Nengi Adoki on Overcoming Creative Constraints and Building a Filmmaking Career with Wellness at the Core

Nengi Adoki is a multifaceted force in the Nigerian entertainment industry. An actor, producer, director, and wellness advocate, she effortlessly blends these roles into her dynamic career and personal life.

Adoki’s journey into filmmaking began during her time at the University of Toronto, where she worked with the African Students Association (ECASA). From there, she transitioned into acting, performing on stage and taking on roles in Bolanle Austen Peters’ productions, which helped her build her career in Nigerian theatre.

As an emerging filmmaker, Adoki emphasizes the importance of community, creativity, and innovationnespecially when faced with the challenges of limited resources.

In an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter, she opens up about her journey as a filmmaker, balancing multiple roles, and creating content that resonates with her audience.

Adoki’s notable work, “The Most Toasted Girl in Lagos”, emerged from her need to express herself fully in the Nollywood space. After breaking into the industry in 2016/2017, she struggled to find roles that allowed her to showcase her range as an actress. Thus, she decided to create her own platforma show that could leverage her unique talents. The concept for “The Most Toasted Girl in Lagos” came to life with the help of her manager, Bolaji, comedian Bovi, and a platform called The Nengers. Launched in 2020, the web series made its debut on YouTube, with eight episodes that reflect the everyday struggles of Nigerian women navigating relationships, careers, and survival in Lagos.

As the series gained popularity, Adoki and her team worked hard to ensure the show was not just a reflection of her personal experiences but also relatable to a wider audience. “The Most Toasted Girl in Lagos is like every girl in Lagos trying to survive, but she’s getting toasted (hit on) along the way,” Adoki explains. Season two, in particular, expands beyond just the character’s love life to explore different aspects of her growth and challenges, offering young women valuable lessons.

However, creating this series wasn’t without its challenges. “Budget limitations will challenge you and your creativity, but you just have to roll with it,” Adoki admits. “Being a filmmaker means thinking fast and solving problems on the fly. For instance, in the fourth episode of season two, titled ‘The Wedding Party,’ we had to shoot a wedding scene. Weddings are supposed to be glamorous, but because we didn’t have the budget for a dream wedding, we had to get creative. We focused on set design, the color palette, and styling, and we were able to make it work with just twenty-five extras.”

The delicate balance between career and life is another struggle that Adoki has navigated with determination. As a working actor, writer, and producer, finding time for self-care is essential. She shares how her wellness routine plays a crucial role in maintaining her physical and mental health amidst the pressures of filmmaking. “I’m big on wellness,” she says. “If you don’t take care of yourself, you don’t have much to offer others. Wellness means intentionally slowing down, connecting with God, my family, and taking care of my body and mind. I’ve learned to say no when necessary and focus on what truly matters to me.”

Adoki also approaches her finances with a pragmatic mindset. Filmmaking, with its unpredictable income streams, requires careful financial planning. “I’ve lived with little and plenty,” she explains. “When I get paid, I divide that money by twelve months to manage my cash flow. I make sure I’m living well beneath my means, which allows me to work towards my goals without financial stress.”

Her typical day reflects her diverse roles. “My days are dynamic,” she says with a smile. “I write, produce, act, and I’m also into tech and wellness. I start my day by journaling and praying, then work out. If I’m working on a project, I get into editing, and I study films with my manager, Bolaji. I make time for family and friends, and meetings when necessary. It’s all about staying grounded and consistent.”

Adoki’s advice for other filmmakers is simple yet profound: “If filmmakers pay attention to the scope of work during pre-production, they’ll be surprised at what they can achieve, even with a limited budget.”

Through her work on “The Most Toasted Girl in Lagos”, Nengi Adoki exemplifies the power of creativity, collaboration, and resilience. Her journey is a testament to the importance of combining passion with practicality and wellness with work. As a filmmaker, Adoki is not only telling stories that resonate with audiences but also inspiring others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.