When Emeka Golden got a call from the casting director of Son of the Soil, it was more than a surprising moment. It was confirmation that the industry recognizes consistency and resilience.
In Son of the Soil, Golden, whose acting spans film, TV, and stage, played Detective Bello, a role that showcased his range and versatility. His appearance in the action thriller led by British-Nigerian actor Rasaq Adoti in collaboration with Action Xtreme boss Chee Keong Cheung pushed him further into the spotlight.
“To be great is to be misunderstood. Insist on greatness, then you’ll be understood,” Golden says, echoing his father’s words, a mantra he has internalized over the years as he navigates Nollywood’s uncertainties.
With this mindset, his versatility, and his deeply felt approach to acting, the Lead City University graduate of Politics and International Relations is carving a path in Nollywood that reflects his resilience and intentionality. Since 2012, his 13 years of commitment to his passion appear to be paying off.
Some of his previous credits include My Daughter’s Crush (2024), directed by Iyke Obasi, and MultiChoice Talent Factory’s award-winning Everything Light Touches (2024), where he played Milliki.
Golden, who won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in We Have Rats (2023), is part of Nollywood’s rising generation of actors balancing global visibility with strong African roots.
In this interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Golden opens up about his latest project Son of the Soil, his growth in the industry, and his aspirations in Nollywood.
Early Beginnings and Consistency
A typical Nigerian home in the 1990s. A young boy is glued to a children’s television commercial. Nothing else exists in that moment but this fictional world he dreams of joining. This describes Emeka Golden’s first encounter with acting, a passion he continues to pursue in Nollywood.
“I think acting is a part of who I am. I have always been drawn to it. As a kid, I’d watch commercials on TV, especially the ones featuring kids, and I’d tell my dad I wanted to be on screen. I didn’t quite understand the process or what it meant, but I loved the excitement of it,” he says, reliving those early moments.
He later developed this interest by participating in school and church dramas, but he couldn’t pursue it seriously because his father prioritized his education over acting. It wasn’t until he moved to Jos to work in the film industry that he truly understood what being an actor entailed, and he realized it would become more than just a hobby.
Nollywood’s demands can often lead to burnout for actors, especially rising ones like Golden. He shares the simple personal routine that helps him find calm amid the chaos. “I pray and train my body and mind. I’m very committed to my training, and I believe it helps me withstand the pressure that comes with the job,” he says.
On how his approach to the craft has evolved from his earliest auditions to now taking on more prominent roles, the actor describes his earlier obsession with perfection. Now, flexibility takes the lead, helping him deliver truth rather than perfection.
“In my early days of auditioning, I was all about perfection. I would obsess over every little detail, trying to prove myself. Don’t get me wrong, that approach yielded results, but with time, I’ve learned to be more fluid. Now, I approach each role with curiosity, focusing on truth rather than perfection, trusting my instincts more.”
If there’s anything taking on bigger roles has taught him, it’s to take risks, stay vulnerable, and remain a student of the craft. “It’s amazing how taking on bigger roles has taught me humility and kept me hungry for more. That balance keeps me grounded and drives me to keep pushing boundaries.”
Securing the Son of the Soil Role
A look at the EbonyLife Academy alum’s previous roles finds him often cast as the typical Nollywood bad boy or lover boy. Films like We Have Rats (2023) are proof. In Son of the Soil, Golden steps away completely to be on the side of justice, a shift he describes as refreshing for his career.
“I was a bit surprised when I found out I was cast as the inspector because it’s not the typical role I’m used to, but I was excited at the prospect of exploring something new,” Golden says of his first reaction when he got the role.
He recalls getting a message from one of the producers and the casting director informing him of the role before the script was sent. “After speaking to the director, Chee Keong Cheung, I became even more excited and looked forward to becoming the character. For me, it was a refreshing character, and I couldn’t wait to dive in and bring him to life.”
Golden admits that his pursuit of truth is a striking similarity he shares with his character Inspector Bello in Son of the Soil. They are both driven by a desire to uncover truth and justice, in addition to their passion to create positive change that improves living conditions.
Despite the pressure, big sets, tight timelines, and high expectations that come with the production of action thrillers, navigating Son of the Soil’s story and production intensity was manageable for Golden. “To be honest, it felt easy for me. I’m not easily pressured or intimidated by anything. Once I lock in on something, it’s full throttle. I don’t see any obstacles, all glory to God,” he says.
With every role, actors stretch their range, and this creates growth. Golden confirms that his performance in Son of the Soil strengthened his ability to command scenes through stillness and internal tension, not external action. “It was about being fully present, not doing too much, and letting the camera capture the unspoken.”
Biggest Misconception About Rising Actors
In Nollywood and other film industries, actors’ visibility on social media often comes with misconceptions and audience expectations. The big names may enjoy financial stability because of their decade-long careers, but for rising actors like Golden, the story is different, especially behind the scenes.
“I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that visibility automatically equals stability,” the rising actor says, pointing out how audiences focus on an actor’s spotlight but not their struggles. “The moment you appear consistently on screen, audiences assume you’ve ‘made it,’ that you’re wealthy, settled, and that the industry just hands you opportunities. But the truth is, it’s still very much a grind.”
“It’s still project to project. You’re constantly working, auditioning, preparing, and building relationships, because nothing is guaranteed in this business,” he adds.
Building Craft, Industry Challenges, and Collaborations
In Nollywood’s challenging industry, mentorship and collaboration have been Golden’s biggest lifelines. “Mentors have given me perspective and taught me how to survive the business beyond just the craft, while collaboration has pushed me creatively and exposed me to new ways of telling stories and playing roles,” he says.
He also credits his community, both within and outside the industry, which keeps him grounded, motivated, and resilient. He believes the journey can be unpredictable, but having people who understand the highs and lows makes the difference.
As his career continues to evolve, Golden is passionate about stories that hold truth and humanity at their core, stories that reflect Nigeria’s past, struggles, and future, while challenging stereotypes and showcasing culture. “I want my work to spark empathy, conversation, and a deeper understanding of the world we live in. For me, storytelling isn’t just entertainment. It’s a legacy.”
On Nollywood’s growth in storytelling and performance, the rising actor says the Nigerian film industry is heading into an exciting phase over the next decade. “In terms of performance, I think actors are going to be challenged to dig even deeper: more layered characters, subtler expressions, and performances that can hold their own on both local and global stages.
“Storytelling will continue to diversify and mature. Technology and streaming platforms are giving filmmakers the tools to experiment with style, pacing, and scope, and I believe that will elevate both production quality and narrative depth. I think Nollywood will continue to tell stories that resonate locally while commanding respect internationally,” he says.
However, he admits there are several gaps in Nollywood that need urgent attention, highlighting quality production standards and investment in strong scripts and character development, which often lag behind.
“I hope to contribute by being intentional with the projects I take on, supporting stories that are well-written and thoughtfully produced, and mentoring younger actors when I can. I want to help raise the bar for performance and storytelling while championing a culture where professionalism, craft, and vision are valued as much as visibility and speed of production.”
Legacy, Potential Projects, and Dream Collaborations
For future projects, the actor is excited about roles that challenge him and hopes to explore more genres like historical drama, psychological thrillers, action thrillers, romance, comedy, and socially conscious stories. “I want characters with depth that push my craft and tell stories that resonate long after the screen goes dark.”
Locally, Golden hopes to collaborate with top actors and directors including Pete Edochie, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Femi Branch, Niyi Akinmolayan, Sola Sobowale, Funke Akindele, Kemi Adetiba, Jade Osiberu, and Kunle Afolayan for the authenticity and depth they bring to their work and craft.
Internationally, he admires actors who combine craft with versatility and take bold risks, like Idris Elba, Forest Whitaker, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jason Momoa, and Viola Davis, who sits at the top of his list. “Collaborating with them would be an incredible opportunity to learn and grow.”
Beyond acting, Golden is interested in writing, production, and directing in the future, but for now, his energy is focused on his craft as an actor. “I’m building a legacy of authenticity and impact. I want my work to make people feel seen, spark conversations, and inspire empathy. I hope the stories and characters I interpret reflect truth, courage, and a commitment to elevating voices that need to be heard.”
Often, audiences only see the final output of an actor on screen, but Golden wants them to understand that what they see is only the tip of the iceberg. They usually don’t see the countless late nights, the risks he takes, the moments of self-doubt, and the growth that comes with it.
“My work reflects a path of persistence, curiosity, and a constant effort to understand life and humanity more deeply. My dad’s words have stuck with me: ‘To be great is to be misunderstood. Insist on greatness, then you’ll be understood.’ These words sum up my journey: embracing the uncertainty and pushing forward, even when it’s tough.”