Shalom Obiago’s journey to ‘Christmas in Lagos’
For Shalom Obiago, bridging the gap in the diaspora has always been a calling. He said starring as the romantic lead, Elo, in Amazon’s Christmas in Lagos (2024) was a pivotal experience. The film not only marked a milestone in Obiago’s acting career but also brought him closer to his Nigerian roots and his broader vision for storytelling.
“Returning to Nigeria to showcase my work was deeply personal and professionally fulfilling,” Obiago told The Atlanta Voice during a recent interview.
Reflecting on his career, he noted the evolution of his approach. “As an actor, so much of the process is out of your control. You audition, take what comes, and hope for the best. But I decided to curate the career I wanted—not just as an actor but as a storyteller, writer, and producer.”
This shift was intentional, born from a desire to embrace his heritage and engage in projects that resonated deeply with him. Obiago, who previously appeared in shows like Atlanta and later landed a recurring role on Starz’s BMF, saw Christmas in Lagos as an opportunity. Released on December 20, 2023, the film held special meaning for Obiago as it premiered just days before his father’s passing anniversary.
“My father, Sam Obiago, was an actor himself, and losing him was devastating,” Obiago shared. “After he died, I dreamed of creating something connecting me to my roots. Christmas in Lagos became the realization of that dream.” Obiago recalled immersing himself in the vibrant culture of Lagos during the festive season, attending weddings, concerts, and events, “I was out everywhere, painting the town red,” he said with a laugh.
The project’s backstory adds an extra layer of depth. Obiago recounted how sharing his personal story of loss and his journey to reconnect with Nigeria captured attention, including that of a key figure in the film’s production, director and producer Jadesola Osiberu, “After I told my story about my dad and my desire to come home, it caught a lot of people’s attention, including her,” he explained.
Obiago described his connection with the film’s casting director that changed his career trajectory: “She’s not even big on social media—she rarely checks her DMs. But somehow, she caught wind of my piece about my dad,” he shared. “We connected around July 2023, and it was just the right time. We hit it off immediately, talking about our backgrounds and shared passions. She later asked for my WhatsApp number, and we continued the conversation. Eventually, she told me she was casting for this film and thought I’d be perfect for the role”.
The timeline unfolded organically. Obiago began reading for the role in late August 2023 amidst Amazon’s final greenlighting of the project. Production kicked off in late January 2024, wrapped by March, followed by post-production and ADR sessions during the summer. “It was a whirlwind,” he said, “but everything fell into place.”
For Obiago, Christmas in Lagos was not just a film—but a full-circle moment. As the son of the late Nollywood legend Sam Obiago, Obiago has intentionally forged his path in the industry, “Most people don’t even know I’m his son unless I tell them,” he said. “Our relationship was unique, and working on this film deepened my connection to my culture and craft,” Obiago continued.
The film also stands as a monument to cross-cultural storytelling. “Christmas in Lagos represents a merging of worlds—actors from Nigeria, the U.S., and the U.K.—and challenges perceptions of Nollywood,” Obiago explained, “It’s about breaking barriers and showing what’s possible when we collaborate globally,” Obiago shared.
Many viewers resonated with Obiago’s portrayal of a Nigerian American returning home for Christmas. “I’ve had people from Texas, the U.K., and beyond tell me how much it meant to see themselves represented,” he said. “It’s humbling to know my work can inspire others and offer a sense of belonging.”
As Obiago looks to the future, he sees himself as a vessel for telling even deeper narratives, “This film is just one way to explore the Nigerian-American experience,” he said. “There’s so much to tell about navigating our dual identities—whether during the holidays or beyond.”
Obiag0 took the time to acknowledge his supporting players, “Thank you to everyone who shows love, support, and encouragement for creating more work like this. And a special thank you to Jade, who gave me the wind beneath my wings to return home, soar, and embrace what comes next.”
For Shalom Obiago, Christmas in Lagos is more than a film, it’s a homecoming.
