My battles with Bell’s palsy before returning to acting – Chidi Mokeme

In this interview with Naomi Chima, veteran actor Chidi Mokeme shares his experience battling Bell’s palsy—a condition that paralyzed half of his face—and the sacrifices he made to embody the character Scar in the action‑packed drama series *Shanty Town*.

Mokeme describes how challenging it was to cope with Bell’s palsy, especially during the promotional tour for the movie *76*. “I couldn’t join the tours,” he explains. “When you’ve worked on something as beautiful as *76*, part of the joy is showing it to people, seeing their reactions, and receiving feedback, good or bad. Knowing I wouldn’t be able to work for a while until my face recovered was a difficult time.” The symptoms first appeared in 2016 when he woke up feeling that one side of his face was not functioning properly. Initially, he feared a stroke because the signs were similar, but doctors later diagnosed him with Bell’s palsy.

Despite the setback, Mokeme made a heroic return to acting with his role in *Shanty Town*. “I approached the role the same way I do any other,” he says. “I gave it my all, and the support we received on social media was amazing. Good reviews feel rewarding.” Portraying Scar proved particularly demanding because the character is layered with mental and psychological issues that shape his interactions with society. Mokeme had to maintain consistency while projecting those complexities in every scene, but he believes the effort paid off, noting the positive reception.

When asked what motivated him to take on the villainous role, Mokeme emphasizes the importance of the script. “For any actor, the script is the primary draw. I saw *Shanty Town* and was immediately attracted to it.” To make Scar believable, he smoked heavily on set, acknowledging the health risks. “Creative people often put themselves in uncomfortable situations to make a story authentic,” he laughs. “Smokers develop distinct signs on their eyes, lips, and voice over years, so I gave Scar a crash course to make smoking look natural.”

Mokeme confirms that he will continue playing antagonists. “Everyone knows I love the villain role. The bad guy has a certain swagger and personality, and there are many shades to explore. Scar was just one; there will be many more, each with their own traits.” He adds that playing a villain requires more effort, but it is rewarding.

Finally, Mokeme reflects on his multilingual abilities and how they have benefited his career. “It’s an added advantage and something every Nigerian aspires to,” he says. Having lived in different parts of the country—primary school in Lagos, secondary school in Niger State, and higher education in the east—has given him a broader perspective. “Movies are boundary‑less; the ability to tell stories in various languages is a gift in Nigeria’s multicultural society.”