There is no question that he expresses it so well, almost perfectly, that it is difficult to think that Kumawood actor Komfo Kolegae was ever hesitant to play the character of a fetish priest (Okomfo).
But, straight from the horse’s mouth, Komfo Kolegae, real name Collins Oteng, revealed that he was never interested in playing the ‘divinity’ role, which entailed wearing a smock or skirt accessorized with cowries, beads, and other stuff to make him ‘fearsome’.
Komfo Kolegae recently disclosed to Graphic Showbiz that the ‘ideal’ depiction of the Okomfo persona was something he previously avoided because he was afraid of the anticipated bad result.
He said that he sacrificed and overcame his anxieties with the role, and by design, it turned out to be the magic that turned his fortunes as an actor around.
“I was forced to play the role of a fetish priest instead of a security guard, which I found difficult at the time. I allowed my fears to mask my abilities but the director insisted and I had no choice than to do it.
“As fate will have it, that role shot me to fame with very positive feedback and that encouraged me to major in such roles leading to my now showbiz name, Komfo Kolegae.
“It has become a brand name no one can ever take away from me and I’m so happy I overcame my fears, which is paying off now,” he said.
In reaction to claims that his portrayal of a fetish priest had negative implications, he stated that they were purely fictitious and that his acting was not intended to harm the image of any faith or belief.
“I don’t do it to mock people who associate themselves with traditional beliefs. All I know is that, it is drama and I have to deliver. As an actor, I have a responsibility to play the character that has been assigned to me, and I am aware this requires me to be dynamic”, he added.
The actor lost his wife and kid due to labor problems in November 2022, and although many expected the devastating loss to have a significant impact on his career, Komfo Kolegae regarded the unfortunate loss as a chapter of life.
“It has never been easy, but I’m doing my best, and the only thing I can do is to keep myself busy to forget the sufferings. I’m back working full time and even on set”, he said.
In response to reports that the Kumawood film business has been devastated, Komfo Kolegae maintained that the sector was far from damaged, but not as dynamic as it once was.
He said that although the current movement from buying movies on cassettes and CDs to streaming on YouTube and other digital platforms had altered the narrative, it did not mean that the business was dead.
“In our current economy, it simply isn’t as vibrant as it once was. However, we are still working and doing everything we can to keep the industry alive with the aid of YouTube and other social media platforms,” he concluded.
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