Chioma Akpotha, one of Nollywood’s most beloved actresses, has revealed the struggle she faced in learning Yoruba for her role in the recently released Netflix series, Seven Doors.
The veteran actress, renowned for her emotional depth and strong screen presence, took on the role of Queen Amaka, a character who is married to a Yoruba king portrayed by the talented Femi Adebayo.
In an exclusive interview with TVC, Chioma explained the difficulties she encountered as she worked to perfect the language for her performance. “I had to learn Yoruba for my role in Seven Doors,” she admitted. “The Yoruba in the movie was not the regular one spoken in Lagos State, so I had to be very particular about the tone.”
Chioma’s words highlight just how challenging it can be for actors to portray authentic characters, especially when it involves speaking a language that is not their own.
The actress, known for her dedication to her craft, has earned widespread praise for her ability to speak Yoruba fluently in the series. Viewers have taken to social media to commend her for bringing authenticity to the role.
In Seven Doors, Chioma plays Queen Amaka, a regal character whose life is intricately woven into the cultural fabric of Yoruba tradition. Her husband, King Adebayo, played by Femi Adebayo, is a strong figure in the series, and their relationship forms a significant part of the show’s narrative.
Chioma’s character is a queen, and she had to not only master the Yoruba language but also embody the elegance and grace that comes with such a role. This meant that she had to pay close attention to every detail, from the tone and cadence of her speech to the cultural nuances that make the language so rich and unique.
While Chioma has been in the entertainment industry for many years, this particular role required her to step out of her comfort zone and face a completely new challenge. Learning a new language, especially one with as much history and tradition as Yoruba, is no easy task. Yet, Chioma’s determination to succeed is evident in the way she handled this demanding role.
Since Seven Doors premiered on Netflix on December 13, the show has been the talk of the town. Viewers have praised the series for its engaging storyline, its stunning visuals, and its impressive cast. Chioma’s performance has also been a topic of conversation, with many fans expressing admiration for how well she mastered the Yoruba language.
One fan on social media shared, “Chioma Akpotha nailed the Yoruba in Seven Doors! I couldn’t believe it was her first time speaking it on screen. She’s such a talented actress!”
Another fan commented, “Chioma brought so much grace and authenticity to her role as Queen Amaka. The way she spoke Yoruba in the series was amazing.”
Critics have also given Chioma credit for her performance, noting how the role required her to not only act but also immerse herself in a language and culture that were unfamiliar to her.
The release of Seven Doors has been highly anticipated, and the series has not disappointed. Set against a backdrop of Yoruba culture and tradition, the show takes viewers on an emotional journey filled with intrigue, drama, and suspense. The six-episode series features a star-studded cast, including Chioma Akpotha, Femi Adebayo, and several other top Nollywood actors.
The series is a collaboration between Nigerian filmmakers and international producers, and it represents a significant step forward for Nollywood in terms of global recognition. With Netflix backing the project, Seven Doors has the potential to reach a worldwide audience, introducing viewers to the richness of Yoruba culture and the diversity of Nigerian storytelling.
For Chioma, this role has been a dream come true, but it also pushed her to new limits as an actress. She had to work closely with Yoruba language coaches, practice her lines repeatedly, and perfect the intonation and pronunciation of every word she spoke on screen.
“I had to dedicate a lot of time to learning the language,” Chioma revealed. “It was tough, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to challenge myself and bring something new to my fans.”
Chioma Akpotha is no stranger to the spotlight. With a career spanning over two decades, she has built a reputation as one of Nollywood’s most respected actresses. Known for her emotional depth and versatility, Chioma has won the hearts of audiences both in Nigeria and beyond.
Her journey into Nollywood began in the late 1990s, and since then, she has starred in numerous films and television series. She is particularly known for her roles in films that explore complex emotional themes, and she has gained a reputation for her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters.
Over the years, Chioma has become a role model for aspiring actresses in Nigeria and has proven that hard work, dedication, and a passion for storytelling can lead to great success.
Her role in Seven Doors marks another milestone in her career, one that shows her willingness to push boundaries and take on challenging roles. Chioma’s experience with learning Yoruba for Seven Doors highlights the importance of language in storytelling. Language is a powerful tool that shapes how we connect with characters and cultures. By speaking Yoruba fluently in the series, Chioma not only made her character more believable but also helped to showcase the richness of the Yoruba language to a global audience.
