Ekene Umenwa Recounts Nollywood Struggles Over Her Faith and Praises Gospel Hit “No Turning Back”
Nollywood actress Ekene Umenwa has revealed the challenges she faced as a newcomer in the Nigerian movie industry after refusing to abandon her Christian faith. In an Instagram video shared recently, Umenwa vibed to “No Turning Back,” the powerful collaboration between gospel singers Lawrence Oyor and Gaise Baba, before opening up about industry pressures to let go of her religious convictions.
Recalling her early days in Nollywood, Ekene Umenwa explained that she was repeatedly urged to “drop this your Jesus and Mary” if she wanted to succeed on screen. Rather than comply, she leaned on her faith, declaring, “I ran to my Father Jesus: ‘I am with you. Move—they will join us. Just concentrate and don’t look back.’” Today, she says, many of her colleagues boldly profess the same beliefs she once had to defend in private.
Umenwa’s public tribute to Lawrence Oyor and Gaise Baba came as the duo’s song “No Turning Back” climbed the charts in the Nigerian Christian community. The track, with its message of unwavering dedication to Christ in every circumstance, clearly resonated with the actress. Sharing a clip of herself dancing to the song, she wrote, “@gaisebaba @lawrenceoyor thank you for this powerful song,” highlighting how it underpins her conviction never to turn away from God despite external pressures.
The video quickly drew praise from fans and fellow industry figures. Commenters like vivajane5 hailed Ekene’s unwavering devotion—“How can one leave Jesus? He is too sweet!”—while others, such as judith.obu, emphasized that “Following Jesus is always the best decision; the joy and peace are unmatched.” These reactions underscore a growing openness among Nollywood stars to speak about their spiritual journeys amid the fast-paced demands of cinematic careers.
Ekene Umenwa’s story is part of a broader conversation about faith and authenticity in Nollywood. As the industry continues to expand, many actors find themselves navigating the tension between commercial success and personal convictions. Umenwa’s decision to stand firm has turned her into an example for others, showing that it is possible to thrive in Nigeria’s film capital without compromising deeply held beliefs.
Beyond her testimony, Umenwa’s shout-out to Lawrence Oyor and Gaise Baba highlights the power of gospel music to inspire and uplift. Their song “No Turning Back” not only became an instant hit but also reinforced the idea that art rooted in faith can resonate across diverse audiences. Ekene’s endorsement brings further visibility to the track, connecting Nollywood’s glitz with the gospel music scene.
As Nollywood evolves, Ekene Umenwa’s experience reminds viewers and industry insiders alike that personal integrity and professional success need not be mutually exclusive. Her public praise for “No Turning Back” and her unwavering commitment to her faith serve as a powerful testament: in an industry often defined by compromise, courage and conviction can pave the way to both spiritual and career fulfillment.
