FridayTreat

Corporate espionage, genre rarely explored in Nigeria —Efa Iwara

‘Princess on a Hill’ offers a fresh and exciting look at the African corporate world. This Showmax Original dives into the rarely explored drama of office politics, power struggles, and backroom deals, bringing a side of Nollywood we don’t often see. Ozzy, played by the talented Efa Iwara, is a pivotal character in the undercurrents of Lawson Group. In this interview, he shares insights about his character and the making of ‘Princess on a Hill’. ROTIMI IGE brings excerpts.

Tell us about your character.

Ozzy is a very nice, delectable gentleman—demure, homely, loveable, kind, and sweet. Anything else you hear about him, don’t believe it! He’s a great guy.

What attracted you to the character?

What drew me in was the element of corporate espionage. It’s a genre rarely explored in Nigeria, and that intrigued me. Plus, the exceptional talent on the project, the production team, and, of course, Showmax made it a no-brainer.

What was most challenging about playing your character?

There were a few challenges! One was trimming my beard because they said no office worker would look like me. I also had to adjust my haircut. Beyond the physical transformation, I worked closely with the director and producer to craft Ozzy’s persona, ensuring he felt authentic and layered.

What are the relatable themes the audience can look forward to?

First, the central “grass to grace” theme resonates deeply—everyone dreams of success and growth. Second, the series highlights that not everything is as it seems, adding layers of intrigue. Lastly, it teaches the importance of following your heart.

Can you describe ‘Princess on a Hill’ in one word?

“Prism.” It reflects the different levels of power, control, and hierarchy—from the bosses to the underdogs, and Ozzy is somewhere in between.

In what way is your character important to the progression of the story?

Ozzy is integral to the story as he’s closely connected to our Princess and her quest for growth. But here’s the twist—she may also be pivotal to his development. You’ll have to watch to see how!

What can you say about the love triangle between Ozzy, Zara, and Tolani?

I thought one person would win, but it turns out, the outcome is not what you’d expect. So, I wouldn’t call it a love triangle—it’s more a triangle of trust and mistrust.

What about Princess on a Hill excited you the most?

The standout acting performances, the compelling story, and the celebration of African excellence really excited me.

What was it like preparing for your intimate scenes?

It’s all about professionalism. People assume intimate scenes are fun, but they’re just part of the work. You have to understand your boundaries and execute the scenes convincingly.

Rotimi Ige