Barely months after relocating to the United States, Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu has achieved one of the biggest milestones of his life by graduating from the US Army Basic Combat Training and earning the rank of Specialist (SPC). In this exclusive interview, with GBOLAHAN ADETAYO, The Black Book actor opens up about why he chose the US Army over the Nigerian military, the gruelling 10-week training that almost broke him, his father’s lasting influence, his Hollywood ambition, and why joining the military will not mark the end of his acting career. Enjoy the excepts:
You dedicated your enlistment to your late father, who served in the Nigerian Police Force. How exactly does stepping into the US Army carry on his specific legacy for you?
Legacy has a general meaning, but carrying it on or upholding it is a matter of perspective. I could have decided to pick up exactly where my dad left off by joining the Nigerian Police Force or the Nigerian Army. However, remembering that every father’s dream is for his children to become greater than they are, that belief fueled my desire to go beyond where he left off. To me, that meant joining what I consider the pinnacle of military service, the US Army.
Did you grow up in a military barracks or attend military schools?
No, I never grew up in a military barracks or attended a military school. This is a completely new experience for me.
You mentioned passing your ASVAB on the first attempt. How difficult was it transitioning from studying film scripts to preparing for a military aptitude exam?
It was a difficult transition because I was completely new to the country. I arrived in America for the first time on March 16, 2024. Everything was new, the culture, systems, rules, regulations, and especially the educational system. Before I wrote the ASVAB, my research showed that many Nigerians who attempted it did not pass on their first, second, or even third attempt.
During the 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, you admitted you sometimes asked yourself, “Who send me message sef?” What kept you from quitting?
I would say Basic Training is the most difficult and rigorous experience I have ever had. It tests you physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, tactically, and spontaneously. The beautiful thing is that you become stronger as you move forward. After enduring weeks one through seven, it would have been foolish to quit halfway. I simply had to keep going until the finish line.
How did your fellow recruits react when they discovered you were an established Nollywood actor known for projects like The Black Book and The Covenant?
Most people did not know who I was at first because there were not many Nigerians or Africans in my base. We were also incommunicado most of the time and only had access to our phones for about 15 minutes on Sundays until the ninth week, when it increased to 30 minutes. Somehow, people found out. The First Sergeant discovered it first, then the drill sergeants, and eventually my battle buddies. They followed me on social media and started watching my movies immediately. I became popular even in camp. The commander asked me why someone already that popular would join the US Army, and when I explained my reasons, he became even more proud of me.
Why did you keep the entire enlistment and training process private until graduation?
The entire 10-week training is a very personal journey. You are isolated from many basic civilian rights and privileges. It is a process of soldierization. We had limited access to our phones, families, and social media, so there was really not much opportunity to share the journey publicly.
Many fans have debated why you chose the US military over the Nigerian Armed Forces. What is your response?
The choices, decisions, and steps we take in life are entirely personal. While one person’s goal may be to join the Nigerian Armed Forces, another person may want to go a step further. Mine has always been to serve in what I believe is the strongest military in the world. I wanted to surpass my father’s record and set a new standard for my family. Nothing in my background prepared me for this journey. I simply loved uniforms and always imagined myself wearing one.
How has becoming Specialist (SPC) J.A. Momodu changed your worldview?
Being a Specialist in the US Army is an honour. Our ranks begin from Private and move upward through several stages. I entered at Specialist level, which is a significant starting point in terms of rank, pay grade, and benefits. The respect is not only for the uniform but also for the name, Joseph Momodu.
What advice would you give Nigerian creatives who feel called to pursue demanding secondary careers?
Whatever dream you aspire to pursue, go after it as quickly as you can because time waits for no one. You never truly know what is on the other side until you get there.
When you said, “This chapter is written. The next one begins now,” does that mean acting is on pause?
No. It simply means I have fulfilled a major dream of honouring my father’s legacy while remaining an actor. I have made my family name global, and that is a big deal to me. Acting remains a lifelong career. I look up to legends like RMD, Wale Ojo, Bimbo Manuel, Sola Sobowale, Joke Silva, and Shaffy Bello. I am building a household name that will last for generations.
How will you balance military service with future film roles?
Military service here is fully funded by the government, and every deployment comes with the necessary support. Future movie projects will depend on the type of project and the budget involved. I believe I can balance both worlds when the time comes. I will always be an actor, but right now I must focus on the mission at hand.
Will your military experience influence the kinds of roles you choose?
I am a versatile actor, so being a soldier will not limit the roles I play. However, action and thriller roles are naturally among my strongest areas. Many viewers know me for my self-acclaimed “Jigolo” character, but I personally enjoy action and high-stakes drama the most.
How will real tactical training affect your future performances on screen?
My military training has given me a deeper understanding of tactics and realism. I now have a lot to contribute to film productions, from correcting mistakes to suggesting better approaches. I will work closely with directors and stunt coordinators to make sure we get those details right.
Have you spoken with other Nigerian creatives who joined the US military?
No, I have not spoken with other creatives who transitioned into the military.
Are you interested in Hollywood opportunities now that you are based in the United States?
Absolutely. Transitioning into Hollywood was one of the reasons I came to America. Joining the military is a multifaceted mission for me, honouring my father’s legacy while also improving my American accent, which is often a major challenge for actors pursuing Hollywood opportunities.
What message do you have for fans worried they may not see you in shows like Tinsel or The Johnsons again?
For now, I am one leg in and one leg out of Nollywood. I will always come back whenever I have the opportunity and vacation time to work on projects. I cannot stay away from acting for too long.
How will your social media evolve going forward?
For now, my social media reflects both sides of me: Specialist Joseph Momodu and Joseph Momodu the actor. It is a mixture of both worlds, and I believe my fans will appreciate that. Both personalities fit me well.
Ten years from now, what would success look like to you?
I look at people like RMD and Desmond Elliot. They successfully balanced family life, Nollywood careers, politics, and personal ambitions. That is the kind of footprint I want to leave. Life is not only about today. No one will build your future for you. Five or ten years from now, I want to look back and say, “God, thank You for the grace, the opportunity, and the courage to take this step.” I am grateful for the success I have achieved so far.
