Before you’re caught in a state of pandemonium, be clear that this isn’t Jim Iyke but Epule Jeffrey we’re talking about. Many movie enthusiasts or lovers, nowadays, will never know how significant Epule Jeffrey is to the movie industry.
Pseudonym “Papa”, Epule Jeffrey is to the Cameroonian movie industry like D’banj is to the Nigerian music industry, that is, they hardly get their flowers.
It is very common to find us giving credit to the new generation for the progress achieved so far, while ignoring the generation that started it all and/or gave the work of art a different approach.
It is much easier for Cameroonian actors, whether old or new, to now break into Nollywood, contrary to being able to do so a decade ago. A decade ago, many actors were quite passionate, enthusiastic and ambitious about the craft, but lacked the exposure and what it took to break even.
However, the likes of Jeffrey did their magic to take the whole thing internationally and professionally. He collaborated with the hottest and biggest names in the market at the time, not ending there, but also opening the way for foreigners to look towards the unexploited fertile movie ground – Cameroon.
Even though he is still one of finest and best to have ever sat in front of the lens from Cameroon, Epule and some of his fellow compatriots went through the rough patches for the industry that we see today.
Born and bred in Cameroon, he did not need to sell his birthright or identity to put his mark on the industry. With a Bachelor’s degree in Public Law, his navigation in the entertainment industry could not be any enterprising, given that he doubles as an exciting event host. These could only add sauce to his charming and charismatic persona. No wonder he was always a fan-favorite.
He is easily the most decorated actor in the industry with his career spanning 13 years, with a consistent and distinguished filmography. While some film lovers have always believed that Epule and Jim Iyke are twins, that is false and both of them do not relate, not even in a movie.
Epule Jeffrey might have taken the backseat, and resorted to production and coaching as well as indulging in other businesses, but even if he is not seen infront of the screen like it used to be the case, his work for this continuously rising industry cannot be incinerated by the industry’s inability to give him his props.
At 40, he is not labeled “PAPA” for no reason, he is called that because he is truly one and one in who Bakossi people are elated to have represent them and the entire Cameroon.
