09 Nov Spotlighting Prince Akpa
I was really excited to interview the super talented director, editor and colorist, Prince Akpa as he’s one of those people that don’t post alot about anything outside of the work they do. But here, he was honest and open, letting us in on a bit of the mystery. He shared a lot, from how he settled into the Lagos scene, dealing with imposter syndrome, to his actual government name—yes, his name is actually not Prince Akpa.
E: What came first, being an editor, colourist, or director?
PA: I started off as an editor, making anime edits, then I transitioned to making my own videos. In the early days, I didn’t have any to color my videos, so I learnt how to do it myself.
E: Do you think Nigerians are beginning to have much more respect for the creative industry and those in it?
PA: Nigerians enjoy the creative industry and what it has to offer, but the respect isn’t there. No one actually wants their child to be in the industry because of how things go. Nothing is straightforward, and success isn’t assured. Things are gradually changing, but very slowly.
E: How important is it to have parents that support what you do?
PA: If my parents weren’t supportive, it might have been a different story. I mean, I might have quit or it might have motivated me to go harder. Regardless, I think parents’ being supportive can take you the extra mile. My parents got me my first camera, even though I had to prove I really needed it.
‘Posh Life’ by Mukhy feat. Babbz & Sasuk3 Music Video Edited By Prince Akpa
E: What was it like moving from Ogun State and merging into the Lagos creative scene?
PA: It wasn’t easy at all. At first, I started coming to Lagos on my own at 16. I had no relatives here, so I’d go and come back the same day, or I’d just crash at my friend’s place for a day or two. And I was doing that every week. Now, I’m more settled. I live with other creatives and tech bros.
E: This is my attempt at being cheeky. How long will you be a laser youth? forever?
PA: [chuckles out of pity] I’ve accepted it. People call me Alte, so I’ve just decided to go with it. It’s really cool and exciting to work in that scene. It’s pretty different from working with mainstream artists. These are people I used to watch on YouTube when I was younger. Now, they have started a whole new wave. Honestly, working so closely with them is like a dream come true.
E: You’ve worked with pretty notable names and brands, from Apple to LadiPoe and Odunsi. Have you ever felt any form of “imposter syndrome”, even with your level of expertise?
PA: Yes, all the time. Every step of the way, I question myself, asking, “Am I supposed to be here?”, “Do I deserve this?” or “Is someone else supposed to be in my place?”. But when I have these thoughts, I get through them by talking to my close friends and my mom about them. She motivates me and tells me that I am gradually seeing the results of my labor. After some time, I started to feel like myself but it’s always like that, especially when I get to new stages in my career.
E: Gun to your head Is there a project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of and one that you aren’t ?
PA: I did the visualizer for Ladipoe and Rema’s song, Afro Jigga. It was impromptu. We just pulled up and created magic that went viral. It’s one of my favorite projects not because of what I was able to do with little to no planning, but of the experience of working with them. They are very down to earth. I didn’t feel out of place. We all shared ideas, and it felt authentic.
E: What advice would you give a younger editor just starting out?
PA: Put yourself out there. Turn up for social gatherings and try to connect with people. There’s a limit to how far the internet can take you. At some point, you have to go out there and network. Because you can never tell how far it’s going to take you. It might not be the next week, month, or even year. But that one person you spoke to that one time can put you on.
E: Are you working on anything exciting at the moment?
PA: Right now I’m working as a colorist on a campaign video for Rahman Jago’s brand, “High Fashion,” and on a Native Records campaign video.
E: Is there anything else you’d want people to know about you that isn’t out there?
PA: People think I’m bald because I always wear hats. Well, I’m not. I just really like them. My government name is also not Prince Akpa. It’s actually Prince Onyedikachi. My dad’s last name is Akpa. He changed it to Onyedikachi for my sister and I. Since Onyedikachi is a pretty long name, I decided to make ‘Prince Akpa’ my social media alias in case I became a celebrity.
Dickson Bestman
Posted at 22:47h, 19 NovemberMy boy! 😭
Akpa Favour
Posted at 01:07h, 20 November❤❤
Idris King
Posted at 13:19h, 20 NovemberOn Y Va! 🔥
deathshouldrest
Posted at 19:37h, 20 Novemberno 1 like akpa fr