For Azubuike Michael Egwu, popularly known as Zubby Michael, the story goes beyond the glitz of Nollywood, the applause of movie lovers, and the fame that comes with being a household name. It is also a story of ambition, business instincts, resilience, and the determination to turn opportunities into something tangible.

Fondly called Zubby by fans and colleagues, the actor and film producer has carved a niche for himself in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, rising from humble beginnings in Nollywood to become one of the recognisable faces on the screen. But while many know him for his memorable movie roles, fewer may be familiar with the entrepreneur who has consistently sought opportunities beyond the camera.

Now, the Anambra-born entertainer is opening another chapter in his business journey with the unveiling of Ayirah Gold, his new body spray brand. For him, the venture represents more than an addition to his portfolio; it is an opportunity to connect with his massive fan base in a different way while exploring the possibilities of building a consumer brand.

At the product unveiling, Zubby spoke about the thinking behind the venture, the business realities of importing products into Nigeria, the challenges of operating in a difficult economic environment, and his long-term ambition to expand local production. He also reflected on his journey into acting, which he described as an opportunity that began almost like a joke but eventually grew into a successful career.

His philosophy is straightforward: fame should create opportunities, and opportunities should be converted into sustainable ventures. Having established interests in film production and other businesses, he sees entrepreneurship as a natural extension of his career rather than a departure from it.

Yet, his latest venture has not been without challenges. From the cost of importation to shipping expenses and the wider difficulties of doing business in Nigeria, Zubby acknowledges that building a brand requires more than enthusiasm and name recognition. It demands quality, patience, investment, and the willingness to keep pushing despite the obstacles.

In this interview with IPLEDGE2NIGERIA.NET, the actor-turned-entrepreneur discusses the inspiration behind Ayirah Gold, the business lessons behind his journey, his expectations for the new brand, and why he believes there is still room for growth despite the challenges facing Nigerian entrepreneurs.

What inspired you to venture into the body spray business, considering that you already have an established career in Nollywood?

I am already a businessman, and I have other businesses. By the grace of God, I have been involved in business for a long time. I am the CEO of A1 Movies, A1 Factory, and now we have Ayirah Gold.

As an actor, when you have a huge fan base, you should be able to tap into that support by creating products your fans will love and appreciate. You cannot have a large fan base and continue to give them only movies. You can create other things that will bring them closer to you and give them another reason to connect with your brand.

That was part of the inspiration behind Ayirah Gold. I saw an opportunity to take my relationship with my fans beyond entertainment and into business. I am grateful to God for the acceptance the product has received so far.

You mentioned that the first consignment sold out within four days. What does that response mean to you?

It means a lot to me because it shows that people are willing to support what we are doing. We brought in a container, and the products sold out within four days. That is encouraging, and I thank God for the acceptance.

However, I believe in the product, and I want people to experience it for themselves. I am not just talking about it because it is my brand. I want people to try it, find the variant they like and enjoy using it.

The press conference was organised to create more awareness about Ayirah Gold, explain what makes it different and encourage more people to give it a try.

The body spray market is highly competitive, with several established brands. What makes Ayirah Gold different?

I believe in doing things well. When I decide to do something, I want to give it my best. That is the same approach I have brought into this business.

We have different variants because people have different preferences. Some people like strong fragrances, while others prefer softer scents. Some are attracted to floral fragrances, while others prefer fruity, citrus-based or woody notes.

We have tried to create options that appeal to different tastes. The idea is to give people the opportunity to find something they genuinely like.

I want people to look at the product, try it and decide for themselves. I believe that when you have a product people appreciate, they will be willing to talk about it and recommend it to others.

Why did you choose to manufacture the product abroad rather than produce it in Nigeria?

For now, we are importing it because I want to establish the standard we are looking for and ensure that the product meets our expectations.

I am not saying Nigerians cannot produce a product of this quality.

I believe in Nigeria, and I believe we have the capacity to do great things here. However, as a business, you have to consider what is available to you at the stage you are operating.

At this point, producing abroad is the option we have chosen. As the business grows, we can explore the possibility of bringing production to Nigeria by investing in the necessary facilities, equipment and expertise.

My plan is to keep growing the brand. If we reach a stage where we can establish production here, we will look at it. I want to build something that can stand the test of time.

What challenges have you encountered in bringing Ayirah Gold to the Nigerian market?

There are challenges, especially when it comes to importation and logistics. Doing business in Nigeria is not easy, and importing products comes with significant costs.

For instance, shipping a container from abroad can cost thousands of dollars. By the time you add shipping, importation and other expenses, the total amount invested before the products arrive at the warehouse can be substantial.

These are some of the realities you have to deal with as an entrepreneur. You need capital, patience and determination to keep going.

However, I believe that nothing good comes easy. The challenges are there, but we are not giving up. We are determined to keep pushing and building the business.

What role do you think the government can play in reducing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly those who depend on imported goods?

The government needs to support businesses and create an environment where entrepreneurs can grow.

If the cost of importation is reduced and the process becomes easier, businesses will be able to bring in more products, expand their operations and reach more customers.

For instance, if bringing in one container costs significantly less, a business owner may be able to import more containers with the same amount of money. That can help the business grow and make more products available to consumers.

I do not like condemning my country because Nigeria belongs to all of us. We know there are challenges, and we are not yet where we want to be, but I believe the future is bright.

We need an environment that encourages businesses to grow, creates opportunities and allows entrepreneurs to invest with greater confidence.

Before becoming a household name in Nollywood, what were you doing, and how did your acting career begin?

I was already doing business before I went fully into acting. I used to deal in industrial pipes, including the types used for water supply and other industrial purposes. I had my business, and I was involved in it for years.

My acting career started almost like a joke. I had always loved acting, but I did not initially approach it with the idea that it would become what it is today.

At some point, I was encouraged to give acting a try. I decided to take the opportunity, and that was how the journey began.

My first film was in 2007. I later featured in other productions, including The General, where I had more scenes. After that movie came out, people began recognising me and telling me they had seen me in a film.

That response encouraged me. People in the industry also told me I was doing well and should continue. Gradually, what started almost like a joke became a serious career.

By the grace of God, acting became successful for me. When the business of acting started paying, I eventually left my earlier business to concentrate on the entertainment industry.

Now that I have established myself in acting and filmmaking, I am returning to my business roots. I believe there is room to do both, and that is what I am pursuing with Ayirah Gold.

You have described yourself as a businessman as well as an actor. How important is entrepreneurship to your identity?

Business has always been part of me. Even before acting became what it is today, I was doing business.

I have always believed in looking for opportunities and making something meaningful out of them. Acting gave me visibility, but business has also been an important part of my journey.

I do not believe that because you are successful in one field, you should close your mind to other opportunities. You can continue to learn, grow and explore new areas.

For me, the important thing is to approach whatever you do with seriousness. You must be willing to put in the work, learn from your experiences and keep improving.

How did you arrive at the name Ayirah Gold?

My name is Azubuike, and the letter A is important to the brands I have built. That is why we have A1 Movies.

The A represents Azubuike. I wanted that connection to remain part of my business identity.

Of course, I do not do everything alone. I have partners and investors who are part of the journey. We work together to develop the business and take the brand forward.

What informed the different fragrances and variants in the Ayirah Gold range?

People have different tastes when it comes to fragrances, so I wanted to provide options.

Some people prefer strong fragrances, while others like something mild. There are people who love citrus scents, while others prefer floral, woody or other fragrance profiles.

That is why we have different variants. We want people to have choices and find something that suits their preferences.

The product information also provides details about the individual variants, helping customers understand what they are choosing.

Ultimately, I want people to find a fragrance they enjoy and feel comfortable using.

Consumers are increasingly concerned about skin irritation, strong fragrances and stains on clothing. How have you considered these concerns in developing the product?

These are important considerations, and we have thought about them.

People have different experiences with fragrances. Some people prefer strong scents, while others are more comfortable with mild ones. That is why we have different options.

I always want to do things properly, and I take the quality of whatever carries my name seriously.

However, customers should follow the product instructions and check the ingredients, particularly if they have known sensitivities. We want people to make informed choices and find the product that works for them.

What are your long-term plans for Ayirah Gold? Do you intend to expand the product range?

By the grace of God, we want to grow the brand and introduce more products as opportunities arise. We are looking at the bigger picture, and this is only the beginning.

We want to make Ayirah Gold a brand that people recognise and appreciate. As the business grows, we will consider expanding the range to meet different consumer needs.

We also want to continue improving the business and exploring opportunities that will make it stronger.

In the next five years, I want to see the brand grow beyond where it is today. We want to expand our reach, strengthen our presence in the market and build something sustainable.

We are starting from somewhere, and we will keep working towards the bigger vision.

What lessons has your journey from business to acting and back to business taught you?

One major lesson is that you should not be afraid to try something new.

I started in business, went into acting and became established in the entertainment industry. Now, I am building another business. Each stage has taught me something.

You must be ready to learn, adapt and recognise opportunities when they come. You also need patience because success does not happen overnight.

I have learnt that you should not limit yourself to one thing simply because you have achieved success in that area. There are other opportunities to explore, provided you are willing to put in the work.

Above all, I give God the glory for how far I have come. I know that I still have a lot to do, and I am prepared to keep working.

What message do you have for your fans and prospective customers who want to support Ayirah Gold?

I want them to support the brand and give it a try. If you know someone who might be interested, tell that person about Ayirah Gold.

I appreciate the people who have supported me throughout my journey in entertainment, and I want to continue building that relationship through this business.

I also want people to understand that this is a serious business venture. We are committed to growing the brand and making it available to more people.

By the special grace of God, this is just the beginning. More good things are coming, and I am grateful to everyone who has continued to support me.

Interview with Nollywood Actor Zubby Michael

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