Nigerian music video director Praise Onyeagwalam, widely known as Director Pink, has opened up about the painful experiences that pushed her away from acting and into a thriving career behind the camera.
In a heartfelt interview with Hip TV, the award-winning cinematographer recounted how her early dreams of becoming an actress were derailed by humiliation, exploitation, and inappropriate advances that she encountered during auditions in Nollywood.
“I wanted to be an actress, but the humiliation was too much. Long queues, shady ‘come to this location’ calls — I said no. That’s when I chose to be my own boss,” she revealed.
Director Pink explained that what began as frustration soon turned into a defining moment of empowerment. Transitioning into directing allowed her to remain in the entertainment industry on her own terms, where she could create freely and command the respect she had long sought.
“I realized I could still be in the entertainment space without compromising my values,” she continued. “Directing gave me freedom and respect that acting auditions never offered.”
Today, Director Pink stands as one of Nigeria’s most in-demand music video directors, renowned for her bold visual storytelling and collaborations with top Afrobeats artists. Beyond her success, she’s using her platform to inspire young creatives, especially women, to pursue their passions with resilience and integrity.
“Success doesn’t come overnight,” she advised. “Those who are at the top today went through years of hard work and setbacks. You have to embrace delayed gratification to truly grow.”
From walking away from Nollywood’s toxic audition culture to becoming a respected force in African music visuals, Director Pink’s journey is a testament to the power of courage, reinvention, and self-belief.
“I wanted to be an actress… but the humiliation was too much. Long queues, shady ‘come to this location’ calls. I said NO. That’s when I chose to be my own boss.”
— Director Pink pic.twitter.com/MQJX1Mi5tJ
— HipTv (@HipTv) October 8, 2025