Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga: On the Importance of Having the Right Support and Protection For Child Actors

Many celebrated performers began their careers as children, recognized early for their exceptional abilities and work ethic. There’s something truly remarkable about young actors — whether on stage or screen — and the way they connect authentically with audiences and fellow cast members.

These young performers often bring an innate charisma to productions, captivating viewers with their presence. In Nollywood, child actors were once a rarity, but social media has changed the game. Today, parents can easily record and share their children’s performances online, catching the eye of industry professionals in search of fresh talent.

Though children in Nollywood often appear in supporting roles, some exceptional performances have stood out — and one of those belongs to rising star Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga. At just ten years old, Fiyin has already built a reputation with his performances in Mikolo, Muri and Ko, and Temi and the Labalaba Band. He’s also earned awards for acting, writing, and public speaking — all after starting his journey at just eight.

In this exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Asenuga talks about his unexpected start, his growth as an actor, and the importance of having strong support behind the scenes.

Asenuga’s journey began with a simple Instagram ad.

“My mom and I were on Instagram when we saw this acting training ad for kids, and we decided to go for it. I hadn’t acted before, but I gave it a shot. My mom and her friend even auditioned me before the Kids Can Act audition, where I did a monologue. Then I was invited for the main audition  and I smashed it. That confidence is what led me to filmmaking,” he shared.

After a two-week workshop with Kids Can Act —where he received a nomination for “Most Promising Actor”  Asenuga embraced every opportunity that came his way. Since then, he has delivered consistently strong performances, quickly becoming a recognizable face in Nigerian film.

Despite his confidence now, Asenuga still remembers the nerves of his first audition.

“My first time was amazing and unbelievable. It was a surreal experience  so many cameras and actors on set. I was nervous, but I came out victorious and got to feature in my first film, Mikolo.”

In Mikolo, directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, Fiyin  Asenuga played Habeeb ,  one of the curious children who discover a mythical flying creature. Since then, he’s acted in over 14 films, including “Finding Me”,” House of Secrets”, and “Muri and Ko”, where he stars alongside Kunle Remi in a comedy-drama directed by Biodun Stephen.

Asenuga describes his role in Muri and Ko  where he plays “Ko,” a child celebrity who gets kidnapped  as his most challenging yet, even though it mirrors his real-life personality the most.

“Ko relates to me because I’m smart, intelligent, bold, and confident. I’m a star,” he said, laughing.
“But I’ve never been kidnapped before, or locked in a car while talking to a kidnapper. So it was hard to imagine all that. But I survived  and I’m still alive!”

Behind his bright performances lies hard work, patience, and structure largely provided by his mother, Bisilola Asenuga, who also acts as his manager and facilitated this interview. She helps shield him from the more difficult aspects of the industry, offering support both emotionally and logistically.

Asenuga knows how important this support is.“My parents support me by taking me to sets and teaching me lessons like being humble. My mom tells me to stay grounded. I don’t think you can do it alone — not without someone guiding and supporting you. You need your parents in your space so you don’t lose guard.”

Even at his age, the promising starunderstands the value of hard work and the reality behind the scenes.“Being in the industry has taught me to be tough and firm. Money doesn’t come easy  you have to work hard for everything. Acting is not easy, trust me. But if you’re dedicated and put your mind to it, then it becomes easier.”

He also balances school with acting  which is no small feat. While many adults struggle with work-life balance, child actors have the added pressure of keeping up with schoolwork and routines. For Fiyin, structure is key.

“When I’m not shooting, I wake up, do chores, brush, bathe, eat, and go to school. It’s different during holidays. I also take online classes, so it’s easier to do classwork and homework. When I’m free, I play Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Roblox with my friends.”

As Asenuga’s  career continues to bloom, he remains grounded, with aspirations that stretch beyond Nigeria. His advice to other child actors? Be patient.

“You can’t just do one movie and think you’re a star overnight. These things take time, process, documentation  and patience,” he said.

“Even if your first or second film doesn’t blow up, don’t give up. It takes time.”