From the MetFilm School to Big Brother Naija, the rise of Erica Nlewedim is only just beginning

Erica Nlewedim

FORMER METFILM School acting student, Erica Nlewedim is now a household name in Nigeria having found fame last year after her performance on a Nigerian reality TV show, Big Brother Naija

I want to be the biggest star to have come out of Nigeria, I want to be known across Africa, South Africa, Europe and the UK

Erica Nlewedim

Nlewedim, 27, has over 1.6M followers on Instagram, over half a million followers on Twitter, over 1M views on TikTok and a massive fanbase called Elites – she is a very busy woman.

Originally a Business graduate of Nigeria’s Covenant University, Erica enrolled at London’s MetFilm School in 2019 to complete the Acting course (Levels 1 & 2) . She said: “I had already been working as an actor for four years before I started at MetFilm School.

“I knew that I needed to grow as an actor, I wanted to improve and I wanted to be able to act and fit in on any set, anywhere in the world, not just limit myself to Nigeria. So, I knew that the UK was the place to learn. And I wanted to go to a school where everyone speaks English.

“I chose MetFilm School London without even visiting the campus. I had spent time ‘Googling’ film schools and acting courses and I really liked the look of the school.  So, I called them and had a really good phone call with them, they answered my questions, and gave me all of the details – it was a welcoming and friendly experience and that’s when I made my decision to enrol.

“I had never visited the UK before, I’d visited other European countries like France, Spain and Germany several times, but not the UK, not until I started studying there.

“I enjoyed living and studying in London, I knew quite a few people from home who are studying and working there, so I had a network of familiar faces from the start.

“And I soon made new friends. I’m still in contact with people I met while studying there, I learnt a lot, and I know that I’m a better actor because of my experience there.

“I think learning about and being able to apply the Stanislavski Technique to my work has been really important. It helps me get into the mindset of the character – rather than just ‘acting’ the emotions, this technique has helped me understand the character, consider the character’s mindset and to ‘feel’ their emotions and draw on those for a more authentic performance.

“London is great, it’s expensive and the weather is sometimes horrible –  it was horrible when I was there, I’m sure it was the coldest summer ever except for a few warm days! I had done a lot of research, so I knew what to expect. Everyone was friendly, and it felt like home very quickly.”

Nlewedim travelled every day to the school based at the world-famous Ealing Studios from Colingdale, west London by London bus, she said: “I had the real London experience!”

Nlewedim didn’t waste any time when she got back to Nigeria and started work immediately: “As soon as I had finished the courses, I was back home and working. But then Covid hit and nothing much was happening. I was stuck at home and that’s when I decided to apply to be a housemate for Big Brother.

Devil in Agbada

“I knew it would be safe, we would be tested and in lockdown together, so I decided to give a go… and I was chosen! That’s when my career really skyrocketed. I’ve been so busy.

“Last December I worked on a project with Netflix, it’s a ‘Netflix Original Series’, I don’t know when it’s out and I can’t say any more about it. I’ve also shot two other movies this year and I’ve been working as a brand ambassador.”

Nlewedim, also known as ‘Star Girl’ is brand ambassador for Nigerian brands including Kuku’s Hair, Star Radler and Legend Beers, Kuda Bank, Partner Mobile and global brand, Swarovski jewellery. 

But she is not resting on her laurels; she is ambitious for her future: “I want to be the biggest star to have come out of Nigeria, I want to be known across Africa, South Africa, Europe and the UK.”

“My advice for anyone thinking about working in the screen industries is to work on improving yourself. Whether that’s through education or research; and learn to be your best self every day.

“Build a positive mindset and tell yourself positive things daily – be your own self’s best friend and work on your confidence. You have to be confident in yourself because it will make you a better actor.”

Erica also stars in Nollywood feature film, Devil in Agbada due to be released later this year.

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Comments Form

67 Comments

  1. | Oluwadamilola

    God bless your heart star girl, I love you.❤

    Reply

  2. | Munique

    Such a good read and the sky is her starting point.

    Reply

  3. | Mrs Ajayi

    Love it for you Erica,more wins.

    Reply

  4. | Aminata Kamara

    My hard-working girl I’m so proud of you. You’re beautiful, strong, talented, amazing and inspiring I love you Erica .❤️

    Reply

  5. | Ameh

    This was Beautiful

    Reply

  6. | Favour

    Nice article. Proud of you my StarGirl Erica ❤️❤️

    Reply

  7. | Tinah Charles

    I so much love it for her my Erica. This is just the beginning, greater things are yet to come! ❤⭐

    Reply

  8. | Mercy Danjuma

    This is very wonderful piece of Article

    Reply

  9. | kate ajide

    So proud of her….nice article.more win stargirl 🌟

    Reply

  10. | Lolade

    More wins stargirl ⭐⭐⭐

    Reply

  11. | Beyoncé's Baby

    What a read! Proud of you babes❤️

    Reply

  12. | Faiza Awudu

    Such a beautiful interview. Love you star girl and I’m proud of you! 🌟🌟

    Reply

  13. | ANTHONIA IHAZA

    Interesting read

    Reply

  14. | Yamkela_Somlota

    An inspiration indeed Nlewedim keep shining Star Girl

    Reply

  15. | Sandra

    Amazing read, really enjoyed this

    Reply

  16. | Nwatu Cynthia

    Love this! The sky is your stepping stone my baby…I’m very proud of you dear😘

    Reply

  17. | Anny

    Wow ! Such a good read . I’m so proud of you Erica ❤️ You will achieve all that and more in Shaa Allah 😘

    Reply

  18. | Gift Emmanuel

    My Erica ❤️⭐

    Reply

  19. | Assanatu Bangura

    So inspiring Erica Nlewedim you are blessed

    Reply

  20. | Lydia

    To say I’m proud of you would be an understatement Erica. Watching you fulfill your goal is a delight and I can’t wait to see more of what is in stock. ✨✨

    Reply

  21. | Gloria Arday

    Wow!!!!this is great stargal ⭐️⭐️⭐️Your hard work will always be acknowledged ❤️❤️❤️Go higher and higher always

    Reply

  22. | Dipewunmi

    Elites are forever for you StarGirl 🌟💓

    Reply

  23. | Jennifer

    Such a lovely read! More laurels star girl 🌟

    Reply

  24. | Okore Favour

    Nice article. Thank you The Voice. Baby Keep working and being yourself…love you soooooo much stargirl Erica 😍🥰

    Reply

  25. | Beulah Zion

    Beautiful interview. Am so proud of you Erica. Shine on my star girl🌟. God will perfect all that concerns you. Keep soaring!

    Reply

  26. | Magdalene

    Nice one! I’m so proud of you Star girl. Keep soaring higher.

    Reply

  27. | Favour

    I love Erica

    Reply

  28. | Chichi

    Our stargirl. May God continue to bless you and more open doors.

    Reply

  29. | Ikomi Mimi

    Star girl, keep shining 🌟🌟🌟🌟

    Reply

  30. | Galaletsang

    Eri’Billionaire ❤️😩

    I love you… South African Elite ⭐🌟🌠

    Reply

  31. | Uju

    May God continue to reward your hand work with success my Star girl.

    Reply

  32. | Best

    I really enjoyed this and I will take your advice Into action too. Thank you so much for being real. I love you ♥⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Reply

  33. | Esosa Rita

    Very inspiring. More success in your career and life in general. God bless you star girl

    Reply

  34. | Aisha

    Interesting article . Proud of you my award winning actress Erica

    Reply

  35. | Vivian_scee

    Erica you’re going far and beyond Africa. You’re very determined . I love your courage and enthusiasm. Keep it up girl. You’ve really paid your dues girl

    Reply

  36. | Rowena

    I Stan, Re-stan and Pakistan 🌟✨ your such an inspiration!!! So proud of you STAR GIRL… Keep shining 😘

    Reply

  37. | Marie-Claire

    Hardworking, talented and focused Nlewedim 👌✨✨✨✨

    Reply

  38. | Nomsa Pitso

    Beautiful article. We love you and support in South Africa.

    Reply

  39. | Victory okoto

    My brilliant and hardworking star girl

    Reply

  40. | Princess Nouredine

    I am so proud of u Erica
    The world awaits u sweetie
    Ur success is now keep pushing

    Reply

  41. | Ogo

    Very nice article. Go Erica Go

    Reply

  42. | Rita

    Love you STARGIRL Erica. Keep making us proud. I am here to hype and celebrate you baby girl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Reply

  43. | Peculiar

    The sky is your starting point star girl. Elite family loves you 😍

    Reply

  44. | Sophia

    Quite an Interesting article, I enjoyed reading it. More wins star Girl.

    Reply

  45. | Ella

    Erica is so smart, I pray God’s grace and favour abides with her forever. Super proud of you star girl ⭐

    Reply

  46. | Hussyqueen

    Wow the one and only star girl, we are super proud of Erica baby and keep flying higher amen🙌👏⭐👌🏼♥️🙏

    Reply

  47. | Rosh

    Awwww my baby aka star girl, you are destined for greatness and a super duper star you shall be, Amen!!
    Loved the interview!!!!

    Reply

  48. | Attah chisom

    You will reign forever Star girl.
    Your hardwork will pave a way for you

    Reply

  49. | T

    I’m so proud of you Erica. Keep doing what you love. The sky is only the beginning

    Reply

  50. | Vivian Uba

    I enjoyed the article.. Really proud of you star girl ❤

    Reply

  51. | Utchay

    An interesting piece!! Star Girl to the 🌎!! So proud of Erica

    Reply

  52. | Bukoka

    Keep making the elite league proud…. I love you my star girl

    Reply

  53. | Mariam

    Star girl to the world

    Reply

  54. | IFY

    Super proud of you Star girl. Keep shinning 🥰

    Reply

  55. | Jennifer

    Star girl to the world

    Reply

  56. | Asie

    This is such a beautiful article, so inspiring. Black child.. anything is possible! Upwards and Onwards Stargirl🌟 Elites will always have your back🤗

    Reply

  57. | Titi

    My hardworking queen

    Reply

  58. | Sally

    Am inspired 👏👏❤

    Reply

  59. | Nolitha

    So proud of you Erica.

    Reply

  60. | Lesego

    You really making us proud Star Girl. You are amazing Erica. God bless you

    Reply

  61. | Dolapo

    I love you ⭐girl God will continue to strengthen you

    Reply

  62. | Queen

    You’re doing great Star Girl ⭐️. You will continue to shine even more brighter than a diamond. God bless your hustle always. Amen.

    Reply

  63. | Funmi

    U re really a commando ….love u n proud of u star girl

    Reply

  64. | Blessing

    Am super proud of you, u wotht the name STAR ❤️❤️

    Reply

  65. | Debs

    Star girl Erica. She is amazing.

    Reply

  66. | juliana

    you are who you think you are – Star!
    keep shining sweet heart

    Reply

  67. | Aisha

    I love you Erica continue to be urself star girl to the world u are amazing 💞🥰

    Reply

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