I’m one of highest-paid Yoruba-speaking actors – Ibrahim Chatta quashes underrated claim

• Ibrahim Chatta, has downplayed the notion by many that he is underrated in the movie industry.
• Speaking in a recent episode of the ‘Talk To B’ podcast, the Nupe-born actor clarified the claim.
• He stressed that he’s among the highest-paid Yoruba-speaking actors in the country and revealed why.

Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta has addressed claims that he is an underrated actor in the industry. Speaking during an interview on Talk to B, a podcast hosted by his colleague Biola Bayo, Ibrahim Chatta dismissed the notion, emphasizing his gratitude for the grace he has received from God.

Contrary to public perception, the Yoruba movie star described himself as fortunate, revealing that he enjoys one of the highest pay rates among Yoruba-speaking actors.

He attributed misconceptions about his status to his low-key presence on social media. The versatile actor said:

“And I will say this to my fans: I love you so much. You guys are amazing people. A lot of times, people will say Ibrahim Chatta is underrated. No, I am one lucky bastard. I have enjoyed the grace of God too much. I don’t deserve the things God did to me.”

Ibrahim Chatta explained that his charges are well-known among his colleagues in the industry. He noted:

“I am one of the highest-paid Yoruba-speaking actors. My colleagues know that my charges are high, but because they don’t see me posting things on social media, they think otherwise.”

The actor also expressed appreciation to his fans, acknowledging their role in his success despite his lack of formal education.

He revealed that he was a ‘studio rat’ before stardom and his early career earnings from music soundtracks and promotional jingles allowed him to demand fair compensation for his acting roles, even before his peers began requesting fees for movie appearances. His words:

“I gave myself responsibility because I discovered it would make me stronger.

“At a point, I told my mum that I was comfortable and that she shouldn’t bother sending me foodstuffs.

“But I wasn’t comfortable. So, I would work for about a week or two as a bus conductor and I would get somebody.

“Then I got lucky and I started writing and composing movie soundtracks. I did movie soundtracks for over 400 films, I did promotional jingles for over 400 firms.

“Then I wasn’t known as an actor. I had studios in Ikeja and other places. At a point, I was a studio rat. I would go to the studio, write songs, sing and perform.”