We had the good fortune of connecting with Nkechi Nwabudike and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nkechi, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
Two books that have had an outsized impact on me—one fictional and one non-fiction—are Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens.

Things Fall Apart resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Achebe’s exploration of identity, tradition, and the clash between cultures felt especially relevant to my own experiences navigating the intersections of personal heritage and modernity. The character of Okonkwo, with his strengths and flaws, became a lens through which I could reflect on themes of personhood, resilience, and change. The novel has remained a touchstone in my life, guiding me through my understanding of family, cultural identity, and self-discovery.

On the other hand, Sapiens gave me a broader, more intellectual perspective on the evolution of humanity. Harari’s ability to synthesize complex historical, anthropological, and philosophical concepts into a compelling narrative opened my mind to how interconnected human history is. The book challenged me to think about the grand sweep of our species—from our humble beginnings to the complexities of modern society—and encouraged me to critically evaluate the systems, beliefs, and structures that shape our world. It’s a book that not only expanded my worldview but also inspired me to question the stories we tell about ourselves as humans.

Together, these two books have had a profound impact on how I understand both the individual and collective human experience—one through the intimate lens of culture and character, and the other through the sweeping narrative of history and evolution.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a writer, director, and producer, I identify first and foremost as a storyteller. What sets me apart is my dedication to telling stories that have global emotional resonance—stories that can connect with people regardless of their background, yet come from culturally specific experiences, particularly from Africa and the Global South. I believe in the power of stories to humanize us all, helping us see beyond the divisions of race, gender, or nationality to the shared emotions that unite us. My work focuses on justice, equality, and dignity for all, and I’m particularly drawn to narratives that uplift rather than frighten, leaving audiences feeling optimistic about the good we can do in the world.

One of my proudest achievements has been serving as the head producer (showrunner) of Nigeria’s first late-night political satire show, The Other News, which reached millions of viewers. Currently, I’m excited about two projects in development: a cross-cultural animated comedy TV show I’m writing with a team of very talented folks and an action-comedy feature I’m writing with the hopes of directing, set in a fictional West African dictatorship in the late 1990s.

My journey began in Nollywood as a set PA, and over nearly a decade, I worked my way up through roles like AD, Associate Producer, and Writer. In 2019, I sought a broader understanding of the business by enrolling in USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program. That experience, combined with internships at companies like MGM, Glickmania Media (now Panoramic Media), and Day Zero Productions, provided me with invaluable insight into the global film and television industry.

The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been internal—learning to overcome my natural anxiety and develop the confidence to stand fully in my light. Through this journey, I’ve learned the most important lesson of all: I can do it. I have everything within me to achieve my creative and professional goals, and every time I take a chance on myself, I succeed.

Ultimately, I want my work and my brand to promote a vision of the world rooted in kindness rather than fear. Like the Doctor from Doctor Who says: “Never cruel or cowardly… Always try to be nice, but never fail to be kind.” At the end of the day, we’re all people, and while our surface differences may vary, our emotions and experiences are universally valid.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
KBBQ Spot: I love a good KBBQ spot and as a Koreatown resident, I’ve gotten to explore quite a bit so we’d definitely start the trip with a e Korean BBQ experience maybe at Quarters KBBQ or Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong. It’s a must for anyone visiting Koreatown.
Karaoke: Karaoke is always fun, especially with friends so I’d definitely hit up Max Karaoke Studio for a night of karaoke, perfect for getting into the fun spirit.
Griffith Observatory: The iconic Griffith Observatory for stunning views of LA, a planetarium show, and interactive space exhibits. I love exploring everything space-related, and the telescope views at night are spectacular!
Drag Brunch at Precint DTLA: Start the week with the fabulous Sunday drag brunch, enjoying great food and lively performances.
Explore West Hollywood: Spend the afternoon exploring WeHo, checking out Book Soup (a legendary independent bookstore) and the ONE Archives to delve into queer history and end the day dancing at The Abbey
EightyTwo: Head to the EightyTwo arcade bar for some fun gaming in the Arts District. I enjoy grabbing drinks and playing my favorite classic arcade games in a laid-back, vibrant setting.
Highland Park Bowl is a vintage bowling alley that serves great food and drinks. You can bowl while you eat, which is a perfect combo of immersive and fun!
LACMA to dig into art, history, and culture.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been a large number of people without whose help, support and mentorship I would not be where I am today. It’s impossible to mention them all but I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family, especially my sisters. Without their unwavering support, this version of me would not exist.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_nkechi/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkechi-nwabudike-a96796b2/

Twitter: https://x.com/the_nkechi

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