A Glimpse into the Making of To Kill a Monkey
The Nigerian crime thriller To Kill a Monkey, directed by Kemi Adetiba, has captured the attention of audiences worldwide since its release on Netflix in July 2025. The series, which features an ensemble cast including William Benson, Bucci Franklin, Stella Damasus, and Lilian Afegbai, has sparked intense discussions among Nollywood fans and critics alike. From the dramatic betrayal of Bucci Franklin’s character, Oboz, to the unwavering loyalty of Lilian Afegbai’s character, Idia, the show has become a focal point for debates about storytelling, acting, and cultural representation.
Lilian Afegbai, known for her role as Idia, recently shared her insights into working on the project, offering a personal look at the challenges and rewards of being part of such a high-profile production.
A Dream Come True
For Lilian Afegbai, landing a role in one of Kemi Adetiba’s projects was a long-awaited milestone. She described the experience as surreal and fulfilling, noting that Adetiba is a visionary filmmaker with a unique ability to bring stories to life.
“It’s no doubt that Kemi Adetiba is a phenomenal filmmaker and director. She’s always found where stories are told so profoundly and intentionally. It was a surreal experience for me. Landing a role in a Kemi Adetiba production after years of hard work felt like a dream come true,” she said.
She also admitted that working with Adetiba was initially intimidating, given the director’s meticulous nature. However, she praised Adetiba’s ability to create a comfortable and collaborative environment for the cast and crew.
Embracing the Role of Idia
Portraying Idia, Oboz’s wife, was one of the most challenging roles in To Kill a Monkey. Lilian emphasized the emotional depth required to bring the character to life, highlighting the complexity of Idia’s personality.
“The most challenging part was definitely tapping into the emotional depth of Idia, discovering and channeling the nuances that come with Idia as a woman. Idia is a loyal woman who knows how to keep her husband grounded. She has so many layers, and portraying her struggles, triumphs, as well as her crude nature authentically, required me to dig deep and really connect with her,” she explained.
A Strong On-Screen Partnership
Lilian’s chemistry with Bucci Franklin, who played Oboz, was a standout element of the series. Despite being friends before the project, the two actors worked closely to ensure their scenes felt natural and believable.
“We had an instant connection! Before we went on set, we rehearsed multiple times and did a lot of work on the script. While we were friends before To Kill a Monkey, the on-set experience solidified our bond. We knew we wanted to come off very believable as a couple and were so glad with the reception of the public,” she said.
Celebrating Idia’s Strength and Personality
Idia’s character was not only defined by her loyalty but also by her resilience, humor, and fashion sense. Lilian appreciated these aspects of the role and saw them as a reflection of real-life strength.
“I love Idia’s resilience and strength! And how she doesn’t take herself too seriously but knows when to set up clear boundaries. Idia is very comical, eccentric, and very fashionable in her own way. I loved her growth, and I felt honored to portray that,” she said.
Pidgin as a Cultural Expression
One of the highlights of Lilian’s performance was her flawless use of pidgin English, which added authenticity to her portrayal of Idia. She expressed pride in showcasing the language, which she considers an integral part of Nigerian culture.
“Pidgin is such a beautiful language and helps convey authenticity in our stories. As a girl from Edo State who schooled in Benin, pidgin is part of the fabric of the cultural experience, and I have embraced it. It connects with many people, and I’m proud to showcase it,” she said.
A Journey of Growth
Lilian’s career began in 2014 as a contestant on Big Brother Africa. Since then, she has evolved as an actress, embracing new opportunities and challenges. She described her journey as one of growth and self-discovery.
“The transition has been a journey of growth and discovery! I've learned a lot about myself as an artist and as a person, and I’m grateful for every step that has led me here,” she said.
Inspiration from Tyler Perry
Lilian cited American filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry as a major inspiration. She admires his storytelling abilities and his impact on the entertainment industry.
“I look up to Tyler Perry immensely. His ability to tell compelling stories and uplift voices that often go unheard is inspiring. He’s a true force in the industry and even beyond, and like him, I intend to own one of the biggest studios globally starting from Nigeria,” she said.
Impact of To Kill a Monkey on Her Career
Lilian believes that her role in To Kill a Monkey has significantly elevated her career. She noted that the project showcased her versatility and commitment to complex characters.
“It shows my versatility as an actress and my commitment to tackling complex characters, which I believe resonates with my audience. People initially thought I was an upcoming actress, but I have been at this art for over a decade, and I appreciate the new supporters, new believers, etc. Everyone is welcome,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Lilian is excited about future projects and plans to continue taking on roles that challenge the norm. She encouraged her fans to stay tuned for more dynamic performances and creative endeavors.
Music Video Release
In addition to the series, Kemi Adetiba made waves with the release of the music video for “Save Me,” the lead single from the To Kill a Monkey soundtrack. The video, featuring Nigerian music legend 2Baba, was praised for its emotional depth and storytelling. Fans described it as a powerful and soul-touching piece that resonated with many.