Nollywood actor Chris Bassey quits movie for plumbing in Canada

Nigerian Nollywood movie producer and actor, Chris Bassey, has announced his departure from the Nigerian entertainment industry to pursue a career in plumbing in Canada.

He made this revelation during an Instagram Live interview with media personality Daddy Freeze.

During the live session, Bassey explained that his new career not only offers better pay than tech jobs but also provides a more relaxed lifestyle.

When asked by Freeze about his career path since relocating abroad, Bassey shared:

“I am into construction here; I do construction; I am a plumber.”

He further emphasized the financial benefits of his new profession, stating:

“In the last seven months, the provinces I have visited on weekends just within Canada, someone who is into tech cannot afford what I was paid.

“I am not capping. I know what I am saying; I do not know about the US but here.”

Profile of Chris Bassey

Chris Bassey, a Nigerian actor and movie producer, gained recognition in the Nollywood industry for his roles in various films.

Though he did not achieve the high-profile fame of some of his contemporaries, Bassey was known for his versatility, playing a range of roles that allowed him to explore different facets of his craft.

In addition to acting, he ventured into movie production, which further showcased his understanding of the entertainment industry.

Bassey’s shift from Nollywood to a plumbing career in Canada came as a surprise to his fans.

He recently announced this transition during an Instagram Live interview with media personality Daddy Freeze.

Bassey emphasized that his new profession as a plumber has provided him with more financial stability and a better lifestyle compared to many tech jobs.

He noted that the opportunities he now enjoys, such as traveling to various Canadian provinces on weekends, are beyond the reach of many tech professionals.

This career change highlights the broader trend among Nigerians seeking better economic opportunities abroad.

Despite his success in Nollywood, Bassey’s decision reflects the evolving dynamics of the Nigerian job market, where even successful actors and producers are seeking new avenues in other fields due to the challenging economic environment.

Challenges in the Nigerian entertainment industry

Limited financial opportunities:

Despite the size of Nollywood, the financial structure of the Nigerian entertainment industry often leaves actors and producers with limited revenue.

Most Nollywood productions operate on small budgets, and many players in the industry depend on personal or small-scale financing.

Even successful films may not guarantee substantial earnings due to poor distribution systems and piracy, which significantly cut into profits.

This lack of financial stability drives many professionals to seek alternative careers abroad.

Inconsistent pay: Payment delays and disputes are common in the Nigerian entertainment sector.

Many actors and crew members report going months without receiving their salaries, which further destabilizes their financial security.

This inconsistency forces industry professionals to look for more reliable job opportunities outside of the country, where they can expect steady pay and employment contracts.

Piracy: Rampant piracy in Nigeria is one of the industry’s biggest financial drains.

Unauthorized distribution of movies drastically reduces the revenue actors and producers can generate from their work, leaving many disillusioned with the industry’s capacity to support long-term careers.

Piracy issues are exacerbated by limited enforcement of intellectual property laws, making it difficult for filmmakers to control the distribution of their content.

Lack of industry growth: Nollywood has grown in terms of quantity, but challenges such as outdated production technology, underdeveloped infrastructure, and limited access to global distribution platforms restrict its full potential.

This stagnation limits career growth for many entertainers, particularly those looking to expand their horizons internationally or engage in high-quality productions.

Consequently, some Nollywood stars migrate in search of industries where they can advance their careers in better conditions.

Migration of Nollywood stars and Nigerian entertainers

Several notable Nollywood actors and Nigerian entertainers have relocated abroad, often transitioning to non-entertainment careers:

Osas Ighodaro: Although she initially built her career in Nigeria, Osas Ighodaro moved to the United States, where she pursued further acting opportunities, presenting, and advocacy work.

She leveraged the larger U.S. entertainment industry to broaden her career beyond Nollywood.

Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD): Although still active in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, RMD also spent significant time abroad for professional development and various ventures.

His move was driven by the desire to build a stronger international presence, a route many Nigerian entertainers are now considering.

Ufuoma McDermott: McDermott also relocated to the UK, where she pursued other professional opportunities and advanced her education in film production and acting.

This helped her gain international experience, returning to Nigeria with greater exposure but also developing alternative paths for herself abroad.

The driving forces behind these migrations often include a need for financial stability, access to better opportunities, and an urge to explore non-entertainment careers due to the unpredictability of Nollywood’s future.

While some actors return to Nigeria after gaining international exposure, others settle abroad, transitioning into entirely new industries.

For example, many Nigerian entertainers diversify into entrepreneurship or media-related businesses abroad, as they find more structured systems and predictable returns on investment in countries with better-regulated industries.

Canada’s economic opportunities for skilled workers

Why Nigerians choose Canada for migration

Economic stability and job security: Canada’s economy is robust, with a high standard of living, universal healthcare, and a low unemployment rate compared to Nigeria.

Many Nigerians, including Chris Bassey, migrate for economic stability and the opportunities Canada offers in various sectors.

Canada’s diverse economy includes strong growth in industries such as construction, healthcare, technology, and trades.

The financial prospects in skilled trades, particularly in plumbing and construction, are appealing to individuals seeking better pay and work-life balance, which are often missing in creative industries like entertainment.

Appeal of trade professions: Unlike some white-collar professions that may have slower job growth, trades such as plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work are consistently in demand in Canada.

Trades offer stable employment with good pay, making them particularly attractive to immigrants like Bassey who are seeking financial security and job predictability.

These roles also provide clear paths to advancement, unlike some entertainment jobs, which can be highly volatile.

Canada’s immigration policies for skilled workers: Canada’s immigration system is well-structured to attract skilled professionals from around the world.

Programs such as the Express Entry system and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) make it easier for skilled workers to move to Canada.

These programs focus on attracting individuals with qualifications and experience in trades, healthcare, IT, and engineering, recognizing the need to fill gaps in the labor market.

Canada’s Global Talent Stream is another initiative that accelerates the visa process for skilled workers.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program specifically targets tradespeople, allowing them to immigrate and gain permanent residency.

Additionally, Canada has a welcoming approach to immigrants, providing access to settlement services, language training, and support for job placement, which makes the transition smoother for individuals like Bassey.

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