Prosper Light’s Road to “SIN” from Instagram to Amazon Original

Breaking into Nollywood often requires years of auditions, networking, and, for many, sheer luck. But for Prosper Light, an emerging actor and filmmaker, persistence and strategy played a bigger role.

With no industry connections or representation, he took matters into his own hands; cold-messaging directors, tagging producers in posts, and relentlessly promoting his work. One of those messages reached Jim Iyke and, within weeks, Light found himself on the set of “Sin,” a multi-million-dollar Amazon Original film.

Directed by Yemi Morafa and led by Nollywood veteran Jim Iyke, “Sin” is already generating buzz. While plot details remain tightly guarded, the film boasts a strong cast, including Toni Tones and Yemi Blaq. Light plays a priest in what he describes as a brief but pivotal role, one that also highlights misconceptions about albinism, a cause close to his heart. His journey to securing this role, however, was anything but conventional.

For years, Light had been building his career independently. From appearing in films like “A Bag of Trouble” and “The Sun’s Glory” to directing his award-winning short, “Till Death Do Us Part”, he remained focused on creating and showcasing his talent. Despite the challenges of working in an industry known for its closed doors, he refused to wait for opportunities to come to him. Instead, he made his own.

The decision to directly reach out to filmmakers was both bold and calculated. Social media has become a powerful tool in Nollywood, bridging the gap between aspiring talents and established industry figures. Light’s success with “Sin” shows this shift, proving that sometimes, the right message at the right time can be career-defining.

Beyond acting, Light is also growing his presence as a filmmaker. His second short film, “A Rainbow for Christmas,” is set to premiere on December 20, 2025, exploring themes of identity and family. While he continues to celebrate his recent achievements, he remains focused on the bigger picture; telling meaningful stories and securing more roles that challenge and inspire him.

In an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Prosper Light discusses his journey, the realities of being an independent actor, and how persistence landed him a role in “SIN”.

TNR: Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an actor before landing the role in “SIN”?

Prosper Light: I have gained every opportunity through perseverance, passion, and dedication. I’ve always believed in my abilities and been relentless in pursuing my dreams, exploring every possible avenue. From attending select auditions to continuously updating my actor’s materials and collaborating with rising talents, I’ve stayed focused. Although I don’t have representation yet, I’ve placed a strong emphasis on personal branding, positioning myself well, and building my community.

What challenges have you faced in Nollywood as a rising actor, and how have you navigated them?

Most of the challenges I’ve faced aren’t unique to me. We all know that productions often have tight budgets, which can affect both compensation and overall well-being. While actors always find ways to cope, I see these as sacrifices that contribute to Nollywood’s growth. A regulatory body would benefit the industry, as the lack of structure can lead to exploitation.

Additionally, as someone with albinism, I’ve noticed that many producers don’t do enough background research on their talents or consider how to make the experience more comfortable. I have to manage my own sunscreen, umbrellas, and other protective measures while filming.

You mentioned that you landed the role after sending your acting reel to Jim Iyke on Instagram. Can you walk us through that process?

After receiving my reel from the studio, I knew just posting it on Instagram wouldn’t be enough. For weeks, I took a proactive approach – tagging directors and producers in comments and stories, sending direct messages, and emailing everyone I could. Some directors responded with appreciation, some promised future collaborations, and many just left comments. It was overwhelming. Jim Iyke’s response was one of the quickest, and it led to me landing a role in a project that had already begun production.

Did you have any prior connection with Jim Iyke or anyone in the production before reaching out?

No, I only admired him as a successful actor. My reel was the first message I sent him, and this was my first time working with everyone on set.

When you were contacted for the role, what was your initial reaction, and how did the conversation unfold?

I received a call from the producer, who mentioned that Jim Iyke had asked for my number on Instagram. I was thrilled. The producer scheduled a meeting for a closed audition, and that was when I met Jim Iyke for the first time.

What can you tell us about your role in SIN? Is it a major role or a supporting character?

I played the role of a priest in the film. I’d describe it as a cameo, though it is pivotal to the story. Sharing the screen with the main characters was an incredible experience, and I believe my presence adds depth and meaning to the narrative.

How was your experience on set, especially working with Jim Iyke and other cast members?

It was both fun and educational. Working alongside industry legends was humbling, and I made new friends with fellow rising talents on set.

Were there any particularly memorable moments during filming?

Oh, yes! After my performance, Chidi Mokeme gave me a knuckle bump. He said, “I was scared; I thought we would retake that, but you did great.” That moment felt like winning an AMVCA Trailblazer Award. I was overjoyed and honored to receive such recognition from a veteran. The entire crew cheered for me, and I truly felt seen and appreciated.

How has this opportunity impacted your career? Have you received more recognition or offers since being part of the project?

Personally, I consider this a defining opportunity. It reminded me that every small step in achieving my dream is valid. I trust that more doors will open as promotions begin and my face becomes more widely recognized. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

What lessons have you learned from this experience that you’d like to share with aspiring actors?

Keep selling yourself nonstop. Showcase your work everywhere and reach out to people both online and in person. Growth is key, and every single action counts.

As someone who has openly spoken about albinism, do you think your role in “SIN” connects to this?

Absolutely. I believe my role is something my community should look out for. As a priest in the film, my character sheds light on cultural and traditional misconceptions surrounding albinism.

What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations we should look out for?

My directorial debut, “Till Death Do Us Part,” recently premiered and won Best Film at its first screening. I’m still celebrating that achievement! I’m also working on my second short film, “A Rainbow for Christmas,” which explores identity and family. It’s set to premiere on December 20, 2025. I’m confident I’ll book more roles as I continue to tell my own story as a filmmaker.

If you had to give one piece of advice to actors trying to break into Nollywood, what would it be?

You are your number one marketer. You need to be your own distributor and, when necessary, your first producer. It doesn’t have to be a feature film or short film, but you must create content that showcases your talent. Creating something is the key to breaking in.