Nigerian music video director Praise Onyeagwalam, popularly known as Director Pink, has opened up about why she decided to give up on pursuing a career in acting. The award-winning cinematographer revealed that her decision was largely influenced by the humiliating experiences and sexual exploitation she faced while trying to break into the acting industry.
In a recent interview with Hip TV, Director Pink shared candidly about the challenges that forced her to rethink her career path. She explained that the constant humiliation at auditions and uncomfortable advances from some male filmmakers pushed her away from acting and motivated her to take control of her career in a different way—by becoming a music video director.
The harsh realities behind the acting dream
Director Pink described the difficulties she encountered during her attempts to become an actress, painting a vivid picture of the challenges aspiring actors often face. She recounted how standing in long queues for movie auditions became an exhausting ordeal, often accompanied by little respect or encouragement.
More troubling were the instances when she received “shady” calls from male filmmakers asking her to visit secluded locations under suspicious pretenses. Such experiences made her feel vulnerable and disillusioned about the prospects of continuing in acting.
“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 said. This bold decision to leave acting behind was fueled by a desire to protect herself and maintain her dignity.
Shifting gears: becoming her own boss behind the camera
After quitting acting, Director Pink shifted her focus to music video directing, a field she believes offers more control and creative freedom. She acknowledged that directing music videos comes with its own set of challenges but expressed a strong commitment to succeed.
Being a woman in a predominantly male industry, she admitted that the journey hasn’t been easy. Yet, her passion for storytelling through visuals and her determination to carve out a space for herself have driven her forward.
Director Pink’s transition highlights an important narrative for many women in entertainment—choosing to create opportunities for themselves rather than relying on traditional, sometimes exploitative, pathways.
Advice for aspiring music video directors
Understanding the tough road ahead, Director Pink offered valuable advice to upcoming music video directors. She emphasized the importance of patience and perseverance, reminding hopefuls that success rarely comes overnight.
“It took those at the peak years to achieve their current status,” she noted, encouraging young creatives to embrace delayed gratification and stay focused on honing their craft.
Her message is clear: the entertainment industry demands resilience, but with dedication and a strong sense of self-worth, emerging directors can thrive despite challenges.
Championing dignity and respect in the entertainment industry
Director Pink’s revelations also bring to light broader issues within Nigeria’s entertainment sectors—issues of harassment, exploitation, and the need for safer, more respectful working environments.
By speaking openly about her experiences, she contributes to the ongoing conversation around protecting artists, especially women, from abuse and unfair treatment.
Her story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration, showing that it is possible to overcome obstacles by taking control of one’s career and creating spaces where talent can flourish without compromise.
Conclusion
Praise Onyeagwalam, aka Director Pink, made a courageous choice to leave acting behind due to the humiliations and predatory behavior she experienced. Instead, she has built a successful career as a music video director, where she continues to push boundaries and inspire others.
Her journey underscores the importance of self-respect and resilience in the entertainment industry. It also shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by many young women pursuing their dreams and the critical need for systemic change.
Upcoming directors and creatives can learn much from her experience—most importantly, that patience, hard work, and standing firm against exploitation can pave the way for lasting success.
