Isioma Okey-Nwosu On SocialMedia Fame And Playing OyeIn Under The Influence

Showmax’s latest orig­inal series, Under the Influence, offers an intimate look at the complexities of influencer culture. A key player in the story is Oye, played by Isioma Okey-Nwosu—a street-smart hustler with relentless am­bition and boundless energy. As the childhood friend and self-appointed manager of ris­ing influencer Dami (Iremide Adeoye), Oye is both an en­abler and a protector, propel­ling Dami toward success, sometimes with unintended consequences.

Isioma Okey-Nwosu delves into his role, the nuances of social media fame, and the unique perspective Under the Influence brings to the screen.

What do you think is the sus­taining factor between Oye and Dami’s relationship?

I think the sustaining fac­tor might just be the fact that Oye is quite a loyal friend. He is also streetwise compared to Dami—you get? Oye helps Dami manoeuvre in some ar­eas where I don’t think Dami would thrive. So, I think that’s what holds their friendship together.

Oye forms a bond with a mute lady. Without giving spoilers, how do you think that helped his character evolve?

Well, I don’t know exact­ly, but I’m just going to say, that Oye is a talkative fellow. He’s always ‘cho cho cho’ (he jokes). And it’s only right that his significant other is quiet. But in helping his character, I think the relationship helped reduce this. It calmed him down in relating and trying to understand her, I guess.

In your opinion, what do you think is the most impactful part of this drama?

Well, I’m gonna say the whole series, because it kind of shows you how a social media influencer navigates life, which is not something we see regularly. We all just see the influencers online, we know that this person appears well, but we do not see the trials and tribula­tions that most of them go through. Although some peo­ple try to show you their be­hind-the-scenes and all that, I think the show, in all is great, it gives you that insight from different perspectives and different angles.

What is the craziest thing you’ve done for social media validation?

To be honest, nothing. I’m not easily swayed. If you peo­ple don’t like me, you don’t like me—that’s the way I see it. If you guys check my social media, I do not do much. Fol­lowers are little? No problem. Whoever wants to see me will see me when the time is right. That’s just the way I feel about it.

Whether Oye is making deals, stirring up trouble, or learning unexpected lessons along the way, one thing is cer­tain—Oye is a character that viewers won’t forget anytime soon.