure each character feels different, even if I’m playing a similar role. If I’m cast as a lover boy, I find unique ways to bring something fresh to the character so that audiences don’t feel they’re watching the same performance over and over.

My secret? My wide social network. I go out a lot and as a psychology graduate, I naturally study human behaviour. I observe my friends, colleagues, bartenders—anyone, really—and mirror their mannerisms. I often pick a specific person as an inspiration for a role. For Reel Love, I had a particular friend who’s an influencer, which aligned with the character’s world. Without telling him, I studied the way he talked, moved and reacted, then infused those elements into my performance.

Another thing we did for Reel Love was build deep backstories for the characters—details that never made it to the screen but helped shape the performance. I knew everything about Tomide—where he went to school, what he liked to eat, even if none of it was in the script. That foundation allowed me to step fully into the role.

One major difference with this film was introducing a fresh face as my love interest. A lot of people love seeing me paired with Bimbo or other familiar actresses, but I wanted to give audiences something new. Bimbo is in the film, but not in a romantic role. Instead, we cast a completely new actress, T.J. Omusuku, in the lead.

For me, this was also about paying it forward. I remember a time when no one was giving me opportunities and I had to fight my way in. I wanted to use this film to give someone else that same breakthrough. It’s one thing to offer a newcomer a small role, but I knew a lead role could truly change a career. T.J. delivered a stellar performance and I’m excited for audiences to see her shine.

BFW Editor-in-Chief:  It's giving “method actor” and “getting into character” things. Can you tell us a little more about your psychology background? We certainly don’t hear that often.

TIMINI:

Yeah, (haha) I studied psychology at university. I wanted to be a consumer psychologist after graduating. I’ve always been fascinated by how the human mind works and how behaviour influences different aspects of life.

I think that background naturally found its way into my acting. It helps me understand storytelling on a deeper level, how to shape a scene so the audience feels exactly what they’re supposed to at any given moment. Whether it’s making them root for me, hate me or feel sorry for me, I’ve learned how to tap into that emotional response- That’s why when I play a villain, you really hate me. And when I need to be loved or pitied, it feels natural and believable. It’s all about understanding human psychology and using that to create compelling characters. I still have plans to go back for my master’s in consumer psychology one day, but for now, Nollywood keeps me too busy. It’s definitely something close to my heart, though.

BFW Editor-in-Chief:  We also love that you’re advocating for showcasing emerging talent. The proof is in the pudding. We’re now going to put you on the spot: Describe TJ in TWO WORDS:

TIMINI:

TJ, she is raw, she is super talented, she has a very big umbrella of grace that is covering her and I can't wait for you guys to fall in love with her!

TJ OMUSUKU (actress, in Timini’s “Reel Love”) Instagram 

BFW Editor-in-Chief: Valentine’s Day is all about love and connection, but it’s also about how we navigate these emotions in today’s fast-paced, often complicated world. How does Reel Love tap into these themes and present a story that feels relatable and meaningful to modern audiences?

TIMINI:

Okay, without giving too much about the story, you understand that one of the key things that this movie does is explain to us how unconventional falling in love can be sometimes and how despite the fact that real love (R-E-A-L love) is hard to find and a lot of people are losing their belief in it, it is still very possible. I'm a sucker for love, although I'm single. But I always like to watch rom-coms and romantic movies because it gives me a light at the end of the tunnel. And just gives me hope that one day, the same way my character was able to find love, I stand a chance of finding love. It's also saying to all the people out there, that if we don't have love in our lives, we can take out two hours to escape to a different world created by a character, costume, Timini and TJ, where everything happens and there’s a happy ever after.

BFW Editor-in-Chief: You are single- (dear readers, Timini is single)

TIMINI:

Haha. I knew you were going to find a way to put the question in so I might as well just help you answer it. Thank you, thank you. Haha.

BFW Editor-in-Chief: LOL! Reel Love is written by the talented Ife Olujuyigbe, whose storytelling always resonates deeply. Can you share how the idea for the plot came about? Also, what do you hope viewers will take away from the film, particularly when it comes to understanding relationships and genuine human connection—especially in a world where social media and modern distractions seem to be chipping away at the value of real relationships?

TIMINI:

We knew from the start that we wanted to make a Valentine’s Day movie. With Film One as one of our partners, we had February 14th locked in as the release date—that was step one. The next step? Finding the right story.

Claudia, Kayode and I spent several sessions watching rom-coms and romance films from Nollywood, Hollywood, K-dramas and Indian cinema. We weren’t just looking for inspiration; we wanted to pinpoint the types of stories we didn’t want to tell. That process helped us refine our vision.

From there, we started brainstorming. We threw around different ideas, debating what worked and what didn’t. Ultimately, we landed on a theme that felt relevant: how social media is reshaping modern love. It creates unrealistic expectations and makes it harder for people to form real connections. That’s how our final story took shape, centred on a social media influencer forced into a fake relationship and torn between the illusion of love and the reality of it.

BFW Editor-in-Chief: On-screen chemistry is everything in romance films. How did you and your co-stars work together to create a connection that feels authentic and impactful for the audience? Also, was there a specific scene or moment during filming that held special meaning for you or reminded you of a personal experience? Or on the flip side, what was it like working with your sister on this project?

TIMINI:

I'll say for a fact that my family means so much to me.

Remember that my career started with me being an assistant to Dakore. My sister has held my hand throughout my career. Let’s not forget, she was the one that handed me my AMVCA award, which was such a perfect moment I’ll never forget.

Now, stepping into the role of an executive producer and having her act in the movie and support me as a co-executive producer was just fantastic. She flew in from Atlanta to be in the film and has been guiding me throughout the process. Knowing that we’ll share that stage when the film is successful is effortless.

We’re going to be making a lot more movies and projects together. She holds a whole generation that loves and adores her and I have a younger generation that, thankfully, loves and adores me. So we’re going to collaborate on more projects, hopefully taking Nollywood globally as a family.

Timini & his sister, Dakore Egbuson-Akande

BFW Editor-in-Chief: With Nigerian films gaining more global recognition, how do you think Reel Love not only contributes to shaping the narrative of Nollywood but also showcases Nigerian culture in a way that feels authentic and distinct, even within the universal appeal of a Valentine’s Day romance?

TIMINI:

We aimed to keep the story as authentically Nigerian as possible. One thing I’ve realized is that when filmmakers chase global acceptance from the start, they risk losing the essence of their storytelling. So, for this film, we focused on making it deeply relatable to Nigerians first. We wanted audiences to see themselves in the characters with the way they speak, dress, and navigate life.

The film embraces the richness of Nigerian culture, from the language and slang to the vibrant fashion and overall African voice. But we also ensured that it was executed with high quality and taste. Just like we enjoy Indian and Korean films without always understanding the language, we wanted this story to resonate universally through its authenticity.

It still amazes me how far Nollywood has come. When I travel, I see how big our industry is—whether in India, America or London. Despite the challenges of making films in Nigeria, the world appreciates the heart in our stories. We may not always have the biggest budgets or the best technical resources, but what Nollywood does have is undeniable passion. And this film is a testament to that.

We also wanted to bridge the generational gap by exploring how our parents' love lives shape the way we experience and express love today. It was important to show not just modern romance but also the cultural and traditional influences that define relationships in Nigeria.

As we refined the story, I leaned on the incredible people I have in my corner—industry veterans like Dakore Egbuson (my sister), Funke Akindele, Shaffy Bello and Authentic Muyiwa. I knew that if I called them and said, "Guys, I’m making a movie," they would show up without hesitation.

This film is a blend of old and new, tradition and modernity. It reflects how love evolves across generations while staying deeply rooted in culture. That balance, I believe, is what will make it resonate with audiences both locally and globally.

A-list Nollywood stars Shaffy Bello, Funke Akindele, Dakore Egbuson-Akande line up in “Reel Love”

BFW Editor-in-Chief:  Every film presents its own set of challenges. As a producer, what obstacles did you face during the production of Reel Love, and how did overcoming them contribute to your growth as an actor?

TIMINI:

Every single day came with its own set of challenges like unpredictable weather, funding issues, securing locations and actor availability. These are things we’ve come to expect in Nollywood, but they still require problem-solving on the fly.

I remember telling Kayode, my partner, that at the end of the day, I truly believe a film shapes itself the way it’s meant to be. You can plan everything down to the last detail, but sometimes, things shift. Maybe we lose a location at the last minute and have to scramble for an alternative—at that moment, it might feel like a setback, but I believe that’s exactly where the film was meant to be shot.

I put everything in God’s hands and trust the process. There were moments where things didn’t go according to our plans, but looking at the final result, I can see how everything aligned exactly as it was supposed to. And honestly, I couldn’t be prouder of what we created.

“I'm a very strong believer in the fact that the film makes itself how it wants to be.”

-Timini Egbuson

BFW Editor-in-Chief: Looking ahead, with such an impressive track record in the industry, what stories or genres are you most excited to dive into next? Also, for those “serious people” out there looking to collaborate, what’s the best way to get on your radar?

TIMINI:

That’s a tough one. What am I interested in? Honestly, I just want to tell great stories. I’ve never been one to box myself into a specific genre or style. I want to push boundaries and take more risks. I feel that Nollywood has played it safe for a while—action, romance, comedy. But I’m excited about the psychological thrillers and horror projects sitting on my desk. There’s so much untapped potential in those spaces and I’m eager to explore them.

I also want to collaborate with young, fearless creatives, people who aren’t restricted by industry norms. I don’t care if you’ve never made a film before. Sometimes, too much experience can limit imagination. I want to work with people who dream big, write bold scripts and aren’t afraid to think beyond the usual Nollywood formula.

A lot of us in the industry now think about budget constraints before we even finish a concept, but the world is a small place. You never know which studio, investor or collaboration could bring a vision to life.

Ultimately, I want to build something bigger than myself, a brand that represents Nigeria and Africa on a global scale. I want Hollywood and major studios like Universal to recognize that hiring me means bringing in an entire African audience. That’s the dream: to create work that puts us on the map in a way we haven’t seen before. I don’t know if that fully answers your question, but that’s where my heart is.

BFW Editor-in-Chief:  We’ve very much enjoyed speaking with you today and look forward to joining the rest of Nigeria to watch “Reel Love” at Film One CInemas come Valentine's Day, Feb 14. As we log out, give us one last word to leave our readers with to keep them motivated.

TIMINI

I've been in Nollywood for 15 years now. I started from the bottom, literally. And I want to tell you, reading this, that at the end of the day, I know it sounds a little cliché, but your dreams are valid. I joined Nollywood at a point in time where there were no lead roles for young actors. I was able to lead the charge to push directors to write my way and to push film studios to release the budgets to make the kind of films that put me in the centre. Now there's a whole group of young Nollywood actors who are working 24/7, and I'm happy about that. But if I was too scared to dream big, I wouldn't have been here. At the time I started working in Nollywood, there was no money, no fame per se. But because I was 100% convinced that this was what I was born to do and that I had the talent God had given me, I didn't look back. And now, look at me, The most bankable actor in Africa.

Listen to full interview here (audio)