PLAYING "OMERA" WAS TASKING BUT I LOVE THE EXPERIENCE - DESMOND BRYCE

Get the inside scoop into the world of Desmond Bryce and discover an actor of passion, creativity and dedication.Come along lovelies, let's celebrate Party Jollof Africa Spotlight for this month.He talks about his career among other things Let's get to know the thriving actor par excellence. DESMOND BRYCE.!

Desmond Bryce - Cover for PartyJollof Africa

PJA :No one just got here,tell us your journey into Nollywood.?

Desmond: My journey into Nollywood began six months after completing my NYSC (National Youth Service Corps). I moved to Lagos in May 2018. I had finished all my school-related activities and made my way to Lagos to pursue a career in acting.

Sought formal training in acting due to lack of background.Enrolled in Royal Arts Academy in Lagos.

After Two weeks into film school, participated in a short film for the Real Time Film Festival.The challenge was to shoot, edit, and submit a film within 20 hours.The film won the festival award of the year, which was motivational.

After film school, I actively attended auditions.By the end of 2018, landed roles in two feature films.Continued to secure various jobs in the industry up to my current status.

PJA: How did you survive the hurdle as a green in Nollywood?

Desmond: By Trusting God, Continually improving my craft through videos, workshops and acting school, By doing internships( I did intern on a Series for Netflix in 2019, 2 stage plays at Muson Centre in 2019 and 2020 respectively and a Reality TV show for Africa Magic in 2019) and also Working as Teaching Assistant in the department of Acting for Screen, Ebonylife Academy in 2021

PJA : What's the most significant lesson you've learned about yourself through acting?

Desmond: I don’t think there is a significant lesson I’ve learnt about myself through acting. There’s this thing my acting coach used to say. If you don’t know yourself, how can you play someone else. So I know myself and for all I’ve learnt, it didn’t take acting for me to learn them

PJA :What inspires the kind of person you are?

Desmond: For me it’s a who and I’ll say The Holy Spirit.  

PJA :How do you get to choose your project or roles?

Desmond: I love roles that are tasking where the character can go on a journey whilst taking everyone along. I’m very grateful that these kinds of character come to me either through auditions or recommendations 

PJA : What drives your passion for acting?

Desmond: To be honest, It’s to be opportunity it avails me to heat a mark on people’s minds by addressing something through the Characters I play 

PJA : Have you played your most challenging roles yet? If yes,tell us about it.?

Desmond :Whilst looking forward to more challenging roles, Omera has to be my most challenging roles yet. It drained me a lot physically as the character was always going from one problem to another . Omera was also put in a coffin, He fell in a shallow pit, he was on the bare floor being dragged my forces beyond his control( I had to act that way). You’d need to watch these to understand 

PJA : What is the toughest criticism you have faced,and how did you respond?

Desmond :I haven’t faced any criticism 

PJA : What impact do you hope your work has on your audience?

Desmond: That through the characters I play or projects that I’m a part of, people aspire to be everything that were called out and written out to be 

PJA : If you could play any fictional character in a movie,what character would that be?

Desmond: Wolverine, I love the fact that He can quick Heal and that He has Adamantium 

PJA : How do you relax after a long day?

Desmond : I just Sleep.

PJA : What is the most embarrassing moment on set?

Desmond: I have not had an embarrassing moment on set.

PJA : What's your go-to karaoke song?

Desmond: I don’t have a go to Karaoke song.

PJA : How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also meeting demands of the industry.?

Desmond: knowing when to say No or Yes and Knowing when to meet at the middle 

PJA : The year is still young,what should we expect from Desmond in 2025 after playing such an expectional role "Omera"Africa magic original series?

Desmond: Colossal things. Eyes have not seen nor eyes heard… 

PJA :What was it like playing the "Omera's character?

Desmond :It was fun and exciting but also energy demanding but I’m grateful for the opportunity to play that role.

PJA : What is the most attractive value that fascinate in the opposite sex?

Desmond:My most attractive value is fellowship With The Holy Spirit 

PJA : What are you most grateful for?

Desmond: I'm grateful for the Gift of Life.