"I Was Drinking Garri and Kulikuli While Turning Down Big Roles" – Bucci Franklin’s Old Interview Sparks Reactions Online

In a striking resurgence of a past interview, Nigerian actor Bucci Franklin is trending once again—this time not for a blockbuster role or red carpet appearance, but for his powerful revelation about a time when he was broke, hungry, yet full of integrity. An old clip circulating online has captured the moment Franklin candidly spoke about turning down acting roles he didn’t connect with, even while struggling to survive on nothing but garri and kulikuli, two popular Nigerian staples often associated with difficult times.

The resurfaced interview, which appears to have been recorded a few years ago, is currently making waves on social media as fans and fellow actors weigh in on the cost of artistic integrity in an industry where many would do anything for a breakthrough. In the clip, Franklin said, “I was drinking garri and kulikuli, and I was rejecting roles that didn’t sit well with my spirit. People thought I was being proud or picky, but it was a matter of principle.”

It’s a moment of raw honesty that has resonated with thousands across the country, especially aspiring actors, creatives, and young professionals who often find themselves at the intersection of survival and purpose. For many, Franklin’s confession is more than just a soundbite—it’s a testament to perseverance, identity, and staying true to one’s calling even when circumstances scream otherwise.

Bucci Franklin, known for his powerful screen presence and impressive performances in films and TV series like Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story and Ricordi, has carved out a reputation for himself as an actor who doesn’t just chase the spotlight, but instead seeks out meaningful storytelling. While the resurfaced video doesn’t mention the exact roles he turned down, the message was clear—he wanted to be part of stories that spoke to his soul, not just projects that promised fame or quick cash.

Online reaction has been swift and emotional. On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote, “This man just spoke my reality. I’ve been starving but still turning down jobs that compromise my values. Bucci Franklin is the truth.” Another said, “It’s easy to judge people for being selective until you understand what it means to build a brand that lasts. Respect to Bucci.”

The clip has also sparked a broader conversation about the realities of Nollywood and the pressures that come with trying to make it in the entertainment industry. With very few actors afforded the luxury of choice, Franklin’s story stands out in a world where many often jump at the first opportunity to get in front of a camera, regardless of the script, message, or impact.

Industry insiders have since chimed in, with one producer anonymously stating, “I remember offering him a role back then. He was polite but firm. Said it didn’t align with his spirit. I thought he was crazy. But now, I respect him for that decision. He stayed true to himself, and it paid off.”

Bucci Franklin’s journey is a rare one in Nollywood—a slow, steady climb rooted in patience, introspection, and depth. At a time when instant fame is the order of the day, his story serves as a reminder that longevity often requires sacrifices that go unseen and uncelebrated for years.

What’s even more poignant about the viral interview is how it humanizes the actor. In the age of filters, fame, and carefully curated online personas, it’s refreshing to see a public figure admit to having nothing and still standing firm in their convictions. It challenges the perception that success must be loud, flashy, and immediate. Sometimes, it’s quietly built in dim rooms, with empty stomachs and full hearts.

While Franklin hasn’t publicly commented on the resurfaced clip, the buzz around it has led many to revisit his filmography and reappraise the level of intention behind his body of work. There’s a growing appreciation for his careful selection of roles and the weight of performance he brings to each character.

For the younger generation of actors and creatives, Bucci Franklin’s story is an important blueprint—not just about acting, but about life. That sometimes the road to greatness is paved with tough decisions, silent struggles, and the courage to say no when every bone in your body is begging for relief.

Even beyond Nollywood, his words echo in the hearts of many Nigerians grappling with economic hardships, unemployment, and the daily reality of having to choose between survival and dreams. The idea that someone, somewhere, chose to protect his artistic vision even when his meal for the day was garri and kulikuli is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

As the video continues to trend, it’s likely to be remembered as more than just a viral moment—it’s a cultural marker, a digital time capsule of what it truly means to walk the narrow path of authenticity in a world that constantly demands compromise.

Bucci Franklin may not have set out to be a role model when he made that remark, but in an industry and society often driven by shortcuts and short-term gains, his decision to stay grounded, even in the face of hunger, has become a rallying cry for purpose-driven living.

In a world where many are pressured to “fake it till you make it,” Franklin’s garri and kulikuli confession reminds us that sometimes the real power lies in refusing to fake anything at all.