Reality TV star and actress Oluwabamike Olawunmi, popularly known as Bambam, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to filmmaker Bolanle Austen-Peters for playing a pivotal role in launching her Nollywood career.
Bambam made the touching revelation during the third graduation ceremony of The ACADEMY for the Performing Arts (TAFTA), held on Friday, April 11, at the Terra Kulture Arena, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, themed “Celebrating Creative Transformations”, spotlighted the artistic evolution of TAFTA students.
“She Saw Me Before the World Did”
In an emotional speech, the Big Brother Naija: Double Wahala alum described Austen-Peters as a mentor who believed in her potential before the world did.
“She identified my talent and positioned me on this stage in South Africa. My first major role Collision Course on Netflix was this woman. Mommy, I celebrate you today, I adore you—you will remain my role model forever,” Bambam said.
The 35-year-old actress encouraged the graduating students to embrace their passion and authenticity, using her own story as a testament to perseverance and self-belief.
“When I started, all I had was faith, little courage, and a lot of hope. I auditioned o! There’s no small script… I didn’t make the cut for Moremi the Musical. I got a nameless scene in The Little Boy. But who’s the queen now?”
“They Called Me Fake”
Bambam also reflected on her Big Brother Naija journey, recalling how she was once dismissed as being “too soft spoken” and inauthentic.
“They called me fake in Big Brother. They said she can’t be that feminine. But now, for some gracious God-ordained reason, this character is a stand-in for femininity in Nigeria. The world is celebrating authenticity.”
She urged the crowd to resist peer pressure and hold onto their individuality.
“If the world is mocking you in a certain way, no send their papa.”
From BBNaija to Nollywood Star
Since leaving the Big Brother house in 2018, Bambam has stayed true to her vision of becoming a symbol of excellence in Nigerian entertainment, both locally and globally.
“When I came out of BBNaija, I said I wanted to be the face of the industry… I stayed consistent, no matter the pay—on YouTube, Prime, Netflix—I did not reduce the quality of my performance. And the world is celebrating her today.”
Bambam, who is married to fellow BBNaija star Teddy A, with whom she shares two children, continues to draw praise for her versatility on screen. Her recent appearance in Love in Every Word has further cemented her growing reputation as a rising force in Nollywood.
Her inspiring story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of staying true to oneself.
