Jessica Gabriel’s Ujah began her acting journey at the University of Ibadan, where she studied Theatre Arts from 2012 to 2016. Over a decade later, she has continued to refine her craft, building a career defined by emotional honesty and versatility.
From her early stage experiences to her first commercial role in Ajoche, Ujah has consistently sought characters that challenge her and push her range. Her performances in We Danced & Danced and the Sundance award-winning Lady exemplify her commitment to exploring the soul of each character she portrays.
In an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Ujah reflects on the roles that have announced and confirmed her presence in Nollywood, sharing the struggles, lessons, and moments that have shaped her journey as an actor.
TNR: What was your first ever commercial role, how did you get into acting, and why did you choose it over other career paths?
Jessica Gabriel Ujah: My first ever commercial role was in the Africa Magic epic series Ajoche, produced by Feemoverse. I played Princess Owakoyi’s maid. Coming from a heavy theater background, I said yes because I was eager to translate my stage training into the intimacy of screen acting. It was my formal invitation into a new genre of storytelling. I’ve been fascinated by the ‘weight’ of storytelling since I was six. I saw how actors could immerse themselves so deeply in a situation that the audience had no choice but to go with them. I started testing that power myself in local church dramas and school plays, and by the time I reached secondary school, the ‘practical’ career paths like law or gynecology that my parents wanted for me just couldn’t compete with the pull of the arts. I chose acting because I’m obsessed with the human connection, how a piece of work can make a stranger feel seen.
What has been your biggest challenge in the industry, and how do you manage the emotional and professional demands of acting?
Navigating the emotional ‘hangover’ of a heavy role while maintaining a professional pace is a constant balancing act. I’ve found that the best way through is to stay grounded in my process. I take each day as it comes, ensuring I’m constantly learning how to ‘switch off’ and recharge. It’s about being as disciplined with my mental well-being as I am with my lines.
Were there roles that pushed you beyond your comfort zone, and how did they improve your skills and perspective as an actor and person?
The first role that truly stretched me beyond my comfort zone was a stage play I did in school, The Audition by James Johnson, directed by Abiodun Akinsiiku. It was the first time I had to confront what it really meant to choose acting, how far I was willing to go to enter a character’s headspace, even when their choices weren’t mine. A line from the play, “How far would you go for that character?” has stayed with me ever since. We Danced and Danced challenged me deeply because Zina was the first character I couldn’t empathise with immediately. Through conversations with the director and a more experienced colleague, I learned to approach her by searching for her humanness beyond her choices. That allowed the character to open up to me, and it also shaped me personally. It slowed me down and expanded the grace I give to people, making me approach others with more intentional compassion.
What kinds of stories and characters are you drawn to, and have you ever rejected a role based on this?
I’m drawn to stories of humans, especially women. The uniqueness of people fascinates me, and I’m curious about exploring different sides of being a woman. Getting behind the curtains and peeling layer after layer is my job. I aim for stories that are heart-centered, impactful, and leave audiences feeling seen.
How do you think international recognition changes the global perception of Nollywood stories and performances?
I think international recognition acts as a bridge that finally allows the world to catch up to what we’ve known for decades: Nollywood is a powerhouse of raw, unfiltered stories and talents. When our stories travel to major global festivals or streamers, it shifts the perception from a ‘local industry’ to a global standard. It validates our nuance, shows that our cultural experiences are universal, and demonstrates that Nigerian actors are world-class, period.
You weren’t able to attend the Sundance screening for Lady. How did you process that, and did it leave a sense of loss or anticipation?
With my sisters, the Ladies of Lady, we all felt the impact. But the director, Olive Nwosu, and the Lady team in Utah were gracious and carried us along through videos and pictures. It felt like we were there. Reviews started coming in, and it didn’t really matter anymore, our film is alive and out there in the world! Missing the screening definitely deepened my anticipation. While I want to be there for the big moment, there’s something beautiful about a film taking on a life of its own. That connection between the film and its audience is the real premiere for me.
Looking back, what has been the most career-defining moment for you, and how did it shape your determination?
My career-defining moment happened on 16th August 2023, on my bathroom floor. I was exhausted and ready to throw in the towel on acting. I remember crying and telling God I was done. Only a few weeks later, the audition for Lady came. It wasn’t just another job; it was a beam of hope telling me to keep going. It redefined my career because it taught me that my ‘why’ was stronger than my ‘weary’.
How has working within Nollywood shaped your resilience, discipline, and approach to storytelling?
Nollywood is a masterclass in the ‘art of making things possible.’ It’s shaped me into an actor who doesn’t wait for perfect conditions but stays ready because you never know when your moment will come. It has challenged me to constantly search for the soul of every scene and character, ensuring I never lose sight of what truly matters.
Which roles truly announced you to yourself as an actress, and what did you learn from them?
Two roles hold a mirror up to my soul. Zina in We Danced and Danced was my awakening, It showed me I had the emotional range to carry a story and gave me confidence to call myself an ‘Actress.’ Lady was my confirmation. Stepping into her shoes felt like a divine appointment, especially after that period in August 2023 when I almost walked away. Zina told me I could act; Lady told me I must act.
What legacy do you hope to leave, where do you see yourself creatively in five years, and what advice would you give your younger self?
I hope to leave a footprint where a young girl or boy can watch my work and feel seen, understood, and deeply moved. Creatively, my goal for the next five years is mastery—I want a body of work that challenges every facet of my range. While acting is my first love, I intend to step into production and visionary roles behind the lens, bridging experience on both sides of the camera to tell heart-centered stories. To my younger self, I’d say: breathe, trust God’s timing, focus on the craft, stay kind to yourself, and keep your heart open. The rewards are often more beautiful than we originally prayed for.