Sylvester Madu

• Sylvester Madu is a Nigerian actor and pastor.

• He tells Nollywoodgossip: “I started acting at the age of 5.”

• He says he has acted in over 60 movies.

• He says: “I’m versatile. I love to play every role, but I’m mostly casted for bad boy roles, even when I was five years old.”

• He says: “I’m working on my movie, an entirely new concept in Nollywood. It’s the first Nollywood seasonal movie titled The Incredible Couple.”

• “Acting is my job and being a pastor is a calling. I differentiate the two, and besides, as I said before, it’s an opportunity for me to win souls for God with what I do.”

• He says: “Being an actor is an advantage to save and change lives for Jesus.”

By Delia Innoma (Live Online With Delia)

Could you tell us about you?

My name is Sylvester Madu a.k.a SY. I’m an actor, movie director, screen writer, producer, designer, gospel artiste and a pastor. I’m the first born of the family. Started acting at the age of 5.

How many movies have you featured in?

I have acted in over 60 movies.

Which roles do you enjoy acting most?

I’m versatile. I love to play every role. But I’m mostly casted for bad boy roles, even when I was five years old.

And which role is a no-no for you?

None. If it will teach or educate people, it is ok. If not, then I don’t do it.

Journey into Nollywood.

Heard of Nollywood, came in since 1999, but have been in the north doing my stuff, before I decided to come to Lagos and face the real thing.

How has it been since then?

It was tough, and also splendid. But we are making progress.

Do your roles in movies influence your life in any way?

No way. I’ve learnt to separate both.

Are you married or seeing anyone?

Not yet, but very soon.

Many celebrities don’t like getting married to their colleagues. What do you think is the reason?

I can’t tell. Everyone has their own opinion of an actress or an actor.

Do you have any regrets becoming an actor?

Acting has been my passion since childhood, so no regrets at all.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my movie, an entirely new concept in Nollywood. It’s the first Nollywood seasonal movie titled The Incredible Couple.

Which movie brought you to limelight?

I can’t really say, because some say it is I want my money and others say it is 1st Lady. So it’s difficult to decide on which one.

Have you ever experienced harassments by female fans?

Yes, but I don’t want to talk about it.

And how did you handle such situations?

Just waved it away and let it go.

Do you think there is a need for a change in AGN’s leadership?

Change is constant, and when there is need for it why should anyone want to stop it? It must happen when it will.

Do you think the fees paid to actors are good enough compared to the work they put in?

Not at all, but it is stepping up by God’s grace.

How do you manage to keep away from scandals?

Just being the real me, when you are fake, scandals come. But when you are real, it will come too, but just be you.

What will you say is the main advantage of being an actor?

E-plenty. (Laughs) there are many of them. First, you are known and respected by all…that is, if you respect yourself. But for me, it’s an advantage to save and change lives for Jesus.

How challenging is it being a pastor and an actor?

It’s not challenging at all. Acting is my job and being a pastor is a calling. I differentiate the two, and besides, as I said before, it’s an opportunity for me to win souls for God with what I do.

What will you advice the young ones?

My advice to them is to be you, don’t copy. Create your own swagger. Be professional, avoid mediocrity. Most importantly, be born again, that’s where true and lasting success begins.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

Knowing and having true fellowship with God, having the honor of being a Sheppard in the Lord’s house. I give God praise and thanks for choosing me.

Nollywoodgossip wishes you the best.

Thank you too.

Sylvester Madu