Nollywood actor Nwosu Michael, popularly known as Yabkaba, has opened up about his personal transformation, crediting fellow actor Zubby Michael for playing a major role in turning his life around.
In a recent interview, Yabkaba revealed that before 2020, he lived without any fear of God. But after what he describes as a divine encounter, he surrendered his life to Christ and became a new person. Reflecting on his past, he admitted that his “bad boy” reputation extended beyond the screen. He confessed:
“I was once a bad boy. But thank God for today because my life has changed.”
According to him, one of the pivotal moments in his transformation came during an encounter with Zubby Michael on a movie set. Despite Zubby’s own reputation for portraying rough and rugged characters on screen, Yabkaba said the actor surprised him with a message of encouragement. Yabkaba recalled:
“He told me I am a star and should stay focused. I was shocked because I thought he was a bad boy due to his movie roles. But that day, he carried me along on set and made me feel comfortable.”
The conversation sparked a friendship between the two, with many mistaking them for brothers because of their shared surname. Yabkaba credited Zubby’s words with helping him avoid destructive associations and motivating him to concentrate on his career.
Yabkaba’s journey in Nollywood began with his debut movie ‘Return of Shina Rambo’, directed by Ilochi Olisemeka. The film gave him a reputation for playing rugged “bad boy” characters, a stereotype he carried into other productions such as German Machine, Who Killed Abobi, Convenant of Money, Secret of Zubby, Flashback, The Assassin, and The Clash.
While these roles cemented his image as a tough actor on screen, Yabkaba says his real-life transformation has been just as dramatic. He now embraces his new faith and continues to work towards redefining his career and personal journey.
Beyond his testimony, Yabkaba also shared candid advice for those hoping to make it in Nollywood. He emphasized the importance of financial stability before pursuing acting, noting that his ability to provide for himself early on gave him the resilience needed to survive in the industry. He said:
“Coming up, I had a car and could take care of myself. It wasn’t easy, but if I had family or industry support, it would have been less difficult.”
Despite originally dreaming of a white-collar career after university, Yabkaba now sees acting as his divine calling. He encouraged young talents to remain focused, financially independent, and spiritually grounded as they navigate Nollywood’s challenges.
